WATERWAY NAVIGATION TIPS
The summer heat makes for amazing boat days with one downside – a lot of traffic on the water. Make sure your boat stays in pristine condition and your passengers safe by implementing these simple Waterway Safety reminders.
WAKEBOARDING 101
It’s been a long winter so you might be a little rusty when it comes to Wakeboarding. MasterCraft Team Rider Josh Palma shares his wisdom on how to best set up your boat and tow a wakeboarder. Also learn tricks of the trade for those beginning wakeboarders.
BOAT LAUNCH 101
1.Prepare your vessel well away from the boat ramp
- Check that all required safety equipment and the vessel’s registration card are on board.
- Make sure the trailer coupler is connected securely to the ball hitch and unplug the trailer lights.
- Check the condition of the battery, the motor, and the angle of the drive unit.
- Make sure the vessel’s drain plug is firmly in place.
2. Move the vessel to the boat ramp. Having a lookout or someone in the boat is helpful at this point.
- Check the drive unit prior to backing down the ramp.
- Run the exhaust blower, for at least four minutes.
- Back the trailer down the ramp to the water’s edge. Remove all engine and transom tie-down straps.
- Back the trailer into the water until the vessel is in sufficient water depth to provide cooling intake with water supply.
- Unhook the bow winch line, but be sure you have a line to the bow or side cleats to control/handle the boat.
3. Start the engine. Once it is running steadily, back the vessel slowly off the trailer.
4. Move the vessel out of the way. Secure it to a courtesy dock while you pick up your passengers.
5. Quickly move the towing vehicle off the ramp.
