1986 Mastercraft Owners Manual

The 1986 Mastercraft is a premium performance boat featuring advanced hull design, powerful engine options, and luxury amenities. This manual covers operation, maintenance, safety procedures, and technical specifications for your 1986 Mastercraft model. Below are key sections for safety guidelines, features, operation procedures, maintenance schedules, specifications, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Guidelines 3. Operation Procedures 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Instrumentation 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Engine Operation 8. Hull and Deck Care 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Fiberglass hull construction, V8 engine options, marine steering system, instrumentation panel, seating for 6-8 passengers, ski tow pylon, bilge pump system.

Feature	Description
Hull Design	Deep-V fiberglass hull for smooth water performance
Engine Options	351 Windsor V8 or 454 Magnum V8 marine engines
Steering System	Rack and pinion marine steering
Instrumentation	Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge
Seating Capacity	6-8 passengers with vinyl upholstery
Ski Tow Pylon	Stainless steel tow point for water sports
Bilge System	Automatic bilge pump with manual override
Fuel System	40-gallon marine fuel tank
Electrical	12-volt marine battery system
Propeller	Three-blade bronze propeller

Safety Guidelines

Essential safety procedures for operating your Mastercraft boat.

Always wear approved personal flotation devices while underway.
Check weather conditions before departure.
Maintain proper lookout at all times.
Follow navigation rules and speed limits.
Carry required safety equipment: fire extinguisher, sound signals, visual distress signals.

WARNING! Boat contains flammable fuel; no smoking during refueling. Ensure all passengers are seated while underway.

Operation Procedures

Proper starting, running, and shutdown procedures.

Pre-start check: Verify bilge is dry, engine oil level, fuel level, battery charge.
Starting procedure: Insert key, turn to ON, wait for alarm check, turn to START.
Warm-up: Allow engine to idle for 2-3 minutes before accelerating.
Shutdown: Return to neutral idle for 1 minute, turn key to OFF.
Post-operation: Flush engine if used in salt water, secure boat properly.

CAUTION! Always check for swimmers before starting engine. Never operate without proper ventilation.

Specifications

Length: 19 feet 6 inches
Beam: 7 feet 8 inches
Weight: 2,850 lbs (approximate)
Fuel Capacity: 40 gallons
Engine Options: 351 Windsor V8 (260 HP) or 454 Magnum V8 (330 HP)
Propeller: 13x13 three-blade bronze
Maximum Capacity: 8 persons or 1,400 lbs
Hull Material: Hand-laid fiberglass
Steering: Rack and pinion
Electrical: 12-volt system with 65-amp alternator

Controls and Instrumentation

Dashboard controls and operational instruments.

Main Controls: Ignition switch, throttle/shift control, steering wheel, bilge pump switch, navigation light switch.

Instrument Panel: Speedometer (0-60 mph), tachometer (0-6,000 rpm), fuel gauge, engine temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, voltmeter. Safety Features: Engine kill switch, fire extinguisher, bilge pump automatic switch, navigation lights.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance requirements for optimal performance.

Daily: Check engine oil, inspect bilge, verify safety equipment.
Weekly: Clean hull, inspect propeller, check battery terminals.
Monthly: Change engine oil (if used frequently), inspect fuel system.
Seasonally: Winterize engine, fog cylinders, stabilize fuel.
Annually: Replace spark plugs, check impeller, inspect steering system.

Tip: Use only marine-grade parts and lubricants for all maintenance.

Engine Operation

Detailed engine operation and care procedures.

Cold start: Use choke if equipped, allow proper warm-up period.
Normal operation: Maintain RPM below redline, monitor temperature gauge.
Fuel requirements: Use 89 octane minimum, add fuel stabilizer for storage.
Oil changes: Every 50 hours or annually, use marine-grade oil.
Cooling system: Flush after salt water use, inspect raw water pump.
Winterization: Drain block, fog cylinders, stabilize fuel system.

WARNING! Never operate engine without proper water flow. Overheating can cause severe engine damage.

Hull and Deck Care

Cleaning and maintenance of fiberglass surfaces.

Use marine-grade cleaners only; avoid abrasive compounds. Regular waxing recommended. Vinyl care with UV-protectant cleaners. Storage covered or indoors to prevent UV damage.

CAUTION! Do not use automotive products on marine surfaces. Avoid pressure washing near seals and fittings.

Regulatory Information

US Coast Guard compliance: Meets navigation light requirements, capacity standards, and ventilation requirements. Manufacturer: Mastercraft Boat Company. For support, contact Mastercraft customer service or authorized dealers.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, fuel issue	Check battery charge, verify fuel supply, inspect spark plugs.
Overheating	Water intake clogged	Check water intake, inspect impeller, verify thermostat operation.
Poor performance	Fouled spark plugs	Replace spark plugs, check fuel filter, verify timing.
Electrical issues	Corroded connections	Clean battery terminals, check ground connections, test alternator.
Steering stiffness	Low hydraulic fluid	Check hydraulic reservoir, bleed system if necessary.

Emergency Procedures: Engine compartment fire - use marine fire extinguisher, shut off fuel supply.

Service: Contact authorized Mastercraft dealer for major repairs.