Axis A20 User manual

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.
Prior to operating the boat for the rst time, you must
carefully read and familiarize yourself with this Owner’s
Manual and all on-product safety labels. You must also agree to
comply with Federal, State and Local Boating Regulations.
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.

about this owner’smanual
The recommended practices and warnings in this manual represent sound advice 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 signicantly 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 qualied 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 specically recommended, YOU must be satised 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
Axis 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, Axis expands and innovates
continually. As a result, updated product or specications may be introduced during any given model year. Malibu reserves the right to introduce new
product or changes to existing model lines without notication 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, Axis 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. Axis strongly recommends reading any and all additional information provided by component manufacturers’ and supplied with the
boat at time of purchase. Also check out websites for Axis and its component manufacturers periodically to stay abreast of any changes, updates,
service bulletins and general information. Axis 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.

table of contents
safety
Embracing Safety.......................................................................................................................4
Signal Words and Symbols Used in This Manual......................................................................4
Basic Safety Rules.....................................................................................................................4
Pre-Operation Check List–Before Leaving the Dock ................................................................5
Precautions While Underway....................................................................................................5
Safety While Maintaining the Vessel........................................................................................7
Owner Responsibility and Boating Education .........................................................................8
Important Safety Information..................................................................................................8
Responsibilities of Boat Owner and Operators ........................................................................8
Registration ..............................................................................................................................9
Insurance ............................................................................................................................... 10
Boating Safety Education Opportunities............................................................................... 10
Operation by Minors and Licensing ....................................................................................... 11
Safety and Required Equipment.............................................................................................. 11
Navigation Lights................................................................................................................... 12
Emergency Safety Stop Switch.............................................................................................. 12
Personal Flotation Devices.................................................................................................... 13
Fire Extinguisher.................................................................................................................... 14
Horn or Whistle ...................................................................................................................... 15
Bilge Pump(s)......................................................................................................................... 15
Visual Distress Signals........................................................................................................... 15
Recommended Safety Equipment......................................................................................... 16
General Boating Safety Topics............................................................................................... 16
Safe Speed ............................................................................................................................. 16
Passenger Safety................................................................................................................... 17
Carbon Monoxide Safety........................................................................................................ 17
Proper Loading....................................................................................................................... 19
Weighting Your Boat During Watersport Activities............................................................... 20
Visibility of the Operator ....................................................................................................... 21
Boating Under the Inuence.................................................................................................. 21
Product Misuse ...................................................................................................................... 22
Reporting Accidents............................................................................................................... 22
Rendering Assistance ............................................................................................................ 22
Hazardous Conditions............................................................................................................ 22
Environmental Concerns ....................................................................................................... 23
On Product Warning Labels .................................................................................................... 25
Warning Labels and Locations............................................................................................... 25
Basic Rules of the Road........................................................................................................... 28
Boating Regulations .............................................................................................................. 28
Encountering Another Vessel ................................................................................................ 28
Privileged Vessel.................................................................................................................... 28
Burdened Vessel .................................................................................................................... 29
Crossing ................................................................................................................................. 29
Meeting Head-On................................................................................................................... 29
Overtaking ............................................................................................................................. 29
The General Prudential Rule.................................................................................................. 30
Other Rules of the Road......................................................................................................... 30
Aids to Navigation.................................................................................................................. 30
Night Running ........................................................................................................................ 33

