WaterSki Magazine

WATERSKI Magazine
2006-12-13 15:00:00 | 792 views | 0 Comments

BOAT REVIEW
With its unique Saltwater Series, MasterCraft has anticipated the rise in such boating as more people move to the coast. Models like the MariStar 230 are available with a range of features to stand up even better to the rigors of rougher water in salt water. Yet these boats still have MasterCraft’s world-class construction and performance. That attracts water-sports enthusiasts, stern-drive owners and now, saltwater-cruising families. The Saltwater Series – which is available on every MariStar and X Series boat, 11 models in all – can go anywhere.

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS
Medium to large families on or within trailering distance of coastal waters are the target market for the MariStar 230 SS. Everything about this boat satisfies those needs. Size, of course, is key, and the 230 accommodates 16 passengers in its 22-foot-5-inch length and very luxurious 102-inch beam. Handling through chop is important as well, which is why the hull is designed with enhanced deadrise from bow to stern compared to the norm for inboards. It also has a modified step hull for smoother cruising at planing speeds. The 28-inch draft is moderate enough (even the 28-foot MariStar 280 has only a 29-inch draft) to navigate along the edges of bays. To further enhance handling, this and all Saltwater Series boats come with hydraulic steering.

This is also the family version of the X-30 wakeboarding model, so the wakes blow away anything else found on the coast. Newer wakeboarders will get plenty of height off the consistently rampy wakes. And the fun isn’t limited to wakeboarding. The 230 can also handle skiing, tubing and wake surfing.

SPECS
Passengers: 16
Dry weight: 3,900 lb.
Draft: 28 in.
Load capacity: 2,275 lb.
Fuel capacity: 65 gal.
Storage capacity: 145 cu. ft.
Bow: 25 cu. ft.
Center: 50 cu. ft.
Rear: 70 cu. ft.
Platform: 14 sq. ft.
Interior gunwale height: 31 in.
Sun-pad area: 22 sq. ft.

STANDARDS
Base price: $69,590
Engine: GM Vortec Crusader 5.7L, 330 hp
Cruise: MasterCraft Cruise
Prop: OJ 14.25 x 14.5 four-blade
Wake shaper: Adjustable hydraulic plate
Pylon: Swivel, removable, stowable
Stereo: JL Audio AM/FM/CD with MP3 input, four speakers, armrest remote
Mirror: Windshield-mounted
Driver’s seat: Swivel, bolster
Gauges: 2.25 in., 4 in., 5 in.
Gas fill: Dual
Cooler: 36 qt., built-in
Cup holders: 9, stainless steel
Rub rail: Stainless steel
Platform: Teak
Graphics: MasterCraft logo
Colors: Up to 21 colors in five color ways in exterior; 2 base colors and 11 accent colors in interior
Misc.: Sun deck filler cushion, freshwater flush port, compass

OPTIONS
Engine: GM Vortec Crusader 6.0L, 375 hp
Cruise: PerfectPass
Tower: ZeroFlex
Racks:  Swivel
Ballast: 1,000 lb. total with in-floor tanks
Stereo: Amp and subwoofer, CD changer, transom remote, swivel speaker cans
Platform: Fiberglass with rubber
Trailer: Tandem axle with disc brakes
Misc.: Bow filler cushion, Bimini top

Also in this line:
MariStar 200 SS
This fun 20-footer with a double-pronged bow is easy to imagine zipping up and down the Intracoastal.

MariStar 215 SS
The newest entry to the MariStar line comes in a size easy to tow back and forth to the coastal marina.

MariStar 245 SS
This 24-footer would be the flagship of any other company’s line, offering great big-water potential to go farther from shore.

MariStar 280 SST
This behemoth is ready to go long range with twin engines, a 100-gallon fuel tank and cruising amenities.

X-Star SS
The favorite boat of wakeboarders everywhere can now go even more places thanks to the saltwater features.

Phone: 800.482.BOAT
Web: MASTERCRAFT.com