WaterSki Magazine

WATERSKI Magazine
2006-12-13 15:00:00 | 521 views | 1 Comments

BOAT REVIEW
It’s hard to find a wakeboard boat that’s better for skiing than the MasterCraft X-7 is. While it does have the wild new tower, the splashy graphics and the rear ballast, this boat is the heralded ProStar 197 ski specialist in disguise. When they aren’t breaking records with it, pro slalom skiers use this ski boat for themselves and to teach students. So why the ruse? To add versatility to an already great ski boat, so skiers can enjoy an occasional wakeboarding session and so parents can tell their children, “Dudes, we’re getting an X Series boat!”

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS
When at skiing speeds with minimal weight on board, the goal of this hull is to virtually disappear. That makes for wakes that are as nonexistent as possible. The X-7 already has a low profile, the balanced center-mounted direct-drive engine and a 91-inch beam, but combined with the nearly flat hull that has just a 4-degree deadrise, the X-7 merely skitters across the surface of the water. At even a weekend-wally skiing speed of 30 mph, the highest point of the wakes barely rises above the lake level, making for smooth wake crossings. Up to 36 mph and into deep shortline, the wakes make even world-record runs into 43 off possible, not to mention personal bests in the 38 off range.

But when it’s time to break out a recreational wakeboarding session, the X-7 can handle it. The tower lifts the tow point, allowing for passengers to line the rear bench seat and augment the weight of the standard 432-pound rear ballast bag. At 22 mph, the wakes become bigger and firmer to let casual riders get some pop.

SPECS
Passengers: 6
Dry weight: 2,800 lb.
Draft: 22 in.
Load capacity: 978 lb.
Fuel capacity: 28 gal.
Storage capacity: 16 cu. ft.
Bow: 2 cu. ft.
Center: 8 cu. ft.
Rear: 6 cu. ft.
Platform: 8.5 sq. ft.
Interior gunwale height: 21 in.
Sun-pad area: 20 sq. ft.

STANDARDS
Base price: $53,540
Engine: Indmar RTP-1 5.7L, 310 hp
Prop: OJ 12.5 x 12 four-blade
Cruise: MasterCraft Cruise
Ballast: 565 lb. rear bag
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: Bolster
Dash: Compression-molded with billet aluminum gauges
Gauges: 2.25 in. and 4 in.
Gas fill: Port rear
Cooler: 12 qt., under walk-through
Cup holders: 8, 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
Stereo: CD changer, transom remote, swivel speaker cans
Platform: Fiberglass with rubber
Trailer: Single or tandem axle
Misc.: Heater, shower, bow filler cushion, Bimini top

Also in this line: X-14
As the sibling of the new ProStar 214, this wakeboarding-oriented version is all-new for 2007.

Phone: 800.482.BOAT
Web: MASTERCRAFT.com