 Canvas Covers - Care and Cleaning [12/1/2012] The material used in constructing Bimini tops and boat covers is made from 100 percent solution-dyed polyester fiber with a urethane coating to provide excellent water repellency and mildew resistance. This design allows the material to be easily maintained. By following a few simple care and cleaning steps, the fabric will continue to look good and maintain its fine qualities for seasons to come. Important Background Information Because…
 [12/1/2012] BALLAST SYSTEM PREPARATIONS Step 1: Attach a hose to the starboard side ballast hose that comes out of the deck at the rear seat. Step 2: Place the other end into a gallon of nontoxic, RV-type anti-freeze. Step 3: Turn the pump on to empty and pump antifreeze into the system until anti-freeze comes out of the thru-hull on the side. Step 4: Turn the pump on to fill…
 [3/1/2012] Step 1: Remove the duct tape from the exhaust flaps. Step 2: Fully charge the battery and install it in the boat, following all safety precautions associated with changing batteries. IMPORTANT NOTE: Often, batteries that have been stored over winter will require re-charging. If the battery is charged by utilizing a battery charger, use only a three-stage or more battery charger. It is important that the operator never…
 [9/27/2011] The Plug 'n Play ballast system gives consumers the ability to mix and match ballast loads as an option on V-Series boats. If ordered as an option, the plumbing for the Plug 'n Play will come from the factory ready to install bags forward and aft. MasterCraft strongly recommends using only the Plug 'n Play bags from Fly High as they have been customized to fit neatly in storage areas. The rear bags take into consideration such factors as bulkhead dimensions and the raw water strainer location of…
 [5/11/2011] The first 50 hours of operation are the most important to your boat. Proper break-in will ensure maximum performance and the longest possible power-train life. The break-in period allows moving parts within the engine and transmission to wear-in properly. All MasterCraft boats are lake-tested on the water before leaving the factory, but the break-in must continue for the first 50 hours of your ownership. NOTE: Failure to follow the break-in procedure exactly as stated will void…
 [5/11/2011] Find out the wakeboarding basics you need to know from speed to line length, driving tips and getting up for the first time: SPEED: Get going at just 12 mph for the kids' first time, around 18 mph for adults. Accelerate slightly if you need to adjust the wake so that it breaks near the front foot of the rider. LINE LENGTH: 65 feet is a good distance for beginners, who will appreciate being back where the wakes are softer…
 [5/11/2011] This boating season, MasterCraft owners are looking at ways to “go greenâ€
 [9/15/2009] iDrive Boats believes that boating is fun when it is safe for everyone on board. So, they designed a certification program to be utilized from the computer, from a classroom, or from the water. Their trained instructors and course material writers have over 100 years combined experience in boating. They are experienced boaters who know MasterCraft, understand the boats and deliver relevant information to new and experienced boaters alike. The iDrive Boats’ curriculum was…
 [2/9/2009] After receiving a tremendous amount of feedback from the "Persuade Your Spouse To Buy A Boat" news article, we thought that we would post it here as an article so that you can review it, link to it or print it out at anytime. Discover Boating's (NMMA) Spousal Conversion Kit Persuade Your Spouse to Buy A Boat Need help this boat show season to persuade your loved one to buy a boat? Check out Discover Boating’s Spousal…
 [1/18/2009] MasterCraft boats are legendary for creating the perfect wake shape and definition. Throw in our world-class ballast systems and the wakes become absolutely incredible. Be sure to take care of your boat’s ballast systems this winter by following the steps below: Step 1: Attach a hose to the starboard side ballast hose that comes out of the deck at the rear seat. Step 2: …
 [1/17/2009] Make sure that your power packages are properly prepared for the long winter storage. Shown below are a few simple steps to ensure your MasterCraft boat is well primed for the next boating season. Step 1: Lubricate the throttle and shift linkages and cables with multi-purpose grease. Step 2: MasterCraft recommends that batteries be removed…
