 | Why is a MasterCraft more expensive than other boat brands? |
| | The Answer in short is.. Quality + Innovation is what separates MasterCraft from the rest of the pack. We were founded on a very simple premise: to build a better boat. That mantra still rings true today, as the company is dedicated to building the most innovative and reliable water sports boats in the world. You'll find these features in almost all areas of our product line, from the way we lay up our fiberglass for the boat structure, to the intricate attachment of all external parts, right down to the exclusive billet aluminum appointments that are built to our exact standards. Find out just how we build our boats better than the rest. |
| | Why should I buy a MasterCraft over a Malibu? |
| | MasterCraft customers demand the best. That's why, simply, we build the boats that are "Held to a Higher Standard". We know when a customer is looking at a MasterCraft they want the best boat and service offered in the industry. That is why Portland Ski-Boat Center
prides itself on going above and beyond when it comes to providing a memorable experience for our customers. From our full on water delivery, to our fun sales environment you won’t leave Portland Ski-Boat Center without a smile. Come down and see for yourself why MasterCraft is the number 1 selling inboard boat both nationally and locally and why Portland Ski-Boat Center is ranked in the top five for service, customer satisfaction, and sales year after year. |
| | What tips do you have for cleaning the outside and inside of my MasterCraft? |
| | Here are some ideas for keeping your MasterCraft looking like new:
1) Remove stains ASAP on fiberglass and upholstery. The longer you wait to clean up spots the harder it will be later down the line to get them off.
2) For hard water spots, pick up a bottle of Meguiars Hard Water Spot Removal to tackle this problem. Be sure to follow their directions for proper use. Once you are done removing the hard water spots, wash and rinse the boat then follow up with a good quality marine wax such as Meguiars Premium Marine Wax.
3) Be sure to clean your interior thoroughly! There are several products on the market for removing mildew stains, fly specks, ground-in dirt, oil or grease and more. After a good cleaning, finish with a coat of 303 dressing; this will help prolong the life of your interior along with keeping future stains from setting into the vinyl.
4) Do not forget your carpets! Vacuum up all loose sand and dirt then use a good quality carpet cleaner with warm water and a brush. Scrub the cleaner in the carpet then rinse with the warm water. Finish by vacuuming moisture with a shop-vac. No matter, make sure carpet is thoroughly dry before storing your MasterCraft. |
| | I had a bunch of friends on the boat over the weekend and the carpet is dirty. How do I clean my carpet? |
| | Occasionally washing with mild detergent and warm water or household carpet cleaners will help keep the carpet clean.
Thoroughly hose the detergent out of the carpet and into the bilge. (This is usually the best time to clean the bilge also). Allow the boat to remain uncovered in the sun for several days to prevent any mildew or odor caused by moisture. |
| | Does Portland Ski-Boat Have MasterCraft Cleaning Products? |
| | PSBC Carries MasterCraft Cleaning Supplies and also various other Products. |
| | How should I clean my teak? |
| | Regular cleaning and oiling of teak wood will maintain its original appearance. Use a teak cleaner that can penetrate the pores of the wood and cleanse them of dirt and stains. |
| | How do I operate the throttle? And can I shift the throttle when the boat is not running? |
| | A one-hand, single-lever control operates as both a gear shifter and a throttle. The lever automatically locks in the neutral position (straight up and down) for safety. The lever can be moved from neutral only by raising the lifter under the ball knob. Shifting is accomplished by moving the lever into the first 45 degrees of travel.
Moving the lever forward engages the running gear; moving it back from center puts the drive train into reverse. By advancing the lever beyond 45 degrees you move from the shifting range to the throttle range.
Never attempt to shift without the engine running!
The shift mechanism of this control can be temporarily disengaged by engaging in the black button in the side of the throttle handle. This allows the engine to increase RPM in neutral during warm-up. |
| | How do I operate the MasterCraft cruise control system? |
| | On boats equipped with a Cruise Control System, it is possible to review various functions by toggling to the cruise control read-outs on the multi-function gauge. Note also that the throttle position must always be greater than the speed set on the cruise control. For example, if the cruise was set at 35 mph but the throttle position is equivalent to 25 mph, the boat will not reach 35. This is also true of the RPMs. Also, the cruise control cannot be engaged when the boat is at idle speed.
System Start-Up: When the ignition is turned on the cruise control system starts in the OFF mode. While it is in OFF mode, the LCD display will show the current time.
RPM Set-Point Adjustment: In order to adjust the RPM Set Point in OFF Mode, first move the RPM/SPEED mode selection switch to the RPM position. Using the +/- switch, select the desired Set Point. The RPM icon will illuminate and the LCD will display the current Set Point. Briefly pressing the +/- switch will increase or decrease the Set Point by 20 RPM. Holding the switch will increase or decrease by 100 RPM. The RPM Set Point is limited to a minimum of 1200 RPM and a maximum of 5000 RPM.
Speed Set Point Adjustment: In order to adjust the Speed Set Point in OFF Mode, first move the RPM/SPEED Mode selection switch to the SPEED position. Use the +/- switch to select the desired Set Point. The SPEED icon will illuminate and the LCD will display the current Set Point. Brief presses of the +/- switch will increase or decrease the Set Point by 0.2 mph. Holding the switch increases or decreases the Set Point by 1.0 mph. The Speed Set Point is limited to a minimum of 5.0 mph and a maximum of 50 mph.
Turning On RPM Cruise Control Mode: To turn on the Cruise Control System in RPM Control mode, make sure that the RPM/SPEED mode selection switch is in the RPM position and that the current engine speed is at least 400 RPM less than the Set Point. Press and hold the ON/OFF switch in the ON position for approximately one second. The LCD should now display the current engine speed, the RPM icon should be illuminated and the LOCK icon should be blinking.
