MasterCraft X-7 (2008), X-1 (2008), ProStar 197 (2008), ProStar 214 (2008), MariStar 200 (2008) Owner's Manual

ongratulations on your boating choice! Mastercraft

is the recognized world leader for inboard boats

C

today and has been for forty (40) years. The qual­ity, innovation, selection and value of MasterCraft boats
are unmatched in the industry.

Please take a few minutes to read this Owner’s Manual
completely in addition to carefully reviewing any addi­tional information provided in the accompanying packet.
These publications will help to answer most of the re­maining questions you may have regarding your new
boat. If you have any questions after reading these items,
please feel free to speak with your dealer. MasterCraft
wants you to feel comfortable with your boat (and trailer,
where applicable) from the very beginning of your experi­ence as an owner of our products.

welcome

welcome

aboard

aboard

All information in this Manual is based on the latest prod­uct information available at the time of printing. Because
of our policy of continuous product improvement, we
reserve the right to make changes at any time, without
notice, in specications and models, and also to dis­continue models. We also reserve the right to change

specications, parts or accessories at any time without

incurring any obligation to equip the same on models
manufactured before the date of the change.

Due to changes in specications, models, parts and/or

accessories that may occur after publication of this Own­er’s Manual, the Owner’s Manual may not cover every
circumstance that may arise in owning and operating
your boat. Also, the illustrations used in this Manual are
intended only as representative reference views and may
not depict actual model component parts. Information re­garding certain on-board components furnished by sup­pliers other than MasterCraft, including the engine and
power train components, is provided separately by the
manufacturers of those components. This information is
available through your dealer. A reasonable effort has
been made by MasterCraft and its suppliers to provide
the applicable information required to ensure a long-last­ing and enjoyable boating experience.

2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page i

hroughout this manual the terms “Danger,”

“Warning” and “Caution” appear, alerting the boat

T

owner and/or operator to dangerous or potentially
dangerous situations that may arise. Those terms have
the following respective meanings whenever they ap­pear herein:

This is the safety alert symbol. It is used
to alert you to potential personal injury
hazards. Obey all safety messages that
follow this symbol to avoid possible injury
or death.

DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

dangers,

dangers,

warnings & cautions

warnings & cautions

utilize a common sense approach to the boating experi­ence, including keeping individuals off or near the swim
platform and the stern area of the boat during the engine

operation. Personal oation devices (“PFDs”) save lives

and ensure positive experiences. MasterCraft offers
many proactive approaches to the boating experi­ence, but the consumer is ultimately responsible for
the positive and safe involvement in boating.

Be sure to review the Boating Safety section of this
manual, which immediately follows this section. Be­cause of the importance of these dangers, warnings
and cautions, they are reprinted here, along with the

pages on which you will nd them. Please note that the

safety information statements presented below are cat­egorized for information purposes only, and are not pre­sented in any particular order of importance. Each of the
statements referenced below and in the other sections
of this manual provide you with important safety-related
information and must be read and followed to avoid in­jury or damage, as applicable. We strongly encourage
you to cross-reference and read the dangers, warnings
and cautions within the context in which they are pre­sented by reading and reviewing those sections.

WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious
injury.

CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate
injury.

CAUTION used without the safety alert symbol indi­cates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in property damage.

Failure to adhere to and comply with the safety dan­gers, warnings and cautions that appear in this manual
can lead to serious illness, injury or even death and/or
damage to your boat or the property of others. Beyond
these warnings, boaters have a personal responsibility to

Failure to comply with safety-related information and
instructions may result in serious injury or death to you
and/or others. Always use common sense when operat­ing the boat or participating in any activities associated
with the boat, including, but not limited to, periods of
time when the boat engine is shut down and the boat is

not in operation. (Page 1-3)

Gasoline is highly ammable and its vapors may ignite,
resulting in re or explosion. Be sure to keep all sparks
and ames away from the area while inspecting the
boat’s fuel system. (Page 15-3)

Gasoline is explosive. If a gasoline odor is present or
gasoline is visually observed in the bilge area during
inspection, DO NOT START YOUR ENGINE! Remove
the ignition key from the ignition switch and call an au-

thorized MasterCraft dealer for service. (Page 15-8)

Gasoline is extremely ammable and highly explosive

under certain conditions. Always stop the engine and

never smoke or allow open ames or sparks within fty
(50) feet of the fueling area when fueling. (Page 6-3)

2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page ii

the stern area of the boat, including, without limitation,
the swim platform and the rear sun deck, when the en­gine is in operation. Under no circumstances should
the owner and/or operator allow persons to hold onto
the swim platform while the engine is operating and the

boat is in motion. These activities (sometimes known as

“teak surng” or “platform dragging,” where the partici-

pant holds onto the swim platform and is pulled through
the water, and/or “body surfs” immediately behind the

boat) are extremely dangerous, highly likely to result in

death or serious bodily injury, and are a misuse of this

product. (Page 2-1)

The safety switch lanyard must be attached to the op­erator whenever the engine is running. Failure to do so

may result in death or serious injury! (Page 5-7)

Take care not to spill gasoline. If gasoline is spilled ac­cidentally, wipe up all traces of it with dry rags immedi-

ately and dispose of properly on shore. (Page 6-3)

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 seri-

ous injury or death! (Page 9-1)

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 operate the blower as
instructed may cause improper ventilation of the boat
engine and bilge areas, and fuel vapors can accumu-

late in this area, causing a re or explosion which may
result in death or serious injury! (Page 5-8)

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless, odorless
and poisonous gas that accumulates rapidly and can
cause serious injury or death. Exposure to carbon
monoxide can be fatal in a matter of minutes. Expo­sure to even low concentrations of carbon monoxide
must not be ignored because the effects of exposure
to carbon monoxide can build up and be just as lethal
as high concentrations. Carbon monoxide from exhaust
pipes of inboard or outboard engines may build up in­side and outside the boat in areas near exhaust vents.
STAY AWAY from these exhaust vent areas, which are
located at the stern of the boat, and DO NOT swim or
engage in any watersports or other activities in or near

