Malibu Boats 21 VLX, Owner'S Manual

Page: 21 / 309

The operator shall:
• Follow safe operating practices, the “Rules of the Road,” and the Watersports Responsibility Code.
• Not operate a boat if under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
• Attach the emergency cutoff switch lanyard to the boat operator when operating the boat.
• Maintain a proper course and safe speed at all times to avoid collisions.
• Maintain a lookout for other boats, swimmers and obstructions in the water.
• Operate slowly in congested areas such as marinas and mooring areas.
• Keep a safe distance from other boats, swimmers, personal watercraft, docks, and fixed objects.
• Look before you turn/maneuver the boat so as to avoid potential collisions with oncoming or overtaking
vessels.
• Be aware that this boat is a high-performance boat and is capable of quick, tight turns and changes in
direction. Familiarize yourself with the handling characteristics of the boat. It is the operator’s responsibility
to operate the boat in a manner that ensures the safety of all passengers. Abrupt maneuvers may result in
the ejection of unsecured, unseated, or improperly positioned passengers. Verbally warn passengers before
making quick, tight turns so they may have time to grasp a handrail, hand-hold, or portion of the boat.
• Be aware that your boat will handle differently depending on loading and on-board weight distribution.
• Ensure that all passengers are properly and securely seated in appropriate seating locations to avoid falling or
falling overboard.
• Instruct and ensure that passengers remain properly seated at all times while the boat is in motion above idle
speed.
• Not allow passengers to sit on the transom, seat backs, engine cover or sides of the boat while the engine is
running and the boat is in motion to avoid falling overboard.
• Not allow passengers to sit in a position that obstructs the operator’s view.
• NEVER leave children unattended and in the boat without adult supervision.
• Have children riding in the bow of the boat be accompanied by an adult in the bow and ensure that all remain
seated when the boat is in motion.
• Not let passengers occupy seats which may be in the path of the tow line.
• Slow down when crossing waves or wakes in order to minimize the impact on passengers and the boat.
Crossing waves or wakes at an angle (such as 45 degrees) rather than perpendicularly will reduce the severity
of the impact. Avoid rough water, large waves and large wakes from other boats when at high speed. Jumping
waves/wakes or slamming the bow will cause large vertical impacts which may cause injury to occupants or
cause ejections.
• For safe towing (water skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, knee boarding, etc.) be experienced and
have an observer [an observer or “spotter” is required by law in most states]. A rear view mirror is helpful if you
are allowed to tow without an observer in your state.
• Avoid letting tow lines or mooring lines wrap around anyone’s body parts/limbs. Doing so could allow body
parts/limbs to become entangled in the line and could cause significant injury, such as amputations.
• Keep track of tow lines and dock lines so that they do not become entangled in the propeller. A tow line will
wrap quickl
y
around a spinning propeller and is capable of immobilizing the boat and dragging a person
entangled in the tow line underwater or causing amputations. Shut off the engine if a tow line has potential
for wrapping in the propeller.
• The tower is designed to pull a single individual. Please consult the remainder of this manual and/or warning
labels on the tower for details.
DO NOT
climb, sit on, stand on or jump/dive off of the tower. Tow line may
loop on inverted tricks.
DO NOT
sit behind the pulling point of the tower.
• NEVER allow any type of spark or open flame on board. It may result in fire or explosion.
• Avoid grounding the boat: Be familiar with local conditions and water depth. If you are uncertain, then
2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page 7