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MasterCraft X-2 (2011-)
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Brief Summary
MasterCrafts have been the tow boats of choice among world-class sliders since 1968, when the company first built 12 boats in a Tennessee horse barn. Now many serious watersports fans lust after the ultra-stylish 20' because her hull is so versatile and she looks cool.
Key Features
- Surf tabs
- Pickle fork bow
- Removable cooler
- Wraparound seating
Specifications
Length Overall | 20' 0'' / 6.1 m |
---|---|
Beam |
96'' 2.43 m |
Dry Weight |
3,500 lbs. 1,587.6 kg |
Draft | N/A |
Deadrise/Transom | N/A |
Max Headroom | open |
Bridge Clearance | N/A |
Fuel Capacity |
45 gal. 170.3 L |
Water Capacity | N/A |
Engine Options
Tested Engine |
Currently no test numbers |
---|---|
Std. Power |
1 x 320-hp Ilmor 5.7L |
Opt. Power |
1 x 382-hp Ilmor 6.0L |
Captain's Report
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First Class Features
MasterCraft promotes four main features on the X-2: Wraparound seating, the picklefork (SuperFly) bow, Surf Tabs and a removable cooler. We think this boat has enough interesting things going on to overlook the cooler, but it makes sense when you think about it. You can fill it, then easily bring it aboard and avoid the mess and waste of time transferring ice and drinks from one container to another.
The V-hull with a single step for added performance, the swimmer-safe inboard power and running gear, the high-end construction and the elegant finish all are features that make this beauty so compelling. The X-2 also has a long list of options to let every buyer create his personalized X-2 just the way he wants her.
Power and Performance
Standard power for the MasterCraft X-2 is a 320-hp Ilmor 5.7L fuel-injected V-8 linked to a V-drive and conventional propeller. A 382-hp 6.0L Ilmor is optional. Both engines will run on unleaded 87 octane fuel, a plus now that gasoline is almost as costly as champagne. In accordance with the new emissions laws, both engines have catalytic converters, and meet CARB, EPA and EU standards for Super Ultra Low Emissions. Each is covered by a five-year emissions warranty and a three-year limited engine warranty.
We haven't tested the X-2 so can't comment on performance. However, a ski/wakeboard boat is more about wake size, good handling, ease of use, and safety more than flat-out speed or fuel efficiency. MasterCraft owners control their wakes three different ways. The size is adjusted by adding water to the built-in ballast tanks. A heavier boat rides deeper in the water, creating a bigger wake. The optional center tab, called a Wake Adjustment plate, trims the nose of the boat, knocking down any spray, tuning the clean water behind the boat and reducing the size of the wakes for beginning riders The company's Surf Tab system, essentially trim tabs but with more precise, controls are used to drop a forward corner of the boat at wake-surfing speeds, typically 10-12 mph. This adds additional curl to the wake and lets a person surf in a bigger pocket behind the boat. At high speeds the surf tabs become inoperable.
Bottom Line
MasterCraft is one of the premier ski boat brands, and the price reflects that: MSRP for an X-2 with standard power is $70,220, near the top of the range for boats like this. We found several tricked-out boats for sale at prices over $75,000, and one even over $80,000. That's a lot of scratch for a 20-footer, but our local dealer admitted that most boats go out the door, well-equipped, for around $70,000 after negotiation, maybe a bit more with a trailer.
However, if you want an Aston Martin or Ferrari you have to pay for one, and it's the same for MasterCraft: All the company's models are among the top boats around, and you get what you pay for (or pay for what you get). The upside is, when you decide to trade up, we expect you'll find your MasterCraft has held her value better than other boats with lower inital costs.
We always advocate buying quality, and make no exception here. This boat is not for everyone, and everyone knows it.