Never override or modify the engine safety shut-off

switch in any way. (Page 1-3)

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. (Page 9-1)

Do not tow more than two (2) persons at one time on a

tow tower. The tow tower approved for use on your boat
should be used only for water skis, wakeboards or rec-

reational towables, and not for parasailing, kite ying or

towing other boats. Do not add any attachments that
are not approved for use on your MasterCraft boat. Do
not climb on, sit on, stand on, jump off of or dive off of
the tower. Never allow passengers to sit behind the tow
rope attachment point. Never allow loose tow rope ends
to dangle. Always be certain that all bolts are in place
and tight before and during use. When the tower is up,
watch for low obstacles such as tree limbs, bridges or

power lines. (Page 1-4)

Information regarding the maximum number of people
and/or additional weight to the boat is included in the
Guide to Individual Models section of this Manual. It
is the boat operator’s responsibility to ensure that the
boat is never overloaded. Too much additional weight
may cause the boat to overturn or sink, which can result

in serious bodily injury or death. (Page 10-1)

Boat operators should never attempt to duplicate op­erational skills of professional drivers. When such
maneuvers fail, it can result in serious injury or death.

(Page 10-1)

2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page iii

DO NOT launch or operate the boat if any problem is
found during the Safety Check. A problem could lead
to an accident during the outing, resulting in death or
serious injury. Any and all problems should receive at­tention immediately. See your authorized MasterCraft

service department for assistance. (Page 7-1)

Adding additional ballast to your MasterCraft boat is not
recommended, 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 dam-

age will not be covered by your warranty. (Page 10-1)

Use of improper parts may cause component or engine
failure. Such failure may result in death or serious in-

jury! (Page 12-1)

Battery electrolyte uid is dangerous. It contains sul-

furic acid, which is poisonous, corrosive and caustic.

If electrolyte uid is spilled or placed on any part of
the human body, immediately ush the area with large

amounts of clean water and immediately seek medical

attention. (Page 15-1)

When charging, batteries generate small amounts of
dangerous hydrogen gas. This gas is highly explosive.

Keep all sparks, ames and smoking well away from

the area. Failure to follow instructions when charging
a battery may cause an electrical charge or even an
explosion of the battery, which could result in death or

serious injury. (Page 15-2 and 15-4)

The engine box serves as a machinery guard. The en­gine must be OFF whenever the box is open. Clothing
or body parts can get caught in moving parts, causing
death or serious injury. Keep away from moving parts!

(Page 15-2, 15-3 and 15-4)

Towers on boats are intended for use for water skis, wake­boards or recreational towables only. Use of the tower to
tow other boats, kites or for any other purpose may re­sult in serious injury or death, and may damage the boat,

which will not be covered by warranty. (Page 1-3)

All boats have weight limits. Failure to adhere to the
posted limits can cause operational instability and/or
the boat to sink. This may result in serious injury or

death, as well as signicant damage to the boat, which
will not be covered by warranty. (Page 2-1)

Be sure all fasteners used are approved and rated for
marine use. Most fasteners used on MasterCraft boats
are stainless steel or specially coated to resist corro-

sion. (Page 12-1)

All replaced fuel components must meet United States

Coast Guard (“USCG”) and American Boat & Yacht

Council, Inc. (“ABYC”) standards, and must be Un-

derwriter’s Laboratory (“UL”)-approved. Inferior quality

components pose a serious safety threat to you and
others, and the use of inferior components may result
in serious injury or death. Resulting damage may void

the warranty. (Page 15-8)

Do not continue to run the engine if the oil pressure is
low. If you do, the engine may become so hot that it, or
surrounding components, could catch re. You or oth­ers could be burned and the boat seriously damaged.
Check your oil level and add an appropriate amount of
approved motor oil before operating again or have your
boat serviced by your local authorized MasterCraft ser-

2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page iv

vice department. Note that damage to your engine from
inappropriate oil levels can be costly to repair. Such

damage is not covered by your warranty. (Page 5-7)

While operating attitude adjustment plates use cau­tion. Improper use of plates can cause accidents, which
may result in serious injury or death. These cautions
apply to the MariStar 280STS, X-80 and 280 SST mod­els only.
While the boat is underway do not move one plate

up or down signicantly as this may cause listing.

While at higher speeds do not over-trim, as this will

cause the bow to lower quickly, resulting in a reduction

of speed and may cause the boat to veer.
When in following seas or when running an inlet, the
plates should be fully retracted. This will allow for opti-

mal performance. (Page 5-11)

Some engine parts become very hot during operation.
This inspection must be completed while the engine is
cool to prevent burns to your skin. Perform this task

before starting the boat. (Page 15-2)

Some engine parts become very hot during operation.
This maintenance must be completed while the engine
is cool to prevent burns to your skin. Perform this task

before starting the boat. (Page 15-5, 15-6)

Continued operation after the warning light has illumi­nated may cause severe engine damage. This will void

your warranty. (Page 9-2)

Because of the complexity of preparing a boat for prop­er winter storage, as well as the possibility of extreme
damage to the engine if a preparation error was made
during winterization, MasterCraft recommends sched­uling an appointment with an authorized MasterCraft
dealer’s service department to permit a technician to

perform all winterization procedures. (Page 16-1)

To ensure proper break-in and lubrication, boat owners
should not remove the factory break-in oil until after the

initial ten (10) hours of operation. At that time, an oil

change should be performed by an authorized Master­Craft service technician at an authorized MasterCraft

dealer. (Page 8-1)

