Specifications

and bearings and can cause detonation, piston seizure
and other engine damage.
Elevation and weather also have a very noticable effect on
the wide-open-throttle power of an engine. Since oxygen gets
thinner as elevation increases, the engine begins to starve for
air. Humidity, barometric pressure and temperature have a
noticeable effect on the density of air since heat and humidity
thin the air.
This phenomenon can become particularly apparent
when an engine is propped out on a cool, dry day in spring
and later, on a hot, humid day in summer, and does not
have the same performance. Although some performance
can be regained by dropping to a lower-pitch propeller, the
basic condition still exists. The propeller is too large in
diameter for the reduced power output. An experienced
marine dealer can determine how much diameter to
remove from a lower-pitch propeller for specific high-
elevation locations.
MasterCraft’s engine manufacturer suggest that
consumers consult with the dealer from whom you
purchased your boat on the best propeller for the
application in which you expect to run your boat. How-
ever, you should be aware that changing your propeller
may void your warranty. Again, working with your dealer
is your best bet to ensure excellent performance.
UNUSUAL OPERAT-
ING CONDITIONS
If the body of water is
unknown, talk to the local
boaters about the type of
obstacles you may encounter
beneath the water’s surface.
Rocks, tree stumps and
sandbars are all dangerous
and damaging. Be especially
wary of rivers and man-made
lakes. Rapidly changing
conditions can cause daily
changes in underwater
hazards.
Stay well clear of floating
debris. What looks to be a
small branch in the water
may well turn out to be an
entire tree.
When traveling through
weedy areas, keep an eye on
the engine temperature
gauge. Weeds caught up and
blocking the water flow
through the raw water intake
or transmission cooler will
cause trouble. Also, after
leaving the weedy area, shift
2006 MasterCraft Owners Manual–Page 10-3
to neutral for a few seconds and then to reverse for a
few seconds to unwind any weeds that may have
wrapped around the propeller.
DOCKING AND TIE-UP
Approach docks slowly, with the starboard side of the
boat if possible. The natural tendency to torque steer
with the rotation of the propeller at slow speeds makes
docking easier on that side. Also, use wind and current
to your advantage when docking.
Before tying-up the boat, be sure to use enough dock
bumpers to protect the boat from damage. If possible, tie-
up with the bow toward the waves. Use good quality
double-braided nylon line. Tie-up only to the lifting or tie-
down eyes. Never use the handrails or ski pylon.
If the boat is to be moored for a long period of time,
use chafing protectors to protect the gel coat finish. Leave
a little slack in the lines, allowing for some wave movement
or tidal action where applicable.
If the boat is to be kept in or near water for the season,
consider the purchase of a boat lift. These lifts prevent the
build-up of marine growth on the hull as well as protecting
it from damage typical of on-water storage, such as
blistering. Make sure the boat lift supports the hull cor-
rectly. See the next section, Lifting the Boat.