FIRST
HOUR
OF
OPERATION
Start the engine and allow the warm-up to normal operating temperature (140 degrees F to 190 degrees F) at low idle (600 to 800 RPM).
Operate the boat in forward gear, accelerate quickly, but gradually, to planing speed. Then return the throttle back to
maintain a planing attitude. Vary the engine speed, but do not exceed 2000 RPM for the first hour. Carry only a light load.
NEXT
FIVE
HOURS
OF
OPERATION
Continue operation at plane and vary the engine speed, but do not exceed 4000 RPM. Occasionally reduce the throttle
to idle speed for a cool-down period. Carry only a light load.
NEXT
TEN
HOURS
OF
OPERATION
Operations during the final ten hours of break-in is very much the same as the second five hours, except that it is permissible
to run at full speed for 2-3 minutes at a time. Do not accelerate suddenly from low-to-full speed. Increase speed gradually during
this period. Again, an occasional cool-down period is recommended.
AFTER
THE
FIRST
10
HOURS
OF
OPERATION
Return the boat to your MasterCraft dealer for the 10-hour inspection. At this time, your service technician should change the
engine oil and filter, as well as making other necessary checks, adjustments and services. The oil change is particularly critical
to long life and good service from your engine!
AFTER
BREAK-IN
Once the break-in period is over, the boat may be operated continuously at any speed, but not beyond the maximum. For the RPT-
1 engine that is 4800 RPMs; the MCX is 5200 RPMs, the LQ9 Cadillac is 5400 RPMs, and the 8.1 Liter engine is 5400 RPMs as well.
MasterCraft boat engines are equipped with rev-limiters which will cause a fluttering sound when reached. If the boat has the
correct propeller set-up, operators should never reach the limiter, but if that happens it is a signal that you should reduce the
throttle and check with your dealer to determine the cause.
Always remember that during normal operation you should allow the engine to warm up gradually. Be sure the engine is warm
before accelerating. Pay careful attention to the gauges and the Check Engine indicator. Also, check the oil level frequently
during the first 50 hours of operation since the piston rings and cylinders will require that period to seat properly.
After the initial 50 hours of operation, the engine oil and filter must be changed. This second oil change is very important to
ensure a long and trouble-free engine life.
(Note that the engine manufacturer does not recommend using synthetic oils until at least 100 hours.) After break-in, all
maintenance is performed at regular intervals.
See the Scheduled Maintenance Checks and Services section for more details.
Failure to follow the engine oil recommendation listed in the manual can cause
additional engine wear and increase the possibility of engine component failure.
Damage to your engine due to incorrect oil usage can be costly to repair, and
is not covered by your warranty!
2005
MASTERCRAFT
OWNERS
MANUAL
–
PAGE
9-2
