Wanted: Bigger Wake for Harder Crashes

[thwack]

I've decided it's time to join the market search for a newer, bigger boat. I love the old S&S, but I've simply outgrown it. The limited space makes for an uncomfortable day when everyone is in the water mood. Can't walk around coolers and bags in the boat much longer. Plus, I'm no wakeboard extrordinaire, but I'm to my limits with the wake that the "ski designed" S&S provides. I've about cashed out with recent real estate and other toy purchases, so by no means am I looking for a new boat. Any suggestions on what a good MC for an intermediate wakeboarder looking for more room and a crisper wake would be appreciated. I've been looking at the 99-02 X-stars but am open to anything. What about the Maristar line? Any thoughts?

[Monte]

It all depends on the money you want to spend..

[thwack]

By the way, if someone needs a completely restored (no time or expense spared) 82 Jeep CJ7, it's on the market. It would be a much less substantial blow to my penny bank if I sold or traded the Jeep. Also, there possibly will be an old 79 S&S on the market also.

[thwack]

$15k to $20k. That numbers flexible, but that's just the range I've been looking in. Found a couple of X-Stars from 99-01 in that range, but wanted some other suggestions before plunging into another purchase.

[Chicago190]

If you're staying Mastercraft, then you absolutely cannot beat the first generation X-Star in terms of value. Coming from an S&S, even the non-wraparound seating, early generation X-Star will seem like an X-80. If you don't mind another direct drive, and it sounds like you wakeboard a lot so I would go v-drive, then the Prostar 205 is an option. Note, the Prostar 205V, with a tower and ballast system, may be a cheap way to get an X-Star, especially if you're going to end up adding a custom ballast system regardless.

[thwack]

I definately think I want to go with a v-drive, but my options are open. The direct drive is one of the features of the S&S that I'd like to get away from. No one that bums a ride in my boat really skis, with the exception of one who shouldn't do anything but sit in the boat (that's another topic for another time).

[Monte]

I will say this, keep your ear to the ground for a little while. There are some ragin deals out there. I would hold out for a V-drive if you mostly wakeboard. Much more room in the boat and much better wakeboard wake. Ebay, craigslist, boat trader, and ski it again are some excellent sources. There are alot of people who need to get out fast right now. Heck, I wish I was seriously looking.

[thwack]

Oh I definately will. Unfortunately for some, it's a great time to be on the "buying" side of the market. I'd like to get something this summer, but I'm not against holding out. I figure the deals are only going to get better as the season ends and people are thinking about paying payments on a boat sitting in a garage.

[duckguy]

The jeep your selling is pretty awesome, I dont even know what those run...

[thwack]

Depends on how well they're restored. I have a Jeep thread on the off topic discussion link and you can see how the market is. If you buy from Collins or Austin, a nicely restored CJ7 will run you in the 20s, but I'm realistic and not a crook so I'm not going there. Btw, thanks for the compliment on the Jeep. I'm please with the way it turned out. There was a lot of wrench time invested I assure you.

[thwack]

What's the low down on the Maristars? Never really looked into them very much.

[Chicago190]

Oh I definately will. Unfortunately for some, it's a great time to be on the "buying" side of the market. I'd like to get something this summer, but I'm not against holding out. I figure the deals are only going to get better as the season ends and people are thinking about paying payments on a boat sitting in a garage.

IMO, if you are seriously considering buying, when you see a boat you want and think it's a good deal, just pull the trigger. Prices on used boats are already extremely low and if you hold out you lose: A. time using the boat, B. the boat you want may not come along 6 months from now. You may squeeze out a few dollars later in the year, but you never know when the market is going to pass you by. At some point people are going to start holding assets knowing the market will bounce back and they will be better off making interest payments and selling at a higher price.

[thwack]

This is true. I just refuse to rush into another purchase (I'm notorious for that as it is). I believe I could retire by 35 if I didn't like my toys so much. Believe me, when the right deal presents itself, I will be filling the new barn / garage with another boat.

[FrankSchwab]

Depends on the year.

My Maristar is more or less identical with an X-10 of the same vintage, with a more conservative color scheme. In general, Maristars tend to have a sibling in X- trim, where the X- boats tend to have teenager-oriented color schemes, stereos, factory ballast, and/or towers, and the Maristars tend to have wine racks, cashmere, and orchestras.

Adding a tower and ballast (and a stereo, if that's a requirement for you) can create a duplicate of the X- boats, minus the unpleasant tribal paint scheme used for a number of years.

/frank

/frank

[thwack]

Thanks. I was curious as it seems the Maristars typically run at lower costs. I don't particularly need the graphics and such. Just a roomier boat capable of making a nice wake.

[Chicago190]

This is true. I just refuse to rush into another purchase (I'm notorious for that as it is). I believe I could retire by 35 if I didn't like my toys so much. Believe me, when the right deal presents itself, I will be filling the new barn / garage with another boat.

Agreed, I was not suggesting you should rush into a purchase, but most people with older used boats either have paid off most of the principal, have minimal outstanding debt, or are outright owners. Personally, I don't think the market for 8-10 year old boats will come down much more, especially if the price of 1-5 year old boats continues to fall. People in the financial position to buy a boat during these times are more likely to spend a little more to get a much newer boat.

[thwack]

That is so true. I wish I could have looked into my crystal ball last fall and known what the boat market was going to do before I decided to make some other purchases. I would like to and could afford a newer boat, but I'm still trying to pay for the house I just build and remodeled, the garage I built for my restorations, the barn I built for my toys, and the 30 acres I just bought for...well I'm not sure.

