Specifications

• Signal your intentions. Well before stopping, turning, changing lanes or passing, use
turn signals to let other vehicles know what you intend to do.
• Drive in the gear recommended by the tow-vehicle manufacturer. If the tow vehicle
has a manual transmission, traveling in lower gears when going up steep hills or over
sand, gravel or dirt roads will ease the load on the engine and transmission. When
driving on long downhill grades, try to avoid downshifting. Running in a low gear,
which uses the engine as a brake, can actuate the trailer’s surge brakes continuously
for the duration of the grade, causing them to overheat. A better procedure is to slow
down before the start of the down grade and maintain a controlled downhill speed with
repeated application and release of tow vehicle (and thus, the trailer) brakes. This
technique permits the brakes to cool down between applications and provides for re-
serve braking capacity in an emergency. On moderate and steep sections, downshifting
into lower gears may be unavoidable. Slowing down is important to allow the brakes
to avoid overheating. Don’t hesitate to pull over when possible during or after severe
braking situations and allow the system to cool down. Running a stretch of highway
where braking is not necessary is the quickest way to cool down the brake system as it
allows a significant volume of air to flow through the vented rotors and over the brake
pads to cool them.
• Always be courteous. Make it as easy as possible for faster-moving vehicles to pass
you. Remain in the slower lane and be prepared to reduce speed if they need extra
time to return to the lane.
• Do not tailgate. Allow at least one combined car and trailer length between you and
the car ahead for every 10 mph you are traveling.
If a problem occurs, the general rule is to stay calm. Do not panic and do not do any-
thing anymore suddenly or violently than is necessary.
A sudden bumping or fan-tailing may be a flat tire. Do not jam on the brakes or mash
the accelerator to try to drive out of it. Stop slowly and in as straight a line as possible. If
conditions permit, allow the trailer and tow vehicle to coast at a very slow speed and try to
avoid braking, except when the wheels are straight ahead and the trailer and tow vehicle
are in line.
If the trailer begins to fish-tail under acceleration to highway speed, back off the ac-
celerator a little, and it should cease. If it begins again upon acceleration, stop and check
the load. If the load is not evenly distributed, or if it is too far back so that the hitch load
becomes too light, the result can be fish-tailing. Re-distribute the load before continuing.
launChing
Every MasterCraft boat owner develops his or her own favorite launching technique.
Until you do, here are a few helpful tips:
• Check the ramp first. Whether launching from an unimproved or surfaced ramp, check
it out before starting the launch procedure. How steep is it? Is the surface firm enough
to support the weight of the trailer and tow vehicle? Is it wide enough? How deep is
the water at the end of the ramp?
Use great care when walking, standing or
loading and unloading boats on or around
any launch ramps as some launch ramps
may be slippery when wet.
MasterCra Trailer Manual • Page 21