STARTING
THE
ENGINE
Step 1: Attach the emergency engine safety switch tether
(lanyard) between an article of your clothing and the switch.
Step 2: For normal starting, leave the throttle lever in neutral.
The electronic controls will meter the correct fuel and air
automatically.
Step 3: Turn the key switch to the start position and
hold until the engine starts. Release the key as soon as
the engine starts. If the engine does not start within 10-
15 seconds:
a) Pull out the neutral detent.
b) Advance the throttle lever to wide-open throttle and
crank the engine. When the engine fires, quickly return the
throttle to the idle position.
Do not operate the starter motor continuously for more
than fifteen (15) seconds without at least a two (2)
minute “cool-down” period. Failure to do so may cause
the starter to overheat, resulting in damage. Failure to
release the ignition key after the engine has started may
cause damage to the starter motor and drive.
Note: While the engine is warming up, check to see
that all lights and gauges operate properly, as well as the
steering. There should be no apparent leaks under pres-
sure. Re-engage the control lever after warm-up by re-
turning the lever to neutral and pushing the throttle but-
ton back into the engage position.
Step 4: Always allow the engine to warm up to normal operation temperature before accelerating. EFI engines, including all late-
model MasterCraft engines, are programmed with a phased warm-up to ensure that the engine is warm before full RPM is possible.
103
o
F (40
o
C) or less: 3,000 RPMs
104
o
to 139
o
F (41
o
to 59
o
C) at least 10 seconds after starting: 4,200 RPM
140
o
(60
o
C) and higher, at least 10 seconds after starting: Full RPM
SHIFTING
SHIFTING
SHIFTING
SHIFTING
SHIFTING
GEARS
When shifting, always move the control lever smoothly and quickly into gear. Do not hesitate. Slow gear engagement could
damage the shifting mechanism in the transmission. Always allow the engine speed to fall to low idle (600-800 RPM) before
making a gear shift.
Forward: Raise the lifter ball under the lever knob and then push the control lever forward into the first 45 degrees of travel.
Throttle movement will begin after 45 degrees.
Reverse: Raise the lifter ball under the lever knob and briskly pull the control lever back into the 45 degrees of travel. Throttle
movement will begin after 45 degrees.
Once the shift has been completed, continue to move the control lever slowly in the desired direction to increase speed.
2005
MASTERCRAFT
OWNERS
MANUAL
–
PAGE
10-2
