MasterCraft 2009 MariStar X-Series Before Starting, Starting the Engine, Shifting Gears

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starting and basic operation

NOTE: If you are operating this boat for the first time, you must follow the engine and drive train break-in procedures as described in the previous section and the engine manual. Failure to follow these procedures may result in serious 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 Sched- uled Maintenance Checks and Services.

Step 1: Lift the engine cover and inspect the bilge and engine compart- ment for any fluid/vapor leakage.

MasterCraft recommends lifting the engine compart- ment 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 engine compartment. Failure to do so may result in serious injury or death!

Before starting the engine, open the engine compartment and check for gasoline fumes, fuel and oil leaks or the presence of fuel or oil in the bilge.

NOTE: Always start the engine with the control lever in the neutral 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 (lan- yard) 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 automatically.

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 damage. 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 system operates freely. There should be no apparent leaks under pressure. Re-engage the control lever after warm-up by return- ing 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 damage the shifting mechanism in the transmission.

Always allow the engine speed to fall to low idle (600-800 RPM) before shifting gears.

Forward: Raise the lifter ball under the lever knob and then push the control lever forward into the first forty-five (45) degrees of travel. Throttle movement will begin after forty-five (45) degrees.

MasterCraft 2009 Owner’s Manual - Page 9-1

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Contents 2009 MasterCraft Welcome aboard Page 2-1 Page 16-2, 16-5, Page Table of contents General Precautions Boating safetySafety Afloat Safety EquipmentRequired Equipment Recommended EquipmentSkiing and Wakeboarding Safety Operator’s License Common sense approach Rules of the open water Other Special Situations OvertakingSailing Vessel Right-of-Way Fishing Vessel Right-of-WayGuide to individual models Exhaust Bow Light Transom Drain Plug MariStar Fuel Tank Engine Batteries Filler Star CSX Instrument panels Measurements Aft Light Switch Accessory SwitchesAll Models-Actual Switch Usage Will Vary Volt ReceptacleMariStar 230, X-30, MariStar 245 MariStar 280 Attitude Adjustment or Trim Tab SwitchManual and Automatic Bilge Pump Switch Manual Ballast Empty/Fill SwitchesBlower Switch Circuit BreakersCourtesy Lights Switch Clock Adjustment SwitchDisplay Selector Switch Dual Battery Operation SwitchEngine Synchronizing Switch Engine Hatch SwitchEngine Oil Pressure Gauge MariStar 280/X-80, CSX-220, CSX-265Instrument Panel Gauge Backlighting Switch Heater SwitchLow Voltage Battery Alarm Fuel GaugeOther Alarms Navigation/Anchor Lights SwitchRefrigerator Switch Seat Heat SwitchesSink Switch Shower and/or Slick Boot SwitchTemperature Gauge Shift/Throttle ControlVideo Display Gauge Tower Lights SwitchPage Voltmeter Wash Down SwitchWhat Type of Gasoline To Use Using care when fuelingUsing Oxygenated Fuels or Fuels with Alcohol When the Boat Is Not Used for a WhileWhen Fuel Runs Out or Too Low for Proper Operation Fuels Outside United States and CanadaPage Before Each Operation Safety checks and services During Operation After OperationAfter Break-In New boat break-inFirst Hours of Operation Page Shifting Gears Before StartingStarting the Engine Stopping UnderwayOperational hints Page Docking and Tie-Up Unusual Operating ConditionsUsing Lifting Slings Using Lifting EyesLifting the boat Storage CradleMarine Growth Corrosion preventionGalvanic Corrosion Stainless Steel and ChromeUpholstery Cleaning the boatHull Teak Wood CarpetFiberglass Swim Platform WindshieldAcceptable Upholstery Cleaners Slick BootUnacceptable Upholstery Cleaners Enclosed HeadApco Mastercraft boat care products MasterCraft Marine Motor Oil & Filters MasterCraft Cleaning & Detailing KitMasterCraft Microfiber Detailing Cloths New Boat Break-In Frequency and Scheduled MaintenanceBefore Each Use After Each UseAnnually Every One Hundred 100 Hours Quarterly Every Fifty 50 HoursInspect the Battery Connections and Hold-Downs Check Raw Water Intake Strainer where equippedInspect the Propeller Shaft Log for Water Entry By the warrantyInspect the Exhaust System for Leaks Inspect the Fuel System for LeaksGeneral Cleaning and Storage Check That the Battery Is Fully ChargedCheck the Engine Mounts Lubricate the Engine Starter Gear and ShaftLubricate the Steering System Check the Propeller Shaft Coupling AlignmentInspect the Exhaust Flaps for Damage Inspect the Complete Fuel System for Leakage Lubricate the Shift and Throttle SystemCheck the Ballast Pump Impeller Fire Extinguisher and Suppression Units Fuel System Treatment General Power Package PreparationGeneral Preparation Other Winterization Preparations Re-Activating the Boat After Storage Ballast System PreparationsChanging Propellers Checking/Repairing PropellersAnchor and Windlass Battery ChargerComfort and convenience Fire Suppression and Extinguishing CoolersHead GPS and ChartplotterBefore operation HeaterLighting Hydraulic Steering SystemLivewell/Kill Box/Catch Box RefrigerationShower or Wash Down Seat HeatersStereo Equipment Swim/Boarding PlatformsFolding Down the Platform TablesWater Heater TowersVideo Screen Guide to troubleshooting Limited warranty statement Page Page Page Warranty Registration Transfer Warranty registration and transferEvery 100 Hours Date Service log12-1 IndexGauge, Voltmeter Gauges & Switches, Variations Platforms, Swim/Boarding 19-7 Storage & Winterization 17-1 19-9 Transfer, Warranty Registration 22-1 ProStar MariStar Series Saltwater Series