 [1/16/2009] Storage or winter lay-up requires special preparation to prevent damage to your MasterCraft boat. Since winter storage is an annual event, it presents an excellent opportunity to perform the annual maintenance at this time. In this article, we will be discussing Fuel System Treatment. Be sure to check with your authorized MasterCraft dealer’s service department regarding your boat’s needs to determine everything appropriate…
 [9/18/2008] Water lovers with ocean envy are getting hooked on wake surfiing and creating their own mini-waves with their MasterCraft boats. Here's the low-down on the basics: SPEED: Relatively slow - about 10 mph - to churn up big wakes without outrunning the surfer. LINE LENGTH: A short rope to get you about 10 feet behind the boat onto a beefy section of the wake, yet as far as possible from the boat's exhaust. Be sure to use a proper wake surf rope. DO…
 [6/24/2008] Any time two vessels on the water meet one another, one vessel has the right-of-way. It is called the stand-on vessel. The vessel that does not have the right-of-way is called the give-way or burdened vessel. These rules determine which vessel has the right of way, and accordingly, what each vessel should do. The vessel with the right-of-way has the duty to continue its course and speed, except to avoid an immediate collision. When you maintain your direction and speed,…
Check The Ballast Pump Impeller
[6/24/2008] This applies only to boats equipped with some type of ballast system. The number of ballast pumps varies from system to system. You may need guidance from your Dealer to locate any and all pumps. Step 1: Remove two of the cover screws and retain the screws for the reinstallation process. Swing the cover out of the way to allow access to the impeller location. Step 2: Using the needle-nose pliers, pull the old impeller out of the casing. Step 3: Install the new impeller. (It is…
Change The Engine Oil
[6/24/2008] In order to thoroughly drain all the old oil, you will need to run the boat engine long enough to reach at least 140 degrees F (approximately three minutes in most applications), before changing the oil. Do not run your engine without it being in water, unless you have the appropriate, professional hook up available to protect the engine and drive train components. If this is not available to you, have your MasterCraft service technician perform this service. Step 1: Ensure the engine…
Reading Buoys & Markers
[6/24/2008] The waters of the United States are marked for safe navigation by the lateral system of buoyage. The markers and buoys you will encounter have an arrangement of shapes, colors, numbers and lights to show which side of the buoy a boater should pass when navigating in a particular direction. The markings on these buoys are oriented from the perspective of being entered from seaward while the boater is going toward the port. This means that red buoys are passed…
Lubricate The Shift & Throttle System
[6/24/2008] Because this process should be completed while all moving components of the drive train are not in motion, we recommend you do this while the boat is out of the water. Step 1: Ensure the engine is OFF and disconnect the engine safety starting switch. Be sure that the throttle/shift control lever is in neutral. The engine must be cool. Step 2: Open the engine box and locate the shift and throttle cable ends. Step 3: Shift to full-throttle-forward. Step 4: Lubricate the cable…
Multi-Function Gauge
[6/24/2008] This gauge provides several functions of interest and support to the boater. As a tachometer, it indicates the engine speed in crankshaft revolutions per minute (RPM). Propeller shaft RPM is the same as the engine rotation except for boats equipped with the Power Slot 1.5:1 ratio package or a V-drive gear, in which case propeller shaft RPM is less than that of the engine RPM. Toggle to the hourmeter and it registers the accumulated engine operating time. Use the…
Temperature Gauge
[6/24/2008] The temperature gauge indicates the cooling water temperature inside the engine as measured in degrees Fahrenheit. The normal operating temperature will range from 140 degrees to 190 degrees. Engines with electronic fuel injection also have a control circuit inside the engine control module that will cause the engine to run at reduced speeds if the module senses that the engine is running too hot. If you notice that your speed has reduced during normal operation without reducing the…
