Malibu Boats M235 2018, Owner'S Manual

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General Boating
Safety Topics
SAFE SPEED
Navigation rules state that a boat be operated at a safe speed at all times. Determination of a safe speed involves consideration of
many factors, such as, but not limited to:
• Boating activity (tubing, water skiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, etc.)
• Boat traffic congestion
• Water conditions
• Environmental conditions (shore line, docks, and depth of water)
• Weather
• Visibility
The boat should not be driven at a rate of speed faster than will allow it to be brought to a full stop within the operator’s field
of view given the environmental conditions at the time. Safe speed for the conditions and driver attention (lookout) are important
factors in avoiding collisions which may cause injury or death. When in doubt it is prudent to slow down within adequate time and
distance so as to be able to assess the conditions and paths of other boats.
It is important to know the Rules of the Road, although do not assume that all boaters also know the rules or that they will abide
by them. Avoid collisions by constantly assessing the ever-changing situation and be sure to make appropriate speed and course
changes early.
PASSENGER SAFETY
The operator of the boat is responsible for the safety of the passengers, all skiers/riders, as well as his/her own safety. Ensure that
you and your passengers adhere to these safety recommendations:

Any time you take your boat out, make sure that there is at least one other passenger aboard who is familiar with the operation of
your boat.

Ensure that all passengers are properly and securely seated in appropriate seating locations to avoid falling or falling overboard.

While the engine is running, and while the boat is maneuvering, all occupants should be properly seated. DO NOT stand while the
boat is moving.

DO NOT sit on the engine box, seat backs, transom seating, sun pad,
boarding platform or gunnels while the boat is underway. You could fall
overboard and be hit by the propeller, or another boat.

DO NOT allow objects, arms or legs, or any other body parts to hang over
the bow or gunnels. Stay within the boat.

Passengers should not sit in locations that obstruct the operator’s visibility.

Persons and gear should be stowed in a way that distributes weight
appropriately and in a manner that trims the boat properly (pitch angle).
Excessive weight at either the bow or the stern relative to one another can
cause trim problems leading to reduced driver visibility, erratic steering,
loss of control, or bow submergence and flooding/swamping.

Passengers should be well aware of emergency equipment and instructed in
its use.

Passengers should assist with lookout duties and notify the operator of
any approaching watercraft or potentially unsafe conditions to provide
assistance with collision avoidance.