Malibu Boats 21 VLX, Owner'S Manual

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2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page 44
Tow Ropes:
Tow ropes come in different lengths and strengths for different activities. Make sure any rope you are
using is suited for that activity and that it is in good condition.
• Never use a rope that is frayed, knotted, unraveling or discolored from use or being left in the sun. If a
rope breaks while in use it can recoil at the skier/rider being towed or into the watercraft where it might strike
passengers. Replace tow ropes with any sign of damage.
• Never use a tow rope with elastic or bungee material to pull skiers or riders.
• Rope should be attached to the watercraft in an approved fashion with hardware designed for towing. Refer
to your watercraft manual for instructions on proper tow rope attachment.
• Always keep people and tow ropes away from the propeller, even when idling.
• If a tow rope should become entangled in a propeller, shut off the engine, remove the key and secure it in a
safe location before retrieving the rope.
• Tow ropes should be neatly stowed in the boat when not in use.
Preparing to ski or ride:
Always have a person other than the driver act as an observer to look out for the skier/
rider.
• Be sure the driver is aware of the experience and ability of the skier/rider.
• The driver, observer and skier/rider need to agree on hand signals before skiing or riding. Signals should
include
READY, STOP, SPEED UP and SLOW DOWN.
• Start the engine only after making sure that no one in the water is near the propeller.
• Turn the engine off when people are getting into or out of the watercraft, or in the water near the watercraft.
• Always make sure the tow rope is not wrapped around anyone’s hands, arms, legs or other parts of the body.
• Start the watercraft and move slowly to remove slack until the tow rope is tight.
• When the skier/rider signals READY and there is no traffic ahead, take off in a straight line. Adjust the speed
according to the signals given by the skier/rider.
Skiing or riding:
The watercraft and skier/rider should always maintain a sufficient distance from obstacles so a
skier/rider falling or coasting and/or watercraft will not encounter any obstacle.
• Do not use in shallow water or near shore, docks, pilings, swimmers, other watercraft, or any other obstacles.
• Use only on water.
• Never attempt land or dock starts. This will increase your risk of injury or death.
• Always wear a properly fitted life jacket (PFD) approved by your country’s agency, USCG Type III, ISO, etc.
• The faster you ski or ride, the greater your risk of injury.
• Never make sharp turns that may cause a slingshot effect on the skier/rider’s speed.
• The skier/rider should be towed at an appropriate speed for his or her ability level.
Faller skier or rider:
Falling and injuries are common in skiing or riding.
• Circle a fallen skier/rider slowly to return the tow rope handle or pick up the fallen skier/rider.
• Turn off the engine when near a fallen skier/rider.
• Always keep the fallen skier/rider in view and on the driver’s side of the watercraft.
• Display a red or orange skier-down flag to alert other vessels that a skier/rider is down if required by the state in
which you are operating.
The Warnings and practices in the Watersports Safety Code represent common risks
encountered by users. The code does not cover all instances of risk or danger. Please use
common sense and good judgment.