Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best MasterCraft Boat Models (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best MasterCraft Boat Models (Ranked)
MasterCraft has built inboard tow boats since 1968, and the brand sits near the top of the wakeboard and wakesurf world for good reason. This ranking is for buyers shopping a premium V-drive or direct-drive ski boat who want serious wake quality, strong resale, and a hull that holds value better than almost anything else on the water.
We judged the field on wake and wave shape, ballast capacity, build quality, engine reliability, dealer support, and real used-market pricing. Whether you tow a slalom skier behind a classic ProStar or throw a six-person surf session off a big XT, there is a MasterCraft here that fits.
Prices below reflect realistic used and new market values as of recent model years.
Direct Answer
The best overall MasterCraft is the 2021+ MasterCraft X24 at roughly $185,000-$220,000 new, a do-everything surf and wake platform with massive ballast and a configurable hull. The best value is the 2008-2012 MasterCraft X-25 at around $45,000-$65,000 used, an older big-boat surf machine that delivers a real wave for a fraction of new money.
Buy on engine hours and service history, not just looks.
How We Ranked
- Wake and wave quality — the core reason people buy MasterCraft; surf wave length, push, and slalom wake cleanliness matter most.
- Ballast and weight system — how much water the boat holds and how smartly it shapes the wave with surf systems and trim.
- Build quality and durability — gelcoat, upholstery, stringer construction, and how the boat ages over a decade of use.
- Engine and drivetrain reliability — Ilmor and Indmar power, transmission longevity, and parts availability.
- Resale and value — what the boat costs used versus new and how well it holds money.
1. 2021+ MasterCraft X24 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The X24 is the boat most experienced MasterCraft buyers point to when asked for the single best all-around model. It carries the Gen 2 surf system, more than 3,000 pounds of factory ballast plus hard tanks, and a deep, wide hull that throws one of the longest, most rampy surf waves available without sacrificing the clean slalom wake the brand is known for.
At a beam of about 8 feet 6 inches and a length near 24 feet, it seats a crowd comfortably.
Power comes from Ilmor V8 engines ranging from roughly 430 to 575 horsepower, with the bigger blocks pushing the heavy ballast loads effortlessly. Expect $185,000 to $220,000 for newer examples; lightly used 2021-2022 boats trade in the $150,000s. The fit and finish, DockStar handling system, and touchscreen helm are class-leading.
- Price: ~$185,000-$220,000 new
- Pros: Best-in-class surf wave, huge ballast, premium interior, strong resale
- Cons: Expensive, heavy fuel burn, big for small lakes
Verdict: The complete modern wake boat and the easiest one to recommend.
2. 2008-2012 MasterCraft X-25 💎 BEST VALUE
The X-25 was MasterCraft's flagship big boat of its era and remains a tremendous buy on the used market. At roughly 25 feet with a wide beam and high freeboard, it swallows ballast and produces a long, surfable wave that still embarrasses many newer entry-level boats. Crews of 12 to 16 people fit aboard, making it a genuine family and party platform.
Most carried the Indmar MCX or RTP-575 engines in the 350 to 575 horsepower range. Used prices now sit around $45,000 to $65,000 depending on hours and ballast upgrades. Add a few aftermarket sacs and a Gen surf gate and the wave gets very good. Watch for tired upholstery and check the ballast pumps.
- Price: ~$45,000-$65,000 used
- Pros: Big surfable wave for the money, huge capacity, durable hull
- Cons: Aging electronics, thirsty, manual surf shaping on older units
Verdict: The most wave-per-dollar in the lineup and our value champion.
3. 2019+ MasterCraft XStar / XT25
The XStar (and its XT25 sibling) is the flagship surf machine that pros chase for competition-grade waves. It pairs an enormous ballast system with the Gen 2 surf system and trim tabs to sculpt a wave that is both tall and long. Length runs near 25 feet with a beam over 8.5 feet.
