Waterski enthusiasts, listen up! This is something you don’t want to miss. It’s the 214V from MasterCraft- a new configuration of a legendary favorite. What they’ve done is taken the popular 214 and moved the engine back, resulting in what I’m told is the only V-drive boat to be certified for 3 events by USA Waterski.

The classic skiboat, among other characteristics, must be an inboard boat with the pylon in the center of the cockpit. These are two requirements by purists, and they’re fine when doing nothing but serious skiing. But if you’re out with the family, just having some fun, having the towing pylon in the center of the cockpit can be a real inconvenience. And with the engine box right in the middle of it all, the aft cockpit becomes almost useless.



If you’re not the type who puts competition-level skiing at the top of your priority list, then a classic ski boat becomes somewhat of a compromise. Enter the 214V from MasterCraft. The V-Drive configuration moves the engine aft, so you gain all the benefits of an inboard/outboard in terms of cockpit space. At the same time, you still haven’t sacrificed the wake delivered by an inboard. As far as the towing pylon, MasterCraft gives you two options with the 214V: a tall pylon at the center of the cockpit, for the purist, and when you’re not so serious, a shorter, aft pylon, to keep the towline out of harms way when the kids are on board. Both are removable, so you can stow them when you’re not skiing. It’s a great concept, and it’s sure to please all levels of waterski enthusiasts.

A Walk-thru

The bow cockpit features some very comfortable seating on quality upholstery. A walk-thru windshield leads to the main cockpit, where you’ll also find the same fine upholstery as well as snap-out carpeting.



The helm seat is MasterCraft’s own, with a bolster to raise your sight line. There’s an optional Barefoot Training System windshield, so the real enthusiasts can give that a try, if they want. On the dash, you’ll find attractive, automobile-style instrumentation with MasterCraft’s billet aluminum trim. I find the look very appealing. It’s all nicely-finished aluminum; heavy-looking but not overdone. It’s sort of retro-automobile, if you know what I mean. Along with the look, it’s also functional. In the center of it all is the VDIG- MasterCraft’s Video Digital Gauge. It makes reading all the vital engine and performance info a snap. Add the Zero-Off GPS cruise control and the optional heater and you’ve got a cockpit that will be the envy of the lake.



There’s plenty of storage under the seats, highlighted by a giant ski locker on the starboard side. And back aft, you can choose between a teak or a rubber-covered platform; I like them both. If your crowd (the 214V is rated for 11) enjoys wakeboarding, you can add a tower or a mini tower, with racks. There are also optional speakers and lights, to add some excitement to it all. And to give you maximum control, a ballast system with video display and an attitude adjustment plate are available to enhance the ride. Speaking of options, there’s an extensive list of features and colors available so that you can really customize this boat.

Power Choices

The standard engine package on the 214V is the 350 horsepower MCX from Indmar Marine. These guys have been providing motors for MasterCraft for years, so they’ve got it down. These GM Vortec-based V-8’s feature multiport fuel injection and second generation Digital Throttle Control. If the 350 isn’t quite right for what you need, you’ve got two other choices for power- the 310 hp RTP-1 and the 400 hp LY-6. Whichever way you go, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. It’s fair to say, though, that if you plan to frequently head-out with the maximum number of people on board, 11, you probably would want to go with the bigger engine, so as not to sacrifice the performance of the 214V.



Our Test

I’ve seen this hull perform, so I know what it’s capable of. Although I didn’t get to ski behind it, I recognize the wake. It’s obvious that this is a tournament-quality skiboat and the three-event certification is well-earned. We took off on a chilly day for a ride on a smooth lake surface. The 350 V-drive horses in the aft engine box put us on a plane in 3.1 seconds and accelerated the 214V to 30 miles an hour in 5.9 seconds. It was a smooth transition, right up to our top speed of 45.2 miles an hour. For fuel economy, we calculated that if we ran at 2500 rpm, we could cover 132 miles at a speed of just under 23 MPH. That’s nice to know, since this boat is more than just a world-class ski boat; it makes a nice little runabout as well.

If you and your crew have any interest in waterskiing, no matter at what level, then the 214V is simply a must see. She’s really comfortable, has lots of customizing possibilities, and is a blast to drive.

• Top speed for the MasterCraft ProStar 214V (2009-) is 45.0 MPH (N/A KPH), burning 24.3 gallons per hour (GPH) or 91.98 liters per hour (LPH).


• Best cruise for the MasterCraft ProStar 214V (2009-) is MPH ( KPH), and the boat gets miles per gallon (MPG) or N/A kilometers per liter (KPL), giving the boat a cruising range of miles (N/A kilometers).


• Tested power is 1 x 350-hp Indmar MCX 350.

MasterCraft ProStar 214V (2009-) Standard and Optional Equipment

Systems
Battery Charger/Converter
CD Stereo
Trailer
Exterior Features
Carpet: Cockpit
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Ladder
Swim Platform
Transom Shower
Canvas
Bimini Top
Cockpit Cover

= Standard = Optional