But it’s close, and will certainly remove the stigma that has long plagued inboards.Ī patent is pending on the system, a patent that MasterCraft claims is broad enough to prevent competitors from easily jumping on the bandwagon. Is it the handling of a sterndrive? No, it’s hard to beat vectored thrust. As the rudders are located forward of the propeller, the hull’s pivot point is moved forward. We also backed the boat into a slip and spun it - to port - roughly within its own length. With Dockstar, I simply spun the wheel to port, gained the necessary clearance and backed away. Backing away from a lengthy dock when starboard-side-to can be a daunting task, especially if the wind is pushing the boat up against the dock itself.
Master craft dockstar driver#
A Dockstar-equipped boat handles much like what we’ve come to expect from an outboard or sterndrive, pivoting in unison with the wheel as the driver spins it to port or starboard. Most notable is that the system is, ultimately, not all that noticeable. I tested two Dockstar-equipped models at MasterCraft’s Tennessee factory and can vouch for the system’s handling prowess. Dockstar will initially be available as an option on seven models between 20′-23′, including an all-new 2017 model yet to be released. Dockstar requires no modification to existing hull shapes, allowing the company to use a common part. These rudders, each approximately half the size of the traditional steering rudder, and linked to operate in unison, flank the driveshaft and fall within the perimeter of the propeller’s slipstream to direct prop wash and better provide the sideways force necessary to turn the boat in either direction. Or, at least as easy as an outboard or sterndrive.ĭockstar adds a pair of smaller rudders forward of the propeller. MasterCraft’s enticement to the latter crowd is Dockstar, a steering system enhancement the company claims will make docking and maneuvering an inboard in reverse as easy as parking a car. Most inboard consumers learn to adapt, but the quirk keeps countless others, who may benefit from an inboard’s superior wake potential, behind the wheel of a sterndrive. A direction determined solely by prop torque, the directional force created by the spinning propeller. There’s nothing forward of the prop to deflect prop wash (and no vectored thrust like you’d find on a sterndrive or outboard you can’t “steer” an inboard’s prop), so no matter which way the wheel is turned the boat backs effectively in only one direction. But shift into reverse and that rudder is effectively nullified. When moving forward, the propeller’s steady flow of water passes over the rudder aft to produce agile, spirited handling.
Master craft dockstar drivers#
New drivers will get a boost of confidence.Īmazingly easy steering control in reverse.Ģ017 MasterCraft Dockstar: EASY DOES IT from MasterCraft Media on Vimeo.Ski and wake-boat manufacturers have gone to great lengths preaching the merits of inboard power, but for all the positives the fact remains inboards have an Achilles heel - manueverability in reverse. Drivers used to inboard handling will be amazed at the ability to reverse port and starboard without having to compensate. The engineers at MasterCraft have solved that issue by creating a handling system that redirects prop wash and offers crisp, intuitive steering control while docking.ĭrivers used to sterndrive or outboard handling will be instantly familiar with the intuitive and precise steering. The rudder system underneath even the top of the line boats required some time to master its unique handling characteristics, especially when maneuvering in tight spaces. Inboard owners have long known the learning curve with driving and docking their boat. This patent-pending innovation is exclusive to MasterCraft towboats and is available on most 2017 models.* Plus, towsports including surfing, wakeboarding and skiing aren't affected by these rudders.
Drivers familiar with the handling of a sterndrive or outboard boat will marvel that an inboard is this capable and easy. The result is precise steering while reversing-in both port and starboard directions. MasterCraft’s new DockStar Handling System gives drivers of any ability a boost of confidence by making tight spots like docks and marinas easier to navigate.ĭockStar’s breakthrough design delivers the ultimate control with a system of additional rudders that deflect prop wash beneath the boat. The best on the water just got even better.
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