MasterCraft prostar 190 2011 Owner'S Manual Download

Page: 104 / 139

2011 Owners Manual...Operational Hints...Page 11-3

a lower-pitched propeller will increase WOT RPMs.

An engine that is under-revving is “lugging.” This places a tremendous load on the pistons,

crankshaft and bearings and can cause detonation, piston seizure and other engine damage, which

will not be covered under warranty.

Engines should always be operated within engine manufacturer guidelines. Failure to do so may cause significant
damage to the engine and drive train and is not covered under warranty!

Elevation and weather also have a very noticeable effect on the wide-open-throttle power of an engine.

Since oxygen gets thinner as elevation increases, the engine begins to starve for air. Humidity, barometric pres-
sure and temperature have a noticeable effect on the density of air since heat and humidity thin the air.

This phenomenon can become particularly apparent when an engine is propped for use on a cool, dry

day in spring and then is operated on a hot, humid day in summer, and does not have the same performance.
Although some performance can be regained by dropping to a lower-pitch propeller, the basic condition still
exists. The propeller is too large in diameter for the reduced power
output. An experienced marine dealer can determine how much
diameter to remove from a lower-pitch propeller for specific high-
elevation locations.

MasterCraft’s engine manufacturers suggest that consumers

consult with the dealer from whom the boat was purchased re-
garding the best propeller for the application in which the boat will
primarily be run. However, be aware that changing the propeller
may void the warranty. Again, working with an authorized Mas-
terCraft dealer is your best bet to ensure excellent performance.

Unusual Operating Conditions

If the body of water is unknown, talk to local boaters about

the type of obstacles that may be encountered beneath the wa-
ter’s surface. Rocks, tree stumps and sandbars are all dangerous
and damaging. Be especially wary of rivers and man-made lakes.
Rapidly changing conditions can cause daily changes in underwa-
ter hazards.

Stay well clear of floating debris. What looks to be a small

branch in the water may well turn out to be an entire tree.

When traveling through weedy areas, keep an eye on the en-

gine temperature gauge. Weeds caught up and blocking the water flow through the raw water intake or trans-
mission cooler will cause trouble. Also, after leaving the weedy area, shift to neutral for a few seconds and
then to reverse for a few seconds to unwind any weeds that may have wrapped around the propeller.

Docking and Tie-Up

Approach the dock slowly, with the starboard side of the boat if possible. The natural tendency to torque

steer with the rotation of the propeller at slow speeds makes docking easier on that side. Also, use wind and
current to your advantage when docking.

Before tying up the boat, be sure to use enough dock bumpers to protect the boat from damage. If pos-

sible, tie-up with the bow toward the waves. Use good quality double-braided nylon line. Tie-up only to the
lifting or tie-down eyes. Never use the handrails or ski pylon.

If the boat is to be moored for a long period of time, use chafing protectors to protect the gel coat finish.

Leave a little slack in the lines, allowing for some wave movement or tidal action where applicable.

If the boat is to be kept in or near water for the season, consider the purchase of a boat lift and bottom

paint for the hull. These lifts prevent the build-up of marine growth on the hull as well as protecting the boat
from damage typical of on-water storage, such as blistering. Make sure the boat lift supports the hull cor-
rectly. See the next section,

Lifting the Boat.