Engines top out with the big Ilmor 6.2L and 7.4L V8s, often near 575 horsepower, to move the boat's heavy curb weight. New examples run $200,000-$250,000; used 2019-2020 boats land in the $140,000-$180,000 range. It is the boat to buy if surf is the only priority.
- Price: ~$200,000-$250,000 new
- Pros: Competition-level surf wave, top-tier ballast, premium build
- Cons: Very expensive, overkill for casual riders
Verdict: The ultimate dedicated surf boat if budget allows.
4. 2017+ MasterCraft NXT22 / NXT24
The NXT series is MasterCraft's value-focused line, built to deliver real surf performance at a lower entry price than the X-series. The NXT22 and NXT24 still get a capable surf system and respectable ballast, with cleaner, simpler interiors. Lengths run about 22 to 24 feet.
Power is typically the Ilmor 5.7L or 6.0L in the 400 to 470 horsepower band, plenty for a strong wave. New NXT boats start around $110,000-$150,000, and used 2017-2019 examples can be found from $75,000 to $110,000. It is the smart entry point into the brand.
- Price: ~$110,000-$150,000 new
- Pros: True MasterCraft surf at a lower price, good resale, simpler upkeep
- Cons: Smaller wave than X-series, fewer luxury features
Verdict: The best way into a new MasterCraft without flagship money.
5. 1990s-2000s MasterCraft ProStar 190 / 197
The ProStar 190/197 is the legendary direct-drive slalom boat that defined competition skiing for a generation. With a centered engine and a tight, flat wake, it is the choice for serious slalom and trick skiers rather than surfers. Length sits near 19 to 20 feet with a narrow, efficient hull.
Engines were usually the Indmar 5.7L LT-1 or MCX around 310 to 350 horsepower, smooth and reliable. Used prices are very approachable at $15,000 to $30,000 for clean examples. These boats are simple, light, and cheap to run.
- Price: ~$15,000-$30,000 used
- Pros: Flawless slalom wake, affordable, light and fuel-efficient
- Cons: No surf wave, smaller capacity, dated styling
Verdict: The slalom skier's bargain and an icon of the sport.
6. 2014+ MasterCraft ProStar (2014 redesign)
The modern ProStar, redesigned in 2014, is a V-drive that skis like a direct-drive, an engineering feat that put the engine forward to clean up the wake while opening the cockpit. It produces a competition-legal slalom wake and can still throw a modest surf wave with ballast.
It runs Ilmor 5.7L or 6.2L engines from 350 to 450 horsepower and measures about 20 to 21 feet. New it ran $120,000-$160,000; used 2014-2018 boats trade around $70,000-$110,000. It is a unique blend of pure-ski heritage and modern comfort.
- Price: ~$120,000-$160,000 new
- Pros: Tournament slalom wake plus surf capability, roomy for a ski boat
- Cons: Pricey, surf wave is modest versus dedicated boats
Verdict: The best modern boat for a ski-first family.
7. 2013+ MasterCraft X23
The X23 has long been one of MasterCraft's best-sellers, a mid-large surf and wake boat that balances wave size with maneuverability. Around 23 feet with a strong ballast system, it produces an excellent surf wave and a solid wakeboard wake, and it handles tighter lakes better than the X25 and XStar.
Engines span the Ilmor 5.7L to 6.2L range, roughly 400 to 525 horsepower. New the X23 ran $150,000-$190,000; used 2013-2018 examples sit around $85,000-$140,000. It is arguably the most well-rounded size in the lineup.
- Price: ~$150,000-$190,000 new
- Pros: Great surf and wake balance, easy to handle, strong resale
- Cons: Not the biggest wave, premium pricing
Verdict: The sweet-spot size for most surf families.
8. 2009-2014 MasterCraft X-Star (classic)
The classic X-Star was the wakeboard tournament boat of its day, with a tall tower, big ballast, and a punchy wakeboard wake. As surf grew, owners added gates and sacs to coax out a good wave. It runs about 23 feet and seats a large crew.
