Malibu Boats RESPONSE TXi 2021, Owner'S Manual

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2 Safety | 2021 OWNER’S MANUAL
EMBRACING SAFETY
Signal words and symbols used in this manual
T
hroughout this manual specific precautions and symbols
identify safety-related information. You will find DANGER,
CAUTION, WARNING, NOTICE, and SAFETY instructions
symbols which require special attention. Please read them
carefully and follow these precautions as indicated! They will
explain how to avoid hazards that may endanger you, your
passengers, towed participants, and other boaters. PLEASE
REVIEW ALL SAFETY INFORMATION.
Basic Safety Rules
Make sure you understand all the operating instructions
prior to attempting to operate this boat. Boating-related
accidents are generally caused by the operator’s failure to follow
basic safety rules or written precautions. Most accidents can
be avoided if the operator is completely familiar with the boat
and its operation, follows recommended practices, and is able to
recognize and avoid potentially hazardous situations.
Past accident data shows that most fatalities involve actions
which cause falls or ejections overboard, mishaps with towed persons,
propeller strikes, collisions, and carbon monoxide exposure. Past
accident data shows that most injuries are associated with collisions,
mishaps with towed persons, falls or ejections overboard, being
struck by the propeller, and fires and explosions. These incidents are
mostly caused by operator inattention, operator inexperience, reckless
operation, alcohol/drug use, excessive speed, passenger or towed
person behavior, and violation of navigation rules.
Failure to observe the safety recommendations contained
in this manual may result in severe personal injury or death
to you or to others. Use caution and common sense when
operating your boat. Don’t take unnecessary chances. Basic
safety rules are outlined in this section of the manual.
Pre-operation Check List - Before Leaving
the Dock
The operator shall:
• Check that weather conditions are safe for boating. It
is the driver’s responsibility to determine if weather or
DANGER
!
!
WARNING
CAUTION
NOTICE
SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
!
Danger indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
Warning indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
Caution indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could
result in minor or moderate injury.
Notice is used to address practices not
related to physical injury.
Safety instructions (or equivalent)
signs indicate specific safety-related
instructions or procedures.
other factors have created an unsafe boating environment.
Boaters must continuously be aware of weather conditions.
Sudden storms, wind, water conditions, lightning, etc., can
unexpectedly put boaters in grave danger. Always check the
local weather report before going boating.
• Check that drain plugs are securely in place.
• Check bilge pump, horn, lights, blower, and other equipment
to verify they are operating properly.
• Verify that the emergency cutoff switch lanyard is in proper
operating condition and is properly affixed to the driver.
• Check the operation of the steering system. Verify that the
steering is operational before launching the boat. If the
boat is already in the water, verify proper steering wheel
operation at low speed. Turn the steering wheel full stop in
both directions and verify proper steering wheel operation
at low speed. Turn the steering wheel full stop in both
directions and verify proper rudder movement. Ensure
that there is no binding or stiffness in the steering wheel
rotation. Binding and stiffness are an indication that the
steering needs repair. Failure of the steering cable will result
in loss of control of the boat.
• Ensure that the load of persons, ballast, and equipment is
within the limits stated on the USCG Maximum Capacities
Plate and is properly distributed based on instruction in this
manual.
• Check that all safety equipment and life jackets, personal
flotation devices (PFDs), and throwable cushions are in good
condition and suitable for your boat and passenger load.
• Inform all passengers where safety equipment is located and
how to use it.
• Have at least one other passenger who can operate the boat
safely in case of an emergency.
• It is very important to open the engine cover and check
the engine compartment and bilge for liquid gasoline and
gasoline vapors prior to each use of your boat and after
refueling. Failure to do so may result in fire or explosion as
well as serious injury or death to you and/or others.
• If you see liquid gasoline in the engine compartments/bilge
or smell gasoline vapors, DO NOT attempt to start the
engine. Liquid gasoline in the bilge is an extreme fire and
explosion hazard which may cause injury or death. Find and
fix the source of the leakage, remove the liquid gasoline
from the bilge. Then ventilate the engine compartment/
bilge and run the blower to remove all gasoline vapors
before starting the engine.
• If gasoline vapors persist after running the blower, DO NOT
attempt to start the engine. Likely, there is a gasoline leak
that is creating the excessive vapor.
• Always operate blower below cruising speed and after
stopping the boat.
! WARNING
Failure to follow these precautions may result in severe injury or death
to you and/or others.
Gasoline vapors can explode. Before starting engine, operate blower
for four full minutes and check engine compartment bilge for gasoline
vapors.
! WARNING