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2003 Malibu Owners Manual
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RECORD IMPORTANT INFORMATION
In addition to this manual, your Malibu Owner’s Packet contains instructions, warranties
and other important information from component manufacturers. Read these materials
carefully since improper registration, operation and maintenance can void the warranty
and jeopardize the safety of you and others. Fill in the information below and keep a copy
of it in a safe place.
Hull
HIN ___________________________________________________________________
Ignition Key # ___________________________________________________________
Registration # ___________________________________________________________
Date Purchased __________________________________________________________
Dealer/Phone ____________________________________________________________
Fax/E-mail ______________________________________________________________
Engine
Model # _____________________________________________________________
Serial # ______________________________________________________________
Transmission
Model # _____________________________________________________________
Serial # ______________________________________________________________
Trailer
Model # _____________________________________________________________
Serial # ______________________________________________________________
Accessory
Model # _____________________________________________________________
Serial # ______________________________________________________________
¤

i
All information and specifications included in this manual were in effect at the time of
approval for printing. Malibu Boats West, Inc. reserves the right, however, to discontinue
or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any
obligation.
Trademarks
Malibu, The Malibu Logo is a registered trademark of Malibu Boats West, Inc.
Indmar, Indmar is a registered trademark of Indmar Products Co., Inc.
All other product names are copyright and registered trademarks/trade names of their
respective owners.
© 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 Malibu Boats West, Inc. All Rights reserved.
Printed in the USA

ii
¤

CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
TABLE OF FIGURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
CERTIFICATIONS & STANDARDS . . v
MODEL SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . vi
BOATING SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
General Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Safety Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Hazardous Conditions . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Carbon Monoxide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Operation By Minors . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Passenger Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Basic Rules Of The Road . . . . . . . . 1-7
FEATURES & CONTROLS . . . . . . 2-1
Standard Gauges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Switches & Indicators . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Throttle Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Steering System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Emergency Engine Stop Switch. . . 2-9
Bow Tonneau Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Motorbox Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Driver’s Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Integral Self Draining
Ice Chest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Sundeck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
V-Drive Engine Access
Hatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Ski Pylon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Swim Platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Navigational Lights . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Storage Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Drain Plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Speedometer Pickups . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Tilt Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Optional Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Wedge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Warning Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Trailering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Fueling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Shifting/Running . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Stopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Docking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
High Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Towing A Skier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Towing Another Boat . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Anchoring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Propellers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
Corrosion Protection . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
CARE AND MAINTENANCE. . . . . 4-1
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Engine/Drive Train . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Fuel System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18
iii
CONTENTS

iv
T ABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1 Personal Flotation
Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Figure 1-2 Fire Extinguisher . . . . . . . . 1-3
Figure 1-3 Weather Hazards . . . . . . . . 1-5
Figure 1-4 Diver Down Flag . . . . . . . . 1-5
Figure 1-5 Carbon Monoxide
Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Figure 1-6 Regulatory Markers . . . . . . 1-8
Figure 1-7 Buoy Shapes . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Figure 1-8 Spherical Marker . . . . . . . . 1-9
Figure 1-9 Day Markers . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Figure 1-10 Crossing Situation . . . . . 1-10
Figure 1-11 Overtaking
Another Craft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Figure 2-1 General Layout
V-Drive Boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Figure 2-2 General Layout
Direct Drive Boats . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Figure 2-3 Tachometer/Hourmeter . . . 2-2
Figure 2-4 Speedometer Calibrate and
Display Selection Switches . . . . . 2-2
Figure 2-5 Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Figure 2-6 Multi Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Figure 2-7 Circuit Breaker Panel . . . . . 2-6
Figure 2-8 Accessory Switch Panel. . . 2-7
Figure 2-9 V-Drive Warning Light . . . . 2-8
Figure 2-10 Throttle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Figure 2-11 Stop Switch Lanyard . . . . 2-9
Figure 2-12 Motorbox . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Figure 2-13 Bolster Seat . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Figure 2-14 Lumbar Adjuster . . . . . . 2-10
Figure 2-15 Seat Adjuster . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Figure 2-16 Sundeck . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Figure 2-17 Engine Access Hatch . . . 2-11
Figure 2-18 Pivoting-Head Ski Pylon . . 2-12
Figure 2-19 Swim Platform . . . . . . . . 2-12
Figure 2-20 Swim Platform Pins . . . . 2-12
Figure 2-21 Bow Light . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Figure 2-22 Lockable Transom
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Figure 2-23 Transom Drain Plug . . . . 2-14
Figure 2-24 Bilge Drain Plug . . . . . . 2-14
Figure 2-25 Thru-Hull Paddle
Wheel Pickup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Figure 2-26 Tilt Steering . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Figure 2-27 Heater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Figure 2-28 Bimini Top Screw . . . . . 2-17
Figure 2-29 Strap Eyelet . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Figure 2-30 Stereo Remote Control
Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Figure 2-31 Shower Head . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Figure 2-32 Shower Valve . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Figure 2-33 Pull-Up Cleat . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Figure 2-34 SaniPottie . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Figure 2-35 Wedge Down . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Figure 2-36 Wedge Up . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Figure 2-37 Warning Labels . . . . . . . 2-20
Figure 3-1 Trailer Hitch. . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Figure 3-2 Safety Chains . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Figure 3-3 Bow Tie-Down . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Figure 3-4 Transom Tie-Down . . . . . . 3-2
Figure 3-5 Fueling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Figure 3-6 Throttle Positions . . . . . . . . 3-6
Figure 3-7 Turning With A Rudder . . . 3-7
Figure 3-8 Stern Push . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Figure 3-9 Docking With
Wind/Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Figure 3-10 Hand Signals . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Figure 3-11 Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
Figure 3-12 Propeller. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Figure 4-1 Typical Transmission
Dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Figure 4-2 Main Circuit Breaker . . . . . 4-6
Figure 4-3 Battery Level . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
¤

