WaterSki Magazine

WATERSKI Magazine
2006-12-13 15:00:00 | 286 views | 0 Comments

BOAT REVIEW

Don’t call the MasterCraft X-80 a ski boat–it’s a water-sports yacht. Really that’s the only worthy description for a ski boat of this enormity. No other ski boat in this guide even comes close to its 28-foot length and 9.5-foot beam, let alone its enclosed head and freshwater sink. Nor will you find another inboard that boasts twin engines. This was a real category buster when MasterCraft introduced it in 2003–not just in the water-sports market, but also in the greater boating world. It’s an overall design that has still gone unchallenged.

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS
You don’t need us to tell you that these wakes are predictably huge behind this deep-V, vented-step hull, which is more about conquering big water than it is about legendary wakeboarding performance. The swells present a new ballgame for riders; if anyone can consistently fly over the gaping chasm between the peaks, let us know. And the wake surfing wakes are ridiculous.

But of course, the X-80 is about much more than water sports themselves. It’s about throttling up two engines and having this behemoth outrace some 20-foot direct-drives. It’s about enjoying the water, the scenery, the family, the weekend as you hang out in the bow, have a picnic in the cockpit, lay out on the sun pad. The twin engines, along with the standard cruise control, make piloting the X-80 surprisingly easy, including providing nimble handling for docking when you get the hang of it, though the optional bow thrusters help too. Owning this boat really is a new adventure.

SPECS
Passengers: 15
Dry weight: 6,420 lb.
Draft: 29 in.
Load capacity: 2,300 lb.
Fuel capacity: 110 gal.
Storage capacity: 77 cu. ft.
Bow 46 cu. ft.
Center: 31 cu. ft.
Platform: 18 sq. ft.
Interior gunwale height: 38 in.
Sun-pad area: 25 sq. ft.

STANDARDS
Base price: $115,210
Engines Indmar RTP-1 5.7L, 310 hp (2)
Props Twin OJ 13.7 x 17.4 four-blade
Cruise: MasterCraft Cruise
Ballast: 500 lb. total; gauge
Two rear tanks: 250 lb. each
Tower: ZeroFlex
Racks:  Swivel, clamp
Mirror: Tower-mounted
Stereo: AM/FM/CD Clarion deck with MP3 input, six JL Audio speakers, amp, subwoofer, armrest remote
Driver’s seat: Bolster
Gauges: 2.25 in, 4 in. and 5 in.
Gas fill: Port
Cooler: 48 qt. total
Cup holders: 14, stainless steel
Rub rail: Stainless steel
Platform: Fiberglass with rubber
Graphics: X Series
Colors: 21 exterior choices in five color ways; two base interior colors and 11 accents
Misc.: Enclosed head, wet bar, 10 gal. freshwater sink, dual trim tabs, bow ladder

OPTIONS
Engines Indmar MCX 5.7L, 350 hp (2)
Cruise: PerfectPass
Pylon: Swivel, removable, stowable
Stereo: CD changer, transom remote, swivel speaker cans
Table: Removable
Platform: Teak
Misc.: Heater, shower, bow filler cushion, Bimini top, Saltwater Series package,
31 qt. refrigerator

Also in this line: MariStar 280
This boat is extraordinary in so many ways, whether decked out as the X-80 or as this more classic family cruiser.

Phone: 800.482.BOAT
Web: MASTERCRAFT.com