Oil Pressure Gauge
[6/24/2008] The engine oil pressure gauge indicates the pressure of the lubricating oil inside the engine. The average pressure ranges are between 6 pounds-per-square-inch (PSI) at 1000 RPM to 40 PSI or more at cruise-range speeds. A reading of pressure below 5 PSI at 1000 RPM may be caused by a low oil level or other potentially serious problems that result in low oil pressure. If you experience low oil pressure, stop your engine immediately and check your oil level before operating again.…
Check Engine Light
[6/24/2008] The red malfunction indicator Check Engine light is operated from an on-board computer that monitors the operation of your fuel, ignition and engine control systems. On some models, the Check Engine light should come on when the key is in the ON position and the engine is not running. This is a check to show you that it is working. If it does not come on at all, have it repaired by your MasterCraft dealer right away. If it stays on or comes on while you are operating your boat the computer…
Throttle Operation
[6/24/2008] A one-hand, single-lever control operates as both a gear shifter and a throttle. The lever automatically locks in the neutral position (straight up and down) for safety. The lever can be moved from neutral only by raising the lifter under the ball knob. Shifting is accomplished by moving the lever into the first 45 degrees of travel. Moving the lever forward engages the running gear; moving it back from center puts the drive train into reverse. By advancing the lever beyond 45 degrees…
MasterCraft Cruise Control System
[6/24/2008] On boats equipped with a Cruise Control System, it is possible to review various functions by toggling to the cruise control read-outs on the multi-function gauge. Note also that the throttle position must always be greater than the speed set on the cruise control. For example, if the cruise was set at 35 mph but the throttle position is equivalent to 25 mph, the boat will not reach 35. This is also true of the RPMs. Also, the cruise control cannot be engaged when the boat is at idle speed.…
Alcohol Modified FuelsAlcohol Modified Fuels
[6/24/2008] We do not recommend that you use alcohol-modified fuels in your MasterCraft boat because of the following side effects: Moisture: Alcohol-blended fuels absorb and keep moisture. Moisture inside the fuel tank causes many engine problems. Performance: Alcohol-blended fuels cause the engine to operate on a leaner fuel/air ratio and may cause hard starting, stalling and vapor lock. Engine damage may result. Deterioration: Alcohol quickly deteriorates rubber and…
Before Leaving Your Boat
[6/24/2008] 1. Check for fluid leaks.
2. Check the fins, propeller, rudder and shaft for damage after removing the boat from the water.
3. In boats equipped with a ballast system, drain water from the ballast before towing.
Basic Boat Maneuvering
[6/24/2008] Steering response is dependent upon three factors: rudder position, motion and throttle. While high speed maneuvering is relatively easy and takes little practice, slow speed maneuvering is far more difficult and requires much time and practice to master. With both steering and propulsion at the rear of the boat, the initiation of a turn pushes the stern of the boat away from the direction of the turn. The stern follows a larger turning circle than the bow. This is especially important…
Bilge Pump Switches
[6/24/2008] A three-position rocker switch activates the bilge pump. Push the top half of the switch to turn the bilge pump to the manual ON position. Press the switch down to activate the bilge pump for automatic mode while the boat is underway. When the switch is centered, the bilge pump is OFF. The bilge pumps on all V-drive models will be in the automatic mode when the ignition key is turned ON. On boat models equipped with a ballast system, a three-position
Leaving The Stereo ON With The Boat Not Running
[6/24/2008] In the event that the stereo has been functioning when the boat is not ON and running, the voltage drain on the battery can result in difficulties in re-starting the boat. It can also cause intermittent erroneous or fluctuating gauge readings. To avoid this situation, when the voltage level reaches 11.5 volts, the system will shut off the stereo system and sound the alarm for a period of two minutes to give boaters ample time to adjust.
