MasterCraft 2014 14v, Owner'S Manual

Page: 17 / 285

Weight Limits and Distribution
All boats have weight limits. Failure to ad-
here to the posted limits can cause opera-
tion instability and/or the boat to sink. This
may result in serious injury or death, as well
as significant damage to the boat, which
will not be covered by warranty.
Overloading a boat may cause it to be-
come unstable and may potentially result
in the boat’s flotation system becoming
overwhelmed. Too much weight can sink
any boat! Within this Manual and on a label
mounted in each boat is the Maximum Ca -
pacity for that specific model. Bear in mind
that maximum limits include additional
water ballast bags and water put in them,
gear brought onto the boat, additional op-
tions and all people. Maximum people is
limited to the number of designated occu-
pant seating positions.
Equally critical is how weight is distrib -
uted throughout the boat. The weight must
be distributed evenly throughout the boat.
If too much weight is placed in one area
it can have serious impact on maintaining
control. Items and people can also shift po-
sitions during operation, potentially caus-
ing a dangerous situation.
Adding weight of any type to the boat
will affect the handling characteristics of
the boat underway. Caution should always
be exhibited when putting the boat into
motion or attempting to stop it, particular-
ly when the added-weight characteristics
have changed.
Line of Sight
Care should also be taken to avoid inter-
fering with the boat operator’s line of sight
when the boat is underway. This applies
particularly to individuals riding in the
bow. It is possible to quite unintentionally
obscure the driver’s view. Even momentary
interference can result in the driver’s inabil-
ity to respond to a situation that requires
avoidance of another vessel or submerged
or partially-submerged objects. Everyone
on board should always pay attention to
other vessels, people and objects located in
close proximity to the boat, activities tak -
ing place in or near the water, and should
always be supportive of the boat operator.
The law requires the boat operator to
maintain clear visibility at all times and in
all directions when the boat is in motion.
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
and Accessibility
Federal law also requires at least one
wearable Type I, II, III or Type V Personal
Flotation Device (“PFD”) for each person
on-board or being towed on water skis,
Page 1-10 2014 MasterCraft Owners Manual • Safety Knowledge
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