Engine section of this manual) which reduces the amount of water
utilized from the body of water during operation. However, some
water is necessary and must be drawn onboard and circulated. This
function exposes interior portions of the boat, particularly some
engine components, to operational exposure to salt or brackish
water. The explanation of how properly flush the engine following an
outing appears later in this section.
Failure to follow ANY of the Saltwater
Care and Maintenance instructions
for care and maintenance will void the
warranty. Significant damage occurs to the engine and boat if
proper maintenance is not followed as outlined in this Owner’s
Manual.
Use only a mild detergent, such as
dishwashing soap, and warm water
to wash the fiberglass and resin and
gel coat finishes on the boat. Harsh detergents and cleaners will
quickly damage the finish, and this is not covered under warranty.
Swim Board
Malibu uses high quality composites to construct swim boards.
These durable boards should also periodically receive a thorough
cleaning. Use only mild detergents and warm water or marine-
industry based cleaners that are approved for use on fiberglass and
EVA foam.
Avoid using unapproved products in
attempting to clean.
These will actually
accelerate deterioration of the product,
rather than protecting it. Such damage is not covered under
warranty.
Hull and Deck Finishes
Much of the finish surface of the hull and deck is a fiberglass-
reinforced resin. While the boat material is sturdy, to ensure an
enjoyable experience while boating, the fiberglass and resin layers
and gel coat finish (where the paint is embedded) is very thin—only
a few millimeters in depth. To keep it looking like new, it is important
to keep it clean and waxed.
Only a mild detergent and warm water should be used to clean
these surfaces. Avoid all harsh cleaners as they will quickly erode
the finish.
If you choose to wash the boat at a car wash, do so with care.
Stay back from the boat surface to avoid potential damage from
the high-pressure sprayer, and do not use the soap setting as most
car-wash soaps are intended to deal with highway-type debris
such as salt, road tar, and similar environmental hazards. Wash the
boat by hand with mild detergent as noted above, and then rinse
carefully.
ADDITIONAL ROUTINE CARE
Carpets and Soft Grip
The carpets and soft grip available through Malibu are constructed
of durable, marine-grade material. Occasionally washing with a
mild detergent (such as Dawn dishwashing soap) and warm water is
required. Commercial carpet cleaners (such as Woolite Spray Carpet
Cleaner) are also acceptable.
After cleaning, thoroughly rinse the detergent or cleaner out of
Care and Maintenance—137
the carpet or mat and into the bilge.
Allow the boat to remain uncovered for several days to air dry
and avoid mold and mildew. See the
Canvas and Upholstery sections
for more information on mold and mildew development and how
critical it is to avoid.
SALTWATER CARE AND MAINTENANCE
When boating in brackish or saltwater, the post-outing cleaning
is critical for the protection of the finishes. The cleaning process,
internally and externally, are critical to maintaining the warranty
in effect and to preserving the engine components. This is a safety
matter.
The potential for corrosion means that boats operating in
this type of condition must be equipped with self-sacrificing zinc
anodes. These anodes are attached in several locations, including
the transom, driveshaft and rudder. Check with your authorized
Malibu dealer to be certain that you are aware of all locations of
these as they will require periodic replacement. The anodes serve to
significantly reduce the potential for corrosive damage to the permanent
metal components on the boat.
Malibu boats are equipped with a closed cooling system (see the
