Axis Wake Research A20, Owner'S Manual

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which you will be operating the boat. Grounding the vessel or striking submerged objects can result in
serious injury or death and can cause severe damage to your watercraft. At high speed, this can cause rapid
deceleration or stop your boat abruptly, which may cause occupants to impact the interior
of the boat or be ejected. Stick to deeper water whenever possible, and if you must travel
in shallow water, proceed at low speed and post a lookout.
Know the minimal depth your boat can safely travel.
Warning Markers
Learn to recognize the different buoys and day markers; they are used as the signposts
of the waterways identifying navigable routes and water hazards. It is a good idea to ask
local authorities about hazard areas and if they are marked. Stay within boundaries and
clear of hazards.
Weeds
Weeds can generally be a threat to a boat’s engine and other components on the
boat. If weeds wrap around the propeller, they can create vibration in the engine. They
also can restrict water intakes or clog the water filter causing the engine to overheat. Learn
to recognize the typical normal operating temperature range for you engine. If temperature rises high above
normal, then check for blockage of the engine cooling water system.
Weeds can sometimes be removed by shifting to NEUTRAL,
pausing for a moment, then shifting to REVERSE to unwind the
weeds from the propeller.
Dam Spillways
The area around dam spillways is very hazardous and conditions can change rapidly. Keep clear of the
spillways and areas below dams. Currents created by spillways can draw in objects, including your boat.
Restricted Areas
Before boating, check with Local, State, and Federal authorities to identify restricted areas. Because of
the threat of terrorism, the U.S. Coast Guard has and will continue to implement strict limits on watercraft
near U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships and other potential targets.
Weather/Seas
Learn and understand weather patterns and signs of change. Bad weather can cause an uncomfortable
and unsafe situation. If a storm approaches, seek a safe harbor. Check forecasts before getting underway
and continue to monitor conditions while on the water.
As a boater, you already appreciate nature’s beauty and the peace of the great outdoors. It is a boater’s
responsibility to protect the natural environment by keeping waterways clean.
Foreign Species
If you trailer your boat from lake to lake, you have the potential of unknowingly introducing a foreign
aquatic species from one lake to the next. It is important to thoroughly clean the bottom of the boat below
the water line, remove all weeds and algae, and drain the bilge, ballast, and livewells before launching the
boat in a new body of water. Check local, state, country agencies as to laws and regulations.
Fuel/Oil Spillage
The spilling of fuel or oil into our waterways contaminates the environment and is dangerous to wildlife.
DO NOT EVER discharge or dispose of fuel, oil or other chemicals into the water; it is prohibited and can
result in fines. These are three common, accidental types of discharge:
• During initial fueling of a nearly empty tank
• Overfilling the fuel tanks
• Pumping contaminated bilge water
2016 Axis Wake Research Owner’s Manual . . . Page 1-17
ENVIRON-
MENTAL
CONCERNS