Watersports Safety................................................................................................................. 35
Hand Signals .......................................................................................................................... 36
Towed Person Safety Responsibilities .................................................................................. 37
Additional Precautions for Towed Skier/Rider ...................................................................... 38
Tow Line Guidelines ............................................................................................................... 39
Fallen Skier or Rider............................................................................................................... 39
Develop Water Sense............................................................................................................. 40
Emergency Procedures ........................................................................................................... 42
Explosion and Fire.................................................................................................................. 42
Swamping and Flooding ........................................................................................................ 43
Capsizing................................................................................................................................ 43
Staying Aoat......................................................................................................................... 43
Collisions................................................................................................................................ 43
Grounding .............................................................................................................................. 44
Person Overboard.................................................................................................................. 44
Drowning................................................................................................................................ 45
Medical Emergency................................................................................................................ 45
Operation Failure ................................................................................................................... 45
Towing.................................................................................................................................... 45
quick reference guide
A20 ........................................................................................................................................... 50
A22 ........................................................................................................................................... 52
A24 ........................................................................................................................................... 54
T22............................................................................................................................................ 56
T23............................................................................................................................................ 58
Recommended Seating ........................................................................................................... 60
dashes & video screens
The Axis Instrument Panel ..................................................................................................... 64
Gauges ................................................................................................................................... 64
Center Screen......................................................................................................................... 65
Main Menu.............................................................................................................................. 65
Accessory Buttons ................................................................................................................. 70
Basic Electrical Components ................................................................................................. 74
Circuit Breakers ..................................................................................................................... 74
Fuse Box................................................................................................................................ 75
Electrical Harnesses & Wiring............................................................................................... 75
Batteries................................................................................................................................ 75
Other Electrical Components................................................................................................ 79
12-Volt Receptacle................................................................................................................. 79
Port Rear Breaker Board ....................................................................................................... 80
Surf Band............................................................................................................................... 80
Alarms ................................................................................................................................... 81
how it works
Safety First.............................................................................................................................. 82
Fire Extinguishing Equipment ............................................................................................... 82
Emergency Engine Stop Switch ............................................................................................. 83
Lighting .................................................................................................................................. 84
Tie-Ups................................................................................................................................... 85
Horn ....................................................................................................................................... 86
Mirror ..................................................................................................................................... 87
Fuel Fill................................................................................................................................... 87

Interior Performance .............................................................................................................. 88
Steering Wheel....................................................................................................................... 88
Shifter/Throttle...................................................................................................................... 88
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) ........................................................................................... 89
Pylon(s) .................................................................................................................................. 89
Interior Luxury ........................................................................................................................ 90
Stereo Components ............................................................................................................... 90
Seating ................................................................................................................................... 90
Glove Box ............................................................................................................................... 92
Storage Compartments ......................................................................................................... 92
Removable Cooler.................................................................................................................. 93
Cup Holders............................................................................................................................ 93
Carpets and Non-Skid Deck Traction..................................................................................... 94
Grab Handles.......................................................................................................................... 94
Heater .................................................................................................................................... 95
Tower, Canvas & Accessories.................................................................................................. 96
Tower Lights........................................................................................................................... 98
Bimini Top .............................................................................................................................. 99
G-Force Icon 7 Tower Speakers or G-Force Rev 8 Speakers with Horn................................. 99
Clamping Spinner Board Racks or Ski Rack........................................................................... 99
Tower Mirror......................................................................................................................... 100
On and Under the Water........................................................................................................ 100
Blower System ..................................................................................................................... 100
Bilge System ........................................................................................................................ 101
Ballast System ..................................................................................................................... 103
Power Wedge ....................................................................................................................... 106
Auto-Set Wedge................................................................................................................... 106
Surf Gate .............................................................................................................................. 106
Underwater Gear (Rudder, Fins, Strut, Propeller, Paddlewheel and
Raw-Water Intake/Sea Strainer)...................................................................................... 107
Swim Platform and Ladders ................................................................................................ 109
Salt Water Series.................................................................................................................. 110
trailers
Reporting Safety Defects .................................................................................................... 114
Legal Requirements for Towing........................................................................................... 114
Basic Safety Rules................................................................................................................ 114
Connections to the Tow Vehicle ........................................................................................... 115
Preparation .......................................................................................................................... 115
Trailer Hitch.......................................................................................................................... 115
Safety Cables ....................................................................................................................... 116
Breakaway Cable.................................................................................................................. 116
Weight Distribution.............................................................................................................. 117
How to Connect to the Tow Vehicle...................................................................................... 117
Attaching to the Tow Vehicle ............................................................................................... 117
To Open the Coupler............................................................................................................. 118
To Close the Coupler ............................................................................................................ 118
Hitching Up........................................................................................................................... 119
Connecting to the Boat ......................................................................................................... 119
Trailer Winch ........................................................................................................................ 119
Tie-Downs............................................................................................................................ 120

