Axis Wake Research A20 - Ballast System

a boat without ALL the handles reinstalled; this should be part of the routine checks prior
to launching the boat into the water. Failure to reinstall the handles will result in water
entering the bilge system and can sink the boat.
Automatic bilge systems require a small amount of electrical
charge, which is drained from the battery or batteries on-board.
Eventually, the battery could become fully discharged, which
will mean that the automatic bilge will no longer work. If the
boat is left in a body of water during this period and water continues to enter the bilge
system, it will mean that water is not drained. This could lead to damage to components
in the bilge and potentially to the rest of the boat. Such damage is not covered under
warranty. Therefore, if a boat will be left untended for a period of time, owners/operators
should make often checks of the system to ensure that the battery retains a charge.
During storage or winterizaon, the baeries are removed. This will cause the automac bilge system to
be temporarily inoperable. This adds to the importance to never leave the boat in a body of water without
a fully charged baery installed.
Because of the frequent use of the bilge pump and its importance to the safe operaon of the boat,
the bilge pumps, which are located in the center bilge area below the pie plate and engine (a) area. These
should be checked by an authorized Malibu dealer as part of an annual maintenance roune.
If the bilge system is not operating properly when a boat is
launched, DO NOT continue with the outing. If the bilge system
ceases to function properly during an outing, have all persons
on-board put on a PFD if they are not already wearing one.
Return to shore immediately and disembark. Without a properly functional bilge system,
the boat is in danger of sinking, placing all on board at serious risk.
Axis’s Wakebox hard-tank Hi Flo ballast system is the best, most discrete way to add signicant weight
or balance out your load to create the exact wake or wave you desire.
Hard tanks don’t collect mildew on the outside and add to the maintenance requirements. Because the
tanks are housed under the oorboard, storage is not compromised. (In Axis boats, the bow tank only is an
oponal so bag.) The tanks also provide accurate level readings, avoiding the inconsistencies of sacks.
All Axis boats are equipped with at least three (3) ballast tanks and have an oponal bow (4”) tank, plus
oponal plumbing for Plug ’n Play.
Optional plumbing for Fly
High Plug ’n Play bags is
available at the time of the
original boat order. Axis
recommends only this brand for aftermarket ballast.
Note that adding water to a Plug ’n Play bag adds more
weight, and this weight must be subtracted from the
total allowed for persons, gear and water added. Weight
distribution must also be considered. Exceeding the
weight limits can lead to damage to the boat, and
possible sinking.
Most of the ballast system is invisible to the consumer,
but its eects are obvious and enjoyable. The tanks are located
beneath the deck in locaons that will assist in balancing the
added weight of the water. However, in boats equipped with Surf
Gate, adjustments can be made to boat balance that will allow
addional wake from either side of the boat in a safer manner
than would be done by shiing passengers and/or gear on-board.
See more informaon on Surf Gate later in this secon.
2016 Axis Wake Research Owner’s Manual . . . Page 2-41
BALLAST
SYSTEM