Malibu Boats RESPONSE TXi 2021 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
21

This page has been intentionally left blank.

Congratulations on your purchase of a new high-performance recreational tow boat! Your new Malibu Boat has
been constructed to meet and/or exceed all U.S. Coast Guard and national Marine Manufacturers Association
requirements applicable at the time of its manufacturer. 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 first 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.
The 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. If 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.
Malibu Boats, LLC will use updates to its website (www.malibuboats.com) and direct mail contact to make every
reasonable effort to apprise you of information you will need to enjoy long-term and highly satisfactory use of your
boat.
2021 Owner’s Manual

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 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, affecting 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 any 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 manual and including, but not limited to, direct
mail contact and website updates, to make every reasonable effort to apprise you of the information you will need
to continue long term and highly satisfactory use of your boat.
About This Owner’s Manual
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, affecting 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 Boats, LLC strongly recommends reading any and all additional information provided by component
manufacturers and supplied with the boat at time of purchase. Also, visit Malibu Boats, LLC and its component
manufacturers websites periodically to stay abreast of any changes, updates, service bulletins, and general
information.
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
content 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 that 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!

SAFETY..................................................................................................1
Embracing Safety.................................................................................................................................. 3
Signal Words and Symbols Used in This Manual ....................................................................................... 3
Basic Safety Rules........................................................................................................................................... 3
Pre-Operation Check List - Before Leaving the Dock.............................................................................. 3
Precautions While Underway........................................................................................................................4
Safety While Maintaining the Vessel............................................................................................................ 5
Owner Responsibility and Boating Education ..................................................................................6
Important Safety Information......................................................................................................................6
Responsibilities of Boat Owner and Operators ........................................................................................6
Registration .....................................................................................................................................................6
Insurance..........................................................................................................................................................6
Boating Safety Education Opportunities ...................................................................................................6
Operation by Minors and Licensing............................................................................................................. 7
Safety and Required Equipment ......................................................................................................... 7
Navigation Lights............................................................................................................................................ 7
Emergency Safety Stop Switch .................................................................................................................... 7
Personal Flotation Devices ...........................................................................................................................8
Fire Extinguisher.............................................................................................................................................8
Horn or Whistle...............................................................................................................................................9
Bilge Pump(s)..................................................................................................................................................9
Visual Distress Signals ...................................................................................................................................9
Recommended Safety Equipment ...............................................................................................................9
General Boating Safety Topics............................................................................................................9
Safe Speed.......................................................................................................................................................9
Passenger Safety ...........................................................................................................................................10
Carbon Monoxide Safety..............................................................................................................................10
Proper Loading ...............................................................................................................................................11
Weighting Your Boat During Watersport Activities .................................................................................12
Visibility of the Operator .............................................................................................................................13
Boating Under the Influence........................................................................................................................13
Product Misuse..............................................................................................................................................13
Reporting Accidents......................................................................................................................................13
Rendering Assistance ....................................................................................................................................13
Hazardous Conditions ..................................................................................................................................13
Environmental Concerns..............................................................................................................................14
On Product Warning Labels ............................................................................................................... 15
Warning Labels and Locations .................................................................................................................... 15
Basic Rules of the Road ......................................................................................................................18
Boating Regulations ......................................................................................................................................18
Encountering Another Vessel.......................................................................................................................18
Privileged Vessel ............................................................................................................................................18
Burdened Vessel.............................................................................................................................................18
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Crossing ...........................................................................................................................................................19
Meeting Head-On...........................................................................................................................................19
Overtaking.......................................................................................................................................................19
The General Prudential Rule .........................................................................................................................19
Others Rules of the Road..............................................................................................................................19
Aids to Navigation ..........................................................................................................................................19
Night Running ................................................................................................................................................20
Watersports Safety.............................................................................................................................. 22
Hand Signals................................................................................................................................................... 22
Towed Person Safety Responsibilities........................................................................................................ 22
Additional Precautions for Towed Skier/Rider.......................................................................................... 23
Tow Line Guidelines ......................................................................................................................................24
Fallen Skier or Rider......................................................................................................................................24
Develop Water Sense....................................................................................................................................24
Emergency Procedures ....................................................................................................................... 25
Explosion and Fire ......................................................................................................................................... 25
Explosion......................................................................................................................................................... 25
Fire...................................................................................................................................................................26
Swamping and Flooding ...............................................................................................................................26
Capsizing.........................................................................................................................................................26
Staying Afloat.................................................................................................................................................26
Collisions.........................................................................................................................................................26
Grounding....................................................................................................................................................... 27
Person Overboard ......................................................................................................................................... 27
Drowning......................................................................................................................................................... 27
Medical Emergency....................................................................................................................................... 27
Operation Failure........................................................................................................................................... 27
Towing............................................................................................................................................................. 27
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE ............................................................29
Response TXi..................................................................................................................................................30
Wakesetter 20VTX ........................................................................................................................................ 32
Wakesetter 21 MLX........................................................................................................................................34
Wakesetter 21VLX.......................................................................................................................................... 36
Wakesetter 22LSV.......................................................................................................................................... 38
Wakesetter 23LSV..........................................................................................................................................40
Wakesetter 25LSV..........................................................................................................................................42
Wakesetter 23MXZ........................................................................................................................................44
Wakesetter 24MXZ........................................................................................................................................46
M240................................................................................................................................................................48
Recommended Seating ................................................................................................................................ 50
DASHES & VIDEO SCREENS........................................................................53
Malibu Operating System ................................................................................................................... 54
12” Center Display .........................................................................................................................................54
Surf Gate Control.......................................................................................................................................... 54
Power Wedge Control....................................................................................................................................54

