MasterCraft Trailer User's Manual
Contents
1. ee A The MasterCraft Trailer Congratulations on your choice of a MasterCraft trailer the ideal match for MasterCraft boats The quality innovation selection and value are unmatched in the industry Please take a few minutes to read this manual completely be fore the use of your MasterCraft trailer for the first time It will help you answer most of the remaining questions you may have about your new trailer If you still have questions after reviewing this manual be sure to contact your MasterCraft dealer It is important for you to approach your trailering experience with confidence and as much knowledge as you can Every effort has been made to make this manual accurate All in formation is based on the latest product information available at the time of printing Because of our policy of continuous product im provement we reserve the right to make changes in specifications and models at any time without notice and also to discontinue models The right is also reserved to change specifications parts or accessories at any time without incurring any obligation to equip the same on models manufactured before the date of the change The continuing accuracy of this manual cannot be guaranteed The illustrations used in this manual are intended only as represen tative reference views and may not depict actual model component parts Information about certain components furnished by suppliers other than MasterCraft is provided separat2. or pass use your light signals to let other vehicles know what you intend to do Shift toa lower gear If your tow vehicle has a manual transmis sion traveling in lower gears when going up steep hills or over sand gravel or dirt roads will ease the load on your engine and transmis sion If your tow vehicle has an overdrive gear manual or automatic you may get better gas mileage in a lower gear Check the automobile s owners manual for their recommended towing specifications MasterCraft Trailers Page 22 Always be courteous Make it as easy as possible for faster mov ing vehicles to pass you Remain in the slower lane and be pre pared to slow down if they need extra time to return to their proper lane Don t tailgate Allow at least one combined car and trailer length between you and the car ahead for every 10 MPH you are traveling If a problem occurs the general rule is to stay calm Don t panic and don t do anything any more suddenly or violently than you have to A sudden bumping or fan tailing may be a flat tire Don t jam on the brakes or mash the accelerator to try to drive out of it Stop slowly and in as straight a line as possible If conditions permit allow your rig to coast at a very slow speed and try to avoid braking except when your wheels are straight ahead and the trailer and tow vehicle are in line If your trailer begins to fish tail as you accelerate to highway speed back off a little a
3. LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU THIS LIMITED WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS YOU MAY HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE 5 Limitation of Liability 5 1 Liability Limitation Exclusion of Consequential Damages This warranty is for the benefit of the owner and MasterCraft and shall not create or evidence any right in any third party THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE COMPONENT PARTS AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE CONSUMER TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW IN NO EVENT SHALL MASTERCRAFT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL CONSEQUENTIAL SPECIAL INDIRECT PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES OR LOST PROFITS WHATSOEVER ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USETHE BOAT OR ANY COMPONENT PART THEREOF OR FOR ANY BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY OR OTHERWISE EVEN IF MASTERCRAFT HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR SUCH DAMAGES COULD REASONABLY HAVE BEEN FORESEEN BY MASTERCRAFT However some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you 52 Purchase Price Limitation In any event MasterCraft s entire liability under any provision of this Limited Warranty shall be limited to the repair or replacement of the boat trailer or component part or the refund of the purchase price paid by the customer for the boat trailer or component part found to be defective within the a
4. Loosen the tie downs and winch strap but be sure the boat is still resting properly on the hull supports Remove the drain plug and elevate the trailer tongue slightly just an inch or two to al low water to drain out so the boat will be dry Tie the plugs to something obvious like the steering wheel so you will re member to replace the drain plugs before your next trip A good time to touch up rust spots nicks and chips is when the trailer is in storage Replace damaged tie downs winch straps wiring etc Lubricate moving parts such as the rollers and winch as well as the ball coupler Tighten any loose nuts and bolts MasterCraft Trailers Page 25 Trailering Tips Trailering Check List The jack and lug wrench that came with your tow vehicle may also work on your trailer but don t count on it Check to make sure Your trailer will look better and last longer if you rinse it off with fresh water several times a year If your boat is in brackish or salt water the trailer should be rinsed thoroughly after every trip An annual washing with a mild detergent and waxing with an auto wax also will help to keep your trailer bright and clean Make up a special Boating Kit and carry it with you on all trips The kit should include a spare wheel and tire lug wrench wheel chocks bearing grease spare strap for tie downs and winch extra lights wheel bear ings and road flares Some insurance p
5. Some late model cars have yellow turn signals and sepa rate red stop lights In this case a special wiring adapter will have to be installed on the automobile Here are a few things you can do to keep your trailer lighting system in good working order MasterCraft Trailers Page 14 Besure the white ground wire is properly connected to the trailer frame Replace any parts that are damaged or badly worn A small amount of waterproof grease on the plug contacts and light bulb bases will help prevent rust and corrosion Before every trip check for burned out or broken bulbs cracked or broken light lenses etc Be sure to unplug the light each time before backing into the water Extra plugs are available from your MasterCraft dealer Because they are often exposed to water trailer wheels and tires require more attention than the wheels on your family car The three major items to check are lug nuts lubrica tion and the tire pressure Maintain the proper torque on the lug nuts attached to the wheel bolts Failure to do so may result in serious injury or property damage Your MasterCraft dealer can provide you with the proper torque specifications measured in foot pounds Also keep the wheel bearings lubricated Failure to do so may cause failure and possible wheel loss which may result in serious injury or death or property damage MasterCraft Trailers Page 15 As part of the regular maintenance kee