DO NOT use the ski pylon for lifting. It is NOT designed as
a central lifting point. Also, DO NOT use the stern ski tow as
a lifting ring. The deck will be damaged. See the Storage
Cradle sub-section of this section of the Manual. Also never

lift a boat with water in the bilge or containing a water-lled

device such as a ballast system or sack. The extra stress will

put an excessive load on the hull and lifting equipment that

may seriously damage the boat. Such damage may not be

covered by the warranty. (Page 11-1)

2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page v

Add-on equipment may adversely affect the alternator

output or overload the electrical system. Such damage

may not be covered by the warranty. (Page 15-1)

Failure to follow the engine oil recommendations listed
in the engine manual can cause additional engine wear
and increase the possibility of engine component fail­ure. Damage to the engine due to incorrect oil usage
can be costly to repair, and is not covered by the war-

ranty! (Page 8-2)

Do not operate the starter motor continuously for more
than fteen (15) seconds without at least two (2) min­utes for a “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. (Page 9-1)

Damage to the engine by use of low-quality gasoline or

gasoline with an octane rating below the minimum level

listed will void the warranty on the boat. (Page 6-3)

mission, which can happen if excessive leakage is oc­curring may cause serious damage. Such damage may

not be covered by the warranty. (Page 15-2)

Fuels that are blended to contain methanol or wood
alcohol should not be used. These fuels can corrode
metal parts in the fuel system and engine. Fuels that
contain methanol will damage the engine. Damage
caused by the use of unapproved fuels is not covered

by warranty. (Page 6-3)

Extended storage with fuel in the system can affect the

fuel’s stability and may require system inspection and
fuel lter replacement when the unit is placed back into
service. (Page 6-3)

Allowing the fuel level in the fuel tank to fall below one-

quarter of a tank full may affect the reliability of the fuel

pump or result in damage to the fuel pump, which is not

covered under warranty. (Page 6-3)

When boating, avoid using the windshield as an aid
for balance or getting out of a seat. This causes undue
stress to the window frame and could damage it, which

may not be covered under warranty. (Page 7-1)

Engines should always be operated within engine
manufacturer guidelines. Failure to do so may cause

signicant damage to the engine and drive train and is
not covered under warranty! (Page 10-3)

Continuing to operate the boat while the temperature
is above normal operating parameters may cause seri­ous damage to your engine. Damage to your engine
resulting from operating the engine in an overheated
condition can be costly to repair. Such damage is not

covered by your warranty! (Page 5-6)

Failure to follow the break-in procedure exactly as stated

will void the engine warranty! (Page 8-1)

Lifting slings must never contact shafts, struts or hard­ware protruding from the hull. Damage may result that

would void the warranty. (Page 11-1)

When the boat is out of the water, it is important to sup­port the hull correctly to avoid any hull damage. Such

damage may void the warranty. (Page 11-1)

Crossing cables or jumper cables may result in damage
to the electrical components due to incorrect battery
connections. Such damages may not be covered by

your warranty. (Page 15-4)

Attention must be paid to any leakage occurring in the
propeller shaft log area. Water intrusion into the trans-

2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page vi

table of

table of

contents

contents

Welcome Aboard ........................................................................................i

Dangers, Warnings & Cautions .................................................................ii

Boating Safety ........................................................................................1-1

Common Sense Approach ......................................................................2-1

Rules of the Open Water ........................................................................3-1

Guide to Individual Models .....................................................................4-1

Instrument Gauges and Switches ...........................................................5-1

Using Care While Fueling .......................................................................6-1

Safety Checks and Services ...................................................................7-1

New Boat Break-In .................................................................................8-1

Starting and Basic Operations ................................................................9-1

Operational Hints ..................................................................................10-1

Lifting the Boat ......................................................................................11-1

Corrosion ..............................................................................................12-1

Cleaning the Boat .................................................................................13-1

Scheduled Maintenance Checks & Services ........................................14-1

Scheduled Maintenance .......................................................................15-1

Battery Connections and Hold-Downs ...............................................15-1

Cable Kinks, Wear and Interference ..................................................15-2

Propeller Shaft Log ............................................................................15-2

Fuel System Leaks ............................................................................15-3

Exhaust System Leaks ......................................................................15-3

Fully Charged Battery ........................................................................15-4

Quarterly Maintenance .........................................................................15-5

Engine Starter Gear and Shaft Lubrication ........................................15-5

Annual Maintenance .............................................................................15-5

Check Engine Mounts .......................................................................15-6

Check Propeller Shaft Coupling Alignment ........................................15-6

Inspect Exhaust Flaps .......................................................................15-6

Lubricate Steering System ................................................................15-6

Lubricate Shift and Throttle System ..................................................15-7

Ballast Pump Impeller ........................................................................15-7

Inspect Complete Fuel System for Leakage ......................................15-8

Storage/Winterization ...........................................................................16-1

General Preparation ..........................................................................16-1

Fuel System Treatment .....................................................................17-1

General Power Package Preparation ................................................16-2

Other Winterization Preparation ........................................................16-2

Ballast System Preparations .............................................................16-2

Reactivating After Storage .................................................................16-2

Propeller Maintenance ..........................................................................17-1

Guide to Troubleshooting .....................................................................18-1

Limited Warranty Statement .................................................................19-1

Warranty Transfer .................................................................................20-1

Genuine MasterCraft Parts ...................................................................21-1

Service Log ...........................................................................................22-1

2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page vii

our safety, as well as the safety of others with and

around you, is a direct result of how you operate and

Y

maintain your boat. You—and anyone who will be op­erating this boat—should read and seek to fully comprehend
this Manual. Make sure that you understand all of the controls
and operating instructions before attempting to operate the
boat. Improper operation is extremely dangerous!

The precautions listed in this Manual and on the boat
are not all-inclusive. If a procedure, method, tool or part

is not specically recommended by MasterCraft, using it

may place you and others in an unsafe situation. In ad­dition, you may render your warranty void. Remember:
Always use common sense when operating, servicing or
repairing the boat!

