WaterSki Magazine

Kristin
2009-10-08 10:30:00 | 671 views | 0 Comments

BOAT REVIEW
The MasterCraft X-Star is the same as it’s always been, and that’s the best compliment we could give this boat. Loaded with extra ballast, an upgraded engine and the right prop (like 14.25 x 14), the X-Star is simply one of the best wakeboarding boats ever created. It pulls numerous tournaments, including the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour, and is the preferred boat of many pro riders, such as Rusty Malinoski. Its revolutionary stair-stepped bottom hull creates great, long wakes that are ideal for pro-level riding. We tested it with only the factory ballast, which doesn’t bring out the full potential of this boat, and that’s something to keep in mind. The X-Star needs to be weighted and outfitted correctly to unlock its true wake, so it might not be the right boat for beginners or intermediate riders looking for a boat they can just hop in and ride.

BEST FEATURES
Wide-open bow This groundbreaking design changed the look of wakeboarding boats. The cooler under the front cushion is cool, too. Wakeboarding hull Another revolutionary design, the four- terraced chines help craft beautiful ramps that have literally launched pro riders to new heights.

SPECS
Dry weight: 4,250 lb.
Draft: 28 in.
Storage: 89 cu. ft.
Passengers: 12
Load cap.: 1,770 lb.
Fuel cap.: 57 gal.
Length: 22’3”
Width: 8’4”

Test measurements
Bow: 39 sq. ft.
Floor to tower: 6 ft.
Gunwale height: 2 ft. 7 in.
Main lounge: 53 sq. ft.
Sun pad: 27 sq. ft.
Platform: 13 sq. ft.

Standards Checklist
Engine: Indmar RTP-1 5.7L, 310 hp EFI

Top features
Ballast 3 tanks, 1,000 lb. total
Hardware Stainless steel
Tower collapse Bolts
Gas fill Dual

Test analysis
Location: Lake Sheen, Florida
Elevation: 100 feet
Air temp.: 84°
Water temp.: 81°
Humidity: 48%

Wakes
Our test boat had the 400 horsepower upgraded engine, which is ideal for propelling this weighted hull. With just the factory weight, the wake is good, if a little round. Add in more ballast bags to see the sculpted ramps blow up in size while still maintaining smooth, long transitions for an ideal shape.
Overall: Still five years after its debut, this X-Star is on a whole other level for wakeboarding wakes when you unlock the potential.

Acceleration
With 400 hp upgraded engine (310 standard) and OJ 14.25×14 four-blade prop
To 30 mph: 5.2 sec., 126.4 ft.
To 36 mph: 6.8 sec., 206 ft.
Top speed: 42.1 mph, 5,500 rpm

Handling
Bow rise: 22 degrees during typical acceleration. The X-Star ran fine through acceleration with no visibility issues.
Tracking: No one on our test was surprised at how well this boat tracked. Its size and hull design keep it going straight as an arrow.
Turns: The X-Star is designed to plow the water along a straight line, but it can still handle turns fairly well.

Vibration: Gs crossing wake at 22 mph: 1.33 MasterCraft’s extreme attention to construction makes for a no-rattle ride.