Specifications

If the WOT RPM is higher than the maximum RPM in your
engine’s WOT operating range, the boat is under-propped. The
engine operating ranges for engines in MasterCraft boats are:
RPT-1 engine:
4400-4800 RPM
MCX engine:
4800-5200 RPM
LQ9 Cadillac engine:
4800-5400 RPM
8.1 Liter engine:
4800-5400 RPM
Installing a higher-pitched propeller will reduce the WOT
RPMs. An engine that is over-revving may quickly experi-
ence catastrophic damage.
If the WOT RPM is lower than the minimum RPM in your
engine’s WOT operating range, the boat is over-propped.
Installing a lower-pitched propeller will increase WOT ROMs.
An engine that is under-revving is “lugging.” This
places a trememdous load on the pistons, crankshaft 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. Humid-
ity, 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 manufac-
turer suggest that consumers con-
sult with the dealer from whom you
purchased your boat on the best
propeller for the application in
which you expect to run your boat.
However, you should be aware that
changing your propeller may void
your warranty. Again, working with
your dealer is your best bet to en-
sure excellent performance.
UNUSUALOPERATING
CONDITIONS
If the body of water is unknown,
talk to the local boaters about the type
of obstacles you may encounter be-
neath the water’s surface. Rocks, tree
stumps and sandbars are all danger-
ous and damaging. Be especially
wary of rivers and man-made lakes.
2005 MASTERCRAFT OWNERS MANUAL–PAGE 11-3
Rapidly changing conditions can cause daily changes in un-
derwater 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 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
ANDAND
ANDAND
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 ad-
vantage 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 correctly. See the next
section, Lifting the Boat.