Malibu Boats Boat User Manual

Contents

Malibu Boats Boat User Manual Manual pdf 24 page image

1-16General Boating Safety TopicsSafe SpeedNavigation rules state that a boat be operated at a safe speed at all times. Determinationof a safe speed involves consideration of many factors, such as, but not limited to:• Boating activity (tubing, water skiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, etc.)• Boat traffic congestion• Water conditions• Environmental conditions (shore line, docks, and depth of water)• Weather• VisibilityThe boat should not be driven at a rate of speed faster than will allow it to be brought to afull stop within the operator’s field of view given the environmental conditions at thetime. Safe speed for the conditions and driver attention (lookout) are important factors inavoiding collisions which may cause injury or death. When in doubt it is prudent to slowdown within adequate time and distance so as to be able to assess the conditions andpaths of other boats.It is important to know the Rules of the Road, although do not assume that all boaters alsoknow the rules or that they will abide by them. Avoid collisions by constantly assessingthe ever-changing situation and be sure to make appropriate speed and course changesearly.Passenger SafetyThe operator of the boat is responsible for the safety of the passengers, all skiers/riders,as well as his/her own safety. Ensure that you and your passengers adhere to these safetyrecommendations:• Any time you take your boat out, make sure that there is at least one other passengeraboard who is familiar with the operation of your boat.• Ensure that all passengers are properly and securely seated in appropriate seatinglocations to avoid falling or falling overboard.• While the engine is running, and while the boat maneuvering, all occupants should beproperly seated. DO NOT stand while the boat is moving.• DO NOT sit on the engine box, seat backs, transom seating, sunpad, boardingplatform or gunnels while the boat is underway. You could fall overboard and be hitby the propeller, or another boat.• DO NOT allow objects, arms or legs, or any other body parts to hang over the bow orgunnels. Stay within the boat.• Passengers should not sit in locations that obstruct the operator’s visibility.• Persons and gear should be stowed in a way that distributes weight appropriately andin a manner that trims the boat properly (pitch angle). Excessive weight at either thebow or the stern relative to one another can cause trim problems leading to reduceddriver visibility, erratic steering, loss of control, or bow submergence andflooding/swamping.