The basic safety rules are outlined in this section of the
Manual. Additional precautions throughout the Manual
are noted by the following symbols:

This is the safety alert symbol. It is used
to alert you to potential personal injury
hazards. Obey all safety messages that
follow this symbol to avoid possible injury
or death.









DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

Observing the safety recommendations found in this
Manual is critical to keeping your boating experience as
safe as possible during routine operation. Your failure
to do so may result in severe personal injury or death
to you and/or others. Use caution and common sense
when operating your boat. Do not ever take unnecessary
chances!

General Precautions

Be certain that all operators of your boat are aware of the
safety information within this Manual and that they use it
to conform to boat safety principles.

Boating safety starts with a thorough understanding
of boat operations. In addition to careful review of this
Owner’s Manual, you should also be aware that many
sources of helpful information are available. MasterCraft
urges you to pursue additional training prior to the inde­pendent operation of your boat. However, training at any
time from recognized boating and/or safety organizations

is benecial.

The following is a listing of a few agencies and organiza­tions that offer safety training and/or information:

WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.

CAUTION used without the safety alert symbol indicates
a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in property damage.

2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 1-1

American Red Cross, National HQ
8111 Gatehouse Road, 6th Floor
Falls Church VA 22042
[phone]
www.redcross.org

U.S. A. Water Ski Association
1251 Holy Cow Road
Polk City FL 33868
[phone]
www.usawaterski.org

Boat Owners Association of the United States
880 South Pickett Street
Alexandria VA 22304
[phone]
www.boatus.com

National Safe Boating Council
2550 M Street NW, Suite 425
Washington DC 20037
[phone]
www.safeboatingcouncil.org

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
2100 Second Street SW
Washington DC 20593-001
[phone]
www.uscg.mil

Safety Equipment

Federal law requires certain safety equipment to be
on-board your boat at all times. Responsible boaters
carry additional equipment in case of emergency. It
is your responsibility to check with the local boating
authorities for any additional requirements and/or
equipment over and above the federal requirements.

Additionally, you should always check that you have a
re extinguisher on board, which is mandatory equip­ment. If you desire to do so, you may purchase an ap-

proved re extinguisher from MasterCraft for your boat.
If you choose to purchase a re extinguisher from an

outside source, verify that it meets or exceeds the fed­eral performance mandate.

Federal law also requires at least one Type I, II or III Per­sonal Flotation Device (“PFD”), for each person on-board
or being towed on water skis, wakeboards or other rec­reational equipment. In addition, one throwable Type IV
PFD must also be on board. As the owner, obtaining the
appropriate PFDs is your responsibility. Your MasterCraft
dealer can, and will be happy to assist you with your pur­chase of appropriate PFDs.

Note: Requirements for coastal waters and inland waters
differ. Check with the local authorities for more information.

Recommended Equipment

The responsible boat owner will avoid potential problems
on an outing by having additional equipment on board.
Normally, the decision regarding the appropriate equip­ment to take on individual outings is dependent upon the
body of water and the length of the trip. We suggest the fol­lowing equipment as a minimum (your MasterCraft dealer
can also assist you with additional recommendations):

Required Equipment

Your MasterCraft boat has been equipped at the fac­tory with the federally-required safety equipment for
inland waters (Class I, 16-foot-to-26-foot watercraft,
and Class II, 26-foot-to-40-foot watercraft). This
equipment includes:

• ABYC-approved (American Boat & Yacht Club) ma-

rine mufers with water injection;

• USCG-approved (United States Coast Guard) marine

ame arrestor;

• USCG-approved engine box ventilation with sparkles

power blower;

• ABYC-approved electric horn sound-warning device;

• USCG-approved inland lighting.

2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 1-2

• An anchor with at least 75 feet of line;

• A manual bailing device for removing water;

• A combination oar/boat hook;

• A day-and-night visual distress signal;

• A rst aid kit and manual;

• An airway breathing tube;

• A waterproof ashlight;

• A non-electric horn or whistle;

• A set of local navigational charts;

• Mooring lines and fenders;

• Extra engine oil;

• A tool kit; and

• A portable, battery-operated AM/FM radio or weather
radio/scanner.

Safety Afloat

The cause of many boating accidents is often the opera­tor’s failure to follow basic safety rules or written precau­tions. Many accidents can be avoided if the operator is

completely familiar with the boat, its operation and can
recognize potentially hazardous situations before an ac­cident occurs.

kiing and Wakeboarding Safety

S
Skiers and wakeboarders are obligated to be as aware of
the fundamental safety rules as operators. If you are new

to water sports, you should seek certied training before
starting. You may nd it especially helpful to join a local

water sports club and the U.S.W.S.A., when possible.

Failure to comply with safety-related information
and instructions may result in serious injury or
death to you and/or others. Always use common
sense when operating the boat or participating in
any activities associated with the boat, including,
but not limited to, periods of time when the boat en-

gine is shut down and the boat is not in operation.

• Improper operation of the boat is extremely danger­ous! Operators must read and understand all operat­ing manuals supplied with the boat, before operation.

• On-board equipment must always conform to the gov­erning federal, state and local regulations.

• Always attach the engine safety shut-off lanyard to a
part of your clothing (such as a belt loop) when oper­ating the boat.

Never override or modify the engine safety shut­off switch in any way.

• Never operate the boat while under the inuence of

alcohol or drugs.

• Never stand or allow passengers to stand in the boat

or sit on the motor box or tower (where equipped)
while underway. You or others may be thrown about
within or from the boat, which could result in serious
injury or death.

• Prior to starting the engine, you must open the engine

box and check the engine compartment and bilge for
gasoline and oil vapors. You must also operate the
blower for at least four (4) minutes. Failure to do so

may result in re and/or an explosion.

