Specifications
2005 MASTERCRAFT OWNERS MANUAL–PAG E 11-1
HINTS
OPERATIONAL
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MasterCraft urges you–and all others who will be operating the boat–to seek certified instruction from the local boating
authorities. This section is designed to present the most basic operational principles. It is NOT intended to cover all conditions
encountered during operation. Therefore, the principles presented in this manual are limited to the facts related directly to the
operation of the boat, while the responsibility for the proper application of these principles belongs with you.
Adding additional ballast to your MasterCraft boat is
not recommended, and can result in impaired visibility,
diminished handling characteristics and instability
when operating your boat, and may result in potential
structural and/or engine damage to your boat, which
damage will not be covered by your warranty.
LOADING
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 be added. Failure to
adhere to the total maximum capacity may result in too much
strain on the drive train or can sink the boat. This is not
covered under warranty!
EMERGENCIES
Know how to use and spot distress signals–and offer
assistance if possible. Remember, you may need assistance
some day.
COURTESY
Always respect the rights of others on the water. Keep
wide when passing, slow down in crowded areas, be alert and
be aware of your wake and wash.
FIRST TIME OPERATION
When taking to the water for the first time, you must keep
in mind a few general guidelines:
• Practice makes perfect! Start in calm water with no wind or
current and plenty of room until you get the feel for the boat
and its controls.
• Proceed slowly! Give yourself time to think, react and ma-
neuver.
• Recognize outside forces! Check the wind direction and
velocity, as well as water currents and waves.
• Have a crew on hand! Have friends or family ready with
fenders, lines and a boat hook to assist you when docking, as
well as launching and loading.
• Remember that a boat is not an automobile! Boats cannot
be maneuvered and stopped like a car. Boats steer from the
stern (rear) and have no brakes.
BASIC MANEUVERING
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 maneu-
vering 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 to remember
when making close quarters maneuvers.
While the effects of unequal propeller thrust (torque steer-
ing), wind, and current may not always be present, a practiced
driver will use them to his advantage.
Unequal thrust is a phenomenon shared by all single-en-