Knowledge Center

Safety

STEERING RULES

Any time two (2) vessels on the water meet one another, one vessel has the right-of-way.

Safety

WSIA - WATERCRAFT SAFETY VIDEO

Safety and etiquette is outlined in the video below so that everyone will enjoy a fun and safe day on the water.

Safety

SAFETY AFLOAT

Many accidents can be avoided if an operator is completely familiar with the boat, its operation, and can recognize potentially hazardous situations before an accident occurs.

Safety

IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE

Fire on-board is among the most serious of matters that boaters can experience. Due to the close proximity of fuel tanks and a number of electrically operated items that can result in a spark or arc, any and all fires on a boat should be a matter for immediate action.

Safety

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

The engine compartment in every MasterCraft boat is equipped with an automatic fire suppression system. The system has a manual override mounted in the helm area (domestic boats only) which uses a clean agent canister to suppress fires in the engine compartment.

Safety

FIRE SUPPRESSION & EXTINGUISHING

All MasterCraft boats are equipped with an automatic fire suppression system. The automatic system operates from sensors in the engine room and will automatically release a clean-agent, gaseous chemical that does not leave residue behind. In boats sold domestically and some internationally, this is the HFC-227 system.

Safety

CAPSIZING

In addition to fire, a boater's greatest concern may be with the possibility of capsizing or overturning the boat. A number of factors can occur that will result in a boat overturning (high waves, excessive wakes, bad weather) or sinking as a result of damage such as striking an underwater object or another boat.

Safety

IN-WATER ACTIVITIES SAFETY

Individuals in the water are obligated to be as aware of the fundamental safety rules as operators. If you are new to water sports, you should seek certified training before starting. You may find it especially helpful to join a local water-sports club, if available, and the U.S.W.S.A. (United States Water Skiing Association).

Trailers

TRAILER MAINTENANCE & QUICK TIPS

Easy ways to take care of your trailer's appearance and function.

Trailers

WALK-AROUND TRAILER INSPECTION

The majority of potential roadside issues can be eliminated by a walk-around visual inspection of the trailer.

Trailers

BACKING UP A BOAT TRAILER

When backing up, place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. To turn left, move your hand left (rotate the wheel clockwise). To turn right, move your hand right (rotate the ...

Trailers

TRAILER LOAD-CARRYING CAPACITY

Check the certification label attached to the front left side of the trailer. This is very important as it shows the maximum load-carrying capacity of the trailer. It will also show the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Be sure that the total weight of the boat, engine, gear and trailer does not exceed the GVWR.

Trailers

TRAILER WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION

Improper weight distribution can cause a boat trailer to fishtail (sway from side to side) as it moves down the highway, putting excessive strains on both the trailer and the tow vehicle, which increases gas consumption and may cause an accident.

Trailers

TRAILER SAFETY CABLES

The safety cables on a MasterCraft trailer provide added security so that the trailer will not become detached from the tow vehicle when underway. These cables conform to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J684 standard for trailer coupling and hitches automotive type. If it ever becomes necessary to replace these cables, ensure that the replacement cables meet the SAE J684 standard.

Trailers

SWING TONGUE

Ensure the swing tongue is folded fully forward, the pivot pin is installed, and the keeper pin is installed in the bottom of the pivot pin before towing. When folding the swing tongue open or forward to the fully closed position, be sure that the brake hose is not kinked or pinched in any way. A pinched or kinked brake hose will cause the brakes to drag and overheat.

Trailers

HOW TO ATTACH THE TRAILER

To connect the trailer to the tow vehicle, open the coupler mechanism (instructions below). When necessary, raise the trailer jack. Slowly back up the tow vehicle until the hitch ball is under the coupler. This is easier to perform with another person standing beside the trailer and guiding the driver.

Preparation

BOAT REGISTRATION & NUMBERING

All undocumented vessels equipped with propulsion machinery must be registered in the state of principal use. A certificate of number will be issued upon registering the vehicle...

Preparation

ANCHORING

Anchoring is done for two principal reasons: first, to stop for fishing, swimming, lunch or an overnight stay, and secondly, to keep a boat from running aground in bad weather or as a result...

Preparation

OPERATOR'S LICENSE

Some states are implementing operator's license requirements. These requirements vary widely.

Preparation

FUEL LEVELS

Starting the engine with fuel levels below the acceptable standard will likely cause damage to the fuel pump. MasterCraft, working in conjunction with the fuel pumps manufacturer, has determined that on initial (first-time) use, the boat should have a minimum of fifteen (15) gallons of gas.

Maintenance

CHECK THE BALLAST PUMP IMPELLER

This applies only to X and XStar boats equipped with some type of ballast system. The number of ballast pumps varies from system to system.

