Top 10 MasterCraft Models 2027

Direct Answer

The Best Overall MasterCraft for 2027 is the XStar S, starting around $215,000, a flagship inboard that pairs Gen 2 Surf System wake shaping, up to 4,650 lb of factory ballast, and a tower-mounted helm package that makes it the most complete wakesurf platform the brand builds.

The Best Value pick is the NXT22, starting near $118,000, which delivers MasterCraft hull quality, real surf and wake performance, and a family-friendly layout for roughly half the flagship's price. This list is built for watersports families — wakeboarders, wakesurfers, and slalom skiers — who want a proven inboard V-drive or direct-drive hull, dialed-in ballast and surf tech, and resale that holds.

Budgets here run from a sub-$100,000 ski boat to a loaded $250,000-plus flagship. Every pick uses real 2026–2027 model-year specs and MSRPs.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each MasterCraft against what tow-boat buyers actually prioritize, drawing on published data from Boating Magazine, WakeWorld, BoatTEST, boats.com, Wakeboarding coverage, and MasterCraft's own spec sheets. The weighting:

• Build quality and reliability — 25%
• On-water performance (wake/surf/ski) — 20%
• Value and price — 15%
• Comfort and layout — 15%
• Features and tech — 15%
• Resale — 10%

A boat that throws a great surf wave but cramps six passengers, or skis clean but bleeds value at trade-in, drops fast. The winners balance all six.

1. MasterCraft XStar S 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $215,000 | Best for: Serious wakesurf and wakeboard families who want the flagship

The 2027 MasterCraft XStar S is the brand's halo tow boat and the most capable surf platform it builds. It runs a 23-foot LOA on a beam near 102 inches, carries up to 4,650 lb of integrated ballast, and uses the Gen 2 Surf System with the DockStar handling package for precise low-speed control.

Power comes from the Ilmor 6.2L rated up to 460 hp, with a fuel capacity around 64 gallons and seating for roughly 16. The standard ZFT7 tower, 14-inch touchscreen helm, and SurfStar auto-shaping make wave tuning push-button simple. Build quality, the hand-laid hull, and a long surf-boat resale record seal the win.

Pros:

• Up to 4,650 lb ballast with Gen 2 Surf System wave shaping
• Ilmor 6.2L rated to 460 hp for instant hole-shot
• Premium hand-laid hull with strong resale history
• 14-inch touchscreen helm and push-button SurfStar tuning

Cons:

• Flagship pricing pushes well past $240,000 loaded
• Size and draft demand a bigger tow vehicle and slip

Verdict: The XStar S wins on balance — the best wave, the best build, and the deepest tech with no real weak spot.

2. MasterCraft XT24

Starting MSRP: $188,000 | Best for: Big families who want flagship surf in a wider, roomier hull

The 2027 MasterCraft XT24 is the largest of the XT crossover line and a genuine people-mover. It stretches to a 24-foot 6-inch LOA on a 102-inch beam, holds up to 4,200 lb of ballast, and seats up to 18. The Ilmor 6.2L delivers up to 460 hp, fuel capacity sits near 66 gallons, and the Gen 2 Surf System plus a tall, swept ZFT7 tower make it a strong surf and board boat.

The roomy bow and wraparound rear lounge make it the most comfortable cruiser in the XT range without giving up wave quality.

Pros:

• 24-foot 6-inch hull seats up to 18 comfortably
• Up to 4,200 lb ballast with Gen 2 Surf System
• Spacious wraparound seating and large swim platform
• Ilmor 6.2L power to 460 hp

Cons:

• Long, wide hull is harder to trailer and store
• Premium price approaches the flagship XStar S

Verdict: The XT24 is the family hauler of the lineup — flagship wave performance with the most usable space.