• Never remove or modify any components of the fuel

system. Removal or modication of any component

of the fuel system may cause a hazardous situation
and may void the warranty. The modern MasterCraft
fuel delivery lines are pressurized and attempting to
loosen or remove them may result in the uncontrolled
release of fuel, which can be environmentally hazard­ous, and may potentially cause injury.

• Never allow any type of spark or open ame on board.

It may result in re or explosion.

• Always remember that the majority of water-skiing
and wakeboarding injuries are the result of impacts
with other objects, so always look where you are go­ing and be aware of what is going on around you.

• Never put your arm, head or any other part of your
body through the handle/bridle of the ski or wake­boarding line, nor wrap the line around any part of the
body at any time.

• Never ski or wakeboard at night.

• Never ski or wakeboard directly in front of other
boats.

• Folding a tower requires at least two (2) people.

Towers on boats are intended for use for water
skis, wakeboards or recreational towables only.
Use of the tower to tow other boats, kites or for
any other purpose may result in serious injury or
death, and may damage the boat, which will not be
covered by warranty.

2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 1-3

• Never jump from a boat that is moving at any speed,
nor enter or exit the water when the engine is run­ning (ON).

Make sure that everyone knows and uses approved

•
skiing/wakeboarding hand signals and adheres to
common skiing, wakeboarding and boating courtesy.

• Never ride on the ski platform or hold on to the ski
platform while in the water during engine operation,
including at idle. Carbon monoxide fumes are ex-

pelled from the lower transom areas of your boat
and can cause death or serious illness.

• The above mandates are not all-inclusive. It is the
boater’s responsibility to operate the boat in a safe
fashion and become familiar with any and all rules
and regulations governing boat operation.

Do not tow more than two (2) persons at one time
on a tow tower. e tow tower approved for use
on your boat should be used only for water skis,
wakeboards or recreational towables, and not for
parasailing, kite flying or towing other boats. Do
not add any attachments that are not approved for
use on your MasterCraft boat. Do not climb on, sit
on, stand on, jump off of or dive off of the tower.
Never allow passengers to sit behind the tow rope
attachment point. Never allow loose tow rope ends
to dangle. Always be certain that all bolts are in
place and tight before and during use. When the
tower is up, watch for low obstacles such as tree
limbs, bridges or power lines.

Warning Plates and Labels

Read and note ALL warning plates and labels from bow
to stern, including those that are installed inside the
engine compartment, lockers and under seating. YOU

MUST READ AND ADHERE TO ALL CAUTIONS AND
WARNINGS IN AND ON YOUR BOAT!

2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 1-4

his owner’s manual has been developed to help

ensure an enjoyable experience as you boat,

T

wakeboard and ski with your MasterCraft boat. As
stated earlier, this information is not all-inclusive. There
are many factors to consider and additional information
that you need to research before undertaking any boat­ing activity.

In addition to reading this Owner’s Manual and other re­lated material, and familiarizing yourself with the proper
operation of your MasterCraft boat, you should also al­ways use common sense when boating. For example,
when anchoring your boat, you MUST turn OFF the en­gine. In most models, exhaust fumes containing carbon

monoxide are emitted from the exhaust ap area of the

transom immediately below the swim platform. No one
should ever be on the swim platform or transom while the
engine is operating.

 

 





MasterCraft strongly encourages individuals to wear Per­sonal Flotation Devices (PFDs). In many states, it is a
legal requirement for children to wear them. Non-swim­mers and swimmers of limited ability of any age should
never be without one.

Your MasterCraft boat can be the source of countless
hours of family fun, as well as building friendships. But it
works only if YOU use your head before, during and after
your boating activity.

inboard or outboard engines may build up inside
and outside the boat in areas near exhaust vents.
STAY AWAY from these exhaust vent areas, which
are located at the stern of the boat, and DO NOT
swim or engage in any watersports or other activi­ties in or near the stern area of the boat, includ­ing, without limitation, the swim platform and the
rear sun deck, when the engine is in operation.
Under no circumstances should the owner and/or
operator allow persons to hold onto the swim plat­form while the engine is operating and the boat
is in motion. ese activities (sometimes known
as “teak surfing” or “platform dragging,” where
the participant holds onto the swim platform and
is pulled through the water, and/or “body surfs”
immediately behind the boat) are extremely dan­gerous, highly likely to result in death or serious
bodily injury, and are a misuse of this product.

Overloading a boat may cause it to become unstable

and may potentially result in the boat’s otation system

becoming overwhelmed. Too much weight can sink any
boat! Within this Manual and on a label mounted in each

boat is the indication of the weight limits for that specic

model. Bear in mind that total weight limits include water
ballast, gear brought onto the boat, additional options
and all people.

All boats have weight limits. Failure to adhere to
the posted limits can cause operational instability
and/or the boat to sink. is may result in serious
injury or death, as well as significant damage to
the boat, which will not be covered by warranty.

As you anticipate many good times ahead with your Mas-

terCraft boat, be sure that, rst and foremost, you are

well-prepared to be a responsible operator.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless, odor­less and poisonous gas that accumulates rapidly
and can cause serious injury or death. Exposure
to carbon monoxide can be fatal in a matter of
minutes. Exposure to even low concentrations of
carbon monoxide must not be ignored because
the effects of exposure to carbon monoxide can
build up and be just as lethal as high concentra­tions. Carbon monoxide from exhaust pipes of

2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 2-1

ust as there are rules that apply when driving a

vehicle on the street, there are waterway rules that

J

apply when you are driving a boat on the water.
These rules are used internationally, and they are en­forced by the United States Coast Guard and local agen­cies. You should be aware of these rules and follow them
whenever you encounter another vessel on the water.

In various geographic locations, certain rules prevail
that may be unique to the locale. Each state also has
laws and boating limitations that may be applicable only
within their boundaries. It is the operator’s responsibility
to seek out this information and become familiar with
all safety-related information, laws and rules governing
boating operation.

