Malibu Boats Wakesetter 20VTX 2018, Owner'S Manual, Page: 169 / 200

Zinc anodes are affixed to the boat in several different areas. As noted in the How It Works section of this Owner’s Manual, the
anodes are self-sacrificing to preserve the boat. Although the anodes should be regularly checked for deterioration, during annual
maintenance it may be necessary to replace one or all of the anodes.
Storage and Winterization
Because the process of preparing a boat for long-term storage (more than 30 days) and/or winterization is extremely important
and takes some time to accomplish, this is often paired with the annual maintenance preparations. 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 actually do the preparation for you.
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.
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 above information 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 as long as 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.
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.
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 has to be rated for the boat weight or higher. (See the Quick Reference Guide in this Owner’s Manual
to determine the boat’s base weight, without any added gear.) 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 Owner’s Manual to determine
the boat’s base weight, without any added gear. An eight-foot spreader 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 has to provide proper support to the boat, meaning the boat cannot be supported by resting the hull on the keel.
There can be no gaps between the hull and the cradle supports. Support of at least 500 square inches is required on boats of less than
Malibu Owners Manual • 2018 • Care and Maintenance • Page 7-14