Malibu Boats RESPONSE TXi 2021, Owner'S Manual

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2021 OWNER’S MANUAL | Safety 13
will be best prepared to avoid these hazards if you are familiar
with the waterway where you are boating. Whenever possible
familiarize yourself with navigation charts, depth charts,
and waterway maps before you go boating. The following
information outlines some of the most common hazards which
may be encountered:
Shallow Water Operation
Shallow water brings on obvious hazards such as sand bars,
stumps, rocks, etc. Know the area in which you will be oper-
ating the boat. Grounding the vessel or striking submerged
objects can result in serious injury or death and can cause
severe damage to your watercraft. At high speed, this can
cause rapid deceleration or stop your boat abruptly, which
may cause occupants to impact the interior of the boat or be
ejected. Stick to deeper water whenever possible, and if you
must travel in shallow water, proceed at low speed and post
a lookout.
Know the minimal depth your boat can safely travel.
Warning Markers
Learn to recognize the different buoys and day markers;
they are used as the signposts of the waterways identifying
navigable routes and water hazards. It is a good idea to ask
local authorities about hazard areas and if they are marked.
Stay within boundaries and clear of hazards.
Weeds
Weeds can generally be a threat to a boat’s engine and
other components on the boat. If weeds wrap around the
propeller, they can create vibration in the engine. They also
can restrict water intakes or clog the water filter, causing the
engine to overheat. Learn to recognize the typical normal
operating temperature range for your engine. If tempera-
ture rises high above normal, then check for blockage of the
engine cooling water system.
Dam Spillways
The area around dam spillways is very hazardous and con-
ditions can change rapidly. Keep clear of the spillways and
areas below dams. Currents created by spillways can draw in
objects, including your boat.
Restricted Areas
Before boating, check with local, state, and federal author-
ities to identify restricted areas. Because of the threat of
terrorism, the USCG has and will continue to implement strict
limits on watercraft near U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships and
other potential targets.
Weather/Seas
Learn and understand weather patterns and signs of
change. Bad weather can cause an uncomfortable and unsafe
situation. If a storm approaches, seek a safe harbor. Check
forecasts before getting underway and continue to monitor
conditions while on the water.
Environmental Concerns
As a boater, you already appreciate nature’s beauty and the
peace of the great outdoors. It is a boater’s responsibility to
protect the natural environment by keeping waterways clean.
Foreign Species
If you trailer your boat from lake to lake, you have the
potential of unknowingly introducing a foreign aquatic spe-
cies from one lake to the next. It is important to thoroughly
clean the bottom of the boat below the water line, remove all
weeds and algae, and drain the bilge, ballast, and livewells be-
fore launching the boat in a new body of water. Check local,
state, country agencies as to laws and regulations.
Fuel/Oil Spillage
The spilling of fuel or oil into our waterways contaminates
the environment and is dangerous to wildlife. DO NOT EVER
discharge or dispose of fuel, oil, or other chemicals into the
water; it is prohibited and can result in fines. These are three
common, accidental types of discharge:
• During initial fueling of a nearly empty tank
• Overfilling the fuel tanks
• Pumping contaminated bilge water
Discharge/Disposal of Waste
Waste means all forms of garbage, plastics, recyclables,
food, wood, detergents, sewerage, and even fish parts in
certain waters—in short, nearly everything. We recommend
you bring back everything you take out with you for proper
disposal ashore.
Excessive Noise
Noise means engine noise, radio noise, loud conversation,
or even yelling. Many bodies of water have adopted noise
limits. Noise can carry a considerable distance on water,
especially at night. Be sure to follow regulations and be
courteous.
Speed/Wake/Wash
Be alert for NO WAKE zones. You are responsible for any
damage or injury caused by your wake/wash. Prior to enter-
ing a NO WAKE zone, reduce throttle, come off plane to the
slowest steerable speed. Use caution when operating around
smaller crafts, in channels and marinas, and in congested
areas.
NOTICE
Weeds can sometimes be removed by shifting to NEUTRAL, pausing
for a moment, then shifting to REVERSE to unwind the weeds from
the propeller.
! WARNING
Fumes from rags can collect in the bilge and pose an extremely
hazardous fire and explosion risk, which can result in injury or death.
Never store rags used to wipe up fuel or solvent spills in the boat.
Dispose of rags properly ashore.