6. or the initial use of the boat whichever first occurs 2 Engine and Transmission The engines used in MasterCraft boats are supplied by Indmar Products Company Inc in Millington Tennessee Indmar Indmar provides a separate warranty of three 3 years from the date of the original retail purchase of the boat or the initial use of the boat whichever first occurs for the engine and transmission the Indmar Power Train Warranty A statement of the Indmar Power Train Warranty is provided separately to the original retail purchaser MasterCraft provides no independent warranty with regard to the engine and transmission however the owner may contact MasterCraft at the address or telephone number listed in Section 7 below to obtain contact information for making claims or inquiries under the Indmar Power Train Warranty 3 Warranty Conditions Limitations and Exclusions MasterCraft boats are manufactured by trained craftsmen from high quality materials and components However conditions outside MasterCraft s control require specific limitations on and exclusions from coverage under this warranty The Limited Warranty on the Structural Components set forth in Section l a above does not cover or include any other components fastened or applied to the hull or deck This Limited Warranty constitutes the final complete and exclusive statement of warranty terms and no other person or entity is authorized to make any other warranties or re
7. repair MasterCraft Trailers Page 17 Keep your tires properly inflated Failure to maintain the correct pressure may result in tire failure and loss of control which may result in serious injury or death or property damage The most common cause of trailer tire trouble is under infla tion It is important therefore that you always maintain correct air pres sure as indicated by the tire manufacturer on the tire s sidewalls Always check the air pressure when the tires are cold Tires heat up and the air pressure increases after traveling short distances Inflate tires to the proper air pressure as noted on the sidewall of the tires When your trailer tires become worn or damaged replace them with new tires Your MasterCraft dealer can help you For safety and convenience it is recommended that you always carry a spare wheel and tire Brakes In most states trailers with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating GVWR of 1 500 pounds or more are required by law to have brakes on all wheels Auto manufacturers generally recommend brakes even with lighter trailers MasterCraft Trailers Page 18 Trailer brakes must be maintained in good working condition The loss of adequate braking could result in serious injury or death or property damage Your MasterCraft trailer brakes are designed to op erate automatically when the tow vehicle s brakes are applied These are known as surge brakes When the tow vehicle slow
8. system as well Exposure to salt water can also cause brake pads to stick and malfunction Check the braking sys tem in spring and fall along with the wheel bearings If you find anything that appears to be worn take the gt trailer to your Master 4 gt i Craft ee fora check i f M a and possible repair Always approach the trailer slowly as you prepare to load your boat This will allow you to retain greater control Hard impact with the trailer or improper alignment on the trailer can result in damage to the boat the trailer or both and this is not covered under warranty Also if your trailer is equipped with the Boat Buddy System a hard hit against it could cause damage which is also not covered by warranty Disc brakes on the trailer require an additional wire hook up for the trailer lights This wire is blue and hooks to the back up light wire circuit on the tow vehicle It s very important to attach this properly so that the brakes will disengage when you are backing up MasterCraft Trailers Page 6 Introduction With the purchase of your new custom built MasterCraft trailer you have added value to your MasterCraft boating enjoyment You can now enjoy almost any of the thousands of recreational waterways in the country As the manufacturer MasterCraft has provided you with a vehicle designed specifically for many years of attractive convenient trouble free service Now it is up
9. tire wheel well is about two inches from the top of the water surface This may vary with the angle of the ramp Set the parking brake and shift into park automatic transmission or first gear manual transmission Shut off the engine Unlock the Boat Buddy latch and winch hook then back the boat off the trailer To re load the boat on the trailer simply reverse the above procedures including setting your Boat Buddy latch to the proper position and drive your boat on the trailer at a slow pace Before loading we recommend you clean any dirt or sand off the rollers and bunks Sand on these can abrade the boat s bottom while trailering Be sure to back in and completely wet the trailer bunks then pull forward to the loading position Be certain all the boat tie downs are properly fastened before departing from the launching ramp area Wet brakes may not hold and or may cause brakes to have diminished performance characteristics A few braking applications at a slow speed will help to dry them out but extra care must be used when braking after brakes have become wet MasterCraft Trailers Page 24 Storage When your MasterCraft trailer will not be in use for several months you can help it continue to give you good performance by taking the following steps If at all possible park your boat trailer rig in a protected area such as a garage carport or similar shelter Service or re pack the wheel bearings
10. to the appearance of the gel coat such as blisters scratches discoloration or fading are not covered by this Limited Warranty However in the event that the gel coat is materially damaged due to a covered defect to the boat s Structural Components the damage to the gel coat will be covered under this Limited Warranty in connection with the warranty repair under Section 1 1 hereof Any material defects in the gel coat which are determined by MasterCraft in its sole discretion to have been caused by the application installation of the gel coat at the factory will be covered under this Limited Warranty Stress crazing cracking of the gel coat is considered a cosmetic issue and therefore is not covered under this Limited Warranty but will be reviewed on a case by case basis as a matter of customer good will All communications regarding any issues relating to gel coat should be addressed first to the Customer Services Representative at the MasterCraft authorized Dealership prior to communication with MasterCraft Review of any gel coat issues by MasterCraft will require digital or 35 mm photos or video images which clearly show the alleged conditions 13 Other Component Parts Excluding Engine and Transmission One 1 year from the date of the original retail purchase of the boat or the initial use of the boat whichever first occurs 14 Trailer and Trailer Component Parts One 1 year from the date of the original retail purchase of the boat
