Bilge System - Malibu Boats Wakesetter 20VTX 2019 Owner's Manual

person is aware of breathing them. See the Safety section
of this Owner's Manual for more information regarding
this critical matter.
Always allow the exhaust manifolds to cool before touching them.
(The manifolds are on the upper side of the engine on both sides.)
Engine operation will result in the manifolds becoming very hot, and
touching could result in burns to the skin.
of engines with a catalytic converter exhaust system. If
you are uncertain about any odor, do not hesitate to con-
tact an authorized Malibu dealer for assistance in deter-
mining the cause and potential for concern.
The boat is also equipped with a natural air-intake that forces air
through a ventilation system on the deck of the boat. This channels
air from the bilge to the transom vent.
With proper maintenance, which is the responsibility of the boat
owner and/or operator, the ventilation system works efficiently and
protects the people on-board from dangerous fumes. Follow the
maintenance requirements as indicated in the Care and Maintenance
section of this Owner's Manual.
Never operate the boat if you or anyone on board suspects that
the exhaust or fuel system is not performing as designed.

Bilge System

Another critical component in the safe operation of the boat is
a properly functioning bilge system. The bilge is a void between the
deck and hull in which unintended water accumulates as it is drained
from other areas of the boat. (It does not include the water in the
ballast system, which is deliberately added to the boat and must be
dealt with separately.)
As noted in the Care and Maintenance section of this Owner's
Manual, the bilge should be routinely checked, and drained as neces-
sary. The automatic function will often keep the system free of excess
water. Too much water in the system can affect the boat's handling
under operation, and can potentially swamp a boat, causing damage
to other components in the bilge compartment.
There are two (2) bilge pumps in all boats. One pump is located
in the center of the boat, directly below the center pie-plate. The
second pump is located at the transom of the boat, aft of the engine
on the port side.
Bilge pumps can be turned ON manually or automatically. To turn
ON the pump manually, use the switch on the MTC screen. See the
Dashes and Video Screens section of this Owner's Manual for addi-
2019 Malibu Boats, LLC Owner's Manual • Page 132
All engines are equipped
with catalyst exhaust man-
ifolds that may produce an
unusual odor. This is typical
https://www.boat-manuals.com/
tional information on operation through the screen. The bilge pumps
are also equipped with a sensor to automatically trigger instant-on
if water is sensed around the pump. This functions at all times. The
automatic mode will always be activated, even if the battery isolator
switch is turned to the OFF position. Therefore, be certain the pump
is working properly and there is no kink in the output hose before
storing the boat for long periods of time since the bilge pump will con-
tinue to run as long as it senses water. Otherwise, this could cause a
battery to drain and could ultimately damage the pump over time.
Operators should always check that the drain plugs are
installed and secure prior to every operation!
tion. Visual indicators are not validation that the plugs are
installed, but rather serve only as assistance in the process.
Failure to install the drain plugs will allow water to intrude
into the boat and can result in flooding, swamping and sink-
ing the boat. Such action could result in damage to the boat
that is not covered under warranty, as well as serious injury
or death to persons on-board.
manual position and there is insufficient water in the
bilge to pump, the bilge pump will cause it to eventual-
ly fail, and such action is not covered under warranty.
Malibu recommends testing the function of the bilge
pump prior to each use of the boat. This can be done by
simply turning the pump(s) on and making sure they are
running.
There will likely be a small amount of water in the bilge at all
times as the pump cannot eliminate 100% of water. A minor amount
of water is acceptable. However, operators should monitor bilge
water levels through the center access drain plug. In all models,
this hole is located in the center of the deck near the driver's helm.
(It may be under carpet or a mat.) It should remain secure during
operation and opened when the boat is stationary and the engine
not running. Be certain to close the drain plug before operating
the boat again. Since the threads on the plug can sometimes be
misdirected when securing, double-check. Individuals on-board could
trip and injure themselves if the drain plug is not secured properly.
All boats are equipped with two (2) drain plugs, a ½" drain plug
on the transom and a T-handle drain plug in the center of the boat.
Drain plugs must always be
checked to be certain they are
SECURELY installed prior
to every outing and opera-
After manual operation of
the bilge is complete, return
the switch to the automatic
position. If it is left in the