Trailer Components and How They Function ...................................................................... 120
Trailer Jack ........................................................................................................................... 120
Lights ................................................................................................................................... 121
Axles..................................................................................................................................... 122
Wheels and Hubs ................................................................................................................. 122
Lug Nuts............................................................................................................................... 123
Tires ..................................................................................................................................... 123
Brakes .................................................................................................................................. 124
Towing Advice........................................................................................................................ 127
Prior to Towing..................................................................................................................... 127
Pre-Tow Check List............................................................................................................... 127
Underway............................................................................................................................. 128
Launching and Re-Loading the Boat from the Trailer........................................................ 128
When the Trailer Is Not in Use .............................................................................................. 129
get ready
Get Ready............................................................................................................................... 134
Axis Fuel System.................................................................................................................. 134
Final Checks Before Starting ............................................................................................... 135
Starting and Operation........................................................................................................ 135
Starting ................................................................................................................................ 136
Break-In Period .................................................................................................................... 137
Smart Operations ................................................................................................................ 137
Stopping............................................................................................................................... 137
High Speed Maneuvers ........................................................................................................ 138
Special Conditions................................................................................................................ 138
Towing and Interaction........................................................................................................ 138
Anchoring............................................................................................................................. 139
Docking and Tie-Up ............................................................................................................. 139
care & maintenance
On-Going Care........................................................................................................................ 144
General Cleaning.................................................................................................................. 144
Canvas.................................................................................................................................. 144
Upholstery ........................................................................................................................... 147
Approved Cleaners for Axis Upholstery............................................................................... 149
Carpets and Mats ................................................................................................................. 150
Swim Board .......................................................................................................................... 150
Hull and Deck Finishes......................................................................................................... 150
Stainless Steel, Chrome and Aluminum Components......................................................... 151
Routine Maintenance ............................................................................................................ 152
Before Starting the Engine................................................................................................... 153
Inspect the Sea Strainer ...................................................................................................... 153
Check the Battery Holders and the Connections................................................................. 154
Check for Odors ................................................................................................................... 154
After Starting the Engine ..................................................................................................... 155
Check for Odors, Particularly From Exhaust Emissions...................................................... 155
Be Certain that the Battery Registers as Fully Charged and
That There Is Suicient Fuel for the Outing .................................................................. 155

After the Outing .................................................................................................................... 156
General Inspection............................................................................................................... 156
Check the Other Components.............................................................................................. 156
Fuel and Battery Usage ....................................................................................................... 157
Clean the Boat...................................................................................................................... 157
Salt Water/Brackish Water Extra Attention......................................................................... 157
Flushing the Engine ............................................................................................................. 160
After 50 Hours on the Hourmeter ........................................................................................ 161
Check the Safety Equipment ............................................................................................... 161
Change the Oil...................................................................................................................... 161
After 100 Hours or Annually (whichever comes rst) ........................................................ 161
Engine Mounts ..................................................................................................................... 161
Exhaust Flap ........................................................................................................................ 162
Steering System................................................................................................................... 162
Shift and Throttle System.................................................................................................... 162
Battery (ies) ......................................................................................................................... 163
Pumps .................................................................................................................................. 163
Fuel System ......................................................................................................................... 164
Oil System ............................................................................................................................ 164
Check the Safety Equipment ............................................................................................... 164
Power Wedge and Surf Gate Manual Extension and Retraction ......................................... 165
Salt Water Boats .................................................................................................................. 165
Storage and Winterization ................................................................................................... 166
Hull Gel Coat......................................................................................................................... 166
Extended Non-Use............................................................................................................... 166
Lifting the Boat .................................................................................................................... 166
Extended Storage ................................................................................................................ 167
warranty
Axis Wake Research Limited Warranty................................................................................ 172
Warranty Transfer ................................................................................................................ 183
California and U.S. EPA Emission Control Warranty Statement........................................ 184
Troubleshooting the Boat .................................................................................................... 187
Troubleshooting the Trailer................................................................................................. 190
Service Log............................................................................................................................. 192
Index ...................................................................................................................................... 194

