Axis Wake Research A20 Owner's Manual page 63

Bilge pumps can be turned ON manually or they function automatically. 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 continue
to run as long as it senses water. Otherwise, this could cause a battery to drain and could ultimately
damage the pump over time.
All Axis boats are equipped with drain plug sensors. When the sensor does not detect a secured
drain plug, an indication will be displayed on the center gauge. This alerts the operator to verify that
the plugs are installed and tightened securely at both the center drain and the transom drain. The visual
indicator should be regarded as an indicator only. Operators should always check that the drain plugs
are secure prior to every operation!
plugs will allow water to intrude into the boat and can result in flooding, swamping and
sinking 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.
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 pie-hole access plate. In all models, this hole is located in the center of the
floor near the driver's helm. (It may be under carpet or mat.) It should remain secure during operation
and opened only when the boat is stationary and the engine not running. Be certain to close the access
plate before operating the boat again. Since the threads on the plate can sometimes be misdirected
when securing, double-check. Individuals on-board could trip and injure themselves if the access plate
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. The ½" drain plug can be accessed outside the boat, directly under
the swim platform on the center back of the transom. On Axis boats, the T-handle can be accessed
inside the boat through the center pie-hole access plate. Be certain to read the above information
regarding SECURELY installing drain plugs prior to all outings.
Never operate the boat if you or anyone on board suspects that the bilge system is not performing
as designed.
Read the Bilge System information in the How It Works section and all of the Safety section in this
Owner's Manual. Important information is included in those sections regarding proper operation and
safety considerations for the Blower System in addition to the operational information provided here.
• Ballast: These four switches manually operate the ballast system. They are three-position toggle
switches: pressing upward allows the ballast tank, as marked, to fill; the center position is OFF or
inactive; and pressing down causes the tank to drain. The tanks are the BOW FILL/BOW DRAIN (under
bow flooring), which is optionally installed; CTR FILL/CTR DRAIN (center or mid-boat tank); PRT FILL/PRT
DRAIN (port or left rear tank) and STB FILL/STB DRAIN (starboard or right rear tank).
Be sure to empty the ballast tanks prior loading the boat onto the trailer and removing the boat
from the water. Tanks MUST be empty prior to towing the boat as the additional weight can cause
damage to the trailer, tow vehicle and imbalance on the trailer that could affect safety, or overload the
trailer and cause damage that is not covered under warranty.
2016 Axis Wake Research Owner's Manual . . . Page 2-16
Drain plugs must always be checked to be certain they are
SECURELY installed prior to every outing and operation. Visual
indicators are not validation that the plugs are installed, but
rather only assistance in the process. Failure to install the drain
After manual operation of the bilge is complete, return the
switch to the automatic position. If it is left in the manual
position and there is insufficient water in the bilge to pump, the
bilge pump will cause it to eventually fail, and such action is not