v
INTRODUCTION
Over the years, you have watched us grow into one of the most respected boat builders in
the world. And undoubtedly, somewhere, you have run into at least one Malibu owner
who proudly speaks of the “Malibu Difference.” That difference they so proudly speak
of could be the special way we have serviced them over the years. We call it “going the
distance.” Or maybe they are referring to the way their Malibu consistently outperforms
other ski boats that they have driven. We can’t deny that we are different. Our passion for
building the perfect ski boat is only surpassed by our commitment to total customer
satisfaction.
This manual has been assembled to help you operate your new Malibu with safety and
pleasure. Details of typical equipment as well as recommended safety and maintenance
procedures about your boat are supplied. Please read carefully and familiarize yourself
with the craft before using it.
We at Malibu Boats thank you for choosing us as your boat manufacturer and assure you
that your satisfaction and boating enjoyment will continue to be our #1 priority.
CERTIFICATIONS & STANDARDS
NMMA Certification
Your Malibu boat has been built to meet or exceed the standards set by the National
Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). NMMA verifies annually, or whenever a
new boat model is introduced, to determine that they meet not only Coast Guard
regulations, but also the more comprehensive standards set by the American Boat &
Yacht Council (ABYC).
Standards To Which This Boat Was Built
Your Malibu boat was built with the utmost care throughout the complete manufacturing
process. The deck, hull, stringers and floor, as well as many accessory components, were
built using our hand-laid composite fiberglass scheduling techniques. All boats receive
complete quality control checks. Each boat is lake tested, and all information is kept on
file at our factory for future reference.
Hull Identification Number (HIN)
Your Hull Identification Number can be found on the starboard transom of your boat
below the rubber rub rail. Federal law prohibits the tampering or removing of the number
in any way. Use this number to register your boat with your local and state authorities.
US MB2GXXXXA001

vi
MODEL SPECIFICATIONS
Sportster Response Response Wakesetter Sunsetter/
Series Series LXi Wakesetter
21 XTi
Length 20' 20' 20' 6" 21' 21'
Beam 86" 90" 93" 93" 93"
Draft 14" 16" 16" 18" 18"
Weight 2100 lbs. 2450 lbs 2800 2800 lbs 2800 lbs
Fuel Cap. 38 Gal. 35 Gal. 41 41 Gal. 37 Gal.
Seating Cap. 6/8 6/8 8 10 10
Std. Engine 310 Vortec 310 Vortec Vortec 310 Vortec 310 Vortec
Std. Gelcoat 3 4 3 3 3
Std. Prop. 3 Blade ACME 3 Blade ACME 3 Blade ACME 3 Blade ACME 3 Blade ACME
Sunsetter Sunscape/ Sunscape/ Sunsetter/ Sunscape
LXi Wakesetter Wakesetter Wakesetter 25
21 LSV 23 LSV XTi
Length 21'8" 21' 22'6" 22'6"" 25'
Beam 93" 93" 96" 96" 102"
Draft 18" 18" 24" 24" 26"
Weight 2900 lbs. 2900 lbs 3400 lbs. 3300 lbs. 4500 lbs.
Fuel Cap. 35 Gal. 35 Gal. 55 Gal. 43 Gal. 80 Gal.
Seating Cap. 10 11 12 12 14
Std. Engine 310 Vortec 335 Monsoon 335 Monsoon 335 Monsoon 8.1Liter / 425 HP
Std. Gelcoat 4 4 / 3 4 / 3 4 / 3 3
Std. Prop. 3 Blade ACME 4 Blade ACME 4 Blade ACME 4 Blade ACME 4 Blade ACME
¤

