Axis Wake Research A20 User manual

axis
2016 Owners Manual
axis wake research
tennessee
5075 Kimberly Way
Loudon, TN 37774
[phone]
california
One Malibu Court
Merced, CA 95341
[phone]
australia
813 Hope Court
Albury, N.S.W. 2640
[phone]

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of a new high-performance recreational tow boat.
Your Axis Wake Research (“Axis”) boat by Malibu Boats LLC has been constructed to
meet and/or exceed all U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and National Marine Manufacturers
Association (NMMA) requirements applicable at the time of its manufacture. However,
it is still your responsibility as the boat owner to ensure the boat is operated in a safe
manner and is properly maintained.
Before operating this vessel, please take the time to get acquainted with the vessel and
its various features and controls. We recommend that you carefully read and familiarize
yourself with this Owner’s Manual and all on-product safety labels prior to operating
your new watercraft. This manual contains important information on Boating Safety,
Boating Rules, Proper Operation and Maintenance of your boat. This manual provides a
guideline for proper operation and maintenance of your boat, and you should consider it
a permanent part of your vessel. In the event that this boat is sold, this manual should be
included along with the boat to ensure that it will provide the same important information
to the next owner.
copyright july 2015, malibu boats llc, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THIS
OWNER’S
MANUAL
The recommended practices and warnings in this manual represent sound ad-
vice for recreational boating and identify common risks encountered by boaters
engaging in towed watersport activities. Read and understand the contents of this
manual. Ask questions of a boating professional if anything in this manual does
not make sense to you. The manual does not cover all instances of risk or danger,
so please use common sense and good judgment when boating. If you follow the
advice provided in this manual you will significantly reduce risk to yourself, your
passengers, towed participants, and other boaters.
This manual is not intended to be a substitute for taking a course on boating
safety nor is it a substitute for boating experience. It is recommended that if you
are unfamiliar with the use and operation of a boat you seek advice and training
from a qualified individual or organization. Check with your local marine law
enforcement agency or dealer for more information about boating safety classes
in your area.
The precautions listed in this manual and on the boat are not all-inclusive. If a
procedure or method is not specifically recommended, YOU must be satisfied that it
is safe for you and your passengers, and that the boat will not be damaged or made
unsafe as a result of your decision. Remember - always use caution and common
sense when operating and maintaining your boat!
ABOUT YOUR NEW BOAT
Malibu is proud to provide you with the most exciting, cutting-edge technology
available in the towing-boat industry. The boat you have purchased represents the
state of the art at the time of manufacture. As you may expect from the industry’s
leader since 1982, Malibu expands and innovates continually. As a result, updated
product or specifications may be introduced during any given model year. Malibu
reserves the right to introduce new product or changes to existing model lines
without notification or incurring responsibility to make the same changes to boats
in the market completed prior to the date of change.
This Owner’s Manual has been compiled to address as many potential issues
and questions as may arise in addition to explaining how to operate the boat and
its systems correctly and safely as possible to ensure long-term and enjoyable
use. However, Malibu cannot anticipate every potential situation that can arise,
aecting the care and protection of your boat, nor every circumstance that
could arise in the operation or care of the boat when not in use. Malibu strongly
recommends reading and and all additional information provided by component
manufacturers’ and supplied with the boat at time of purchase. Also check out
websites for Malibu and its component manufacturers periodically to stay abreast
of any changes, updates, service bulletins and general information. Malibu will
use these various methods of communication, from this Owner’s Manual and
including, but not limited to, direct mail contact and website updates, to make
every reasonable eort to apprise you of the information you will need to continue
long-term and highly satisfactory use of your boat.

