BOATING SAFETY
Operational Hints
MasterCraft urges you–and all others who will be operating the boat–to seek certified instruction from the
local boating authorities. This section is designed to present the most basic operational principles. It is NOT
intended to cover all conditions encountered during operation. Therefore, the principles presented in this manual
are limited to the facts related directly to the operation of the boat, while the responsibility for the proper
application of these principles belongs with you.
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Never overload your boat. The maxi-
mum weight capacity as listed on the cer-
tification plate includes all items added to
the boat (persons and gear). Also, proper
distribution of weight is critical to boat
performance. Allocate the load as evenly
as possible.
These capacities include filled ballast
bags, whether they are factory-installed,
dealer-installed or added by the customer.
Note that adding ballast bags reduces
the number of people and the amount
of gear that can be added. Failure to
adhere to the total maximum capacity
may result in too much strain on the
drive train or can sink the boat. This is
not covered under warranty!
Emergencies
Know how to use and spot distress signals–and offer assistance if possible. Remember, you may need assis-
tance some day.
Courtesy
Always respect the rights of others on the water. Keep wide when passing, slow down in crowded areas, be
alert and be aware of your wake and wash.
First Time Operation
When taking to the water for the first time, you must keep in mind a few general guidelines:
• Practice makes perfect! Start in calm water with no wind or current and plenty of room until you get the
feel for the boat and its controls.
• Proceed slowly! Give yourself time to think, react and maneuver.
• Recognize outside forces! Check the wind direction and velocity, as well as water currents and waves.
• Have a crew on hand! Have friends or family ready with fenders, lines and a boat hook to assist you when
docking, as well as launching and loading.
• Remember that a boat is not an automobile! Boats cannot be maneuvered and stopped like a car. Boats
steer from the stern (rear) and have no brakes.
12-1
OPERATIONAL
HINTS
Adding additional ballast to your MasterCraft boat is not recom-
mended, and can result in impaired visibility, diminished handling
characteristics and instability when operating your boat, and may
result in potential structural and/or engine damage to your boat,
which damage will not be covered by your warranty.
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