Ballast Screen.................................................................................................................................................. 55
Preset Screen.................................................................................................................................................. 55
Media Screen ..................................................................................................................................................56
Engine Start Code..........................................................................................................................................56
Speed Control.................................................................................................................................................56
Go Home Mode ..............................................................................................................................................57
Docking Mode.................................................................................................................................................57
Night Mode......................................................................................................................................................57
Alarm/Notification Popups............................................................................................................................58
Speed/Tach Swap ...........................................................................................................................................58
7” Controls Display.........................................................................................................................................58
Lighting Controls............................................................................................................................................59
Android Screen .............................................................................................................................................. 60
Settings Menu................................................................................................................................................60
System Settings.............................................................................................................................................60
Backlighting.....................................................................................................................................................61
Language..........................................................................................................................................................61
Appearance......................................................................................................................................................61
Configuration ..................................................................................................................................................61
Diagnostics..................................................................................................................................................... 62
Connection..................................................................................................................................................... 62
Optional Joystick Controller (Sport Dash) ............................................................................................... 62
TXi Standard Gauges and Screen...................................................................................................... 63
Gauges............................................................................................................................................................. 63
TXi Standard Dash InfoCenter .................................................................................................................... 63
InfoCenter Screens ....................................................................................................................................... 63
Settings Screen.............................................................................................................................................. 63
Lighting Screen.............................................................................................................................................. 64
Controls Screen............................................................................................................................................. 64
Alarms and Notifications.............................................................................................................................. 64
Navigation Keypad......................................................................................................................................... 65
Video Screens (Optional Malibu Open Edition) ....................................................................................... 65
Gauge View and Speed Control................................................................................................................... 65
PDF Viewer and Video Player.......................................................................................................................66
Rear Camera...................................................................................................................................................66
Controls Screen.............................................................................................................................................66
Settings Screen..............................................................................................................................................66
Maps Screen................................................................................................................................................... 68
3-in-1 Event Screen .............................................................................................................................. 70
Care and Maintenance.................................................................................................................................. 70
Navigation Features ...................................................................................................................................... 70
GPS Information ............................................................................................................................................ 70
Zero Off GPS Speed Control....................................................................................................................... 70
Three Event Information.............................................................................................................................. 70
Plus (+) Factor ................................................................................................................................................73
Troubleshooting Guide ..................................................................................................................................73