1-1
Chapter 1
BOATING SAFETY
At Malibu, safety is not an option!
General Precautions
Your Malibu boat has been constructed to meet all U.S. Coast Guard and National Marine
Manufacturers Association (N.M.M.A.) requirements. However, it is still your
responsibility as the boat owner to ensure the boat is always operated in a safe fashion.
U.S. Coast Guard regulations require certain safety equipment be present on your boat
during operation. Besides the U.S. Coast Guard regulations, other local and/or
international law enforcement agencies may have similar requirements. You should check
with your local marine enforcement agency regarding any such requirements before using
the waterways.
It is not intended for this manual to be a replacement for a course on boating safety. It is
highly recommended that if you are unfamiliar with the use and operation of a boat, you
seek advice and training from a qualified individual or organization. Check with your
local boating agency or Malibu dealer for more information about boating safety classes
in your area.
Safety Statements
Throughout this manual, specific precautions and symbols identify safety related
information. Follow these precautions as indicated.
The Safety Alert symbol means Attention! Become Alert! Your Safety Is
Involved!
Indicates the presence of a hazard which WILL cause
SEVERE injury, death or substantial property damage.
Indicates the presence of a hazard which CAN cause SEVERE
injury, death or substantial property damage.
Indicates the presence of a hazard which WILL or CAN cause
MINOR or MODERATE personal injury or property damage.
Notice: Indicates installation, operation or maintenance information
which is important but not hazard related.
Caution
Warning
DANGER
1

1-2
The precautions listed in this manual and on the boat are not all-inclusive. If a procedure
or method is not specifically recommended, you must satisfy yourself that it is safe for
you and your passengers, and that the boat will not be damaged or made unsafe as a result
of your decision. Remember — always use common sense when operating your boat!
Regulations
The U.S. Coast Guard is the governing authority of the waterways and is there to help the
boating public. State boating regulations are enforced by local authorities. You are subject
to marine traffic laws and “Rules of the Road” for both federal and state waterways; you
must stop if signaled to do so by enforcement officers and permit to be boarded, if asked.
Responsibilities
Registration
Federal Law requires that all motorboats be registered and that all motorcraft not
documented by the U.S. Coast Guard display registration numbers. In nearly all states,
this means registration with the designated state agency. In a few jurisdictions, the Coast
Guard retains registration authority. Your Malibu dealer will either supply registration
forms or tell you where they may be obtained. The agency will supply you with a
certificate which must be carried with you when the boat is in operation.
Education
If you have never owned a boat before you can get an excellent introduction to boat
handling from organizations such as the U.S. Coast Guard and American Red Cross.
Even if you are a veteran boater, these courses will help sharpen your boating skills as
well as bring you up to date on current rules and regulations. See your local boating
agency or Malibu dealer for information on classes in your area.
Insurance
The boat owner is legally responsible for damages or injuries he or she causes. Common
sense dictates that you carry adequate personal liability and property damage insurance
on your boat, just as you would on your automobile. You should also protect your
investment from physical damage or theft.
¤
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The 2003 Malibu Owners Manual is a comprehensive resource covering essential information about the vehicle, suitable for both professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts. It includes maintenance and repair instructions, safety information, operating instructions, troubleshooting advice, technical specifications, and more. This manual is invaluable for any Malibu owner, providing clear and concise guidance on vehicle care and maintenance, as well as optimizing its features for long-term smooth and safe operation. The manual is available for instant download, ensuring quick access to its wealth of information.
- Maintenance and repair instructions
- Safety information
- Operating instructions
- Troubleshooting advice
- Technical specifications
- And more!