2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 5-12
Engine Synchronizing Switch 
(280 STS and SST only)
This  two-position  switch 
allows the engines to oper-
ate in synchronization. Do 
not  engage  the  switch 
unless  the  engines  are 
running! 
Step 1:  Press up on the Synch switch to turn the syn-
chronization function ON.
Step 2:  Push the port throttle to wide-open throttle.
Note: In the MariStar 280, the boat is equipped with a 
four-lever control, The lever closest to the driver is the 
port engine shifter, which allows the boat to move for-
ward when shifted forward, and backward when shifted 
aft. The next lever is the starboard engine shifter and per-
forms the same function. If both engines are running and 
the boat is moving, the shifters should be shifted together 
and in the same direction. Doing otherwise can damage 
the system.
The next middle lever is the port engine throttle, which 
allows the boat to feed fuel into the engine and operate 
in motion. Pushing forward on it will signal the system 
that fuel should be sent to the port engine. The engines 
can be run at different levels of throttle BUT NOT WHEN 
UTILIZING THE SYNCH FUNCTION!
Step 3:  Using the starboard throttle, run the boat up 
to the desired speed.
   Note:  The  system  is  RPM-based,  NOT 
speed (or miles per hour)-based.
Step 4:   Press up on the Cruise switch adjacent to the 
Synch  switch.  This  engages  the  MC  Cruise 
function.
   Note:  DO  NOT  use  the  Cruise  function 
without turning on the Synch function as 
directed. Doing so will cause erratic opera-
tion.
Step 5:  Now push the starboard throttle to wide-open 
throttle also. The boat will run at the RPM level 
at which it was running when the Cruise was 
engaged. If further adjustment is required or 
desired, adjust by pressing up or down on the 
+/- switch adjacent to the Cruise switch.
  Note: If the system is turned off (pressing 
down on the Cruise or Synch switches), the 
operator MUST pull the throttles below the 
cruise RPM to regain control of the system. 
During operation, the starboard throttle must 
be beyond  the set point  of  the  cruise for 
the function to work properly. A light in the 
switch will blink if more throttle is required.
The port engine will have an RPM blip after the Synch 
switch is activated and the throttle is moved to wide-open 
throttle. If the engine actually accelerates to wide-open 
throttle, then the Synch function did not take control of 
the port engine. In this instance, reduce the speed and 
return to Step 1.
Shift/rottle Control
With the exception of 
the MariStar 280 STS 
and SST, a one-hand, 
single-lever  control 
operates  as  both  a 
gear  shifter  and  a 
throttle.  The  lever 
automatically  locks 
in  the  neutral  posi-
tion  (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 le-
ver forward engages the running gear; moving it back 
from center puts the drive train into reverse. 
Never attempt to shift without the engine running!
In the MariStar 280 STS and SST, the boat is equipped 
with a four-lever control, The lever closest to the driver is 
the port engine shifter, which allows the boat to move for-
ward when shifted forward, and backward when shifted