safety

embracing safety
 Throughoutthismanualspecicprecautionsandsymbolsidentifysafety-related
information.YouwillndDANGER, CAUTION, WARNING, NOTICEandSAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
symbolswhichrequirespecialattention.Pleasereadthemcarefullyandfollowthese
precautionsasindicated!Theywillexplainhowtoavoidhazardsthatmayendangeryou,your
passengers,towedparticipants,andotherboaters.PLEASE REVIEW ALL SAFETY INFORMATION.
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate
injury.
NOTICE is used to address practices not related to physical injury.
Safety instructions (or equivalent) signs indicate specic safety-related
instructions or procedures.
Make sure you understand all of the operating instructions prior to attempting to operate
this boat.Boating-relatedaccidentsaregenerallycausedbytheoperator’sfailuretofollow
basicsafetyrulesorwrittenprecautions.Mostaccidentscanbeavoidedif
theoperatoriscompletelyfamiliarwiththeboatanditsoperation,follows
recommendedpractices,andisabletorecognizeandavoidpotentially
hazardoussituations.
Past accident data shows that most fatalities involve actions which cause
falls or ejections overboard, mishaps with towed persons, propeller strikes,
collisions, and carbon monoxide exposure. Past accident data shows that
most injuries are associated with collisions, mishaps with towed persons,
falls or ejections overboard, being struck by the propeller, and res and
explosions. Theseincidentsaremostlycausedbyoperatorinattention,
operatorinexperience,recklessoperation,alcohol/druguse,excessivespeed,
passengerortowedpersonbehavior,andviolationofnavigationrules.
Failure to observe the safety recommendations contained in this manual
may result in severe personal injury or death to you or to others. Usecautionandcommonsense
whenoperatingyourboat.Don’ttakeunnecessarychances!Basicsafetyrulesareoutlinedinthis
sectionofthemanual.
signal words
and symbols
used
in this manual
basic
safety
rules
Axis
Owners
Manual
2019
Page 4

Failure to follow these precautions may result in
severe injury or death to you and/or others.
The operator shall:
• Checkthatweatherconditionsaresafeforboating.Itisthedriver’s
responsibilitytodetermineifweatherorotherfactorshavecreatedan
unsafeboatingenvironment.Boatersmustcontinuouslybeawareof
weatherconditions.Suddenstorms,wind,waterconditions,lightning,
etc.,canunexpectedlyputboatersingravedanger.Alwayscheckthelocal
weatherreportbeforegoingboating.
• Checkthatdrainplugsaresecurelyinplace.
• Checkbilgepump,horn,lights,blowerandotherequipmenttoverifythey
areoperatingproperly.
• Verifythattheemergencycutoswitchlanyardisinproperoperatingconditionandis
properlyaixedtothedriver.
• Checktheoperationofthesteeringsystem.Verifythatthesteeringisoperationalbefore
launchingtheboat.Iftheboatisalreadyinthewater,verifypropersteeringwheeloperation
atlowspeed.Turnthesteeringwheelfullstopinbothdirectionsandverifyproperrudder
movement.Ensurethatthereisnobindingorstinessinthesteeringwheelrotation.Binding
andstinessisanindicationthatthesteeringsystemneedsrepair.Failureofthesteeringwill
resultinlossofcontroloftheboat.
• Ensurethattheloadofpersons,ballast,andequipmentiswithinthelimitsstatedonthe
USCGMaximumCapacitiesPlateandisproperlydistributedbasedoninstructionsinthis
manual.
• Checkthatallsafetyequipmentandlifejackets,personalotationdevices(PFDs),and
throwablecushionsareingoodconditionandsuitableforyourboatandpassengerload.
• Informallpassengerswheresafetyequipmentislocatedandhowtouseit.
• Haveatleastoneotherpassengerwhoiscapableofoperatingtheboatsafelyincaseofan
emergency.
GASOLINE VAPORS CAN EXPLODE. BEFORE STARTING
ENGINE, OPERATE BLOWER FOR AT LEAST FOUR
(4) MINUTES AND CHECK ENGINE COMPARTMENT
BILGE FOR GASOLINE VAPORS.
• Itisveryimportanttoopentheenginecoverandchecktheenginecompartmentandbilgefor
liquidgasolineandgasolinevaporspriortoeachuseofyourboatandafterrefueling.Failure
todosomayresultinreorexplosionaswellasseriousinjuryordeathtoyouand/orothers.
• Ifyouseeliquidgasolineintheenginecompartments/bilgeorsmellgasolinevapors, DO
NOTattempttostarttheengine.Liquidgasolineinthebilgeisanextremereandexplosion
hazardwhichmaycauseinjuryordeath.Findandxthesourceoftheleakage,removethe
liquidgasolinefromthebilge.Thenventilatetheenginecompartment/bilgeandrunthe
blowertoremoveallgasolinevaporsbeforestartingtheengine.
• Ifgasolinevaporspersistafterrunningtheblower,DO NOT attempttostarttheengine.Likely,
thereisagasolineleakthatiscreatingtheexcessivevapor.
•Alwaysoperateblowerbelowcruisingspeedandafterstoppingtheboat.
Failure to follow these precautions will result in
serious injury or death.
The operator shall:
• Checkthattheareabehindtheboatisallclearbeforestartingtheengineto
AVOID PROPELLER INJURYtopersonsinthewaterbehindtheboatoronthe
swimplatform.
pre-operation
check list--
before leaving
the dock
precautions
while
underway
Axis
Owners
Manual
2019
Page 5