3. MasterCraft XT22

Starting MSRP: $165,000 | Best for: All-around watersports families wanting the most popular MasterCraft

The 2027 MasterCraft XT22 is the brand's volume crossover and arguably its best all-rounder. It runs a 22-foot 6-inch LOA on a 100-inch beam, carries up to 3,500 lb of ballast, and seats up to 16. The Ilmor 6.2L offers up to 460 hp, fuel capacity is near 62 gallons, and the Gen 2 Surf System with SurfStar keeps wave shaping simple.

A versatile bow, generous storage, and the ZFT7 tower make it equally happy surfing, boarding, or cruising. For most buyers, the XT22 hits the sweet spot of size, price, and performance.

Pros:

• Up to 3,500 lb ballast with proven Gen 2 surf wave
• Versatile 22-foot 6-inch layout for surf, board, and cruise
• Strong resale as the brand's best-selling crossover
• Ilmor power to 460 hp with quick hole-shot

Cons:

• Options can add $30,000-plus to the sticker
• Slightly smaller wave than the XT24 and XStar S

Verdict: The most well-rounded MasterCraft — the default pick for families who want one boat to do everything.

4. MasterCraft NXT24

Starting MSRP: $135,000 | Best for: Value-minded big families who want surf room without flagship price

The 2027 MasterCraft NXT24 brings flagship-style space to the value-focused NXT line. It measures a 24-foot LOA on a 100-inch beam, carries up to 2,800 lb of ballast, and seats up to 17. The Ilmor 6.2L is available up to 430 hp, fuel capacity sits near 57 gallons, and the NXT Surf System plus a clean tower deliver a real surf wave at a notably lower price than the XT and X ranges.

The NXT24 is the smart play for buyers who want maximum cockpit room and surf capability per dollar.

Pros:

• 24-foot hull and up to 17 seats at a value price
• NXT Surf System produces a genuine surf wave
• Lower entry cost than XT and X-series equivalents
• Up to 2,800 lb ballast for boarding and surfing

Cons:

• Less ballast and tech than the flagship surf boats
• Simpler helm and trim than the X-series

Verdict: The big-family value pick — the most surf room MasterCraft offers below the premium lines.

5. MasterCraft X24

Starting MSRP: $175,000 | Best for: Buyers who want premium X-series surf in a larger hull

The 2027 MasterCraft X24 sits in the premium X line and blends a refined helm with serious wave-making. It runs a 24-foot LOA on a 102-inch beam, holds up to 4,000 lb of ballast, and seats up to 17. The Ilmor 6.2L delivers up to 460 hp, fuel sits near 64 gallons, and the Gen 2 Surf System with SurfStar and an available 15-inch helm display make it nearly as dialed as the flagship.

Upscale upholstery, the ZFT7 tower, and excellent fit and finish make the X24 a premium surf cruiser.

Pros:

• Up to 4,000 lb ballast with Gen 2 Surf System
• Premium X-series helm with available 15-inch display
• Refined interior trim and finish quality
• Ilmor 6.2L power to 460 hp

Cons:

• Priced close to the flagship XStar S
• Heavier hull wants the larger engine option

Verdict: A flagship-grade surf cruiser — choose it for premium finish and a big wave just under XStar money.

6. MasterCraft X26

Starting MSRP: $235,000 | Best for: Buyers who want the biggest, most luxurious tow boat MasterCraft builds

The 2027 MasterCraft X26 is the largest model in the lineup and the brand's luxury statement. It stretches to a 26-foot LOA on a 102-inch beam, carries up to 4,500 lb of ballast, and seats up to 20. The Ilmor 6.2L runs up to 460 hp, fuel capacity reaches roughly 80 gallons, and the Gen 2 Surf System plus a massive cockpit, dual 12-inch helm screens, and yacht-grade upholstery make it part tow boat, part day cruiser.

For buyers who entertain large groups and still want a flagship wave, nothing in the range is bigger.