Safety
Embracing Safety...............................................1-2
Signal Words and Symbols Used In This Manual ..........1-2
Basic Safety Rules ......................................................... 1-2
Pre-OperaonCheckList–BeforeLeavingtheDock .....1-2
PrecauonsWhileUnderway.......................................1-3
Safety While Maintaining the Vessel ............................1-5
Owner Responsibility and Boating
Education...................................................................1-6
ImportantSafetyInformaon.......................................1-6
ResponsibiliesofBoatOwnerandOperators ............1-6
Registraon ..................................................................1-6
Insurance......................................................................1-7
BoangSafetyEducaonOpportunies ......................1-7
OperaonbyMinorsandLicensing..............................1-7
Safety and Required Equipment............1-7
NavigaonLights ..........................................................1-8
EmergencySafetyStopSwitch .....................................1-8
PersonalFlotaonDevices ...........................................1-9
FireExnguisher.........................................................1-10
Horn or Whistle ..........................................................1-10
Bilge Pump(s)..............................................................1-10
VisualDistressSignals.................................................1-10
RecommendedSafetyEquipment ..............................1-11
General Boating Safety Topics ..............1-11
Safe Speed..................................................................1-11
Passenger Safety.........................................................1-11
CarbonMonoxideSafety............................................1-12
ProperLoading ...........................................................1-14
WeighngYourBoatDuringWatersportAcvies.....1-14
Visibility of the Operator ............................................1-15
BoangUndertheInuence ......................................1-16
Product Misuse...........................................................1-16
ReporngAccidents ...................................................1-16
RenderingAssistance..................................................1-16
HazardousCondions.................................................1-16
EnvironmentalConcerns ............................................1-17
On Product Warning Labels.....................1-19
WarningLabels&Locaons .......................................1-19
Basic Rules of the Road..............................1-22
BoangRegulaons....................................................1-22
EncounteringAnotherVessel .....................................1-22
PrivilegedVessel.........................................................1-22
Burdened Vessel.........................................................1-22
Crossing ......................................................................1-22
MeengHead-On.......................................................1-23
Overtaking.................................................................. 1-24
TheGeneralPrudenalRule.......................................1-24
Other Rules of the Road .............................................1-24
AidstoNavigaon ......................................................1-24
Night Running.............................................................1-27
Watersports Safety........................................ 1-28
Hand Signals ...............................................................1-29
TowedPersonSafetyResponsibilies.........................1-30
AddionalPrecauonsforTowedSkier/Rider............1-30
TowLineGuidelines....................................................1-31
FallenSkierorRider....................................................1-32
DevelopWATERSENSE ............................................... 1-32
Emergency Procedures..............................1-34
ExplosionandFire ...........................................................1-34
SwampingandFlooding ..................................................1-35
Capsizing..........................................................................1-35
StayingAoat ..................................................................1-35
Collisions .........................................................................1-35
Grounding........................................................................1-36
PersonOverboard ...........................................................1-36
Drowning.........................................................................1-36
MedicalEmergency .........................................................1-36
OperaonFailure.............................................................1-36
Towing .............................................................................1-36

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Functionality
Quick Reference Guide..................................2-2
A20 ...........................................................................2-2
A22 ...........................................................................2-4
A24 ...........................................................................2-6
T22 ...........................................................................2-8
T23 .........................................................................2-10
Recommended Seating Guides...........2-12
Instrument Panel and Gauges..............2-14
The Axis Dash ........................................................2-14
Accessory Switches................................................2-14
Basic Electrical Components..................................2-18
Batteries .................................................................2-18
Battery Charger ......................................................2-19
12-Volt Receptacle .................................................2-19
Alarms ....................................................................2-19
Gauges...................................................................2-21
Speedometer..........................................................2-21
Tachometer.............................................................2-22
How It Works......................................................2-26
Safety First............................................................2-26
Fire Extinguishing Equipment.................................2-26
Emergency Engine Stop Switch .............................2-27
Lighting...................................................................2-27
Tie-Ups ...................................................................2-28
Horn........................................................................2-29
Mirror ......................................................................2-29
Interior Performance ............................................2-30
Steering Wheel.......................................................2-30
Shifter/Throttle........................................................2-30
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) ...........................2-31
Pylon(s) ..................................................................2-32
Interior Luxury ......................................................2-32
Stereo Components................................................2-32
Seating ...................................................................2-32
Heated Driver’s Seat ..............................................2-33
Glove Box...............................................................2-33
Storage Compartment ............................................2-34
Removable Cooler..................................................2-34
Cupholders .............................................................2-34
Carpet and Non-Skid Deck Traction.......................2-35
Grab Handles .........................................................2-35
Heater.....................................................................2-35
Tower, Canvas & Accessories.............................2-36
G3.2 Tower .............................................................2-36
Tower Accessories..................................................2-37
On and Under the Water ........................................2-39
Blower System........................................................2-39
Bilge System...........................................................2-40
Ballast System........................................................2-41
Auto-Set Wedge .....................................................2-42
Surf Gate ................................................................2-43
Rudder, Fin, Strut, Propeller, Paddle-Wheel,
and Raw Water Intake/Sea Strainer .....................2-44