The rules presented in this Manual are condensed and
have been provided for convenience only. Consult your

  

  

 

 

local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (ISCGA), Department
of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Department of Natural Re­sources (DNR) for a complete set of rules governing the
waters in which you will be using your boat. If you plan to
travel—even for a short trip—you would be well-served
to contact the regional USCGA, DMV or DNR in the area
where you will be boating. Often, basic information is
available through websites sponsored and prepared by
these organizations and governing bodies.

Steering and Sailing Rules/
Sound Signals

Any time two (2) vessels on the water meet one another,
one vessel has the right-of-way. It is called the stand-on
vessel. The vessel that does not have the right-of-way is
called the give-way or burdened vessel.

The vessel that does not have the right-of-way has the
duty to take positive and timely action to stay out of the
way of the stand-on vessel. Normally, the give-way ves­sel should not cross in front of the stand-on vessel. Slow

down or change direction briey and pass behind the

other vessel. You should always move in such a way that
the stand-on operator can see what you are doing.

e General Prudential Rule

This rule is called Rule 2 in the International Rules and
says, “In obeying and construing these rules due regard
shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision,
and to any special circumstances, which may render a
departure from the above rules necessary in order to
avoid immediate danger.”

Rules When Encountering Vessels

There are three (3) main situations in which you may en­counter other vessels, and you must avoid a collision.
These are:

• Meeting (you are approaching another vessel head-on).

• Crossing (you are traveling across the other vessel’s path).

• Overtaking (you are passing or being passed by an-

other vessel).

These rules determine which vessel has the right-of-way,
and accordingly, what each vessel should do.

The vessel with the right-of-way has the duty to contin­ue its course and speed, except to avoid an immediate
collision. When you maintain your direction and speed,
the other vessel will be able to determine how best to
avoid you.

Using the adjacent image in
which you are the boat in the
center, you should give right­of-way to all vessels shown in
the white area. In this instance,
you are the give-way vessel.
Both you and the meeting ves­sel must alter course to avoid
each other.

2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 3-1

Meeting

If you are meeting another
vessel head-on, and you
are close enough to run
the risk of collision, nei­ther of you has the right­of-way. Both of you should
alter course to avoid an accident. You should keep the
other vessel on your port (left) side. (This rule doesn’t
apply if both of you can clear each other by continuing
your set course and speed.)

is heard, you should still proceed around the bend
with caution.

Sailing Vessel Right-of-Way

Sailing vessels should normally be given the right-of-way.
The exceptions to this are:

• When the sailing vessel is overtaking the power-driven
vessel, the power-driven vessel has the right-of-way.

• Sailing vessels should keep clear of any shing vessel.

Crossing

When two (2) power-driven
vessels are crossing each
other’s path close enough to
run the risk of collision, the
vessel that views the cross­ing vessel to the starboard
(right) side must give way.

If the other vessel is to the port (left) side, and provided
the other vessel gives you the right-of-way, maintain your
course and direction.

Overtaking

If you are passing another
vessel, you are the give­way vessel. This means
that the other vessel is
expected to maintain its
course and speed. You
must stay out of its way as you clear it, altering course
and speed as necessary.

Conversely, if you are being passed by another vessel,
you should maintain your speed and direction so that the
vessel can be steered around you.

• In a narrow channel, a sailing vessel should not ham­per the safe passage of a power-driven vessel that
can navigate only in such a channel.

Fishing Vessel Right-of-Way

Under international rules, all vessels that are shing with
nets, lines or trawls are considered to be shing vessels;

however, boats with trolling lines are not considered sh-

ing vessels.

Other Special Situations

There are additional rules to remember when operating
your boat around other vessels, such as:

• When navigating in narrow channels, you should keep
to the right when it is safe and practical to do so.

• When preparing to go around a bend that may ob­struct your view of other water vessels, you should
sound a prolonged blast on the horn or with a whis­tle for four (4) to six (6) seconds. Even if no reply

Fishing vessels have the right-of-way, regardless of po­sition, but these vessels cannot impede the passage of
other vessels in narrow channels.

Reading Buoys and Other Markings

The waters of the United States are marked for safe
navigation by the lateral system of buoyage. The mark­ers and buoys you encounter will have an arrangement
of shapes, colors, numbers and lights to show which side
of the buoy a boater should pass when navigating in a
particular direction.

2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 3-2

The markings on these buoys are oriented from the
perspective of being entered from a seaward direction
while the boater is going toward the port. Red buoys are
passed on the starboard (right) side when proceeding
from open water into port, and green buoys are passed
on the port (left) side. When navigating out of port, your
position to the buoys should be reversed: red buoys to
port (left) and green buoys to starboard (right).

Many bodies of water are entirely within the boundaries
of a single state. The Uniform State Waterway Marking
Systems have been devised for these waters. This sys­tem uses buoys and signs with distinctive shapes and
colors to show regulatory or advisory information. These
markers are white with black letters and orange borders.

The information signies speed zones, restricted areas,

danger areas and general information.

Remember: Markings may vary by geographic loca­tion. Always consult appropriate boating authorities
before boating in unfamiliar waters.

