Storage And Winterization - Malibu Boats Wakesetter 20VTX 2019 Owner's Manual

Storage and Winterization

Because the process of preparing a boat for long-term storage
(more than two [2] weeks) 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.
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 information
above and in the Electrical Components section of the Dashes and
Video Screens chapter of the Owner's Manual regarding battery
maintenance and the proper way to ensure batteries remain
charged.)
2019 Malibu Boats, LLC Owner's Manual • Page 191
Failure to protect the hull
from excessive exposure to
water or foul weather can
result in damage to the hull
https://www.boat-manuals.com/
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.
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.) Spreader bars should
also be used to prevent side loading of the stern eyes as well as
damage to the rub rail on the bow. 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
Never use the ski pylon or
tower as part of the lifting
process. These components
are not designed to be