Malibu Boats 21 VLX, Owner'S Manual

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attention to the oil pressure and engine temperature
information as these are the earliest warnings when
something is going wrong with the drive train. Alarms
will sound if serious problems are encountered.
Also, check carefully for leaks. The break-in
period is the most-likely time for leaks to appear,
whether fuel, oil, water or exhaust.
Smart Operations
Newcomers to boating, especially boats the size of
the Malibu models, are strongly encouraged to take a
U.S. Coast Guard boating class before using the boat.
Reading about boating conditions and operations from
websites such as the National Marine Manufacturers
Association (NMMA) and the many yachting association
sites can be very helpful.
Practice, practice, practice!
Begin in optimum
weather and water conditions, avoiding tight
quarters until you are comfortable. The boat actually
steers more easily when the boat is on-plane. This
is achieved by speeding up briskly from idle. By
throttling and increasing the speed, the boat will
ride up higher on the body of water. With less friction
between boat hull and water, the boat will maneuver
more easily. At slower speeds, the boat is less
responsive, so practice is important to achieve the
kind of maneuverability that is desirable.
Remember that steering in a boat is from the
rear (stern). The unseen rudder operates from the
steering wheel, but the actual steering through the
rudder is different from a car. Note that stern control means that the boat will push away from the direction of
the turn. The bow will follow a smaller turning circle than the stern does.
Note that the propeller does not move the boat directly forward. Due to the rotation (generally,
counterclockwise), the boat’s natural progress will have a slight tracking to the port side (when in forward gear) and
starboard side when in reverse. At slower speeds, this phenomenon is more pronounced. Depending also on the
body of water depth and width, it may be necessary for the operator to compensate for this natural movement.
Stopping
The lack of brakes requires the operator to think more quickly and react accordingly to avoid damaging
contact with other boats, docks and the shore. When stopping the boat, it is acceptable to use reverse gear
(much as airplanes use reverse thrust). This is a technique that takes time and practice to master. Slamming
from forward to reverse gear can damage the system. Allow sufficient time to move the shifter from forward
to neutral, briefly pausing with each shift, and then ease into reverse. Always slow to a no-wake speed before
attempting these shifts and do not shift into reverse if the boat is moving faster than 2 mph (3.2 km/h).
2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page 220