MasterCraft 2009 MariStar X-Series owner manual Operational hints

operational hints

MasterCraft urges all who will be operating the boat to seek certified instruction from the local boating authorities. This sec- tion is designed to present the most basic operational principles. It is NOT intended to cover all conditions encountered during operation. Therefore, the principles presented in this Owner’s Manual are limited to the facts related directly to the operation of the boat, while the responsibility for the proper application of these principles belongs with the boat owner and/or operator.

Adding additional ballast to a MasterCraft boat is not recom- mended, and can result in impaired visibility, diminished handling characteristics and instability when operating your boat, and may result in potential structural and/or engine damage to the boat, which damage will not be covered by your warranty.

Loading

Never overload the boat. The maximum weight capacity as listed on the certification plate includes all items added to the boat (in- cluding persons and gear). Proper distribution of weight is criti- cal to boat performance. Allocate the load as evenly as possible.

The maximum weight capacity includes filled, 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. Failure 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! See the Common Sense Approach section of this Owner’s Manual regarding weight, including calculations for ballast and gasoline.

Information regarding the maximum number of people and/or additional weight to the boat is included in the Guide to Individual Models section of this Manual. It is the boat operator’s respon- sibility 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 assis- tance if possible. Remember, you may need assistance 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 first 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 au- tomobile! Boats cannot be maneuvered and stopped like a car. Boats steer from the stern (rear) and have no brakes.

Basic Maneuvering

Steering response is dependent upon three (3) factors: rudder position, motion and throttle. While high-speed maneu- vering is relatively easy and takes little practice, slow-speed maneuvering is

far more difficult and requires time and practice to master.

MasterCraft 2009 Owner’s Manual - Page 10-1