WaterSki Magazine

WATERSKI Magazine
2006-12-13 15:00:00 | 2131 views | 8 Comments

BOAT REVIEW
MasterCraft has one of the biggest commitments to R&D in the industry, so brand-new models are rolling out of the factory seemingly all the time. The X-15 is one such example, with its official unveiling having happened just after our 2006 boat guide. So while this is the first time you’ll see it in these pages, you likely saw it scorching the lakes last summer. This wakeboard and ski boat features everything we love about the X-Series—from the new tower down to the always fresh gelcoat graphics. And it comes in a very usable size, trailerable yet with plenty of interior space.

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS
Wakeboarders love a wide beam since it means that much more room on board for gear, snacks and cute girls. Yet wakeboarders don’t love a wide beam when the distance between the peaks gets too great. No one wants to case the wake—or look less than manly by shortening up the rope length to get to a skinnier part of the wake. The MasterCraft engineers have heard that and responded with the X-15. The 100-inch beam is close to the maximum trailerable width, yet the hull’s running surface isn’t that wide. A similar approach is used on the pro-level X-Star.

Solid handling is also key when it comes to creating double-ups and blasting through rollers. Down the length of the hull, the X-15 keeps a good deal of deadrise to help it hold a line. All of that means the X-15 pushes out well-defined wakes that go from hills to mountains, depending on how much you take advantage of the factory ballast system.

SPECS
Passengers: 14
Dry weight: 3,425 lb.
Draft: 26.5 in.
Load capacity: 2,325 lb.
Fuel capacity: 45 gal.
Storage capacity: 116 cu. ft.
Bow 11 cu. ft.
Center: 43 cu. ft.
Rear: 62 cu. ft.
Platform: 14 sq. ft.
Interior gunwale height: 32 in.
Sun-pad area: 18 sq. ft.

STANDARDS
Base price: $64,890
Engine: Indmar RTP-1 5.7L, 310 hp
Cruise: MasterCraft Cruise
Prop: OJ 12.5 x 12 four-blade
Ballast: 650 lb. rear bag; gauge
Tower: ZeroFlex
Racks:  Swivel, clamp
Pylon: Swivel
Mirror: Tower-mounted
Stereo: AM/FM/CD Clarion deck with MP3 input, four JL Audio speakers, amp, subwoofer, armrest remote
Driver’s seat: Swivel, bolster
Dash: Vacuum-formed with billet-trimmed gauges
Gauges: 2.25 in., 4 in. and 5 in.
Gas fill: Dual
Cooler: 36 qt., built-in
Cup holders: 12, stainless steel
Rub rail: Stainless steel
Platform: Teak
Graphics: X-Series
Colors: 21 exterior choices in five color ways; two base interior colors and 11 accents

OPTIONS
Engine: Indmar MCX 5.7L, 350 hp; Indmar LY6 6.0L, 400 hp
Cruise: PerfectPass
Wake shaper: Attitude-adjustment plate
Stereo: CD changer, driver remote, transom remote, swivel speaker cans
Platform: Fiberglass with rubber
Trailer: Single or tandem axle with disc brakes
Misc.: Heater, shower, bow filler cushion, Bimini top

Also in this line: X-30
A little longer and wider than the X-15, this model also packs on more ballast: up to 1,000 pounds’ worth.

Phone: 800.482.BOAT
Web: MASTERCRAFT.com