11. to you to give it proper care and maintenance to be sure it will continue to perform safely and satisfactorily The purpose of this section of the manual is to help you do just that Please read and follow its warnings and instructions care fully Also because all trailers are not exactly alike be sure to read and comply with any warnings and additional information supplied by MasterCraft in your owners packet It s the best way to obtain peak performance Before towing this trailer be sure to read and familiarize yourself with this manual The key to carefree boat trailering is the proper match of boat to trailer This proper match is only one reason why the Master Craft engineering de partment has designed your trailer to carry the full weight of your boat engine and gear It also provides the proper support for the boat hull during storage MasterCraft Trailers Page 7 The total weight of your boat engine fuel water and gear must not exceed the trailer s maximum load carrying capacity Overloading can cause serious injury or property damage NOTE Maximum load carrying capacity is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rate GVWR less the weight of the empty trailer Load Carry Capacity Check the metallic certification label attached to the left for ward side of your trailer It will show the maximum load carrying capacity of the trailer It will also show the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating GVWR w
12. 0 Ibs a ball of either 2 or 2 5 16 will be required MasterCraft Trailers Page 10 Serious injury or death or property damage can result if the total weight on your loaded trailer exceeds the capacity of the hitch on your tow vehicle Safety cables The safety cables on your MasterCraft trailer provide added in surance that it will not become detached from the towing vehicle when underway Before each trip you should make sure that the proper cables are correctly attached between the towing vehicle and the trailer As noted above your trailer hitch should provide a place for at taching safety cables through holes or rings on both sides of the hitch ball It is strongly reeommended and in fact most states re quire it that you criss cross the cables under the trailer tongue The cables on the left side of the trailer tongue should be attached to the hole or ring on the right side of the hitch ball and the right cable should be attached to the hole or ring on the left side of the hitch ball This will prevent the trailer tongue from dropping to the road if the trailer coupler separates from the hitch ball The cables should be rigged as tight as possible with just enough slack to permit tight turns If for any reason you should find it neces sary to replace a safety cable do not substitute with any part other than a genuine MasterCraft cable Note also that late model trailers are equipped with a surge brake break aw
13. Verify the emergency brake cable is attached properly to the tow vehicle Verify the boat is properly loaded on the trailer and tied down to the trailer Check tire pressure Ensure the lug nuts are properly torqued This must also been done after the first 25 miles of towing and every 100 miles thereafter Verify the wheel jack is retracted and swung up prior to towing Verify the tow vehicle has not exceeded the load capacity prior to towing Verify the oil level is proper for the wheel bearings equipped with the oil bath system Check the guide pole bars to ensure they are tight Every three to six months or 250 miles in addition to above Grease the trailer jack Oil the trailer jack handle in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations Examine the entire trailer for any abnormalities or damage Examine the trailer bunks for any signs of abnormal wear Lubricate all the rollers on the trailer with a Aight coat of oil Annually in addition to the above Have the braking and suspension system inspected by a certified technician MasterCraft Trailers Page 32
14. ay cable This should be attached to the tow vehicle making sure there is enough slack for tight turns Failure to properly attach the safety cables and brake actuator breakaway cable between your trailer and the tow vehicle can result in a run away trailer if the trailer coupler becomes detached from the hitch which may cause serious injury or death or property damage MasterCraft Trailers Page 11 Trailer Winch Assembly Upon each use of the winch check for the proper ratchet operation Do not use the winch if it is damaged Seek immediate repairs Maintain a firm grip on the winch handle at all times Never release the handle when the ratchet lever is in the unlocked position with a load on the winch The handle will spin violently under these conditions which could cause personal injury Never use the winch handle as a handle for pulling or maneuver ing the entire trailer or other equipment Never pull on the winch handle against a locked ratchet Never exceed the rated capacity of the winch Excessive loads may cause premature failure and result in personal injury Never apply a load on the winch with the strap fully extended Keep at least two full turns on the strap that s on the reel Inspect the condition of the winch strap Using one that is dam aged or worn can result in serious personal injury or damage It is not recommended to use the winch as the sole method for loading the boat onto the trailer However it i
15. e trailer with your jack position the cou pler directly over the hitch ball and lower until it is all the way down onto the ball Check under the coupling to be certain that the ball clamp is below the ball and not riding on top of the ball Lock the coupler to the hitch ball To be sure it is in the locked position and securely in place lift up on the trailer jack If it comes loose from the ball unlock and go back to the third step above Be certain the jack is in the fully raised and locked position Your MasterCraft trailer has a surge brake away cable Attach it to the tow vehicle making sure there is enough slack for tight turns Attach the safety cables Connect the trailer wir ing harness to the lighting system of the tow vehicle and check the operation Trailer Techniques With a boat trailer in tow you are operating a ve hicle combination that is longer heavier and sometimes wider and taller than your car or truck This means you will have to make a few adjustments in your normal driving practices to compensate for the difference Here are a few tips to help you enjoy trailering Takeashakedown cruise Before you make your first major trip or MasterCraft Trailers Page 21 first trip to the lake with your trailer make at least one short trial run to familiarize yourself with its handling characteristics Be sure everything is working properly Slow down There is less strain on yo