2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 3-3

Fuel Tank
Filler

Engine
Compartment

Blower
Exhaust

 

 

 

 

Drain Plug

Throttle/
Shift
Control

ProStar 190

Glove Box

Battery

Bow Light

Circuit
Breakers

Instrument
Panel

Blower
Exhaust

Fuel Tank
Filler

Engine
Compartment

Drain Plug

Throttle/
Shift
Control

Glove Box

Instrument
Panel

ProStar 197

X-7

Battery

Bow Light

Circuit
Breakers

2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 4-1

Fuel Tank
Filler

ProStar 214

X-14

Drain Plug

Glove Box

Blower
Exhaust

Fuel Tank
Filler

Engine
Compartment

Engine
Compartment

Throttle/
Shift
Control

Drain Plug

Battery

Bow Light

Circuit Breakers
Instrument
Panel

X-1

Glove Box

Blower
Exhaust

Fuel Tank
Filler

Throttle/
Shift
Control

2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 4-2

Instrument
Panel

Battery

Bow Light

Circuit Breakers

Blower
Exhaust

Engine
Compartment

Batteries

Drain Plug

MariStar 200

X-2

Navigation
Light

Glove Box

Fuel Tank
Filler

Engine
Compartment

Blower
Exhaust

Fuel Tank
Filler

Throttle/
Shift
Control

Batteries

Navigation
Light

Drain Plug

Instrument
Panel

MariStar 215

Glove Box

Circuit Breakers

(additional breakers may be

near battery box)

X-15

Bow Light

Fuel Tank
Filler

Instrument

Throttle/Shift
Control

2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 4-3

Panel

Circuit Breakers

(additional breakers may be

near battery box)

MariStar 230

Fuel Tank
Filler

Blower
Exhaust

Engine
Compartment

Fuel Tank
Filler

Batteries

Throttle/
Shift
Control

Drain Plug

Glove Box

Instrument
Panel

X-30

Bow Light

Circuit Breakers

(additional breakers may be

near battery box)

Fuel Tank
Filler

Blower
Exhaust

Engine
Compartment

Batteries

Fuel Tank
Filler

Batteries

Throttle/
Shift
Control

Drain Plug

Navigation
Light

MariStar 245

X-45

Navigation
Light

Glove Box

Circuit Breakers
Instrument
Panel

(additional breakers may be

near battery box)

2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 4-4

Blower
Exhaust

Fuel Tank
Filler

Batteries

Drain Plug

MariStar 280

X-80

Navigation
Light

Glove Box

Engine
Compartment

Fuel Tank
Filler

Blower
Exhaust

Fuel Tank
Filler

Batteries

Throttle/
Shift
Control

Drain Plug

Navigation
Light

Navigation
Light

Instrument
Panel

Circuit Breakers

(additional breakers may be

near battery box)

X-Star

Glove Box

Engine
Compartment

Fuel Tank
Filler

Throttle/
Shift
Control

2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 4-5

Navigation
Light

Instrument
Panel

Circuit Breakers

(additional breakers may be

near battery box)

Blower
Exhaust

Batteries

Fuel Tank
Filler

Storage

Live Well
(option)

Engine
Compartment

Sink

Fuel Tank
Filler

Center Drain
Access

Throttle/
Shift
Control

Navigation
Light

Instrument
Panel

Navigation
Light

CSX 220

Sirius Radio Antenna

Anchor
Locker &
Ladder

Additional
Bilge
Access

Circuit Breakers

(additional breakers may be

near battery box)

Fuel Tank
Filler

Engine
Compartment

Storage

Blower
Exhaust

Batteries

Live Well (option)

Bilge Access

Fuel Tank
Filler

Navigation
Light

Sink
(option)

Sirius Radio Antenna

Throttle/
Shift
Control

CSX 265

Anchor
Locker &
Ladder

Navigation
Light

Instrument
Panel

Circuit Breakers

(additional breakers may be

near battery box)

2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 4-6

Instrument Panels

ProStar 190, ProStar
197, X-1, X-7, ProStar
214, X-14

Top row of gauges from left:
Oil pressure gauge
Engine temperature gauge
Speedometer
Multi-function/tachometer
Speedometer or Perfect Pass
Voltmeter
Fuel gauge
Lower left panel:
Horn
Seat Heat switch
Heater switch
Courtesy lights switch
Lower right panel:
Speedo adjustment switch
Clock adjustment switch
Nav/anchor lights switch
Bilge pump switch
Blower switch
Ignition key slot

X-Star, MariStar 280,
X-80

Top row of gauges from left:

Tachometer
Speedometer
Video display gauge
Middle left panel:
Oil pressure gauge
Engine temperature gauge
Middle right panel:
Voltmeter
Fuel gauge

Lower left panel:

Horn
Courtesy lights switch
Shower switch
Heater switch
Ballast port switch
Ballast KGB switch
Ballast starboard switch

Lower right panel:

Tower light switch
Blower switch
Bilge pump switch
Nav/anchor lights switch
Ignition switch

MariStar 200, MariStar 215,
MariStar 230, MariStar
245, X-2, X-15,X-30, X-45

Top row of gauges from left:
Oil pressure gauge
Engine temperature gauge
Video display gauge
Speedometer
Perfect Pass (option)
Fuel gauge
Voltmeter

Lower left panel:

Horn
Seat Heat switch
Heater switch
Wash down switch
Courtesy lights switch
12-volt receptacle

Lower right panel:

Speedo adjustment switch
Display selector switch
Speedo adjustment switch
Nav/anchor lights switch
Forward bilge switch
Aft bilge switch
Blower switch
Ignition key slot

CSX 265

Gauge panel upper:

Port engine tachometer
Video display gauge
Starboard engine tachometer
Gauge panel lower:
Port engine multiple gauge: gas (up­per left); voltmeter (upper
right); engine temperature (lower
left); oil pressure (lower
right).
Starboard engine multiple gauge: gas
(upper left); voltmeter
(upper right); engine temperature
(lower left); oil pressure
(lower right).
Switch panel, upper row:
Navigation/anchor light switch
Courtesy light switch
Tower light switch, foreward
Tower light switch, aft
Switch panel, lower row:
Three (3) bilge switches
Blower switch
Engine hatch switch

CSX 220

Upper panel:

Tachometer
Speedometer
Perfect Pass (option)
Display selector (multi-purpose gauge)
Starboard switch: speedometer calibration
Engine temperature gauge
Oil temperature gauge
Voltmeter
Fuel gauge
Port side switches, top row from left:
Navigation/anchor light switch
Forward/aft tower light switch
Courtesy light switch
Port side switchs, bottom row from left:
Forward bilge auto/manual switch
Aft bilge auto/manual switch
Freshwater switch
Up/down motor box hatch actuator switch
On/off bilge blower switch
Center switches:

Port ballast system ll/empty switch
KGB ballast system ll/emptyswitch
Starboard ballast system ll/empty switch

Starboard side console:

Glovebox
Garmin GPS/chartplotter/sounder (optional)
Clarion stereo AM/FM radio and CD player
(optional)
12-volt courtesy outlet
MP3/iPod input

Below steering helm:

Emergency engine safety switch
Ignition switch

2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 4-7

Measurements

ProStar 190

Length of Boat 19’8”
Width Amidship 91”
Boat Weight 2,620 lbs.
Length of Boat w/Platform 21’6”
Towing Length 22”
Towing Width 100”
Fuel Capacity 28 gallons
Total Weight Capacity 7 people or 1,087 lbs.