Turning On Speed Cruise Control Mode: To turn on the Cruise Control in Speed Control mode, make sure that the RPM/SPEED mode selection switch is in the MANUAL (center) position and that current engine speed is at least 1200 RPM. Then press and hold the ON/OFF switch in the ON position for approximately one second. The LCD should display the current engine speed and the LOCK icon should be blinking.
Manual Set Point Adjustment: The Manual Set Point can be adjusted using the +/- switch. The LOCK icon will disappear and the LCD will display the current Set Point. Short presses of the +/- switch will increase or decrease the Set Point by 20 RPM. Holding the switch increases or decreases the Set Point by 100 RPM. The Manual Set Point is limited to a minimum of 1200 RPM and a maximum of 5000 RPM.
Using Speed Control Mode: Manual Control works basically in the same way that RPM Control Mode does. The difference is that when the system is turned ON in manual mode the Set Point is set to the current engine speed. For example, if the Cruise Control is OFF and the engine speed is 2500 RPM, and the system is turned on, the engine will hold the engine speed at 2500 RPM.
Disengaging the Cruise Control System: There are two ways to disengage the system. Pulling back the throttle will disengage the system at any time. The system remains ON and can be engaged by accelerating the boat until the LOCK icon stays illuminated, or by moving the ON/OFF switch to OFF. It is recommended that the throttle be pulled back before turning off the system. |
| | What would happen if my kids left the stereo playing for a long period time without the boat running? |
| | In the event that the stereo has been functioning when the boat is not ON and running, the voltage drain on the battery can result in difficulties in restarting the boat. It can also cause intermittent erroneous or fluctuating gauge readings.
To avoid this situation, when the voltage level reaches 11.5 volts, the system will shut off the stereo system and sound the alarm for a period of two minutes to give boaters ample time to adjust. |
| | Should I leave the ignition switch "ON"? |
| | Never leave the ignition switch in the RUN position without the engine running; this will prevent the natural discharge of the battery and result in damage to the starter solenoid. |
| | What can you tell me about 2008 Genuine MasterCraft Parts? |
| | Recognizing the pride that MasterCraft owners take in their boats, MasterCraft has been diligently working to develop our own line of products designed specifically to ensure a better-looking, longer-lasting product. Your 2008 model ProStar, MariStar, X-Series or CSX boat is just the fourth full model year to be able to utilize these products. You can get all these parts at the dealer ship Portland Ski-Boat center, Just Call and ask for Parts, 503-892-9965. |
| | Can I still get parts for my 1980's model MasterCraft boat? |
| | After checking with your dealer, if you are unable to locate parts, you could check with www.overtons.com as a possible resource for parts. Another source would be West Marine located in Portland, or Baxter Auto parts and cross reference parts for your MasterCarft. |
| | Does Portland Ski-Boat Center Detail Boats? |
| | Yes we do, Although we some times sub the job out depending on how badly it need to be cleaned. Prices Range from $200-600 depending on boat. |
| | What if my "Check Engine" light comes on? |
| | The red malfunction indicator Check Engine light is operated from an on-board computer that monitors the operation of your fuel, ignition and engine control systems. On some models, the Check Engine light should come on when the key is in the ON position and the engine is not running. This is a check to show you that it is working. If it does not come on at all, have it repaired by your MasterCraft dealer right away.
If it stays on—or comes on while you are operating your boat—the computer is indicating that you have a problem. You should take your boat to your MasterCraft dealer for immediate service.
Notice: If you continue to operate your boat with this light on, you could adversely affect the emission control systems on the engine. You could also experience poor fuel economy, and your engine may not run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs not covered by your warranty. |
| | How do I change my propeller? |
| | Step 1) Ensure the engine is OFF and the engine safety starting switch is disconnected. Place the throttle/shift control lever in forward gear.
Step 2) Remove and discard the cotter pin.
Step 3) Remove the propeller nut.
Step 4) Tap the center hub with a rubber mallet to release the propeller. Inspect the shaft and propeller splines for damage.
Step 5) Thoroughly clean and apply a light coat of waterproof marine multi-purpose grease to the splined area of the shaft and propeller.
Step 6) Align the splines and carefully install the propeller onto the shaft. DO NOT FORCE INTO PLACE.
Step 7) Install the propeller nut and torque to 50-ft-lbs.
Step 8) Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends around the shaft to lock the propeller onto the shaft. |
| | With fuel prices the way they are, can I substitute an alcohol-modified fuel in my 2008 MasterCraft boat? |
| | We do not recommend that you use alcohol-modified fuels in your MasterCraft boat because of the following side effects: • Moisture: Alcohol-blended fuels absorb and keep moisture. Moisture inside the fuel tank causes many engine problems. • Performance: Alcohol-blended fuels cause the engine to operate on a leaner fuel/air ratio and may cause hard starting, stalling and vapor lock. Engine damage may result. • Deterioration: Alcohol quickly deteriorates rubber and plastic components in the fuel system, causing more frequent inspection and replacement of parts. This increases the potential for fire and explosion due to fuel leakage. The new 2008 fuel system, however, is designed to withstand alcohol and MTBE fuel additives commonly found in the new “oxygenated” fuels. We still recommend fuels with as little alcohol as possible due to the moisture absorption problems. NOTE: Fuel additives and treatments, other than conditioners for moisture absorption and winter storage, are not recommended for use in MasterCraft Power engines. |
| | Should I change the oil in the winter or spring? |
| | Engine oil and filters must be changed before storage because of the acids that develop in the oil, which can attack bearings. Also, since marine engines run cooler than automotive engines, moisture/condensation stays in the oil instead of evaporating out of the oil. For these two reasons, we recommend changing the oil before sitting for a prolonged period of time. |
