
2005
MASTERCRAFT
OWNERS
MANUAL
–
PAGE
10-1
STARTING
OPERATION
> > > > > >
A N D B A S I C
BEFORE
STARTING
Familiarize yourself with the controls and indicators used on your MasterCraft boat.
Perform all Safety Checks and Services as described earlier. Perform all Scheduled Mainte-
nance Checks and Services also.
Step 1: Lift the engine cover and inspect the bilge and engine compartment for any
fluid leakage. We recommend lifting the engine compartment cover for inspection be-
fore each use.
Step 2: 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. Check the hull drain plugs:
Make sure they are installed and secure.
Note: If you are
operat-
ing this boat for
the first time,
you
must follow the
New
Boat Break-in
procedures
as de-
scribed in the previous sec-
tion.
FAILURE
to fol-
low these procedures could
result in
SERIOUS
ENGINE
DAMAGE
and would
void
your warranty!
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!
Step 3: If your boat is a SportStar 19 or a pre-2000 model ProStar or MariStar and is not equipped with in-tank fuel pump, turn the
fuel valve to the ON position.
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 in gear.
On EFI engines, if the engine floods, it can
be cleared by pushing the button that is in
the throttle arm and advancing the throttle
to full open–100 percent of its travel–and
turning the key switch to the start position.
The ECM shuts off the fuel supply to the
injectors so that no fuel will be delivered
during the cranking cycle. When the en-
gine starts, immediately return the throttle
to the idle position so that the engine will
not over-rev.