M
asterCraft urges all who will be operating the
boat to seek certied instruction from the local
boating authorities. This section is designed to
present the most basic operational principles. It is NOT
intended to cover all conditions encountered during oper-
ation. Therefore, the principles presented in this Manual
are limited to the facts related directly to the operation
of the boat, while the responsibility for the proper appli-
cation of these principles belongs with the boat owner
and/or operator.
Adding additional ballast to your MasterCraft
boat is not recommended, and can result in im-
paired visibility, diminished handling character-
istics and instability when operating your boat,
and may result in potential structural and/or en-
gine damage to your boat, which damage will not
be covered by your warranty.
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Never overload the boat. The maximum weight capac-
ity as listed on the certication plate includes all items
added to the boat (including persons and gear). Proper
distribution of weight is critical to boat performance. Al-
locate the load as evenly as possible.
The maximum weight capacity includes lled, factory-installed
ballast tanks and/or ballast bags, added by the customer.
Note that adding ballast bags reduces the number of
people and the amount of gear that can be added. Fail-
ure 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!
Information regarding the maximum number of
people and/or additional weight to the boat is in-
cluded in the Guide to Individual Models section
of this Manual. It is the boat operator’s responsi-
bility 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.
Emergencies
Know how to use and spot distress signals, and to offer
assistance if possible. Remember, you may need assis-
tance 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 rst 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 velocity, as well as water currents and waves.
• Have a crew on hand! Have friends or family ready
with fenders, 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.
2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 10-1
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