Installing a higher-pitched propeller
will reduce the WOT ROMs. An engine
that is over-revving may quickly ex-
perience 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 pro-
peller will increase WOT ROMs.
An engine that is under-revving is
“lugging.” This places a tre-memdous
load on the pistons, crankshaft and bear-
ings 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. Humidity, 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 manufacturer suggest that consumers consult 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 ensure excellent performance.
Unusual Operating Condtions
If the body of water is unknown, talk to the local boaters about the type of obstacles you may encounter
beneath the water’s surface. Rocks, tree stumps and sandbars are all dangerous and damaging. Be especially wary
of rivers and man-made lakes. Rapidly changing conditions can cause daily changes in underwater 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 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 advantage 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.
OPERATIONAL
HINTS
12-3
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