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Fuel Gauge
(All Models)
Fuel gauge readings are only ap-
proximate. is gauge is activated
with the ignition switch. e rocking
motion of the boat during normal
operation will cause the fuel gauge to
uctuate. For a more accurate read-
ing, make sure that the boat is level
and with little or no motion present.
MasterCra recommends that operators do not run the boat
below a quarter of a tank, except as necessary to return to shore,
and not until the boat has been operated enough times to de-
velop an understanding of how the fuel gauge readings relate to
the visual inspection of fuel le in the tank. Extending fuel usage
beyond the known capability of the boat may cause the boat to
run out of fuel and may leave you stranded o-shore.
Although it may be possible to see fuel in the bottom of the fuel
tank, you still may not be able to operate the boat. e fuel pick-
up system was designed to avoid introducing the small amount
of water and debris that unavoidably accumulate in the bottom
of the tank. Rather than relying on visual inspection, you should
pay attention to the fuel gauge.
Further, it is not recommended to allow the fuel to fall below one-
quarter of a tank full at any time as it may result in damage to the
fueling system. (See the Fueling section of this Owner’s Manual.)
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.
Heater Switch
(Optional Installation for All Models)
Among the accessory options available for
your boat is a heater function. e heater’s
three-position switch is turned up for ON
(LOW), or turned down for ON (HIGH).
e center position is OFF. Warmed air
from an electrically powered heater box will be blown from
vents within the boat deck.
Horn
(All Models)
e horn is sounded by way of a button on
the instrument panel. Pressing the button
emits a loud and recognizable noise.
Ignition Key Slot
(All Models)
MasterCra 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. is, in turn, will
allow the boat to be started and operated.
e key will be in one of four (4) positions:
• O
• 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: e 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.
Instrument Panel Gauge
Backlighting Switch
(All models equipped with the Video Display
Gauge System)
A three-position switch allows the operator to change
the instrument panel backlighting for the gauges. Pressing the top
of the switch will cause the lights to brighten, the center position
is OFF, and pressing down will dim the lights.
Low Voltage Battery Alarm
(All Models)
In the event that the stereo has been functioning when the boat
is not ON and running, the voltage drain on the battery (or bat-
teries) may result in diculties with re-starting the boat. It may
also cause intermittent erroneous or uctuating gauge readings.
When the voltage level reaches 11.5 volts or below, the system
will shut o the stereo and sound the alarm for a period of two
(2) minutes to give boaters sucient time to adjust. Gener-
ally, the appropriate action is to leave the stereo OFF, as well as
disengaging any other peripheral electrical components, and
keying ON the engine. Running the engine at a moderate rate
for several minutes without the additional drain of stereo and
unnecessary electrical equipment will allow the alternator to re-
charge the battery or batteries, unless the battery(ies) have been
used to the extent of their life span.
Carbon monoxide is emitted from the engine’s exhaust system.
Never run the engine without proper ventilation. Do not run the
engine in a conned space or where fumes may be trapped. Do not
run the engine when the boat is stationary in calm wind conditions.
MasterCraft 2009 Owner’s Manual - Page 5-6