Fuel Gauge
[6/24/2008] The readings are only approximate. The gauge is activated with the ignition switch. Rocking motion of the boat during normal operation will cause fluctuation of the fuel gauge. For a more accurate reading, make sure that the boat is level and at rest. When the boat is placed into initial operation, do not run the boat below a quarter of a tank until you have refueled several times and have a sense of how long you can operate the boat on the fuel available. Extending usage beyond the known capability…
Carbon Monoxide Safety
[6/24/2008] Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless, odorless and poisonous gas that accumulates rapidly and can cause serious injury or death. Exposure to carbon monoxide can be fatal in a matter of minutes. Exposure to even low concentrations of carbon monoxide must not be ignored because the effects of exposure to carbon monoxide are cumulative and can be just as lethal as at high concentrations. Carbon monoxide from exhaust pipes of inboard or outboard engines may buildup inside and outside the boat in…
Towing Safety
[6/24/2008] Do not tow more than two persons at one time on a tow tower. The tow tower should be used only for water skis, wakeboards, or recreational towables and not for parasailing, kite flying or towing other boats. Do not add any attachments that are not installed by MasterCraft. Do not climb on, sit on, stand on, jump off or dive off the tower. Never allow passengers to sit behind the tow rope attachment point. Never allow loose tow rope ends to dangle. Always be certain that all bolts are in place and…
Operation Checklist
[6/24/2008] Before Each Operation: 1. Check the weather report, wind and water conditions. 2. Check for recommended on-board tools and parts. 3. Check that all drain plugs are installed properly, including bilge and rear drain. 4. Check the propeller and shaft for damage. 5. Check the cooling water intake pick-up and transmission cooler for blockage. 6. Check the raw water impeller if the boat showed signs of over-heating during…
Unleaded And Leaded Fuels
[6/24/2008] Unleaded gasoline should meet the specifications ASTM D4814 in the United States and CGSB 3.5-92 in Canada.
If you operate your engine in a country other than the United States or Canada, unleaded fuels may be difficult to locate. Using leaded fuels in your engine is not recommended as engine components will last longer using unleaded fuel.
Leaded fuel is not compatible with MasterCraft engines.
Loading Your Boat
[6/24/2008] Never overload your boat. The maximum weight capacity as listed on the certification plate includes all items added to the boat (persons and gear). Also, proper distribution of weight is critical to boat performance. Allocate the load as evenly as possible. These capacities include filled ballast bags, whether they are factory installed, dealer installed or added by the customer. Note that adding ballast bags reduces the number of people and the amount of gear that can…
High Speed Boat Operation
[6/24/2008] Your MasterCraft boat was designed to be a high performance ski boat. You may have seen professional drivers with advanced operating skills perform high speed maneuvers and on a dime turns. DO NOT attempt to duplicate or simulate these feats. Paid, professional drivers log thousands of hours on the water and carefully choreograph every move. Plans are made in advance in the event the routine must be aborted. Maneuvers of this nature could cause serious injury or death, as well as damage to your…
Lifting Eyes And Slings
[6/24/2008] Lifting Eyes: An overhead hoist with two-ton capacity (minimum) should be used to lift your boat. Cables should be rated for at least 3,500 pounds each. When lifting, keep the bow slightly higher than the stern to prevent any possibility of water running into the engine exhaust manifold. Lifting Slings: An overhead hoist with a two-ton capacity (minimum) should be used. Slings must be 6 inches wide by 20 feet long and a minimum of 3,500 pounds capacity each.…
Having A Tune-Up Performed
[6/24/2008] A complete engine tune-up, including replacement of the PVC valve, spark plugs, distributor cap, rotor and ignition wires (if needed) should be performed annually. Also, some engines require adjustments for spark, dwell and idle. All of these functions require special knowledge, tools and test equipment.
For this reason, MasterCraft strongly recommends having the engine tune-up performed by your Dealer.
Tower Safety
[6/24/2008] Do not tow more than two persons at one time on a tow tower. The tow tower should be used only for water skis, wakeboards, or recreational towables and not for parasailing, kite flying or towing other boats. Do not add any attachments that are not installed by MasterCraft. Do not climb on, sit on, stand on, jump off or dive off the tower. Never allow passengers to sit behind the tow rope attachment point. Never allow loose tow rope ends to dangle. Always be…
Safety Lanyard
[6/24/2008] The emergency engine safety switch, called the lanyard, is an ignition cut-off switch designed to stop the engine in the event of an operator being thrown from position or moving too far from the helm. The lanyard is equipped with a hook on one end for attachment to your clothing or PFD, and the opposite end has a slide that fits over the switch. Be sure that the slide is firmly attached to the switch before starting. The switch is located near the throttle control box.…
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