CARE AND MAINTENANCE
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SLINGING/LIFTING THE BOAT
To prevent structural damage to your ATX boat, the proper procedure must be
used when lifting your boat. Only use appropriate style lifting slings or lift rings
with a spreader bar. Protect the rub rail to prevent any part of the lift device
from making contact with the boat.
If the boat is to be removed from the water without a trailer, follow
these guidelines:
• Never attach lifting cables to cleats, ski tow eyes or handrails. Attach cables
only to the bow and stern eyes.
• Cover lifting cables with rubber hose or other protectors to prevent
damage to the finish.
• Attach guide lines to the bow and stern to control movement.
• Use spreader bars and keep lifting pressure vertical to prevent
gunwale damage.
• Keep the bow slightly higher than the stern to prevent engine damage.
Using Lifting Slings
This method should only be used by a qualified person with knowledge on
how to use lifting slings, or your ATX Dealer. Slings must be the flat, widebelt-
ing type. DO NOT use cable-type slings.
The spreader bars used with the slings must be wide enough to avoid pres-
sure to the gunwales.
Contact your ATX Dealer to identify the proper location for slings. Slings may need
to be adjusted fore or aft for your particular boat.
Storage Cradle
If you are planning on storing your ATX boat on a cradle, only use a storage cra-
dle. You may also use the trailer designed for your boat to store your boat when
it is not in the water. A storage cradle or your boat’s trailer will provide proper
support and prevent stress on the hull.
Position the storage cradle as close to the sling locations as possible. Use cau-
tion not to damage any underwater components.
The storage cradle must completely touch the hull for proper support. Be sure
there are no gaps between the cradle and the hull. Store your boat with the bow
slightly elevated to the same attitude as if the boat were floating. If the boat is
stored with the bow down, moisture cannot move to the engine bilge area and
out of the boat. Remove the transom drain plug.
Make sure all compartments in the bilge area completely drain. Mold and mil-
dew can form as a result of moisture.
After the boat has been properly positioned on a storage cradle, thoroughly
wash the interior, hull, deck and interior compartments. Allow a couple of days
of air drying before covering the boat, store all cushions in the open position
and open all storage areas to help prevent mold/mildew.
Cover the boat with the storage cover. If a temporary poly cover such as
shrink wrap is used, your ATX Dealer will install vents to provide ventilation to
help prevent mold or mildew.
STORAGE/WINTERIZATION
Preparing for winter lay-up is important. In frigid zones, be particularly attentive
to items that can be damaged by freezing. Damage to your boat from improper
storage is not covered by the warranty.
Without proper preparation, storage for long periods of time can cause inter-
nal parts of the engine and drive system to rust because of lack of lubrication.
Or, if the boat is stored in below freezing temperatures, water inside the bilge or
cooling system can freeze, causing damage. The following procedures should help
prevent damage to your boat.
Perform all annual maintenance at this time.
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