2019 Malibu Boats, LLC Owner’s Manual • Page 162Starting and OperationPrior to starting the boat for the first time, read this entire Owner’sManual, as well as the Engine Owner’s Manual, where appropriate.Before towing to the body of water the first time, read the entireTrailer section of this Owner’s Manual as there is important safetyinformation contained within it also. If the boat came with additionalhand-out materials or other owner’s manuals specific to various boatcomponents, 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 tothe body of water, and others who are also boating. Informationis provided to enhance enjoyment of the Malibu experience, aswell as how to care for and maintain the boat, engine, drive train,components and trailer so that this will be a long-term, on-goingsource of enjoyment.Starting the Engine—WakesettersStep 1: Be certain the boat’s shifter/throttle is fully upright in theneutral position. Additional information follows regardingshifting and throttle response.Step 2: Perform the pre-start routine, including the bilge inspectionand engine compartment inspection. (Details areprovided in the How It Works section.) Leave the enginecompartment open for the starting process.Step 3: Attach the emergency safety switch tether/lanyard to theswitch on the shifter/throttle, and also to a piece of theoperator’s clothing.Step 4: Verify the blower switch has operated for several minuteswith the engine compartment open and the boat in the water.Step 5: Press the power button and check that power to theelectrical system appears by way ofthe video screen lighting, and begina check of the system. Enter theboat code on the 7” screen.. Thedefault is 1-2-3-4, but boat ownerscan change this by followingdirections provided in the Dashes and Video Screensection of this Owner’s Manual.Note: As a safety feature, when the key is turned ON, thenavigation and anchor lights will also come ON.Step 6: If the electrical system has responded, press and hold theSTART-STOP button for approximately one (1) second andthen release. The engine starter should engage and beginthe process that will allow the engine to run. If for somereason, the engine does not start, repeat Steps 5 and6. Never press the button for an extended period. If theengine does not start as it should, make sure the throttle/shifter is in neutral. If it still does not start, then refer to theTroubleshooting section at the conclusion of this Owner’sManual for assistance in determining the cause. If anyalarms sound or warning lights appear, turn OFF theengine and troubleshoot. There is also a back-up ignitionkey 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 theengine compartment open! It is extremely important forany accumulated fumes to be vented in this way. It alsoassures that any new issues that arise involving theengine, fuel system and ventilation system are noted.Accumulation of fumes within the engine compartment canalso lead to an explosion.To prevent a possibleexplosion, always operatethe blower for severalminutes prior to startingthe engine, and continue to operate with the enginecompartment open for several minutes after starting theengine. Always operate the blower when the engine isidling or at a low running speed. Improper ventilationcan lead to accumulate of gasoline or exhaust fumes inthe 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 thebutton. If you are using the backup key, also turn the key to OFF.(Failing to do so means the electrical systemwill continue to function; eventually, this willdrain the battery or batteries.)Note that, unlike a dry-land vehicle, turningOFF the boat does not immediately stop itsmomentum. The boat will continue to move.Shifting to neutral will slow progress, buthttps://www.boat-manuals.com/