Truth In Every Flush

WHAT IS AIS?

AIS = Aquatic Invasive Species. 

These are plants and animals that live in waters where they are not native. When introduced to new environments, they can cause serious ecological damage and even threaten human health.

AIS can easily spread by attaching to boats, trailers, and motors—or by hiding inside ballast tanks, bilge pumps, and even in the mud on a dog’s paws. Sometimes, just a single organism or plant fragment is all it takes to start a new invasion.

Invasive species like quagga mussels and zebra mussels are already a major problem across North America. Without proper care, they can quickly clog ballast tanks, pumps, and plumbing. And when you move from one lake to another, you risk spreading them to new waterways.

Because of their harmful impact, boaters across the country are required by law to help prevent the spread of AIS. It’s our shared responsibility to protect the waters we love.

WHAT IS THE MALIBU AIS FLUSH SYSTEM?

Designed specifically to make decontamination faster and easier, the patent-pending AIS Ballast Flush System automatically flushes your boat’s hard-tank ballast system through a single connection point on the transom. Malibu is the only wakeboat company to integrate a system like this into both its boats and trailers.

Available as an upgrade option starting on 2025 Malibu Boats models, the system can also be added to your trailer for full protection when transporting your boat between waterways.

With Malibu’s AIS Ballast Flush System, staying compliant and protecting the environment has never been easier.

HOW TO USE THE AIS SYSTEM: A STEP BY STEP GUIDE

IMPORTANT: DO THIS FIRST

Before you start the flush process, give your boat a good clean. This will ensure that you remove visible large-bodied organisms attached inside or outside your boat or gear. Next, dry your boat thoroughly. This is necessary because many organisms can survive in standing water.

When you’re ready, watch the how-to video below to see the system in action, then follow the steps to ensure your ballast is properly flushed every time you head out.

Ready to try it yourself? Before heading to an official flush site, check out the steps below to learn how to flush your ballast system.

STEP 1: CLOSE ALL BALLAST PUMP VALVES & REMOVE THE T-HANDLE

Depending on your specific boat model, you may have additional valves that must be closed before operating the system. In most models, these can be found in the fore and aft access panels. Consult your user manual for precise locations.

STEP 2: ATTACH A HOSE TO THE BALLAST FLUSH KIT PORT AT THE TRANSOM

This is a single flush connection for the whole system and is typically located on the starboard side of the transom. Open the hose's tap up.

STEP 3: TURN ON YOUR BATTERY ISOLATOR AND POWER UP YOUR COMMAND CENTER

You will need the 8" screen ready for the next step. 

STEP 4: ON THE 8" SCREEN, NAVIGATE TO SETTINGS > DIAGNOSTICS > BALLAST

Press 'AIS Decon'. If you are at an inspection site, be sure to familiarize yourself with the fill percentage required by local laws.

STEP 5: SET THE BALLAST FILL LEVEL & PRESS START

The screen will display 'In Process'. When it changes to 'Complete', the process is now finished. 

STEP 6: SHUT OFF THE WATER & DISCONNECT THE HOSE

Open all fill valves again to let everything drain thoroughly.