Malibu Boats Wakesetter 20VTX 2019, Owner'S Manual

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2019 Malibu Boats, LLC Owner’s Manual • Page 7
• Attach the emergency cutoff switch lanyard to the boat operator
when operating the boat.
• Maintain a proper course and safe speed at all times to avoid collisions.
• Maintain a lookout for other boats, swimmers and obstructions in
the water.
• Operate slowly in congested areas such as marinas and mooring areas.
• Keep a safe distance from other boats, swimmers, personal
watercraft, docks, and fixed objects.
• Look before you turn/maneuver the boat so as to avoid potential
collisions with oncoming or overtaking vessels.
• Be aware that this boat is a high-performance boat and is
capable of quick, tight turns and changes in direction. Familiarize
yourself with the handling characteristics of the boat. It is the
operator’s responsibility to operate the boat in a manner that
ensures the safety of all passengers. Abrupt maneuvers may
result in the ejection of unsecured, unseated, or improperly
positioned passengers. Verbally warn passengers before making
quick, tight turns so they may have time to grasp a handrail,
hand-hold, or portion of the boat.
• Be aware that your boat will handle differently depending on
loading and on-board weight distribution.
• Ensure that all passengers are properly and securely seated in
appropriate seating locations to avoid falling or falling overboard.
• Instruct and ensure that passengers remain properly seated at all
times while the boat is in motion above idle speed.
• Not allow passengers to sit on the transom, seat backs, engine
cover or sides of the boat while the engine is running and the
boat is in motion to avoid falling overboard.
• Not allow passengers to sit in a position that obstructs the
operator’s view.
• NEVER leave children unattended and in the boat without adult
supervision.
• Have children riding in the bow of the boat be accompanied by an
adult in the bow and ensure that all remain seated when the boat
is in motion.
• Not let passengers occupy seats which may be in the path of the tow line.
• Slow down when crossing waves or wakes in order to
minimize the impact on passengers and the boat. Crossing
waves or wakes at an angle (such as 45 degrees) rather than
perpendicularly will reduce the severity of the impact. Avoid rough
water, large waves and large wakes from other boats when at
high speed. Jumping waves/wakes or slamming the bow will
cause large vertical impacts which may cause injury to occupants
or cause ejections.
• For safe towing (water skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, wake
surfing, knee boarding, etc.) be experienced and have an
observer [an observer or “spotter” is required by law in most
states]. A rear view mirror is helpful if you are allowed to tow
without an observer in your state.
• Avoid letting tow lines or mooring lines wrap around anyone’s
body parts/limbs. Doing so could allow body parts/limbs to
become entangled in the line and could cause significant injury,
such as amputations.
• Keep track of tow lines and dock lines so that they do not
become entangled in the propeller. A tow line will wrap quickly
around a spinning propeller and is capable of immobilizing the
boat and dragging a person entangled in the tow line underwater
or causing amputations. Shut off the engine if a tow line has
potential for wrapping in the propeller.
• The tower is designed to pull a single individual. Please consult
the remainder of this manual and/or warning labels on the tower
for details.
DO NOT climb, sit on, stand on or jump/dive off of the
tower. Tow line may loop on inverted tricks. DO NOT sit behind
the pulling point of the tower.
• NEVER allow any type of spark or open flame on board. It may
result in fire or explosion.
• Avoid grounding the boat: Be familiar with local conditions and
water depth. If you are uncertain, then proceed slowly with
caution. Sudden groundings from planing speeds may cause
rapid decelerations and cause occupants to impact the boat and/
or to be ejected from the boat. Boat damage may also occur.
• Always watch for low obstacles such as tree limbs, bridges or
power lines, especially in boats with tow towers.
• Seek shelter from open water if there is threat of lightning or
severe weather.
• NEVER dive from the boat without being absolutely sure of
the depth of the water. Severe injury or death may occur from
striking the bottom or submerged objects. Striking the bottom or
a submerged object while diving head first can cause paralysis,
head injury or death.
• Provide assistance to other boaters in distress while ensuring the
safety of your own passengers.
• When you leave the boat, take the keys with you. This will keep
untrained and unauthorized persons from operating the boat.
(This will not be applicable on some keyless ignition systems.)
Safety While Maintaining the Vessel
Failure to follow these
precautions may result in
severe injury or death to you
and/or others.
The operator shall:
• Visually inspect the engine compartment and ventilate after
refueling.
• Inspect fuel system regularly. Examine fuel tanks, hoses and
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