STARTING THE ENGINE—WAKESETTERSStep 1: Be certain the boat’s shifter/throttle is fully upright in the neutral position. Additional information follows regarding shiftingand throttle response.Step 2: Perform the pre-start routine, including the bilge inspection and engine compartment inspection. (Details are providedin the How It Works section.) Leave the engine compartment open for thestarting process.Step 3: Attach the emergency safety switch tether/lanyard to the switch on theshifter/throttle, and also to a piece of the operator’s clothing.Step 4: Verify the blower switch has operated for several minutes with the enginecompartment open and the boat in the water.Step 5: Turn the key first to ON. Check that power to the electrical system appearsby way of the video screen lighting and beginning a check of the system.Press the power button and enter the boat code. The default is 1-2-3-4,but boat owners can change this by following directions provided inthe 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 willalso come ON.Step 6: If the electrical system has responded, press and hold the START-STOPbutton for approximately one (1) second and then release. The engine starter should engage and begin the processthat will allow the engine to run. If for some reason, the engine does not start, repeat Steps 5 and 6. Never pressthe button for an extended period. If the engine does not start as it should, make sure the throttle/shifter isin neutral. If it still does not start, then refer to the Troubleshooting section at the conclusion of this Owner’sManual for assistance in determining the cause. If any alarms sound or warning lights appear, turn OFF theengine and troubleshoot. There is also a back-up ignition key on the starboard shifter panel, next to the breakerpanel. 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 anyaccumulated fumes to be vented in this way. It also assures that any new issues that arise involving the engine, fuelsystem and ventilation system are noted. Accumulation of fumes within the engine compartment can also lead to anexplosion.To prevent a possible explosion, always operate the blower for several minutes prior to starting the engine, and continueto operate with the engine compartment open for several minutes after starting the engine. Always operate the blowerwhen the engine is idling or at a low running speed. Improper ventilation can lead to accumulate of gasoline or exhaustfumes in the compartment. This can lead to a fire or explosion, either of which can result in serious injury or death!TO TURN OFF—WAKESETTERSOn a boat equipped with a START-STOP button, press the button. If the outing is done, also turn the key to OFF. (Failing to doso 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 tomove. Shifting to neutral will slow progress, but allowance must be made for continued movement. See information following forsuggestions regarding docking.The power button is a safety measure. It allows the operator an opportunity to briefly and visually check the electrical systemoperation prior to starting. The key also reduces the likelihood of theft of the boat or unauthorized use. Always remove and take thekey with you when the outing is done.STARTING THE ENGINE—RESPONSEStep 1: Be certain the boat’s shifter/throttle is fully upright in the neutral position. Additional information follows regarding shiftingand throttle response.Step 2: Perform the pre-start routine, including the bilge inspection and engine compartment inspection. (Details are provided inthe How It Works section.) Leave the engine compartment open for the starting process.Step 3: Attach the emergency safety switch tether/lanyard (shown above) to the switch on the shifter side panel, andalso 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.Some models are equipped with a START-STOP button, while others are controlled from the ignition slot. Thefollowing are the instructions for the boats equipped with the ignition slot only, and instructions will follow forthose with a START-STOP button.Malibu Owners Manual • 2018 • Get Ready • Page 6-4