16. ely This information is available from your dealer MasterCraft Trailers Page 1 Note The information given in this manual may not be ap plicable to international rules of the road If you have any ques tions please contact your local authority Visit us on the web at www mastercraft com If you have specific questions about your MasterCraft trailer feel free to contact your dealer for additional information and guidance MasterCraft Boat Company 100 Cherokee Cove Drive Vonore TN 37885 The maintenance service and repair procedures described in this Manual should be performed only by trained and authorized factory personnel or dealer technicians To avoid serious injury or damage to the boat or its components all steps in each procedure and all safety recommendations should be strictly observed Failure to follow the procedures described will void any and all warranties and may cause personal injury or damage to components and adversely affect the operation of the boat CONSUMERS SHOULD NEVER ATTEMPT TO UNDERTAKE THE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR PROCEDURES DESCRIBED IN THIS MANUAL Warnings and Cautions Throughout this manual the terms warning and caution ap pear alerting the trailer owner 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 pote
17. er to become detached from the tow vehicle while traveling which may cause serious injury or death or property damage Page 3 MasterCraft Trailers Page 4 To reduce the risk of serious injury death or property dam age make certain that all the trailer lights are in proper working order Page 4 Maintain the proper torque on the lug nuts attached to the wheel bolts Failure to do so may result in serious injury or property damage Your MasterCraft dealer can provide you with the proper torque specifications measured in foot pounds Page 5 Also keep the wheel bearings lubricated Failure to do so may cause failure and possible wheel loss which may result in seri ous injury or death or property damage Page 5 Keep your tires properly inflated Failure to maintain the correct pressure may result in tire failure and loss of control which may result in serious injury or death or property damage Page 8 Trailer brakes must be maintained in good working condition The loss of adequate braking could result in serious injury or death or property damage Page 9 Do not tow boat with wakeboards or skis left in board and or ski racks Doing so may create a hazard for or cause damage to vehicles following behind you as the boards and or skis may become disengaged while traveling or may result in damage to your vehicle or boat which damage would not be covered by your warranty Page 9 CAUTION indicates a potentiall
18. h ball is the correct size to match the coupler on your trailer The correct ball diameter is marked on the trailer coupler The hitch also should provide a place for at taching the trailer s safety cables two rings or holes on either side of the hitch ball A truck or van using a step bumper as the hitch platform will need to have safety cable attachments such as eye bolts as well as a hitch ball installed according to the Society of Automotive Engineers SAE J684 Standard Installing a light or heavy duty hitch can be a major undertaking The hitch and its installation should meet the SAE J684 Standard It is recommended that you have the job done by a profes sional Your dealer can advise you To ensure that the boat is riding prop erly on the trailer supports the trailer should be in a level position when hitched to the tow vehicle The recommended height of the hitch ball according to the NMMA is 18 to 20 inches to the top of the ball from the ground More importantly failure to adjust to this height may prematurely activate the surge brakes This can be corrected in a number of different ways For example you may in stall air pressure adjustable shock absorb ers on the tow vehicle or switch from a weight carrying hitch to a weight distrib uting hitch Again consult with your tow vehicle dealer In general for Class 3 rigs 3 500 to 5 000 Ibs a two inch 2 ball is the re quirement For Class 4 5 000 to 10 00
19. hich is the load carrying capacity plus the weight of the trailer itself Be sure that the total weight of your boat engine gear and trailer do not exceed the GVWR Be especially careful to avoid overloading your trailer by putting heavy baggage camping gear etc inside the boat Don t tow the boat with a water filled bladder for wakeboarding Empty the contents or the tongue weight will be incorrect Don t tow the boat with wakeboards left on the board racks Doing so may void your warranty and cause damage to your boat or to vehicles following behind you as boards and or racks may become disengaged Trying to tow with water filled bladder s may not only cause the total weight limits for the trailer to be exceeded but may also result in the improper distribution of the weight on the trailer thereby making towing difficult and or causing instability when towing which can be very dangerous to you and to other motorists You should NEVER tow with water in the ballast bladders or tanks MasterCraft Trailers Page 8 A WARNING Do not tow boat with wakeboards or skis left in board and or ski racks Doing so may create a hazard for or cause damage to vehicles following behind you as the boards and or skis may become disengaged while traveling or may result in damage to your vehicle or boat which damage would not be covered by your warranty Weight Distribution Improper weight distribution can cause a boat trailer to fish ta
20. il sway from side to side as it moves down the highway putting exces sive strains on both trailer and tow ing equipment increasing gas con sumption and sometimes causing an accident The most effective way to guard against fish tailing is to make sure the weight load on your trailer is properly distributed It is extremely important that a minimum of 5 to 10 percent of the total weight of your trailer should be felt at the trailer coupling ball when the tongue is parallel to the ground A bathroom scale can be used for this determination For example if the gross weight of the trailer boat and gear is 3 000 pounds the weight on the tongue should not be more than 300 pounds but not less than 150 Some auto manufacturers say that tongue weight should not exceed 200 pounds when using a weight carrying bumper mounted hitch with full sized cars The importance of an adequate download on the hitch ball can not be over stated MasterCraft Trailers Page 9 There are two basic types of trailer hitches A weight carrying hitch and a weight distributing hitch A weight carrying hitch is recommended for your MasterCraft Before deciding which type of hitch to use also consult your automobile manufacturer on recom mendations for your car or truck Be sure that the total weight of your trailer boat rig does not ex ceed the hitch s load capacity The maximum weight it can handle is stamped on the hitch Also be sure the hitc