• Turnotheenginepriortoanyoneoccupyingtheswimplatformorbeinginthewaterbehind
theboatto AVOID PROPELLER INJURY.Beinginneutralgearisinsuicient;thepropellermay
stillbeturning,orenginemaybeinadvertentlyshiftedintogear.
• NotbacktheboattowardpersonsinthewaterbehindtheboattoAVOID PROPELLER INJURY.
• Notallowpeopletobeonorneartheswimplatformorinthewaterneartheswimplatform
whiletheengineisrunningbecauseCARBON MONOXIDEwillexistaroundthebackoftheboat
whentheengineisrunning.Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,whichisadeadly,
odorless,colorlessgas.
• NotoperatetheengineinaconnedspaceorwhiletetheredtoanothervesselasCARBON
MONOXIDEwillbearoundtheboats.
• Notgoundertheboatcoverwiththeenginerunningorshortlyaftertheenginehasbeen
runningbecauseCARBON MONOXIDEmayremainunderthecover.Removecovertoventilate
thearea.
Failure to follow these precautions may result in severe injury or death
to you and/or others.
The operator shall:
• Followsafeoperatingpractices,theRulesoftheRoad,andtheWatersportsResponsibility
Code.
• Notoperateaboatifundertheinuenceofalcoholorotherdrugs.
• Attachtheemergencycutoswitchlanyardtohimselforherselfwhenoperatingtheboat.
• Maintainapropercourseandsafespeedatalltimestoavoidcollisions.
• Maintainalookoutforotherboats,swimmersandobstructionsinthewater.
• Operateslowlyincongestedareassuchasmarinasandmooringareas.
• Keepasafedistancefromotherboats,swimmers,personalwatercraft,docks,andxed
objects.
• Lookbeforeyouturn/maneuvertheboatsoastoavoidpotentialcollisionswithoncomingor
overtakingvessels.
• Beawarethatthisboatisahigh-performanceboatandiscapableofquick,tightturnsand
changesindirection.Familiarizeyourselfwiththehandlingcharacteristicsoftheboat.It
istheoperator’sresponsibilitytooperatetheboatinamannerthatensuresthesafetyof
allpassengers.Abruptmaneuversmayresultintheejectionofunsecured,unseated,or
improperlypositionedpassengers.Verballywarnpassengersbeforemakingquick,tightturns
sotheymayhavetimetograspahandrail,hand-hold,orportionoftheboat.
• Beawarethatyourboatwillhandledierentlydependingonloadingandon-boardweight
distribution.
• Ensurethatallpassengersareproperlyandsecurelyseatedinappropriateseatinglocations
toavoidfallingorfallingoverboard.
• Instructandensurethatpassengersremainproperlyseatedatalltimeswhiletheboatisin
motionaboveidlespeed.
• Notallowpassengerstositonthetransom,seatbacks,enginecoverorsidesoftheboat
whiletheengineisrunningandtheboatisinmotiontoavoidfallingoverboard.
• Notallowpassengerstositinapositionthatobstructstheoperator’sview.
• NEVERleavechildrenunattendedandintheboatwithoutadultsupervision.
• Havechildrenridinginthebowoftheboatbeaccompaniedbyanadultinthebowandensure
thatallremainseatedwhentheboatisinmotion.
• Notletpassengersoccupyseatswhichmaybeinthepathofthetowline.
• Slowdownwhencrossingwavesorwakesinordertominimizetheimpactonpassengers
andtheboat.Crossingwavesorwakesatanangle(suchas45degrees)ratherthan
perpendicularlywillreducetheseverityoftheimpact.Avoidroughwater,largewavesand
largewakesfromotherboatswhenathighspeed.Jumpingwaves/wakesorslammingthe
bowwillcauselargeverticalimpactswhichmaycauseinjurytooccupantsorcauseejections.
• Forsafetowing(waterskiing,tubing,wakeboarding,wakesurng,kneeboarding,etc.)be
experiencedandhaveanobserver[anobserveror“spotter”isrequiredbylawinmoststates].
