Starting And Operation - Malibu Boats Wakesetter 20VTX 2019 Owner's Manual

Starting and Operation

Prior to starting the boat for the first time, read this entire Owner's
Manual, as well as the Engine Owner's Manual, where appropriate.
Before towing to the body of water the first time, read the entire
Trailer section of this Owner's Manual as there is important safety
information contained within it also. If the boat came with additional
hand-out materials or other owner's manuals specific to various boat
components, also read that material in its entirety.
All of these publications have been developed to protect boaters,
their passengers, other people on the highways on the way to
the body of water, and others who are also boating. Information
is provided to enhance enjoyment of the Malibu experience, as
well as how to care for and maintain the boat, engine, drive train,
components and trailer so that this will be a long-term, on-going
source of enjoyment.
Starting the Engine—Wakesetters
Step 1: Be certain the boat's shifter/throttle is fully upright in the
neutral position. Additional information follows regarding
shifting and throttle response.
Step 2: Perform the pre-start routine, including the bilge inspection
and engine compartment inspection. (Details are
provided in the How It Works section.) Leave the engine
compartment open for the starting process.
Step 3: Attach the emergency safety switch tether/lanyard to the
switch on the shifter/throttle, and also to a piece of the
operator's clothing.
Step 4: Verify the blower switch has operated for several minutes
with the engine compartment open and the boat in the water.
Step 5: Press the power button and check that power to the
electrical system appears by way of
the video screen lighting, and begin
a check of the system. Enter the
boat code on the 7" screen.. The
default is 1-2-3-4, but boat owners
can change this by following
2019 Malibu Boats, LLC Owner's Manual • Page 162
https://www.boat-manuals.com/
directions provided in the Dashes and Video Screen
section of this Owner's Manual.
Note: As a safety feature, when the key is turned ON, the
navigation and anchor lights will also come ON.
Step 6: If the electrical system has responded, press and hold the
START-STOP button for approximately one (1) second and
then release. The engine starter should engage and begin
the process that will allow the engine to run. If for some
reason, the engine does not start, repeat Steps 5 and
6. Never press the button for an extended period. If the
engine does not start as it should, make sure the throttle/
shifter is in neutral. If it still does not start, then refer to the
Troubleshooting section at the conclusion of this Owner's
Manual for assistance in determining the cause. If any
alarms sound or warning lights appear, turn OFF the
engine and troubleshoot. There is also a back-up ignition
key on the starboard shifter panel, next to the breaker
panel. Start this as you would a land-based vehicle.
Step 7: Allow the engine to run for several minutes with the
engine compartment open! It is extremely important for
any accumulated fumes to be vented in this way. It also
assures that any new issues that arise involving the
engine, fuel system and ventilation system are noted.
Accumulation of fumes within the engine compartment can
also lead to an explosion.
the engine, and continue to operate with the engine
compartment open for several minutes after starting the
engine. Always operate the blower when the engine is
idling or at a low running speed. Improper ventilation
can lead to accumulate of gasoline or exhaust fumes in
the compartment. This can lead to a fire or explosion,
either of which can result in serious injury or death!
To turn OFF—Wakesetters
On a boat equipped with a START-STOP button, press the
button. If you are using the backup key, also turn the key to OFF.
(Failing to do so means the electrical system
will continue to function; eventually, this will
drain the battery or batteries.)
Note that, unlike a dry-land vehicle, turning
OFF the boat does not immediately stop its
momentum. The boat will continue to move.
Shifting to neutral will slow progress, but
To prevent a possible
explosion, always operate
the blower for several
minutes prior to starting