Malibu Boats RESPONSE TXi 2021, Owner'S Manual

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2021 OWNER’S MANUAL | Safety 27
failure, immediately shut off the engine. If it is safe to do so and
you are qualified, then try to determine the cause of the failure
and repair. Otherwise, call or signal for assistance. Anchor the
boat if drifting will put you and others in danger.
Towing
A recreational boat towing another should be a last resort
due to the potential for damaging one or both boats. The Coast
Guard or a private salvage company is better equipped for
this activity. A recreational boat may assist by standing by, and
possibly by keeping the disabled boat’s bow at a proper angle
until help arrives. Only when conditions are ideal—that is, waters
are calm, disabled boat is small, appropriate hardware is available,
and one or both skippers know the correct technique—should a
recreational boat tow another.
Towing Vessel
• Be sure your boat will not run aground too.
• Because you are maneuverable and the grounded boat is
not, you should pass the towline to the grounded boat.
• Select an appropriately strong tow line. Use double-braided
or braid-on-braid line. Never use three-strand twisted nylon;
it has too much elasticity and can snap back dangerously.
• Select an appropriate attachment point. If available fasten
the towline to the forward tow pylon of the towing boat.
Otherwise fasten tow line to stern tow point. Fastening
to the stern tow point will restrict maneuverability of the
towing boat.
• If possible, use a bridle.
• Move slowly to prevent sudden strain on slack line.
• Proceed at slow speed.
• Avoid abrupt changes in throttle as that may cause the tow
line to slacken and jerk tight. Sudden strain or jerking the
line causes excessive tow line forces which may part the
line. Keep slack out of the tow line, but if it occurs proceed
slowly to again take up the strain on the line and avoid
sudden jerks in the line.
• Be ready to cast loose or cut the line if the towing situation
becomes hazardous.
Vessel Being Towed
• Attach the towline to the bow eye.
• If it is necessary to be towed after being freed, keep
someone at the wheel to steer.
Both Vessels
• If you attach the towline to a fitting, be sure the fitting
is fastened with a through bolt and is reinforced on the
underside.
• Keep lines clear of propellers on both boats.
• Keep hands and feet clear of the other boat. Do not get
caught or pinched between the two boats as severe injury
could occur.
• Never hold a towline after it is pulled taut.
• Activate the bilge pump(s) to reduce any flooding.
• Try to operate the boat to keep the damaged area above
water.
• If necessary, call or signal for assistance.
• STAY WITH THE BOAT!
Grounding
In the event you run aground, assess the situation before
proceeding. Your response to grounding will depend on how hard
the boat hits bottom and whether the boat remains stranded,
the extent of damage, and proximity to shore and help.
• If it is a simple touch, you may only need to inspect the hull.
• If you are aground, assess the situation before reacting. In
some cases, throwing the boat into reverse can cause more
damage.
• Check for leaks and immediately stop any water from
entering the boat.
• Inspect the hull, steering system and propulsion system for
damage.
• Maneuver the boat to safe water only if the hull and all
operating systems are in satisfactory operating condition.
Otherwise, call or signal for assistance.
Person Overboard
Immediately react to a person who has fallen overboard by
sounding an alarm.
• Keep the victim constantly in your sight.
• If another passenger is on board, assign them to look at
and keep pointing at the person in the water. They are to
do nothing else but stay focused on the person in the water
and to point at them.
• Throw the person a life preserver even if they are wearing
a PFD. It will serve as a marker in the water and will provide
additional flotation.
• Immediately slow or stop the boat and safely circle toward
the victim as soon as possible.
• Keep the victim on the helm side of the vessel to keep the
victim constantly in your sight.
• When almost alongside, shut off the engine.
• Assist the person into the boat.
Drowning
• Swim to rescue a drowning victim only as a last resort.
• Immediate resuscitation is critical! It may be possible to
revive a drowning victim who has been under water for
some time and shows no sign of life. Start CPR immediately
and get the victim to a hospital as quickly as possible.
• Keep the victim warm.
• Use care in handling. Spinal injury may exist if the victim fell
overboard.
• Call and signal for help.
Medical Emergency
In an emergency, you may be far from professional medical
assistance. Be prepared and know how to use your first aid kit. Be
aware of any special medical conditions of your passengers.
Operation Failure
If you experience a propulsion, electrical, steering or control
Towing or being towed stresses the boats, hardware and lines. Failure
of any part can seriously injure people or damage the boat.
! WARNING