ProStar 197, X-7

Length of Boat 19’8”
Width Amidship 91”
Boat Weight 2,800-3,070 lbs.
Length of Boat w/Platform 21’6”
Towing Length 22’
Towing Width 100”
Fuel Capacity 28 gallons
Total Weight Capacity 7 people or 1,087 lbs.

ProStar 214, X-14

Length of Boat 21’4”
Width Amidship 96”
Boat Weight 3,100-3,300 lbs.
Length of Boat w/Platform 23’8”
Towing Length 24’4”
Towing Width 100”
Fuel Capacity 40 gallons
Total Weight Capacity 11 people or 1,525 lbs.

X-1

Length of Boat 20’7”
Width Amidship 90”
Boat Weight 3,200 lbs.
Length of Boat w/Platform 22’6”
Towing Length 22’3”
Towing Width 96”
Fuel Capacity 33 gallons
Total Weight Capacity 11 people or 1,705 lbs.

MariStar 200, X-2

Length of Boat 20’
Width Amidship 96”
Boat Weight 3,350-3,500 lbs.
Length of Boat w/Platform 22’1”
Towing Length 22’9”
Towing Width 100”
Fuel Capacity 45 gallons
Total Weight Capacity 11 people or 1,609 lbs.

MariStar 215, X-15

Length of Boat 21’8”
Width Amidship 100”
Boat Weight 3,425-3,575 lbs.
Length of Boat w/Platform 23’9”
Towing Length 24’1”
Fuel Capacity 45 gallons
Total Weight Capacity 14 people or 2,325 lbs.

MariStar 245, X-45

Length of Boat
Width Amidship 102”
Boat Weight 4,730-4,950 lbs.
Length of Boat w/Platform 26’4”
Towing Length 26’1”
Towing Width 100”
Fuel Capacity 90 gallons
Total Weight Capacity 18 people or 2,928 lbs.

MariStar 280, X-80, 280 STS

Length of Boat
Width Amidship 114”
Boat Weight 62000 lbs./6,420 lbs.
Length of Boat w/Platform 28’3”
Towing Width 114”
Fuel Capacity 100 gallons

Total Weight Capacity Yacht certied; no capacity rating

X-Star

Length of Boat
Width Amidship 100”
Boat Weight 4,250 lbs.
Length of Boat w/Platform 24’6”
Towing Length 24’
Towing Width 100”
Fuel Capacity 57 gallons
Total Weight Capacity 12 people or 1,770 lbs.

CSX 220

Length of Boat
Width Amidship 102”
Boat Weight 4,300 lbs.
Length of Boat w/Platform 23’7”
Fuel Capacity 46 gallons
Total Weight Capacity 12 people or 1,595 lbs.

CSX 265

Length of Boat
Width Amidship 114”
Boat Weight TBD
Length of Boat w/Platform 29’2”
Fuel Capacity 125 gallons

Total Weight Capacity Yacht certied; no capacity rating

24’2”

28’3”

24’9”

21’5”

26’5”

2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 4-8

roper control of Mastercraft boats extends beyond

the steering wheel. Each boat is equipped with

P

several gauges that provide information to guide
the boat’s operator in maintaining control of the boat.
There are also a variety of switches and buttons within
the boat that control various functions from comfort and
enjoyment to safety-related features. It is important for
the boat owner and/or operator to become familiar with
all gauges and switches in the boat, their functionality,
and how to respond to alarms and warnings that the in­strument panel may provide.

In the side panel, you will nd a listing of the locations of

gauges and switches for the various model instrument
panels. Operators should match up these listings with
the actual panel. Prior to boating, owners and operators
should also review and understand the following section





  

  

regarding the boat’s electrical components and opera­tions through the battery or batteries, as well as the
circuit breaker system. A thorough understanding of
these systems is critical to avoiding potential issues that
may arise during an outing.

The following is an explanation of the functionality of the
gauges and switches that are listed for the various models.

Ignition Key Slot

MasterCraft boats come
equipped with an ignition key,
which must be inserted in the
ignition key slot and used to
activate the boat’s electrical
system. This, in turn, will al­low the boat to be started and
operated.

The key will be in one of four
(4) positions:

• Off

• Accessory (including running the stereo without the
engine running)

• ON (engine is running)

• Start (turn the key to engage the engine starter, then
release to allow the key to automatically return to the
ON position)

Never leave the ignition switch in the ON position with­out the engine running, as this will cause the battery to
discharge.

Note: The MariStar 280STS is equipped with two (2)
ignitions, one (1) for each engine, allowing the engines
to operate independently of each other. Be sure to turn
both ignitions OFF when the engine is not in use.

Video Display Gauge

Many MasterCraft
boats feature a
color display gauge.
The video display
gauge is capable of
displaying engine,
boat, and Perfect
Pass speed control
information.

Information is divid­ed into manageable
pages or screens
and organized into
a straightforward menu structure for presentation to the
driver. Display controls, conveniently located along the
bottom of the gauge, allow rapid navigation of the menu
structure to display any desired information.

2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 5-1