U.S. Coast Guard Safty Exemption?
 

I heard that Malibu and Mastercraft have Coast Guard safty exemptions. I did a little research and found this:
Exemption Notice
This boat complies with U.S. Coast Guard safety standards in effect on the date of
certification with the exception of certain fuel systems requirements associated with its
fuel injected engine as authorized by U.S. Coast Guard Grant of Exemption (CGB-06-
005). Maintenance of the fuel system in this boat should be performed only by Malibu
trained certified technicians using identical fuel systems components.

This came out of a 2011 Malibu owners manual.

What does this mean?

Indmar and some others use a high-pressure fuel supply system. USCG regs were written when only low pressure systems were used and specified. The exemption allows for the newer technology to be used. The main benefit is a reduction in vapor lock and the fuel pump being electric and in the tank instead of haning off of the engine block. Newer FI systems need the higher pressure to work.

its the newer regs for the closed fuel cell system and the CAT system

Don't you think that the USCG would approve the latest technology then? If it is so great why is MasterCraft boats saying don't let you tank go under 1/4 tank. Not covered under warranty if the pumps go out under 1/4 tank?

Allowing the fuel level in the fuel tank to fall below one-quarter of a
tank full may affect the reliability of the fuel pump or result in damage to
the fuel pump, which is not covered under warranty. (Pages 5-6, 7-1)
This was pulled out of the 2010 owners manual.

Indmar does not supply Malibu and MasterCraft with the fuel pumps. The warranty issues would be with the manufacturers. Fine Print Everywhere!

yep, because the fuel cools the plastic fins in the fuel pump