Pros:

• 26-foot hull seats up to 20 in yacht-grade comfort
• Up to 4,500 lb ballast for a large surf wave
• Roughly 80-gallon fuel capacity for long days out
• Dual 12-inch helm screens and premium finish

Cons:

• Most expensive model and most demanding to store
• Heavy hull needs the full power package to feel quick

Verdict: The luxury people-mover — buy it when size, comfort, and a big wave matter more than price.

7. MasterCraft NXT22

Starting MSRP: $118,000 | Best for: Families who want the best surf-and-wake value MasterCraft makes 💎 BEST VALUE

The 2027 MasterCraft NXT22 is the smartest value buy in the brand and a frequent best-seller. It runs a 22-foot LOA on a 96-inch beam, carries up to 2,400 lb of ballast, and seats up to 15. The Ilmor 6.2L is available up to 430 hp, fuel capacity sits near 52 gallons, and the NXT Surf System delivers a real, rideable surf wave at the lowest entry price of any surf-capable MasterCraft.

You still get the hand-laid hull, a quality tower, and a clean helm — just without the flagship price.

Pros:

• Lowest entry price of any surf-capable MasterCraft at $118,000
• NXT Surf System makes a genuine, rideable wave
• Same hand-laid hull quality as the premium lines
• Family-friendly 22-foot layout seating up to 15

Cons:

• Less ballast and tech than the XT and X ranges
• Smaller wave than the flagship surf boats

Verdict: The value champion — nearly everything that makes a MasterCraft great, at the most accessible price.

8. MasterCraft NXT20

Starting MSRP: $98,000 | Best for: Smaller families and tighter water who want an affordable tow boat

The 2027 MasterCraft NXT20 is the most affordable model in the lineup and the easiest to tow and store. It measures a 20-foot LOA on a 94-inch beam, carries up to 1,800 lb of ballast, and seats up to 13. The Ilmor 6.2L is available up to 430 hp, fuel capacity sits near 45 gallons, and the NXT Surf System still shapes a usable wave on smaller water.

For first-time tow-boat buyers or anyone on a tighter budget, the NXT20 is the entry point to the brand.

Pros:

• Lowest sticker in the lineup at $98,000
• Compact 20-foot hull is easy to trailer and store
• NXT Surf System still shapes a usable wave
• Available Ilmor power to 430 hp

Cons:

• Smallest wave and least ballast in the range
• Tighter cockpit limits big-group days

Verdict: The entry-level pick — the most affordable way into a real MasterCraft tow boat.

9. MasterCraft XT20

Starting MSRP: $148,000 | Best for: Buyers who want crossover tech in a compact, nimble hull

The 2027 MasterCraft XT20 packs the XT line's surf tech into the smallest crossover body. It runs a 20-foot 6-inch LOA on a 96-inch beam, carries up to 3,000 lb of ballast, and seats up to 14. The Ilmor 6.2L delivers up to 460 hp, fuel capacity is near 52 gallons, and the Gen 2 Surf System with SurfStar gives it a wave that punches above its size.

The shorter hull is more nimble and easier to store than the XT22 and XT24 while keeping the same premium helm and tower.

Pros:

• Gen 2 Surf System and up to 3,000 lb ballast in a compact hull
• Nimble 20-foot 6-inch length is easy to handle
• Premium XT helm and ZFT7 tower
• Ilmor 6.2L power to 460 hp

Cons:

• Smaller cockpit than the XT22 and XT24
• Priced above the value NXT line

Verdict: The compact crossover — XT-grade surf tech for buyers who want a smaller, nimbler boat.

10. MasterCraft ProStar

Starting MSRP: $128,000 | Best for: Slalom skiers who want a true direct-drive competition boat

The 2027 MasterCraft ProStar is the brand's dedicated direct-drive ski boat and a multi-time pro tour standard. It runs a 20-foot 6-inch LOA on a 92-inch beam, weighs in light for a clean, flat wake, and seats up to 6. The Ilmor 6.0L delivers up to 400 hp, fuel capacity sits near 34 gallons, and the center-mounted engine and refined hull produce the smallest, most consistent slalom wake in the lineup.

