2021 OWNER’S MANUAL | Get Ready
129
To Turn OFF – Response & TXi
On an ignition-only boat, turn the key to OFF. On a boat
equipped with a START-STOP button, press the button. If the
outing is done, also turn the key to OFF. Click the power button
to turn the system off on boats equipped with the power button.
(Failing to do so allows the electrical system to continue to
function; eventually, this will drain the battery or batteries.)
Note that, unlike a dry-land vehicle, turning OFF the boat does
not immediately stop its momentum. The boat will continue to
move. Shifting to neutral will slow progress, but allowance must
be made for continued movement. See information following
for suggestions regarding docking.
The power button is a safety measure. It allows the operator
an opportunity to briefly and visually check the electrical system
operation prior to starting. The key also reduces the likelihood
of theft of the boat or unauthorized use. Always remove and
take the key with you when the outing is done.
Break-In Period – All Boats
The first hours of the boat operation have critical
requirements for engine break-in. This information is contained
in the
Engine
section in the manual, where appropriate. Be
sure to review this information carefully. Failure to follow the
instructions will void the engine warranty!
With regard to the boat, pay close attention to the screens,
and monitor the readings. Pay particular attention to the oil
pressure and engine temperature information as these are the
earliest warnings when something is going wrong with the drive
train. Alarms will sound if serious problems are encountered.
Also, check carefully for leaks. The break-in period is the most
likely time for leaks to appear, whether fuel, oil, water, or exhaust.
Smart Operations
Newcomers to boating, especially boats the size of the Malibu
models, are strongly encouraged to take a U.S. Coast Guard
boating class before using the boat. Reading about boating
conditions and operations from websites such as the National
Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the many
yachting association sites can be very helpful.
Practice, practice, practice!
Begin in optimum weather
and water conditions, avoiding tight quarters until you are
comfortable. The boat actually steers more easily when the boat
is on plane. This is achieved by speeding up briskly from idle. By
throttling and increasing the speed, the boat will ride up higher
on the body of water. With less friction between boat hull and
water, the boat will maneuver more easily. At slower speeds, the
boat is less responsive, so practice is important to achieve the
kind of maneuverability that is desirable.
Remember that steering in a boat is from the rear (stern).
The 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 is moving
faster than 2 mph (3.2 km/h).
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 only
brief bursts of speed in those instances where the Malibu
operator needs to move quickly to get out of a potentially
dangerous situation.
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
Do not disconnect the 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.
!
WARNING
Attempting to replicate the high-speed maneuvers of professional boat
drivers can lead to loss of control, damage to the boat, and serious
injury or death to the operator and passengers.
DANGER
!
Summary of Contents for M240 2021
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Page 67: ...2021 OWNER S MANUAL Dashes Video Screens 53 DASHES TOUCH SCREENS ...
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