Malibu Boats 21 VLX, Owner'S Manual

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2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page 47
Grounding
In the event you run aground, assess the situation before proceeding. Your response to grounding will
depend on how hard the boat hits bottom and whether the boat remains stranded, the extent of damage, and
proximity to shore and help.
• If it is a simple touch, you may need only to inspect the hull.
• If you are aground, assess the situation before reacting. In some cases, throwing the boat into reverse can
cause more damage.
• Check for leaks and immediately stop any water from entering the boat.
• Inspect the hull, steering system and propulsion system for damage.
• Maneuver the boat to safe water only if the hull and all operating systems are in satisfactory operating
condition. Otherwise, call or signal for assistance.
Person Overboard
• Immediately react to a person who has fallen overboard by sounding an alarm.
• Keep the victim constantly in your sight.
• If another passenger is on board, assign them to look at and keep pointing at the person in the water. They
are to do nothing else but stay focused on the person in the water and to point at them.
• Throw the person a life preserver even if they are wearing a PFD. It will serve as a marker in the water and will
provide additional flotation.
• Immediately slow or stop the boat and safely circle toward the victim as soon as possible.
• Keep the victim on the helm side of the vessel so as to keep the victim constantly in your sight.
• When almost alongside, shut off the engine.
• Assist the person into the boat.