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Arearviewmirrorishelpfulifyouareallowedtotowwithoutanobserverinyourstate.
• Avoidlettingtowlinesormooringlineswraparoundanyone’sbodyparts/limbs.Doingso
couldallowbodyparts/limbstobecomeentangledinthelineandcouldcausesignicant
injury,suchasamputations.
• Keeptrackoftowlinesanddocklinessothattheydonotbecomeentangledinthepropeller.
Atowlinewillwrapquicklyaroundaspinningpropellerandiscapableofimmobilizingthe
boatanddraggingapersonentangledinthetowlineunderwaterorcausingamputations.
Shutotheengineifatowlinehaspotentialforwrappinginthepropeller.
• Thetowerisdesignedtopullasingleindividual.Pleaseconsulttheremainderofthismanual
and/orwarninglabelsonthetowerfordetails.DONOTclimb,siton,standonorjump/diveo
ofthetower.Towlinemaylooponinvertedtricks.DONOTsitbehindthepullingpointofthe
tower.
• NEVERallowanytypeofsparkoropenameonboard.Itmayresultinreorexplosion.
• Avoidgroundingtheboat:Befamiliarwithlocalconditionsandwaterdepth.Ifyouare
uncertain,thenproceedslowlywithcaution.Suddengroundingsfromplaningspeedsmay
causerapiddecelerationsandcauseoccupantstoimpacttheboatand/ortobeejectedfrom
theboat.Boatdamagemayalsooccur.
• Alwayswatchforlowobstaclessuchastreelimbs,bridgesorpowerlines,especiallyinboats
withtowtowers.
• Seekshelterfromopenwaterifthereisthreatoflightningorsevereweather.
• NEVERdivefromtheboatwithoutbeingabsolutelysureofthedepthofthewater.Severe
injuryordeathmayoccurfromstrikingthebottomorsubmergedobjects.Strikingthebottom
orasubmergedobjectwhiledivingheadrstcancauseparalysis,headinjuryordeath.
• Provideassistancetootherboatersindistresswhileensuringthesafetyofyourown
passengers.
• Whenyouleavetheboat,takethekeyswithyou.Thiswillkeepuntrainedandunauthorized
personsfromoperatingtheboat.(Thiswillnotbeapplicableonsomekeyless
ignitionsystems.)
Failure to follow these precautions may result in
severe injury or death to you and/or others.
The operator shall:
• Visuallyinspecttheenginecompartmentandventilateafterrefueling.
• Inspectfuelsystemregularly.Examinefueltanks,hosesandttingsforleaks
orcorrosionatleastannuallybecauseleakingfuelisareandexplosion
hazard.
• Neverremoveormodifycomponentsofthefuelsysteminanywayexceptformaintenanceby
qualiedpersonnel.Tamperingwithfuelcomponentsmaycauseahazardousconditionwhich
couldleadtoareorexplosion.
• Neveroverrideormodifytheengineneutralstartingsafetyswitchinanyway.Yourboat
engineshouldnotstartingear.Ifitdoes,donotusetheboatuntilthissafetyfeatureisxed
byanauthorizeddealer.
• Beawarethatbatteriesgeneratesmallamountsofdangeroushydrogengaswhencharging.
Thisgasishighlyexplosive.Keepallsparks,amesandsmokingwellawayfromthearea.
Failuretofollowinstructionswhenchargingabatterymaycauseanexplosionofthebattery
ortheatmospherenearthebattery,whichcouldresultindeathorseriousinjury.
• Keeptheengineowhenevertheenginebox/cover/hatchisopen.Theenginebox/cover/
hatchservesasamachineryguard.Clothingorbodypartscangetcaughtinmovingparts,
causingdeathorseriousinjury.Keepawayfrommovingparts.
• Notreplaceyourboat’smarinepartswithautomotivepartsorpartsthatwerenotdesigned
foryourboat.
• Beawarethatbatteryelectrolyteuidisdangerous.Itcontainssulfuricacid,whichis
poisonous,corrosiveandcaustic.Ifelectrolyteuidisspilledorplacedonanypartofthe
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Owners
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safety
while
maintaining
the
vessel