21. l bath bearings Earlier models were equipped with easy lubricating hubs However water invades and seeps through the smallest opening When a warm hub is submerged in cold water any air inside the hub will contact and draw water through the best of seals Trailers equipped with the Bearing Buddy II with Auto Check simplify the process of keeping watch for proper lubrication If the blue ring is fully extended about 1 4 inch extruded you have adequate lubrication As the grease dissipates the ring will move back into the shell When the blue ring is flush with the Bearing Buddy shell it is time to re lubricate Your best protection against wheel bearing damage from the wa ter is to always keep your wheel assembly properly lubricated Periodi cally view the site window located on the axle hub and determine whether the lubricant appears milky This would indicate water intrusion and the lubricant should be replaced Also check the seals for damage When on a trip make it a habit to check the wheel hubs every time you stop for gas or refreshments If the hub feels abnormally hot the bearings and brakes should be inspected before continuing your trip Wheel Bearings and Braking System Wheel bearings and the braking sys tem on the trailer should be inspected annually If the bearings or race show signs of scoring they should be replaced as well as any worn brake parts Your MasterCraft dealer should perform this inspection and
22. n be damaged as it bounces against the hull supports MasterCraft s Boat Buddy System is located on the winch stand Ask your MasterCraft dealer to demonstrate the proper use of the Boat Buddy System A separate winch strap is provided and should then be attached to secure the boat to the bow stop As noted previously it is very important to be sure that the tran som of your MasterCraft boat is resting fully and securely on the supports provided at the rear end of the trailer and that it remains in place when parked or underway Tie downs have been added on both bow and transom of the boat and must be used while trailering Ea F Hitch only to the ball size marked on the coupler Becertain the ball clamp captures the ball and lever or the handwell is fully closed or tightened Insert safety pin or optional lock pin MasterCraft Trailers Page 20 Cross the safety cables under the coupling Allow only enough slack in the safety cables to handle turns When hitching your trailer you should always observe each item of the Trailer Check List Hitching your trailer to your tow vehicle can be a one person job but it is easier if you have a second person to help you Here are the basic steps Back your tow vehicle as close as possible to the trailer It s easier and safer than pulling the trailer to your car or truck Check to be sure the coupler locking device is released Raise the front end of th
23. n examination by MasterCraft s authorized repair facility or MasterCraft s own personnel as applicable b MasterCraft warrants its repairs or replacements only for the remainder of the applicable warranty period c MasterCraft shall in its sole discretion fulfill its obligation to repair or replace any defective item at its factory or authorized repair facility d The owner shall be responsible for all costs associated with the transportation of the boat towing bills trailer or component part s to the authorized MasterCraft facility and for any return transportation 8 No Modification of Warranty No oral or written information advice or communication of any nature by or from MasterCraft or its representatives employees dealers agents distributors or suppliers shall create a warranty or in any manner increase or modify the scope of this Limited Warranty Maintenance Before Initial Use Read the Owners Manual completely Before Every Trip Verify that the tongue weight and load is within proper specification Check the brake fluid reservoir to ensure it is at least three quarters full Examine the actuator for wear bent parts corroded seized parts or other damage Test the actuator to verify the brakes are working prior to use Verify all lights are working properly Verify the coupler latch is locked to the ball properly Verify the safety cables are properly attached to the tow vehicle
24. nd it should cease If it begins again as you accelerate stop and check your load If it is not evenly distrib uted side to side or it is too far back so that the hitch load be comes too low the result can be this condition Re distribute the load forward and correct the improper loading before continuing Launching Every MasterCraft owner develops their own favorite launching technique Until you do here are a few help ful tips Check the ramp first Whether you re launching from an unimproved or sur faced ramp check it out before starting your launching procedure How steep is it Is the surface firm enough to support the MasterCraft Trailers Page 23 weight of the trailer rig and tow vehicle Is it wide enough How deep is the water at the end of the ramp Some launch ramps may be slippery when wet Use great care when walking standing or loading and unloading boats on or around any launch ramps Prepare for launching Install your drain plugs and detach the trailer tie downs Back your trailer down to the ramp If possible have someone stand to one side of the ramp to direct you Backing up a trailer can be tricky A good way to simplify the procedure is to grasp the steering wheel with one hand at its lowest point 6 00 When you want the trailer to go right move your hand on the wheel to the right to make the trailer go left move your hand to the left Back your trailer into the water until the trailer
25. ntial personal injury hazards Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death 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 Failure to adhere to and comply with the safety warnings and cautions that appear in this manual can lead to serious illness injury or even death and or damage to your trailer or the property of others Beyond these warnings drivers have a personal responsibility to uti lize a common sense approach to the towing experience MasterCraft offers many proactive approaches to the towing experience but the consumer is ultimately responsible for a positive and safe involvement in towing and maintaining safety standards for the trailer MasterCraft strongly encourages you to cross reference and read the warnings and cautions within the context in which they are presented by reading and reviewing those sections of this manual You MUST also be familiar with state and local ordinances regarding driving and towing MasterCraft also recommends a thorough review of your insurance compa nies restrictions and coverage for towing as well as a review and adherence to recommendations presented in the tow vehicle s owners manual MasterCraft Trailers Page 3 WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situa
