WaterSki Magazine

WATERSKI Magazine
2006-12-13 15:00:00 | 1838 views | 0 Comments

BOAT REVIEW
This MasterCraft X-Star is one of the greatest wakeboard and ski boats in the history of the sport. The current deck and hull exploded onto the scene four years ago, and this model has been earning awards and praise ever since. MasterCraft considers the X-Star its version of an Air Jordan basketball shoe; it’s designed for use by the top 1 percent of wakeboarders, yet anyone can buy it. Well, not exactly anyone, since the boat (like Air Jordans) is priced as a premium model with top engineering, construction and amenities. But in this case, you do get what you pay for.

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS
MasterCraft considers the X-Star’s wakes to be perfect, and it’s hard to argue. They’re big, they’re clean, they’re smooth, they have just the right rampiness. Transitions are progressive. Landing zones are long. Pro riders soar on these wakes in the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour and at other elite events. Last September and then in October, it pulled what is arguably the hardest move, the three-revolution 1080. Danny Harf’s and Rusty Malinoski’s feats were only the second and third official 1080s ever, after Parks Bonifay’s in 1999. This is also the boat that has topped the WakeWorld.com survey four years running for the Riders Choice Boat of the Year Award.

The MasterCraft engineers reveal that the wakes are so killer in part because of a step-in at the transom. That generates a very tall wake that’s not overly wide, despite this X-Star having a massive 100-inch beam to accommodate a full passenger load and ballast. The draft plunges almost as deep as the 28-foot X-80′s, creating impressive displacement.

SPECS
Passengers: 12
Dry weight: 4,250 lb.
Draft: 28 in.
Load capacity: 1,770 lb.
Fuel capacity: 57 gal.
Storage capacity: 89 cu. ft.
Bow: 6 cu. ft.
Center: 47 cu. ft.
Rear: 36 cu. ft.
Platform: 13 sq. ft.
Interior gunwale height: 32 in.
Sun-pad area: 25 sq. ft.

STANDARDS
Base price: $74,280
Engine: Indmar RTP-1 5.7L, 310 hp
Cruise: PerfectPass
Prop: OJ 14.25 x 14 four-blade
Tower: ZeroFlex
Racks: Swivel
Ballast: 800 lb. total
One center tank: 300 lb.
Two rear tanks: 250 lb. each
Wake shaper: Adjustable, hydraulic plate
Pylon: Swivel
Stereo: AM/FM/CD Clarion deck with MP3 input, six speakers, amp and subwoofer, armrest remote
Mirror: Tower-mounted
Driver’s seat: Swivel, bolster
Gauges: 2.25 in., 4 in. and 5 in.
Gas fill: Dual
Cooler: N/A qt., built-in
Cup holders: 15, stainless steel
Rub rail: Stainless steel
Platform: Teak
Graphics: X Series
Colors: Up to 21 colors in five color ways in exterior; two base colors and 11 accent colors in interior

OPTIONS
Engine: Indmar MCX 5.7L, 350 hp; Indmar LY6 6.0L, 400 hp; Indmar L-18 8.1L, 450 hp
Stereo: CD changer, transom remote, swivel speaker cans
Platform: Fiberglass with rubber
Trailer: Tandem axle with disc brakes
Misc.: Bow filler cushion, Bimini cover, Saltwater Series package

Phone: 800.482.BOAT
Web: MASTERCRAFT.com