Stopping - Malibu Boats Wakesetter 20VTX 2019 Owner's Manual

unseen rudder operates from the steering wheel, but the actual
steering through the rudder is different from a car. Note that stern
control means that the boat will push away from the direction of the
turn. The bow will follow a smaller turning circle than the stern does.
Note that the propeller does not move the boat directly forward.
Due to the rotation (generally, counterclockwise), the boat's natural
progress will have a slight tracking to the port side (when in forward
gear) and starboard side when in reverse. At slower speeds, this
phenomenon is more pronounced. Depending also on the body
of water depth and width, it may be necessary for the operator to
compensate for this natural movement.

Stopping

The lack of brakes requires the operator to think more quickly
and react accordingly to avoid damaging contact with other boats,
docks and the shore. When stopping the boat, it is acceptable to
use reverse gear (much as airplanes use reverse thrust). This is a
technique that takes time and practice to master. Slamming from
forward to reverse gear can damage the system. Allow sufficient time
to move the shifter from forward to neutral, briefly pausing with each
shift, and then ease into reverse. Always slow to a no-wake speed
before attempting these shifts and do not shift into reverse if the boat
emergency safety switch as a method to stop the boat.
Doing so impairs the ability to restart the engine quickly
or it may create a hazardous swamping condition.
High Speed Maneuvers
Competitions may showcase the driving skills of professional
operators. Tempting as it may be to try the same kind of extraordinary
maneuvers, the vast majority of operators should avoid boating at
top speed. Professionals are trained to plan and prepare in the event
something goes wrong.
The engines are built and tuned to run at the optimum speed
range for water skiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing and similar
activities. Higher speeds are achievable but the intent is for only brief
bursts of speed in those instances where the Malibu operator needs
high-speed maneuvers of professional boat drivers can
lead to loss of control, damage to the boat and serious
2019 Malibu Boats, LLC Owner's Manual • Page 165
is moving faster than 2 mph (3.2
km/h).
Do not disconnect the
to move quickly to get out of a
potentially dangerous situation.
Attempting to replicate the
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injury or death to the operator and passengers.
Weather conditions and altitude can affect the best operating
range for the engine. If you feel that you are not getting the expected
performance from your boat, contact your authorized Malibu dealer
to discuss changing or adjusting the propeller to compensate. Do not
attempt to do this without assistance as it may void the boat and/or
engine warranty.
Special Conditions
Boating regularly on the same body of water will assist the
operator in anticipating conditions under normal circumstances. But
for boaters who try different locations or even in instances where
conditions are abnormal at a known location, operators should seek
advice from local sources. Do not launch when threatening weather
is in the area. If there has been recent flooding, there may be
additional floating debris. If a drought is occurring, a lowered water
level may result in submerged hazards becoming exposed.
Avoid brackish or weedy areas, too. The flora can become
entangled in the propeller and cause problems. Smaller material can
become lodged in the water intake for the engine and transmission.
Fouling from natural materials can result in damage to the drive train
that is not covered under warranty!
Towing and Interaction
Activities behind the boat require interaction between the driver,
an observer and the sport participant. See the Safety section of this
Owner's Manual for information about hand signals and safe pick-up
of a downed skier/boarder/swimmer. The driver is responsible for the
well-being of all aboard, plus any people outside the boat who are
engaged in sports that are a result of operating the boat.
Under normal circumstances, Malibu boats should not be used
to tow other boats. Towing other boats should be undertaken only as
a last resort, when other, more appropriate, towing is unavailable.
The stress caused by towing lines, along with the difficulty in
controlling the disabled boat, could cause damage to the towing boat
as well. Always attempt to secure assistance from shore and rescue
organizations such as the U.S. Coast Guard. Never tow a boat
that is the same size or larger. A tow line should attach only from
the stern eyes to the bow eye, with sufficient line to avoid contact
between the two boats. Do not use three-strand twisted nylon rope
as it has too much elasticity. Lines need to stay free of propellers on
both boats. Never hold on to the rope after it is taut.
Only boat operators with knowledge of correct technique should
undertake to tow. Move slowly to prevent strain on the line, and be
ready to cast loose or cut the line if conditions become hazardous.