Owner`s manual

2011 Owners Manual...Operational Hints...Page 11-1
Operational Hints
MasterCraft urges all who will be operating the boat to seek certified instruction from the local boating
authorities. is section is designed to present the most basic operational principles. It is NOT intended
to cover all conditions encountered during operation. erefore, the principles presented in this Owner’s
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 the boat owner and/or operator.
Adding additional ballast to a 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 the boat, which damage will not be covered
by your warranty.
Information regarding the maximum number of people and/or additional weight to the boat is included
in the Guide to Individual Models section of this Manual. It is the boat operator’s responsibility to ensure
that the boat is never overloaded. Too much additional weight may cause the boat to overturn or sink,
which can result in serious bodily injury or death.
Loading
Never overload the boat. e maximum weight capacity as listed on the certification plate includes all
items added to the boat (including persons and gear). Proper distribution of weight is critical to boat perfor-
mance. Allocate the load as evenly as possible.
e maximum weight capacity includes filled, factory-installed ballast tanks and/or ballast bags, added by
the customer.
e maximum weight capacity is calculated with full factory installed fuel and ballast tanks.
e weight of occupants, gear and water in any ballast bags added by the customer reduces the
capacity of the boat. Failure to adhere to the total maximum capacity may result in too much
strain on the drive train or may sink the boat. This is not covered under warranty! See the
Common Sense Approach section of this Owner’s Manual regarding weight.
Emergencies
Know how to use and spot distress signals, and to 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 maneuver.
• Recognize outside forces! Check the wind direction and ve-
locity, as well as water currents and waves.
• Have a crew on hand! Have friends or family ready with fend-
ers, 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.