26. olicies do not provide coverage when towing a trailer Check your policy or call your insurance agent to be sure you are fully covered Never tow this trailer before you check to be sure Coupler hitch and hitch ball are of the same size Coupler and safety cables are safely secured to the hitch Check all fasteners for proper tightness The boat is securely anchored to the trailer The winch strap by itselfis not a satisfactory tie down The wheel lug nuts are properly tightened The wheel bearings are properly adjusted and maintained The load is within the maximum load carrying capacity of both the trailer and the tow vehicle The tires are properly inflated All trailer lights are working properly Trailer brakes are properly adjusted and working MasterCraft Trailers Page 26 Before towing ensure that the tower on the boat if so equipped is secure whether it is upright and locked in place or has been low ered Also be certain that there is sufficient overhead clearance before removing the boat trailer from cover or when towing that the unit will clear any overhead items such as trees bridges overhead power lines overpasses etc This trailer is manufactured to meet the applicable federal safety standards at the time of manufacture Check the local and state require ments regarding any additional equipment that may be required Note Trailer laws covering such things as brakes lights
27. p the axle assembly properly lubricated This procedure is best performed by your MasterCraft dealer The fill plug in the hub nose must be removed so that 80 to 90 weight motor oil can be added Never seize compound is applied to the fill plug which is re installed and torqued to 7 ft lbs If at any time the oil in the hub appears milky the system must be serviced immediately Lug Nuts or Wheel Bolts Loose lug nuts can cause more than just an annoying wheel wobble you could lose a wheel Before each trip check for loose or missing lug nuts wheel bolts When tightening the lug nuts use the correct sized wrench The wrong size can round off the lug nuts and render them useless If you lose a lug nut replace it promptly The correct size varies with different models so you should verify the in formation with your i J 7 MasterCraft dealer iat fe 1 a Take special care to en 2 pta ne that ea replacement 5 BOLT 5 B ug nut is the correct type l While the threads of the lug iaaii a hea rts nut may match it may bea size that does not hold the wheel securely against the hub even when fully tightened Be certain a replacement lug nut is an exact match for the original Use the following pattern to tighten lug nuts On first torquing pass Bring up to 45 ft lbs On second pass Bring up to 70 ft lbs On third pass Bring up to 90 ft lbs MasterCraft Trailers Page 16 Currently trailers feature oi
28. pplicable warranty period This shall constitute MasterCraft s ole liability and obligation in the event of any claim arising out of its performance or non performance of any provision of this Limited Warranty Because some states and jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability the above limitations may not apply to you A 6 Transfer of Limited Warranty Upon the first sale conveyance or other transfer of the boat or trailer by the original retail purchaser any remaining unexpired Limited Warranty coverage shall be transferred to the second owner and shall remain in effect for the remainder of the applicable warranty period s set forth in Sections 1 1 1 2 1 3 and 1 4 above which warranty periods begin to run from the date of the original retail purchase of the boat or trailer or the first use of the boat or trailer whichever first occurs as applicable upon delivery of the warranty transfer card and payment of the applicable warranty transfer fee to MasterCraft With respect to the Lifetime Limited Warranty granted only to the original retail purchaser on the Structural Components set forth in Section 1 1 above if the sale conveyance or other transfer of the boat by the original retail purchaser to another person or entity occurs within three 3 years of the date of the original retail purchase of the boat by the original retail purchaser then the warranty on the Structural Components shall be transferred
29. presentations on behalf of MasterCraft Furthermore the Limited Warranty set forth in Section 1 including all subsections hereof does not cover the following MasterCraft Trailers Page 28 a damage caused by misuse negligence accident collision or impact with any object b damage caused by any improper alteration or modification to the boat or any of its component parts or accessories including damage resulting from alteration modification repair or replacement in such a way as to increase the cubic inch capacity or horsepower output of the engine and boat as originally manufactured c damage caused by the use of improper or contaminated fuel or fluids d damage caused by the use of customer applied chemicals or accidental spills e damage caused by failure to maintain the boat in accordance with the maintenance provisions in the Owners Manual or improper maintenance of the boat f damage resulting from the use of the boat for any racing speed commercial competition or performance demonstration g damage resulting from use of the boat for rental commercial or industrial purposes h damage to hardware and other components fastened or adhered to the hull deck or liner i damage caused by fire theft freezing vandalism explosion lightning wind hail storms flooding or other natural disaster j damage to any component parts and accessories not manufactured by MasterCraft including but not limi
30. ress shown on the warranty transfer card The card and check for the warranty transfer fee must be post marked within the time period specified above in this Section 6 in order for the warranty transfer from the original retail purchaser to the second owner to be effective 7 Warranty Claims In order to maintain warranty service under this Limited Warranty the owner must return the defective boat or component part to an authorized MasterCraft repair facility or to MasterCraft s factory at the below address within the applicable warranty period for questions regarding warranty service or to obtain information regarding the nearest authorized MasterCraft repair facility please contact MasterCraft at the following address or telephone number MasterCraft Boat Company Inc Attention Warranty Customer Service Dept 100 Cherokee Cove Drive Vonore Tennessee 37885 1 800 443 8774 Subject to the terms of this Limited Warranty any covered boat or component part with a material defect in materials or workmanship which is returned to an authorized MasterCraft repair facility or MasterCraft s factory during the appropriate warranty period will be repaired or replaced at MasterCraft s sole option without charge to the owner for parts and labor This provision is subject to the following terms and conditions a MasterCraft shall be obligated only to repair or replace those items that prove defective in MasterCraft s sole discretion upo
