MasterCraft X-30 (2006-)

Brief Summary

MasterCraft’s new X-30 boasts a radical new design with some awesome eye-catching graphics. She has the solid build, dry ride and quiet design you expect from MasterCraft and some pretty innovative features to please the most demanding crowd.

If you are into wakeboarding tricks, this might be what you have been waiting for. She has lots of standard features like two power outlets for cell phones and portables, Clarion Sirius ready sound system with four JL speakers, and a JL Audio subwoofer and high-power amplifier. The sunpad is a 3-piece affair with easy access. The wakeboard system includes an anodized ski pylon, Double Keel-line Ballast System and Zero-Flex Flyer tower. You have just got to see this for yourself!

Key Features

• Pop-up cleats
• Large ski locker
• Clarion stereo with Sirius capability
• Stylish helm with complete instrumentation
• Ballast system
• Rotating board racks
• Spacious layout with wraparound seating
• Dual storage compartments beneath engine hatch

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	22' 5''
Beam	8'6''
Dry Weight	3,900 lbs.
Draft	28''
Deadrise/Transom	N/A
Max Headroom	open
Bridge Clearance	N/A
Fuel Capacity	61 gal.
Water Capacity	none

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	3.6 sec.
0 to 30	7.1 sec.
Ratio	1.56 : 1
Props	N/A
Load	3 persons, 1/2 fuel, no water, minimal gear
Climate	60 deg., 38% humid.; wind: 5 knots; seas: calm

Engine Options

Tested Engine	1 x 350-hp MasterCraft MCX
Std. Power	1 x 310-hp MasterCraft RTP-1
Opt. Power	1 x 385-hp LQ9 6.0 L V-8 1 x 350-hp MCX 5.7 L V-8 1 x 450-hp L18 8.1 L V-8

Captain's Report Learn More
Watch Our Video

MasterCraft Revives a Classic
By Capt. Vince Daniello
Test Captain
The X-30 is the largest pointy-nosed wakeboard boat in MasterCraft’s line up. At nearly 22-and-a-half feet long, even with this sleek design, the X-30 still has plenty of room for a full crowd and all their gear.
The X-30 is built on the same hull as the company’s Maristar 230, with inboard V-drive propulsion and wraparound seating. This keeps all the action, at least inside the boat, centered around the helm, as opposed to traditional ski boats with the engine in the middle, which separates the seating.
Handling and Performance
Our X-30 was equipped with a 350-hp MasterCraft MCX which pushed our test boat to a top speed of 42.3 mph. We found she cruised most economically at a comfortable 3000 rpm, which produced a speed of 23.7 mph. At cruise she burned 9.5 gph with a total range of 137 miles.
As for action behind the boat, the X-30 plays the dual role of ski boat and wakeboarder well. Since much of what happens in the wake starts at the helm, I should emphasize the performance and handling of the X-30. There really is no comparison between the handling of a typical multi-purpose inboard/outboard, and a performance-tuned inboard propulsion ski boat. Since it is only turning a rudder, not an entire outdrive and propeller, the steering wheel is smooth and tight, a lot like rack and pinion steering on a sporty roadster as opposed to power steering in a family car. Turns are smooth, tight, and controlled, and having the propeller tucked under the boat is certainly safer than sticking it out behind like I/Os do.
Skiing and Wakeboarding Features
As for its wake, the X-30 starts out smooth for skiers and novice wakeboarders, but with MasterCraft’s three-tank ballast system, she quickly converts to a monster-wake machine, with individual pumps and gauges for each tank for infinitely adjustable, repeatable wakes.
In keeping with its dual abilities, the X-30 comes with a removable ski pylon which inserts just behind the aft bench seat, along with MasterCraft’s folding wakeboard tower that features really slick swiveling board racks. Combining the swivel design with convenient locking levers to hold the boards in place makes these racks extremely easy to use.
Optional Equipment
Options for the tower include halogen lights and 150 watt JL speakers to augment the boat’s standard Clarion / JL sound system. Other accoutrements include an electric soap dispenser gun to help slide into tight bindings and an oversized rear view mirror so the driver can see behind the boat. Finally, skiers and wakeboarders alike will appreciate the optional Perfect Pass cruise control system and the forced-air cockpit heater that’s great for those chilly morning rides.
Test Results
The X-30 proved a capable performer too, even with the slightly upgraded 350 horsepower small block V-8. In our tests, we planed out in 3.6 seconds and hit 30mph in only 7.1 seconds. Top speed was a little over 42 mph turning 5050 rpm. With the optional 450 horsepower big-block, the X-30 must be a rocket ship; about like Carroll Shelby’s famous 1967 big-block Mustang GT.