Malibu Boats RESPONSE TXi 2021, Owner'S Manual

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2021 OWNER’S MANUAL | Care & Maintenance 149
Salt Water Boats
Perform the normal cleaning procedures described above
in the Salt Water/Brackish Water Maintenance . Boats operated
in salt/brackish/polluted water are especially vulnerable
to accelerated wear and tear. Never ignore the care and
maintenance required to keep your boat under warranty and in
good condition for the life of the boat.
Because the process of preparing a boat for long term storage
(more than two (2) weeks) and/or winterization is extremely
important and takes some time to accomplish, this is often
paired with the annual maintenance preparation. Regardless
of timing, however, storage and winterization must never be
overlooked, especially in climates where the temperature will fall
below freezing.
If the boat will not be used for an extended period, regardless
of season, or if the boat will be left in water full time during
boating season, there are precautions which should be taken.
Hull Gel Coat
If a boat will be left in the water all the time during boating
season, Malibu recommends using a bottom, hull paint to protect
it. Even with the highest grade of gel coat, continuous exposure
to water, even fresh water, will eventually result in damage to
the finish. Therefore, in these circumstances, boat owners must
protect the finish with an approved hull paint. Your authorized
Malibu dealer can direct you to the correct paint and can
complete the preparation for you.
Storage and Winterization
Extended Non-use
If a boat is not used for an extended period of time, and
depending on weather conditions, location, and other factors,
this could be from two (2) weeks to one (1) month—or
beyond—owners should remove the boat from the water if
possible. Perform the expected storage preparations, including
removal of all ballast water, water from the bilge area, and
periodically check the battery status as certain automatic
functions are performed even when the boat is out of the water
and the battery switch is in the off position. It may be necessary
to occasionally charge the battery. See information above and in
the Electrical Components section of the Dashes and Video Screens
chapter of this manual regarding battery maintenance and the
proper way to ensure batteries remain charged.
Lifting the Boat
Many boat owners remove the boat from water by way of a
trailer, which allows for transport as well as an excellent way to
store the boat if the trailer was designed and built for that boat
model. Incorrect fit means that there will be undue stress on
the boat’s structural unit. Over time, these components could
potentially fail, which would not be covered under warranty.
However, some boaters, especially those who are privileged
to live on a shoreline or due to the methods of extracting boats
from specific bodies of water, must lift the boat to suspend the
boat or use a boat cradle.
When the boat must be lifted, use the correct sling system or
the lifting eyes only. Never allow a lifting device to wrap around
the underwater gear as the weight of the boat could cause the
sling to damage the gear. The boat may not be able to withstand
the gravitational forces if the boat is not properly supported.
When using the lifting eyes on the boat, an overhead hoist
should be used to lift the boat, coupled with appropriately rated
capacity straps. Each strap must be rated for the boat weight or
higher. See the Quick Reference Guide in this manual to determine
the boat’s base weight, without any added gear. Spreader bars
should also be used to prevent side loading of the stern eyes as
well as damage to the rub rail on the bow. When lifting the boat,
keep the bow slightly higher than the stern to avoid having any
water run into the engine exhaust system.
When using slings, an appropriately rated capacity overhead
hoist is required. Multiple slings at least six (6) inches by twenty
(20) feet should be used. As with the lifting eye straps above,
check the Quick Reference Guide in this manual to determine the
boat’s base weight, without any added gear. An eight-foot (8’)
spread bar on each sling will prevent side pressure to the deck
or gunwale molding that can cause damage. Such damage is not
covered under warranty.
A storage cradle must provide proper support to the boat,
meaning the boat cannot be supported by resting the gull on
the keel. There can be no gaps between the hull and the cradle
supports. Support of at least five-hundred (500) square inches
is required on boats of less than twenty-five feet (25’), and at
least six-hundred (600) square inches on boats greater than
twenty-five feet (25’).
Protect all underwear gear protruding from the boat hull from
damage. None of these components is rated to support any of
the boat’s weight.
Winterizing Boats Equipped with Optional
Flush Kit
Begin by performing a normal flushing of the engine.
With the boat out of the water:
• Locate the flush kit
connector on the
port side of the
transom, above the
swim platform.
NOTICE
Failure to protect the hull from excessive exposure to water or foul
weather can result in damage to the hull paint and gel coat that is not
covered under warranty.
NOTICE
Never use the ski pylon or tower as part of the lifting process. These
components are not designed to be utilized at any time or any point
in the lifting process. Never use the cleats for lifting either. Never lift
the boat with any water in the ballast or bilge systems of the boat.
The additional weight could cause failure also.