31. rom use in salt or brackish water for one 1 year from the date of the original retail purchase or the initial use of the trailer whichever first occurs o damage caused by dealer installed options or accessories p damage caused by consumer installed options or accessories and or q all warranted coverage will expire after ninety 90 days on boats used for commercial purposes 4 Disclaimer and Limitation of Implied Warranties THE EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTYSET FORTH HEREIN ISIN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS EXPRESS OR IMPLIED MasterCraft Trailers Page 29 ANDTOTHE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW MASTERCRAFT DISCLAIMS AND THE OWNER HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS OR ANY KIND OR NATURE INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITEDTO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OTHER THAN THOSE WARRANTIES WHICH ARE IMPLIED BY ANDARE INCAPABLE OF EXCLUSION RESTRICTION OR MODIFICATION UNDER APPLICABLE LAW THE TERM OF ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES THAT CANNOT BE DISCLAIMED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITEDTO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE SHALL BE LIMITED TOTHE DURATION OF THE FOREGOING EXPRESS WARRANTY PERIODS APPLICABLE TO THE RESPECTIVE COMPONENTS SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND OR DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONGAN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS SO THE ABOVE
32. s a satisfactory assistant in the event of engine power loss Check the winch straps frequently The strength in these can de teriorate from exposure to weather ozone and ultraviolet light Ifa strap becomes frayed or worn replace it immediately with a new one A heavy grease should be applied to the gears to provide a free running drive and to minimize the effort you have to expend to crank the boat on the trailer The winch is intended solely as an aid to loading the boat on the trailer It is not intended or adequate to be the sole means of holding the boat in place while trailering Proper tie downs fore and aft must be used rninas at Tongue PE REE EES Wo Attention should be paid to all warning labels Pay par ticular attention to the warn ing labels that appear on the pivot tongue MasterCraft Trailers Page 12 MasterCylinder Level Regularly verify that the brake fluid level comes to the top of the res ervoir MasterCraft specification for brake fluid is type DOT3 Premium As part of an annual maintenance program consumers should check the fluid level both at the beginning and at the conclusion of the boating sea son If at any time you suspect a brak ing issue check the fluid level Trailer Coupling Vue Your trailer coupling is designed to have the required strength whena hitch ball is in its socket It is there fore necessary to exercise care when
33. s down or stops the forward momen tum surge of the trailer against the hitch ball ap plies pressure to a master cylinder in the trailer cou pler This pressure acti vates the trailer brakes through a hydraulic system much like the brakes on your automobile Try out your brakes before each trip On a regular basis have your brake linings inspected necessary adjustments made and any dam age or worn parts replaced Wet brakes usually do not hold especially well If your wheels have been in water several brake applications at slow speeds should dry them out Trailer Jack MasterCraft recommends using the jack to lift the coupling of a loaded trailer from the hitch ball and for moving the trailer about when it is disconnected from the towing ve hicle Rotate the trailer jack to the vertical posi tion and engage the locking pin before placing a load on the trailer jack MasterCraft Trailers Page 19 Like any mechanical assembly a jack requires maintenance to function properly over a long period of time The drive gear and the rack and pinion should be greased The caster and wheel bearing should be oiled frequently Failure to swing up the jack before towing may result in damage to your trailer Tie Downs Ensuring that your MasterCraft is held se curely in place on the trailer s hull support es pecially when underway is extremely important If it is not firmly and 7 properly secured your B boat ca
34. safety cables licenses etc will vary from state to state Be sure that your trailer is in full compliance with applicable state laws Your MasterCratt dealer can help you in this regard Otherwise contact your nearest state motor vehicle department MasterCraft Trailers Page 27 limited Warranty Statement NOTE The MasterCraft Limited Warranty Statement was written to cover boats and or trailers 1 Limited Warranty and Term MasterCraft Boat Company Inc MasterCraft warrants to the original retail purchaser that the following components of each new boat shall be free from material defects in materials and workmanship to the extent set forth below under normal use and when operated and maintained in accordance with MasterCraft s instructions for the period indicated 1 1 Deck Hull Liner and Stringers From the date of the original retail purchase the deck hull liner and stringer system collectively Structural Components is warranted for as long as the original purchaser owns the boat 1 2 Gel Coat Because environmental operating conditions and customer maintenance care considerations are factors which have a significant effect on the condition and the durability of the gel coat which is applied to all MasterCraft boats at the factory MasterCraft does not provide and hereby expressly disclaims any warranty on the gel coat covering the exterior surfaces of the boat Therefore cosmetic issues relating
35. ted to the engine drivetrain transmission propeller shift and throttle control levers and cables pumps blowers windshields canvas upholstery towers and accessories instrumentation and steering systems however such items may be warranted by the individual manufacturer and if possible MasterCraft will provide the owner with a copy of the manufacturer s warranty k damage caused by use of any non MasterCraft trailer 1 damage caused by improper support of boat on davits hoist system or boat lift of any kind m damage to paints varnishes gel coat surfaces and colors chrome plated or anodized finishes floor and floor covers and any other surface coatings as well as damage due to in water storage without proper barrier coat and bottom paint NOTE Although MasterCraft uses the highest grade gel coat materials a condition may develop where the bottom of the boat may show signs of discoloration and or blisters if the boat is left in the water for long periods of time and therefore a proper barrier coat and bottom paint should be used whenever it is anticipated that the boat will be left in the water for an extended period of time n damage to the trailer and its parts or components due to abrasions rock chips rust improper care or maintenance or use in salt or brackish water however the finishes of galvanized trailers which are designed for use in salt or brackish water are warranted to be free from damage resulting f
