Malibu Boats Wakesetter 20VTX 2019 Owner's Manual

Contents

Malibu Boats Wakesetter 20VTX 2019 Owner's Manual Manual pdf 204 page image

2019 Malibu Boats, LLC Owner’s Manual • Page 191Storage and WinterizationBecause the process of preparing a boat for long-term storage(more than two [2] weeks) and/or winterization is extremely importantand takes some time to accomplish, this is often paired with theannual maintenance preparations. Regardless of timing, however,storage and winterization must never be overlooked, especially inclimates where the temperature will fall below freezing.If the boat will not be used for an extended period, regardlessof season, or if the boat will be left in water full-time during boatingseason, there are precautions which should be taken.Hull Gel CoatIf a boat will be left in the water all the time during boatingseason, Malibu recommends using a bottom, hull paint to protectit. Even with the highest-grade of gel coat, continuous exposure towater, even fresh water, will eventually result in damage to the finish.Therefore, in these circumstances, boat owners must protect thefinish with an approved hull paint. Your authorized Malibu dealer candirect you to the correct paint, and can actually do the preparation foryou.Failure to protect the hullfrom excessive exposure towater or foul weather canresult in damage to the hullpaint and gel coat that is not covered under warranty.Extended Non-UseIf a boat is not used for an extended period of time, anddepending on weather conditions, location, and other factors, thiscould be from two (2) weeks to one (1) month—or beyond—ownersshould remove the boat from the water if possible. Perform theexpected storage preparations, including removal of all ballast water,water from the bilge area, and periodically check the battery statusas certain automatic functions are performed even when the boat isout of the water and the battery switch is in the OFF position. It maybe necessary to occasionally charge the battery. (See informationabove and in the Electrical Components section of the Dashes andVideo Screens chapter of the Owner’s Manual regarding batterymaintenance and the proper way to ensure batteries remaincharged.)Lifting the BoatMany boat owners remove the boat from water by way of a trailer,which allows for transport as well as an excellent way to store theboat 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’sstructural unit. Over time, these components could potentially fail,which would not be covered under warranty.)However, some boaters, especially those who are privileged tolive on a shoreline or due to the methods of extracting boats fromspecific bodies of water, must lift the boat to suspend the boat or usea boat cradle.When the boat must be lifted, use the correct sling system orthe lifting eyes only. Never allow a lifting device to wrap around theunderwater gear as the weight of the boat could cause the slingto damage the gear. The boat may not be able to withstand thegravitational forces if the boat is not properly supported.Never use the ski pylon ortower as part of the liftingprocess. These componentsare not designed to beutilized at any time or any point in the lifting process.Never use the cleats for lifting either. Never lift the boatwith 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 shouldbe used to lift the boat, coupled with appropriately rated capacitystraps. Each strap has to be rated for the boat weight or higher. (Seethe Quick Reference Guide in this Owner’s Manual to determine theboat’s base weight, without any added gear.) Spreader bars shouldalso be used to prevent side loading of the stern eyes as well asdamage to the rub rail on the bow. When lifting the boat, keep thebow slightly higher than the stern to avoid having any water run intothe engine exhaust system.When using slings, an appropriately rated capacity overhead hoistis required. Multiple slings at least six (6) inches by twenty (20) feetshould be used. As with the lifting eye straps above, check the QuickReference Guide in this Owner’s Manual to determine the boat’s baseweight, without any added gear. An eight-foot spreader bar on eachsling will prevent side pressure to the deck or gunwale molding that cancause 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 thekeel. There can be no gaps between the hull and the cradle supports.Support of at least 500 square inches is required on boats of lesshttps://www.boat-manuals.com/