Malibu Boats Boat 2014, Owner'S Manual

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3-16
A moderate ability to swim is advisable for waterskiers, but swimming ability is no substitute
for a well-fitting life jacket. The wearing of a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) is
essential even for expert swimmers. The jacket should be Type III, approved by the U.S.
Coast Guard and designated as a ski jacket. The jacket should fit snugly, otherwise it could
slip up over the skier if the skier should happen to fall at high speed.
Communication between the skier and driver is essential. Standard signals have been
developed by the American Waterski Association and have been accepted by most
waterskiers. Once the skier is in the water and ready, the driver of the boat will take the
slack out of the tow line. When the skier is in position and prepared for lift, the skier
shouts “hit it” which is the signal for the driver to open the throttle for take-off. Once
the skier is on plane, there are a number of hand signals that will allow communication
between the skier and the driver of the boat. A copy of these signals can be found for
review at your local Malibu dealership or by contacting USA Water Ski at (863) 324-4341
or online at www.usawaterski.org.
Figure 3-12. Hand Signals
Once a skier has fallen or is ready to quit skiing, the driver must be prepared for
immediate removal of the skier from the water. The driver of the boat should keep the
skier in line of sight as much as possible until the skier is reached. Once the boat is near
the skier, the driver should always turn off the engine until the skier is onboard. There
should be no exception to this rule as there is always the possibility of the skier slipping
or falling back into the water risking contact with the boat propeller.
When retrieving a person in the water, the engine must be off.
NO ONE should be allowed to swim or otherwise be in the
water near the boat unless the engine is off. Never operate
the boat in reverse to retrieve anyone in the water.
CIRCLE
SPEED OK
TURN LEFT
TURN RIGHT
BACK
TO DOCK
STOP
SKIER IN WATER
WATER SPORT HAND SIGNALS
SPEED FASTER
CUT ENGINE
SPEED SLOWER
SKIERS O.K.
KC-0016C-A