Malibu Boats 21 VLX, Owner'S Manual

Page: 165 / 309

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2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page 151
Steering Wheel
Steering in a boat is different from most land vehicles, although the effect
is similar. Malibu boats are equipped with steering wheels. The standard,
fixed-angle steering wheel is turned in the direction the operator wishes
to go. Instead of wheels turning in that direction, the boat steering wheel
controls a rudder, and the rudder actually turns in the opposite direction. By
cutting through the water with a rudder in the opposite direction, the bow of
the boat will turn in the direction the steering wheel has been turned. Note
that, compared to land-based vehicles, it takes more time to perform maneu
-
vers on the water than it would on land. It’s important for new operators to
practice before trying turns in tight locations.
Boats also do not track in the same manner as land-based vehicles. They are
affected by currents, wave action, and natural motion created by the propel
-
ler. At slow speeds, the effect is more pronounced and boats seem to wander
slightly. Trying to steer the boat back and forth to compensate actually only
worsens the effect. As long as there is sufficient depth of water and there are
no obstacles close at hand, allow the boat to follow its course. The overall
course will be directionally straight if the steering wheel is held in place.
Malibu boats are equipped with a tilting mechanism on the steering
column. This allows the operator to adjust the steering wheel to the most
comfortable angle and provide a sense of secure control. Steering columns
have a lever at the underside of the column. Press down on the lever until the
steering wheel is movable. Tilt it up or down to the best angle for the oper
-
ator and re-engage the lever snug against the steering column. Never force
the lever. If it will not move with relative ease back into place, the steering
wheel is not in one of its acceptable levels. Adjusting slightly should allow
proper action of the tilt mechanism.
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS: As an option, steering wheel controls will
offer redundant control for the Surf Gates, Power Wedge, cruise control speed
and audio controls.
Operators should always review the
Dashes and Video Screens section of
this Owner’s Manual for important information about operational require -
ments that may be necessary
for proper function of these
systems. Note that the most-re
-
cently touched component will
override other control compo
-
nents. Depending on the con -
figuration, control of the cruise
system, Surf Gates and Power
Wedge can be managed from
the video screen, the controls
on the steering wheel (including
audio), and the Surf Band, where
equipped.