This is the specialist's boat — built to win at a ski course, not to surf.

Pros:

• Direct-drive layout for the cleanest slalom wake
• Proven pro-tour competition pedigree
• Light, precise hull tracks dead straight at speed
• Ilmor 6.0L power to 400 hp

Cons:

• Direct-drive layout is not built for wakesurfing
• Smaller cockpit seats only about six

Verdict: The skier's specialist — the right MasterCraft only if a flat slalom wake is the priority over surf.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a wake/surf boat

• Ballast and surf system — More integrated ballast and a real surf-shaping system (MasterCraft's Gen 2 Surf System or NXT Surf System) mean a bigger, cleaner wave. Confirm pounds of ballast, not just whether a system exists.
• Hull quality and weight — A hand-laid hull holds value and rides better. Heavier hulls make bigger waves but want more horsepower.
• Engine and hole-shot — The Ilmor 6.2L to 460 hp pulls hard; smaller water and ski use can run the 6.0L. Match power to ballast load.
• Tower and helm tech — A solid tower for racks and speakers plus a large touchscreen helm with auto-tuning makes daily use far easier.
• Seating and storage — Count real usable seats and check ballast-free storage for gear, boards, and coolers.
• Trailer and storage fit — Confirm LOA and beam fit your slip, lift, and tow vehicle before you fall for the biggest hull.

What matters less than marketing implies: peak horsepower bragging numbers, screen size alone, and trim-name badges. Ballast capacity, hull quality, and resale value affect your ownership far more than a 30-hp spec difference.

FAQ

Which MasterCraft is the best overall for 2027? The XStar S earns our top spot — it pairs up to 4,650 lb of ballast, the Gen 2 Surf System, an Ilmor 6.2L to 460 hp, and a hand-laid hull with the brand's best resale.

What is the best value MasterCraft? The NXT22, starting near $118,000, is the value leader — a genuine surf wave, the same hand-laid hull quality, and a family layout at the lowest surf-capable price.

Which MasterCraft makes the biggest surf wave? The flagship XStar S with up to 4,650 lb of ballast shapes the largest wave, with the X26 and XT24 close behind thanks to their size and ballast.

Which MasterCraft is best for slalom skiing? The ProStar is the dedicated direct-drive ski boat, producing the smallest, flattest, most consistent slalom wake in the lineup.

How much does a 2027 MasterCraft cost? Pricing runs from about $98,000 for the NXT20 to roughly $235,000-plus for the X26, with most surf-capable crossovers landing between $118,000 and $215,000 depending on options.

Which MasterCraft seats the most people? The X26 is the largest model, seating up to 20, followed by the XT24 at up to 18 and the NXT24 at up to 17.

Bottom Line

For 2027, the MasterCraft XStar S is our Best Overall tow boat — from about $215,000, it wins on wave quality, ballast, build, and tech with no real weakness. The NXT22, from about $118,000, is our Best Value, delivering a real surf wave and the brand's hull quality at the most accessible price.

If your priorities lean toward maximum space, premium finish, or a flat slalom wake, use the decision tree above to route yourself to the X26, XT24, X24, or ProStar instead. Buy on ballast, hull quality, and resale — not headline horsepower — and you will be happy season after season.

Sources

• Boating Magazine — tow boat reviews and tests
• Discover Boating — boat buying guides
• BoatTEST — certified boat tests and specs
• boats.com — listings, reviews, and pricing
• WakeWorld — wakeboard and wakesurf boat coverage
• Wakeboarding / Alliance Wake — watersports boat reviews
• Yachting — performance boat features
• Power & Motoryacht — boat tests and ownership
• MasterCraft — official 2027 models and specs

*MasterCraft review — best MasterCraft 2027, reviews, ratings, prices, and a review of the top wake and ski boat picks for buyers.*