36. the trailer is disconnected from the hitch that the coupling is not sub jected to any impact Failure to properly engage the hitch ball in the coupler ball socket and to securely lock the coupler latch mechanism can cause the trailer to become detached from the tow vehicle while traveling which may cause serious injury or death or property damage MasterCraft Trailers Page 13 The coupling should not be allowed to lay on the ground where dirt or sand can enter the socket This can cause excessive wear when the trailer is towed again or it can cause the locking mechanism to jam If the coupler becomes damaged it must be repaired or replaced before towing When the coupling is placed on the ball the latch should close firmly Keep the latch mechanism lightly oiled and clean Always install a lock pin in the coupler to promote safety To reduce the risk of serious injury death or property damage make certain that all the trailer lights are in proper working order A special wiring har ness for connecting the trailer lights to the light ing system of the tow ve hicle comes with your trailer Be sure the white ground wire from the con nector is attached to the frame so that the hitch ball does not have to act as an electrical connection Always have your light plug hooked up when backing your trailer Disc brakes will not release without the special connector wired to your back up lights on your tow vehicle Note
37. tion which if not avoided could result in death or serious injury Before towing this trailer be sure to read and familiarize your self with this manual Page 7 The total weight of your boat engine fuel water and gear must not exceed the trailer s maximum load carrying capacity Overloading can cause serious injury or property damage Note Maximum load carrying capacity is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rate GVWR less the weight of the empty trailer Page 8 Trying to tow with water filled bladder s may not only cause the total weight limits for the trailer to be exceeded but may also result in the improper distribution of the weight on the trailer thereby making towing difficult and or causing instability when towing which can be very dangerous to you and to other motorists You should NEVER tow with water in the ballast bladders or tanks Page 8 Serious injury or death or property damage can result if the total weight on your loaded trailer exceeds the capacity of the hitch on your tow vehicle Page Failure to properly attach the safety cables and brake actuator breakaway cable between your trailer and the tow vehicle can result in a run away trailer if the trailer coupler becomes de tached from the hitch which may cause serious injury or death or property damage Page 1 Failure to properly engage the hitch ball in the coupler ball socket and to securely lock the coupler latch mechanism can cause the trail
38. to the second owner and shall continue in effect for a period of ten 10 years from the date of the original retail purchase of the boat by the original retail purchaser If the sale transfer or conveyance of the boat by the original retail purchaser occurs more than three 3 years after the date of the original retail purchase of the boat then the Limited Warranty on Structural Components as well as all other warranties shall be void as of the date of transfer and shall not be transferable to the second owner MasterCraft Trailers Page 30 Only one 1 transfer under the provisions of this Section 6 from the original retail purchaser to the second owner within the applicable time period may be made In the event of a sale or transfer of the boat or trailer by a second owner to a subsequent purchaser all coverage under this Limited Warranty shall immediately be terminated and the Limited Warranty shall become null and void No transfer of this Limited Warranty will operate to extend the warranty periods set forth in Section 1 above In order to effectuate the transfer of the Limited Warranty the original retail purchaser and the new owner must properly fill out the warranty transfer card found in the back of the Owner s Manual and deliver the completed card together with a check made payable to MasterCraft Boat Company Inc in the amount of the warranty transfer fee via U S mail postage prepaid to MasterCraft at the add
39. ur car trailer and boat at moderate to slow speeds Also many states have lower speed limits for vehicles towing trailers Allow extra time and space You ll need more of both when passing and stopping Check the rear view mirrors Install outside rear view mirrors on both sides of the tow vehicle Make it a habit to check the mirrors at frequent intervals to be sure your trailer and boat are riding properly Swing wider Trailer wheels are closer to the inside of turns than the wheels on your car or truck This means you should swing wider at curves and corners Pass with extra care With a trailer in tow you ll need more time and distance to accelerate get around a slower vehicle and return to the right lane Watch the wind Be prepared for sudden changes in air pres sure and or wind buffeting when larger vehicles pass you from either direction Slow down a little and keep a firm hand on the steering wheel Conserve fuel Wind resistance against the boat and trailer can reduce your gas mileage significantly especially at higher speeds Avoid sudden stops and starts Even though your trailer has brakes a sudden stop can cause it to skid slide or even jack knife Be especially careful to avoid the necessity for quick stops while turning Smooth gradual starts and stops will improve your gas mileage and put less strain on your tie downs etc Signal your intentions Well before you stop turn change lanes
40. y hazardous situation which if not avoided may result in minor or moderate injury Some launch ramps may be slippery when wet Use great care when walking standing or loading and unloading boats on or around any launch ramps Page 24 Wet brakes may not hold and or may cause brakes to have di minished performance characteristics A few braking applications at a slow speed will help to dry them out but extra care must be used when braking after brakes have become wet Page 24 MasterCraft Trailers Page 5 Quick Tips Here are some quick tips for maintaining your trailer in tip top condition Chips in the paint especially on the axles and frame result when these surfaces are subjected to repeated or severe hits by external objects Usually this is gravel or asphalt chips thrown up by the rear tires of the tow vehicles Over time rust may develop where paint has been chipped away and this is not covered by the trailer s warranty To avoid this consider attaching mud flaps behind the tow vehicle s rear tires Exceptional care should be taken to travel as slowly as practical when traveling on gravel or other loose surfaces To ensure proper operation of the trailer jack wipe it down and lubricate it on a regular basis If the trailer is backed into salt water you must completely and thoroughly wash the trailer to retard rusting Salt water is very corro sive even on galvanized trailers and can cor rode the brake
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