Maintenance

LUBRICATE THE STEERING SYSTEM

For cable systems only (both standard steering and DockStar Handling System); hydraulic steering maintenance must be completed by an authorized MasterCraft Dealer only.

Maintenance

PROPELLER MAINTENANCE

Propeller damage is caused by striking solid objects.

Maintenance

INSPECT THE COMPLETE FUEL SYSTEM FOR LEAKAGE AND CHANGE FUEL FILTER

Although the boat engine is similar to an automobile engine, the engine compartment differs substantially. The underside of an automobile engine compartment is totally open to the atmosphere. This allows complete air circulation and ventilation. A boat engine is housed in a closed compartment, the underside of which is the bottom (hull) of the boat.

Care

CHECK THE ENGINE MOUNTS

CAUTION: Some engine parts become very hot during operation. This inspection must be completed while the engine is cool to prevent burns to your skin. Perform this task before starting the boat.

Care

SALTWATER CARE

MasterCraft boats have been designed for operation in fresh water unless equipped with the Salt Water Package. If operating a fresh-water model temporarily in salt, polluted or brackish water, thoroughly flush the boat with fresh water as soon as possible afterward.

Care

STAINLESS STEEL & CHROME | ANODIZED ALUMINUM

Stainless steel, chrome-plated and anodized aluminum parts are not totally resistant to corrosion. Occasional cleaning and polishing with a marine chrome-and-stainless polish will maintain and extend the life of these parts.

Care

CLEANING THE BOAT

Periodic cleaning is the best way to keep your boat looking like new. Regular washing and waxing keep dirt and build-up from deteriorating the finish. If you keep your boat in showroom-new condition, then your personal satisfaction will be higher and the resale value of your boat will be greater.

Care

UPHOLSTERY | VINYL CARE

While vinyl is made to withstand the elements, it is important to care for vinyl by keeping it clean at all times. Many substances may stain the vinyl if left untreated over a period of time. Remember to remove any contaminant and clean vinyl immediately.

How to Videos

HOW TO DRIVE FOR A WAKESURFER

In this How-To, Travis Moye of the Boarding School gives you some basic tips on how to lose the nervousness and drive for the rippers in your crew.

How to Videos

HOW TO FIND THE SWEET SPOT WAKESURFING

In this How-To, Travis Moye of the Boarding School provides some basic instruction on how to break up with your surf rope and find that allusive sweet spot while wakesurfing.

How to Videos

HOW TO TEACH A KID TO WAKESURF

In this How-To, Travis Moye of the Boarding School gives you a few basic tips to get kids up on a wakesurf board, helping mom and dad trade in frustration for fun.

Power

ETHANOL FUELS

When you fuel your MasterCraft boat having an ILMOR engine, please be certain that you do not use a fuel blend that exceeds 10% ethanol, or which contains any methanol. Doing so could damage your engine and void your engine warranty.

Power

ENGINE FUEL LEVELS

Starting the engine with fuel levels below the acceptable standard will likely cause damage to the fuel pump.

Power

GENERAL POWER PACKAGE PREP

Step 1 Lubricate the throttle and shift linkages and cables with multi-purpose grease.

Systems

LOW VOLTAGE BATTERY ALARM

In the event that the stereo has been functioning when the boat is not ON and running, the voltage drain on the battery (or batteries) may result in difficulties with restarting the boat.

Systems

DUAL BATTERIES

Because of the demanding drain on the electrical system by modern MasterCraft boats, it has become necessary to implement a dual battery system.

Systems

BATTERY CHARGER

As a convenience, a battery charger is offered as an option. The charger is designed to recharge the batteries and also to extend battery life in applications where the boat is store...

Features

12 VOLT RECEPTACLES

12-volt receptacles allow external electronic devices to charge from the boat's electrical system. Location MasterCraft boats have one (1) or more 12-volt receptacles. Examine...

Features

ALUMINUM ANODE

Galvanic corrosion (electrolysis) is the decomposition of metal due to the effects of electrolytic action.

Features

TRANSOM PROTECTION FILM

A clear barrier between the transom of the boat and the numerous outside elements.

Storage

BALLAST SYSTEM WINTERIZATION

Ballast tanks, pumps, hoses and fittings must be properly winterized to prevent freezing damage during winter storage. Because of the complexity of preparing a ballast system for win...

Storage

GENERAL POWER PACKAGE WINTERIZATION

Step 1 Lubricate the throttle and shift linkages and cables with multi-purpose grease. Step 2 MasterCraft recommends that batteries be removed from the boat for winter storage.

Storage

GENERAL STORAGE INFO

Storage or winter lay-up requires special preparation to prevent damage to the boat.