humanbody,immediatelyushtheareawithlargeamountsofcleanwaterandimmediately
seekmedicalattention.
• CheckthetightnessofthetowerboltsBEFOREeachuse.Ifatowercollapsesitmayresultin
injurytoboatoccupantsortowedpersons.
• Notmodifythetowbar.Thetowpylon/barisnotdesignedforverticalextensions.Any
modicationstothetowpylon/baroritsmountingsmayresultindamagetotheboatand
injurytotheuser.
• Onlylifttheboatfromapprovedliftpoints,whichareidentiedinlaterpartsofthemanual.
owner responsibility
and boating education
Your safety, the safety of your passengers, and the safety of other boaters
is dependent on how you operate and maintain your boat. As operator or
owner of this boat, you are responsible for the safety of those with and
around you while boating.
 Itistheowner’sresponsibilitytoensurethattheoperatoroftheboathasbeen
properlyinstructedinthelawfulandsafeoperationofthisvessel.Therefore,
beforeoperatingtheboat,thoroughlyreadthisowner/operatormanual.Besure
youunderstandeachitembeforeoperatingit.Improperoperationortraileringoftheboatcould
leadtoseverepersonalinjuryordeath.Improperoperationortraileringoftheboatmayalso
damagetheboat.
 Theoperatorandtheboatownerassumeallrisksforthemselves,theirguests
andanyoneinproximitytotheirboatandensurethatallpassengersunderstand
therisksandresponsibilitiesassociatedwithboating.
 Thismanualisnotintendedtoprovidecompletetrainingonallaspectsofboat
operation.Westronglyrecommendthatalloperatorsofthisboatseekadditional
trainingonboathandlingandsafety.Havealloperatorsbecomefamiliarwiththe
handlingcharacteristics,andpropersteeringandcontrolsystemusagebefore
attemptinghigh-speedoperation.
At the time of delivery, the owner/operator is responsible for:
• Understandingthewarrantytermsandconditionsofyourboat,yourengine,
andyourtrailer.
• Obtaininginsurance.
• Examiningtheboattoensuretheproperoperationofallsystems.
Before operating the boat, the owner/operator is responsible for:
• Registeringtheboatasrequiredinthejurisdictionwheretheboatisbeingoperated.
• Providingtheproper(USCG)safetyequipment,andcheckinglocal,stateandfederalagencies
astolawsandregulations(USCGcarriagerequirements).
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Owners
Manual
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important
safety
information
responsibilities
of
boat owners
and
operators