Power came from Indmar MCX and RTP-575 engines in the 350 to 575 horsepower range. Used prices land around $45,000 to $75,000, making it a strong alternative to the X-25 for buyers who prioritize wakeboarding. Inspect the tower hardware and ballast plumbing.
- Price: ~$45,000-$75,000 used
- Pros: Excellent wakeboard wake, big and capable, fair used pricing
- Cons: Surf needs aftermarket help, aging cabin tech
Verdict: A great used pick for wakeboard-focused crews.
9. 2021+ MasterCraft NXT20
The NXT20 is the smallest, most affordable new MasterCraft, aimed at smaller lakes and tighter budgets while still wearing the brand badge. At about 20 feet it surfs and wakeboards capably for its size and is far easier to store, tow, and dock than the big boats.
It typically carries the Ilmor 5.7L around 400 horsepower. New pricing starts near $95,000-$120,000, and early used units appear around $80,000-$100,000. For a buyer who wants a new MasterCraft and a manageable footprint, it is the entry door.
- Price: ~$95,000-$120,000 new
- Pros: Most affordable new MasterCraft, easy to handle and store
- Cons: Smaller wave and ballast, less interior room
Verdict: The right call for small-lake buyers wanting the brand new.
10. 1990s MasterCraft Maristar 210 / 230
The Maristar was MasterCraft's luxury V-drive runabout line, built for families who wanted a comfortable cruiser with watersports ability rather than a pure tournament boat. With open bow seating and a roomy cockpit, it remains a useful and very affordable used buy.
Engines were usually the Indmar 5.7L or 8.1L in the 310 to 370 horsepower range. Clean used examples trade for just $12,000 to $25,000. The wake is fine for skiing and tubing, and with added ballast it will surf modestly. It is the budget gateway to MasterCraft ownership.
- Price: ~$12,000-$25,000 used
- Pros: Very cheap entry, comfortable family layout, reliable engines
- Cons: No modern surf system, dated, smaller wave
Verdict: The cheapest path into a real MasterCraft hull.
How to Choose
What to Look For
- Engine hours and service records — under 500 hours is excellent; over 1,000 demands a careful inspection and oil analysis.
- Ballast system condition — test every pump and check for soft spots, mold, or leaks in the bags and plumbing.
- Hull and gelcoat — look for stress cracks at the strakes, transom, and tower mounts; a marine survey is wise on big-dollar boats.
- Trailer and tower — confirm the trailer brakes and bearings are sound and that tower hardware and bimini are not corroded.
FAQ
Which MasterCraft has the best surf wave? The flagship XStar / XT25 produces the longest, tallest competition-grade surf wave, with the X24 close behind and easier to live with day to day.
Are older MasterCrafts worth buying? Yes. Boats like the X-25 and classic X-Star deliver real waves for $45,000 to $75,000, and the durable hulls and Indmar engines last for many seasons with care.
What engines do MasterCrafts use? Modern boats use Ilmor V8 engines from roughly 400 to 575 horsepower, while older models ran Indmar powerplants such as the MCX and RTP-575.
Do MasterCrafts hold their value? MasterCraft has among the strongest resale in the tow-boat market; well-kept X-series and ProStar models retain value far better than most other boat categories.
Bottom Line
For the best all-around boat, the 2021+ MasterCraft X24 delivers the surf, wake, build quality, and resale that make it the easy overall winner. Budget buyers should chase the 2008-2012 MasterCraft X-25, which gives up little in wave size while costing a fraction of new money.
Across the range, buy on hours and service history and you will own one of the best-built tow boats on the water.
Sources
- Boat Trader — used MasterCraft listings and pricing data
- Discover Boating — tow boat buying guidance
- NADA Guides — used boat valuation ranges
- Boating Magazine — MasterCraft model reviews and tests
- NMMA — recreational boating market data
- BoatUS — marine survey and inspection guidance
- MasterCraft — official model specifications and engine options
*Keywords: Best MasterCraft Boat Models (Ranked) — review, reviews, rating, comparison, best of 2027.*