Malibu Boats RESPONSE TXi 2021, Owner'S Manual

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8 Safety | 2021 OWNER’S MANUAL
Check periodically to ensure that the extinguisher is in working
condition and fully charged. Check local, state, and federal
agencies as to laws and regulations.
Horn or Whistle
All boats over 16 feet (4.8 meters) in length must be equipped
with an operable horn or whistle. Test the operation of the horn
periodically, to make sure it will sound when you need to alert
someone or another boat. The following are standard signals
when using a whistle or a horn:
One prolonged blast: Warning
One short blast: Pass on my port (left) side.
Two short blasts: Pass on my starboard (right) side.
Three short blasts: My engines are in reverse.
Five or more blasts: Danger!
Bilge Pump(s)
Bilge pump(s) are installed in your boat to remove water
that may accumulate in the bilge. Know the location of the
pump(s), where they discharge, and where switches are located.
Typically, there are manual switch and/or an automatic switch
positions(s). On boats equipped with the Viper II system, the
bilge pumps are controlled via the touch screen for manual
operation. Periodically test the operation of bilge pumps by
activating the manual switch and observing the water discharge.
It is best to leave the bilge pump switches in automatic mode, so
as not to allow excess water to unknowingly accumulate in the
bilge of your boat. If your bilge pump comes on too frequently
or continuously, investigate the source of leaking water (check
for hull damage, hose, or piping leaks, missing drain plug, exhaust
system, or ballast system failure, etc.) and/or return to shore.
Excess water in the bilge of your boat can cause loss of engine
power, sinking, and/or capsizing.
Visual Distress Signals
All vessels used on coastal waters, the Great Lakes, territorial
seas, and those waters connected directly to them up to a point
where a body of water is greater than two miles wide, must be
equipped with USCG approved visual distress signals Your dealer
or local authorities can help you select appropriate visual distress
signals for your area.
If you are required to carry distress signals, you must have
three USCG-approved pyrotechnic devices. Be sure they are
in serviceable condition, not exceeding the expiration date and
stored in a cool, dry location in a red or orange waterproof
container.
Recommended Safety Equipment
As a precaution, a prudent boater will avoid potential problems
on an outing by having additional equipment on board. Normally,
this equipment is dependent on the size and type of the body
of water and the length of the trip. Your dealer can assist you in
acquiring this additional equipment.
We recommend the following equipment:
• First aid kit and manual
• Anchor with at least 75 feet (23 meters) of line
• Mooring lines and fenders
• Bailing device (bucket, hand pump)
• Combination paddle/boat hook
• Local charts and compass
• Day/night distress signals
• Waterproof flashlight and spare batteries
• Cellular phone
• Waterproof container for cell phone
• GPS Global Positioning System
• Binoculars
• Portable AM/FM radio with weather band
• A non-electric horn or whistle
• Extra engine oil
• Tool kit
• Spare propeller and mounting hardware
• Spare fuses
• Spare keys
• Sunglasses and sun block lotion
GENERAL BOATING SAFETY
TOPICS
Safe Speed
Navigation rules state that a boat always be operated at a safe
speed. 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 (shoreline, 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)
! WARNING
Pyrotechnic signaling devices can cause fire and/or explosion, death,
serious injury, and property damage if improperly handled. Follow the
pyrotechnic manufacturer’s directions.