• Carefullyreadingandunderstandingsafetyinformationandproperoperatingprocedures
withinthismanual.
• Obtainingotherboatingeducationifyoulackoperationalexperience.
• Familiarizingyourselfwiththenavigablewaterswhereyouintendtooperatetheboat.
• Followingtheproperbreak-inprocedurefortheengine.
 FederalLawrequiresthatallmotorboatsberegisteredandthatall
motorcraftnotdocumentedbytheU.S.CoastGuarddisplayregistration
numbers.Innearlyallstates,thismeansregistrationwiththedesignated
stateagency.Inafewjurisdictions,theCoastGuardretainsregistration
authority.Yourdealerwilleithersupplyregistrationformsortellyouwhere
theymaybeobtained.Theagencywillsupplyyouwithacerticatewhich
mustbecarriedwithyouwhentheboatisinoperation.Internationallaws
mayvaryastorequiredregistration.
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Owners
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registration

Theboatownermaybelegallyresponsiblefordamagesorinjuriescausedby
bothhimselfandtheoperator(ifdierentthantheowner).Commonsense
dictatesthatyoucarryadequatepersonalliabilityandpropertydamage
insuranceonyourboat,justasyouwouldonyourautomobile.Manystates
havelawsdetailingminimuminsuranceneeds.Yourinsuranceagentoryour
dealermaybeabletosupplyyouwithmoreinformation.Youshouldalso
protectyourboatfromphysicaldamageortheft.
Itisrecommendedthattheboatowner/operatorobtainboatersafety
education.Ifyouhaveneverownedaboatbefore,youcangetanexcellent
introductiontoboathandlingfromorganizationssuchastheU.S.CoastGuard,
AmericanRedCross,UnitedStatesCoastGuardAuxiliary,oryourlocalboating
authority.Evenifyouareaveteranboater,thesecourseswillhelpsharpenyour
boatingskillsaswellasbringyouuptodateoncurrentrulesandregulations.
Seeyourlocalboatingagencyordealerforinformationonclassesinyourarea.
Somestatesrequireyouths,16yearsofageandyounger,tocompletea
boatingsafetycoursebeforeoperatinganywatercraft.Manyothersrequire
operatorsundertheageof18tobelicensedinsmallboatoperation.
 Boatsmartfromthestart:takeaboatingsafetycourseandgetafreevessel
safetycheckannuallyforyourboat.Formoreinformation,contact:United
StatesCoastGuardAuxiliary,www.cgaux.org;UnitedStatesPowerSquadrons,1-888-FOR-USPS,
www.usps.org.
 ThefollowingisalistofsomeotheragenciesandorganizationsthatoerWaterSafety,First
AidandCPRcoursesorinformation.
 Tondboatingsafetycoursesinyourarea,callyourstate’slocalboatingagencyortheUSCG
boatingsafetycourselineat1-800-336-2628
 (1-800-245-2628inVirginia).
• USCG Oice of Boating
 (www.uscgboating.org)
• American Red Cross
 (www.redcross.org)
• U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
 (www.cgaux.org)
• U.S. Power Squadrons
 (www.usps.org)
• State Boating Oices
• Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons
 (www.cps-ecp.ca)
• Boat Owners Association of the United States
 (www.boatus.com)
• National Safe Boating Council
 (www.safeboatingcouncil.org)
• Water Sports Industry Association
 (www.wsia.net)
• European or international organizations
Axis
Owners
Manual
2019
Page 10
insurance
boating
safety
education
opportunities

 Ifyourboatwillbeoperatedbyaminor,remembertohaveanadultpresent
atalltimes.Manystateshavelawsregardingminimumageandlicensing
requirementsforminors.
 Somestatesrequireboattrainingcourses,certication,orlicensingfor
minorsand/oradults.Contactstateandlocalauthoritiesforrequirementsthat
applyinyourarea.
safety and
required equipment
 Yourboatandequipmentmustbeincompliancewithfederal,stateandlocalsafety
equipmentregulations.USCGregulationsrequirecertainsafetyequipmentbepresentonyour
boatduringoperation.Foradetaileddescription,obtain“FederalRequirementsforRecreational
Boats”publishedbytheU.S.CoastGuardandavailableonlineat:
http://www.uscgboating.org/images/420.PDF
 InadditiontotheUSCGregulations,otherlocaland/orinternationallawenforcement
agenciesmayhavesimilarrequirements.Youshouldcheckwithyourlocalmarinelaw
enforcementagencyregardinganysuchrequirementsbeforeboating.
 Equipmentrequirementsforcoastalandinlandwatersdier.Checkwithlocalauthorities
and/ortheUSCGforfurtherinformationaboutcoastalwaterrequirements.
 TheFederalBoatSafetyActof1971(FBSA/71)andtheNationalRecreationBoatingSafety
Programhaveestablishedminimumsafetystandardsforboatsandassociatedequipment,
speciedbytheUSCG.Inaddition,theAmericanBoatandYachtCouncil(ABYC)andtheNational
MarineManufacturersAssociation(NMMA)workwithboatbuilderstodevelopvoluntary
standardsthatexceedtheUSCGrequirements.Theincludedsafetyequipmentonyourboat
meetsorexceedsthestandardsoftheUSCG,ABYCandtheNMMA.
 Somerequiredsafetyequipment,suchaslifejackets(PFDs),arenotincludedwithyourboat.
Yourdealercanhelpyouchoosetheappropriateequipment.
Many states’ equipment requirements go beyond USCG requirements.
Contact your state boating oce for further information.
NA
Axis
Owners
Manual
2019
Page 11
operation
by
minors
and
licensing