Basic Electrical Components ..............................................................................................................73
Circuit Breakers ..............................................................................................................................................75
Engine Fuse Box..............................................................................................................................................75
Electrical Harness and Wiring.......................................................................................................................75
Batteries...........................................................................................................................................................75
Connecting/Disconnecting Batteries ......................................................................................................... 76
Battery Maintenance..................................................................................................................................... 77
Battery Charger ............................................................................................................................................. 77
Engine Sensors .............................................................................................................................................. 77
Other Electrical Components............................................................................................................ 77
12-Volt Receptacle ......................................................................................................................................... 77
Wireless Charging.......................................................................................................................................... 77
Port Rear Breaker Board .............................................................................................................................. 77
Surf Band........................................................................................................................................................ 78
Alarms.............................................................................................................................................................. 78
ENGINES & DRIVE TRAINS ..........................................................................82
Malibu Monsoon Engines, Transmissions, & V-Drives .................................................................... 82
Safety .............................................................................................................................................................. 82
General Information............................................................................................................................. 82
Serial Number ................................................................................................................................................ 82
Engine Specifications.................................................................................................................................... 83
Engine Coolant............................................................................................................................................... 83
Engine Oil........................................................................................................................................................ 83
Transmission Fluid......................................................................................................................................... 83
V-Drive Oil ......................................................................................................................................................84
Fuel Filter ........................................................................................................................................................84
Maintenance Schedule .................................................................................................................................84
California Emissions Information....................................................................................................... 85
General Emissions Information ................................................................................................................... 85
Star Label........................................................................................................................................................ 85
Additional Information, Including Warranty .............................................................................................. 85
Monsoon Engine Support Systems...................................................................................................86
Malibu Fuel System .......................................................................................................................................86
Fuel Information ............................................................................................................................................87
Electrical System ...........................................................................................................................................88
Alarms..............................................................................................................................................................88
Cooling System..............................................................................................................................................89
Exhaust System..............................................................................................................................................90
Break-in Period - All Boats ...................................................................................................................91
Break-in Procedure ........................................................................................................................................91
Vapor Lock .....................................................................................................................................................92
Transmissions & V-Drives....................................................................................................................93
Transmissions.................................................................................................................................................93
V-Drives...........................................................................................................................................................93

HOW IT WORKS ............................................................................................ 96
Safety First............................................................................................................................................96
Fire Extinguishing Equipment......................................................................................................................96
Emergency Engine Stop Switch ..................................................................................................................96
Lighting ...........................................................................................................................................................97
Tie-Ups............................................................................................................................................................97
Horn.................................................................................................................................................................98
Mirror ..............................................................................................................................................................99
Ladder .............................................................................................................................................................99
Fuel Fill ............................................................................................................................................................99
Interior Performance...........................................................................................................................99
Steering Wheel...............................................................................................................................................99
Shifter/Throttle............................................................................................................................................. 101
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) ............................................................................................................. 101
Pylon(s).......................................................................................................................................................... 101
Sport Dash.....................................................................................................................................................102
Rear and/or Dock Camera.......................................................................................................................... 102
Interior Luxury.................................................................................................................................... 102
Stereo Components.................................................................................................................................... 102
Seating .......................................................................................................................................................... 102
Heated and/or Powered Driver’s Seat...................................................................................................... 103
Armrests........................................................................................................................................................ 103
Glove Box...................................................................................................................................................... 103
Storage Compartments.............................................................................................................................. 104
Removable Cooler .......................................................................................................................................104
Cup Holders.................................................................................................................................................. 104
Removable Trash Receptacle..................................................................................................................... 105
Carpets and Soft Grip................................................................................................................................. 105
Grab handles ................................................................................................................................................ 105
Heater............................................................................................................................................................ 105
Tower, Canvas, and Accessories.......................................................................................................106
G5 Tower .......................................................................................................................................................106
GX Tower ......................................................................................................................................................106
Tower Accessories....................................................................................................................................... 107
Bimini Top ..................................................................................................................................................... 107
Icon 8, Rev 8, or Rev 10 Speakers with Horn........................................................................................... 107
Clamping Spinner Board Racks or Ski Rack ............................................................................................108
G5 Tower Mirror...........................................................................................................................................108
On and Under the Water................................................................................................................... 108
Blower System .............................................................................................................................................108
Bilge System.................................................................................................................................................109
Ballast System...............................................................................................................................................110
Power Wedge III.............................................................................................................................................111
Surf Gate ........................................................................................................................................................111
Underwater Gear .......................................................................................................................................... 112
Shower ........................................................................................................................................................... 113