NOTE: If you are operating this boat for the rst time,
you must follow the engine and drive train break-in proce-
dures as described in the previous section and the engine
manual. Failure to follow these procedures may result in seri-
ous damage and may void any warranties!
Before Starting
Familiarize yourself with the controls and indicators used on this
MasterCraft boat. Perform all Safety Checks and Services as described
earlier. Also perform all Scheduled Maintenance Checks and Services.
Step 1: Lift the engine cover and inspect the bilge and engine com
-
partment for any uid/vapor leakage. MasterCraft recom-
mends lifting the engine compartment cover for inspection
before each use.
Step 2: Check the hull drain plugs. Make sure they are installed and
secure.
Step 3: Operate the bilge blower for at least four (4) minutes. Leave
the bilge blower ON through the starting process and until
the boat has planed.
To prevent a possible explosion, operate the blower for
at least four (4) minutes before starting the engine and
always when at idle or slow-running speed. Explosive
gasoline and/or battery fumes may be present in the en-
gine compartment. Failure to do so may result in serious
injury or death!
Before starting the engine, open the engine compart-
ment and check for gasoline fumes, fuel and oil leaks or
the presence of fuel or oil in the bilge.
starti ng and basi c o per ati on
NOTE: Always start the engine with the control lever in the neu-
tral position or with the shift disengaged. Your boat is equipped
with a neutral-start safety switch that will not allow the engine
to be started when in gear.
Starting the Engine
Step 1: Attach the emergency engine safety switch tether (lanyard) to
an article of your clothing and to the switch.
Step 2: For normal starting, leave the throttle lever in neutral. The
electronic controls will meter the correct fuel and air auto-
matically.
Step 3: Turn the key switch to the start position and hold until the
engine starts. Release the key as soon as the engine starts.
Do not operate the starter motor continuously for
more than fifteen (15) seconds without at least two
(2) minutes for a “cool-down” period. Failure to do so
may cause the starter to overheat, resulting in dam-
age. Failure to release the ignition key after the engine
has started may cause damage to the starter motor and
drive.
Note: While the engine is warming up, check to see that all
lights and gauges operate properly. Check that the steering sys-
tem operates freely. There should be no apparent leaks under
pressure. Re-engage the control lever after warm-up by returning
the lever to neutral and pushing the throttle button back into the
engage position.
Shifting Gears
When shifting gears, always move the control lever smoothly and
quickly into gear. Do not hesitate. Slow gear engagement could dam-
age the shifting mechanism in the transmission.
NOTE: When shifting from forward to reverse or reverse to
forward, be sure to stop the control lever in the neutral position
and allow the engine to fall between 600-800 RPM before com-
pleting the shift.
With the exception of the MariStar 280, X-80 and CSX-265, a
one-hand, single-lever control operates as both a gear shifter and a
throttle. The lever automatically locks in the neutral position (straight
up and down) for safety. The lever can be moved from neutral only by
raising the lifter under the ball knob. Shifting is accomplished by moving
the lever forward or backward. Center (straight up) is neutral. Moving
the lever forward engages the running gear; moving it back from center
puts the drive train into reverse.
Never attempt to shift without the engine running!
During regular warm-up of the engine, it is possible to temporar-
ily increase the engine RPMs without moving the boat. To accomplish
this, push in the button located at the bottom of the shift/throttle
lever with one hand and pull up the “umbrella” (aluminum surround
below the top of the knob). Move the lever to desired position and
then simultaneously release the button and umbrella. The engine will
run with increased RPMs and can be increased or decreased by mov-
ing the lever. Returning the handle to the neutral position (as shown
mastercraft 2010 ow n e r ’s m anual • page 10 -1
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