2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 5-12
Engine Synchronizing Switch
(280 STS and SST only)
This two-position switch
allows the engines to oper-
ate in synchronization.
Do
not engage the switch
unless the engines are
running!
Step 1: Press up on the Synch switch to turn the syn-
chronization function ON.
Step 2: Push the
port throttle
to wide-open throttle.
Note:
In the MariStar 280, the boat is equipped with a
four-lever control, The lever closest to the driver is the
port engine shifter, which allows the boat to move for-
ward when shifted forward, and backward when shifted
aft. The next lever is the starboard engine shifter and per-
forms the same function. If both engines are running and
the boat is moving, the shifters should be shifted together
and in the same direction. Doing otherwise can damage
the system.
The next middle lever is the port engine throttle, which
allows the boat to feed fuel into the engine and operate
in motion. Pushing forward on it will signal the system
that fuel should be sent to the port engine. The engines
can be run at different levels of throttle BUT NOT WHEN
UTILIZING THE SYNCH FUNCTION!
Step 3: Using the
starboard throttle
, run the boat up
to the desired speed.
Note: The system is RPM-based, NOT
speed (or miles per hour)-based.
Step 4: Press up on the Cruise switch adjacent to the
Synch switch. This engages the MC Cruise
function.
Note: DO NOT use the Cruise function
without turning on the Synch function as
directed. Doing so will cause erratic opera-
tion.
Step 5: Now push the starboard throttle to wide-open
throttle also. The boat will run at the RPM level
at which it was running when the Cruise was
engaged. If further adjustment is required or
desired, adjust by pressing up or down on the
+/- switch adjacent to the Cruise switch.
Note: If the system is turned off (pressing
down on the Cruise or Synch switches), the
operator MUST pull the throttles below the
cruise RPM to regain control of the system.
During operation, the starboard throttle must
be beyond the set point of the cruise for
the function to work properly. A light in the
switch will blink if more throttle is required.
The port engine will have an RPM blip after the Synch
switch is activated and the throttle is moved to wide-open
throttle. If the engine actually accelerates to wide-open
throttle, then the Synch function did not take control of
the port engine. In this instance, reduce the speed and
return to Step 1.
Shift/Throttle Control
With the exception of
the MariStar 280 STS
and SST, a one-hand,
single-lever control
operates as both a
gear shifter and a
throttle. The lever
automatically locks
in the neutral posi-
tion (straight up and
down) for safety. The
lever can be moved
from neutral only by raising the lifter under the ball knob.
Shifting is accomplished by moving the lever forward or
backward. Center (straight up) is neutral. Moving the le-
ver forward engages the running gear; moving it back
from center puts the drive train into reverse.
Never attempt to shift without the engine running!
In the MariStar 280 STS and SST, the boat is equipped
with a four-lever control, The lever closest to the driver is
the port engine shifter, which allows the boat to move for-
ward when shifted forward, and backward when shifted
