Starting the Engine
Attach the emergency engine safety
switch tether (lanyard) to an article of your
clothing and to the switch.
All models will have a removable igni-
tion key. Its purpose is for safety and se-
curity. The key should be inserted prior to
starting an outing, and removed at the con-
clusion. This is intended to prevent theft or
unapproved use of the boat.
The process for starting the boat is:
• Insert the key and turn. This turns ON
the electrical system and prompts the
battery(ies) to provide power.
• Momentarily press the ENGINE
START-STOP button.
Note: While the engine is warming up,
check to see that all lights, video screens
and gauges operate properly. Check that
the steering system operates freely. There
should be no apparent leaks under pres-
sure. Re-engage the control lever after
warm-up by returning the lever to neutral
and pushing the throttle button back into
the engage position.
Shifting Gears
When shifting gears, always move the
control lever smoothly and quickly into
gear. Do not hesitate. Slow gear engage-
ment could damage the shifting mechanism
in the transmission.
NOTE: When shifting from forward to
reverse or reverse to forward, be sure to
stop the control lever in the neutral posi-
tion and allow the engine to fall between
600-800 RPM before completing the shift.
A one-hand, single-lever control operates
as both a gear shifter and a throttle. The le-
ver 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. Shift-
ing is accomplished by moving the lever
forward or backward. Center (straight up) is
neutral. Moving the lever forward engages
the running gear; moving it back from cen-
ter puts the drive train into reverse.
Never attempt to shift without the en-
gine running! This causes excessive wear
to the shifting mechanism and may nega-
tively affect control of the boat.
During regular warm-up of the engine,
it is possible to temporarily increase the
engine RPMs without moving the boat. To
accomplish this, push in the button locat-
ed at the bottom of the shift/throttle lever
with one hand and pull up the “umbrella”
(aluminum surround below the top of the
knob). Move the lever to desired position
and then simultaneously release the but-
ton and umbrella. The engine will run with
increased RPMs and can be increased or
decreased by moving the lever. Returning
the handle to the neutral position will bring
the system back to neutral and reduce the
engine RPMs to pre-set levels.
This function should be done sparingly.
Over-revving the engine for any extended
period can cause undue wear and tear on
the engine. Avoid advancing to wide-open-
throttle and holding the RPMs at that level.
Preparation • 2014 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 5-11
P R E P A R A T I O N
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