Swim Platform and Ladder .....................................2-45
Salt Water Series ..................................................2-46
Get Ready
Axis Fuel System......................................................3-2
Starting and Operation...........................................3-4
Starting .....................................................................3-4
Break-In Period.........................................................3-5
Smart Operations .....................................................3-5
Stopping ...................................................................3-5
High Speed Maneuvers............................................3-6
Special Conditions....................................................3-6
Towing and Interaction..............................................3-6
Anchoring .................................................................3-7
Docking and Tie-Up..................................................3-7
Safeguarding the Axis
Experience
Care and Maintenance..................................4-2
On-Going Care........................................................4-2
General Cleaning......................................................4-2
Canvas .....................................................................4-2
Upholstery ................................................................4-5
Approved Cleaners for Axis Upholstery....................4-6
Carpets and Mats .....................................................4-7
Swim Platform ..........................................................4-7
Hull and Deck Finishes.............................................4-7
Stainless Steel, Chrome and Aluminum
Components ...........................................................4-8
Routine Maintenance .............................................4-9
Before Starting the Engine .....................................4-10
Inspect the Sea Strainer.........................................4-10
Check the Battery Holders and Connections..........4-10
Check for Odors ..................................................... 4-11
After Starting the Engine....................................4-12
Check for Odors, Particularly from
Exhaust Emissions .......................4-12
Be Certain the Battery Registers
as Fully Charged and There is
Sufcient Fuel for the Outing.....................4-12
After the Outing........................................4-12
Give the Engine Compartment a General
Inspection .......................................................4-12
Check Other Components......................................4-13
Note How Much Fuel and Battery Charge
Were Used............................................................4-13
Clean the Boat........................................................4-13
After 50 Hours on the Hourmeter.......................4-13
Check the Safety Equipment..................................4-13
Oil Change..............................................................4-13
After 100 Hours on the Hourmeter......................4-13
Engine Mounts........................................................4-14
Exhaust Flap...........................................................4-14
Steering System .....................................................4-14
Shift and Throttle System .......................................4-14
Battery ....................................................................4-14
Pumps ....................................................................4-14
Fuel System............................................................4-15
Oil System ..............................................................4-15
Check the Safety Equipment..................................4-15
Salt Water Boats.....................................................4-15
Storage and Winterization ...................................4-16
Hull Paint ................................................................4-16
Extended Non-Use .................................................4-16
Lifting the Boat........................................................4-16
Extended Storage...................................................4-17
Axis Wake Research
Limited Warranty
Limited Warranty...............................................5-2
Troubleshooting............................................... 5-10
General...................................................................5-10
Gauges, Switches and Video Screens ...................5-10
Electrical................................................................. 5-11
Battery Failure ........................................................ 5-11
Alarms .................................................................... 5-11
Bilge and Ballast.....................................................5-12
Blower System........................................................5-12
Steering System .....................................................5-12
The Auto-Set Wedge and Surf Gates .....................5-13
Lights......................................................................5-13
Service Log............................................................5-14
Index............................................................................5-16

SAFETY
Above all else, boat owners and operators must consider
the safety and well-being of all on-board, as well as others
on the body of water. Axis cannot ancipate every situaon
that may arise while boang, but the following informaon
is provided to give you the basis for safe enjoyment of your
boat.
Read all the material contained and apply it to your
boang experience.