[Wake Faller]

Where are you located in the Southeast?

I have a 2000 Maristar 230 that I bought last year in your price range and couldn't be happier. It is the exact same hull as the X-30. Happy to share my experiences with you and give you a pull if you are within range. Don't rush into anything - the deals are out there.

[thwack]

Where are you located in the Southeast?

I have a 2000 Maristar 230 that I bought last year in your price range and couldn't be happier. It is the exact same hull as the X-30. Happy to share my experiences with you and give you a pull if you are within range. Don't rush into anything - the deals are out there.

Glad to hear that. I definately want to check out the Maristars a little more. Lake Sinclair right? Where is that exactly?

[Wake Faller]

Between Atlanta and Augusta - about 1.5 hours out of ATL.

[thwack]

Drove by there today then on my way to Augusta and Savannah. I'd hate for someone else to see my horrible wakeboarding skills though.

[Wake Faller]

Did you see my picture? You got nothing to worry about - I lead with my chin.

[Wake Faller]

We've been watching "The Book" trying to improve - my 6 year old daughter says "but daddy, they always land on their feet"

[thwack]

Hahahaha. I definately have room for improvement. Not making any excuses, but I believe I've made it to my limit with the wake from the S&S

[Wake Faller]

We started 2 years ago - I am on my second boat and 6th board. I am pleased with my progress -but still intermediate at best - really want to get the inverts going but not there yet.

I'll be boarding this weekend with some buddies - all about the same skill level (Friday early evening and most of the day Saturday), you are welcome to jump in if you are within striking distance. Send me a PM if interested and I'll give you directions and contact info.

Otherwise, good luck with the search.

Craig

[thwack]

Thanks. I probably won't be in the area this weekend. I have a Ronald McDonald House Charities golf tournament on Friday, so I'll be late getting in. I may look you up one weekend when I'm heading out that way (always making that run for business).

[thwack]

I've put the old 82 CJ7 Jeep up for sale today so that I can make room for a bigger boat and put some extra pennies in the piggy bank. If you know anyone interested, send them to the link below.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/82-Jeep-CJ7-Nice-Off-Frame-Restoration_W0QQitemZ280354425421QQcmdZViewItemQQp tZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item41466d0a4d&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A317%7C240%3A1318

[thwack]

Okay guys, I need some opinions on a few boats that I'm looking at. In my vast search, I've found and looked at three boats that I'm considering. All are at MC dealers. Please let me know your opinions on the boats (price? boat performance? etc)

1) 2004 X-Star: +/- 300 hrs, new 8.1 litre engine w/less than 4 hrs, zero flex tower w/lights, speakers, and bimini, factory 3 ballast, perfect pass, Clarion audio system, snap in carpet, snap on cover, tandem axle trailer w/new brakes, excellent condition - $40,000

2) 2004 X-10: 150 hrs, 310 engine, tower (loaded), perfect pass, factory ballast, Clarion audio, cover, single axle trailer - $38,000

3) 2001 X-10: 256 hrs, 310 engine, tower (no lights, speakers, or bimini), factory ballast, single axle trailer - $34,000

[Chicago190]

Okay guys, I need some opinions on a few boats that I'm looking at. In my vast search, I've found and looked at three boats that I'm considering. All are at MC dealers. Please let me know your opinions on the boats (price? boat performance? etc)

1) 2004 X-Star: +/- 300 hrs, new 8.1 litre engine w/less than 4 hrs, zero flex tower w/lights, speakers, and bimini, factory 3 ballast, perfect pass, Clarion audio system, snap in carpet, snap on cover, tandem axle trailer w/new brakes, excellent condition - $40,000

2) 2004 X-10: 150 hrs, 310 engine, tower (loaded), perfect pass, factory ballast, Clarion audio, cover, single axle trailer - $38,000

3) 2001 X-10: 256 hrs, 310 engine, tower (no lights, speakers, or bimini), factory ballast, single axle trailer - $34,000

If you can get comfort that the X-Star didn't need a new engine because of poor maintenance by the previous owner it would be my choice.

[erkoehler]

Okay guys, I need some opinions on a few boats that I'm looking at. In my vast search, I've found and looked at three boats that I'm considering. All are at MC dealers. Please let me know your opinions on the boats (price? boat performance? etc)

1) 2004 X-Star: +/- 300 hrs, new 8.1 litre engine w/less than 4 hrs, zero flex tower w/lights, speakers, and bimini, factory 3 ballast, perfect pass, Clarion audio system, snap in carpet, snap on cover, tandem axle trailer w/new brakes, excellent condition - $40,000
Why does it have a new engine? If the owner neglected the engine, what else may be broken or ready to fail? I'd pass no matter what the deal.......
2) 2004 X-10: 150 hrs, 310 engine, tower (loaded), perfect pass, factory ballast, Clarion audio, cover, single axle trailer - $38,000
Sorry, but not going to rock the 310hp on a boat that you are going to have to weight heavy to get a great wake out of.
3) 2001 X-10: 256 hrs, 310 engine, tower (no lights, speakers, or bimini), factory ballast, single axle trailer - $34,000
See Above.

[cbryan70]

I like the 15 to 20K price range. I see your jeep sold quick!

[coz]

Note, the Prostar 205V, with a tower and ballast system, may be a cheap way to get an X-Star, especially if you're going to end up adding a custom ballast system regardless.

I really like P-Hat's 205V, those are definetly nice boats, and they are X-stars that just say 205v on the side. You also wouldn't be disapointed with a 205 DD I'm sure, after all it is the boat that started the X craze.

[thwack]

I like the 15 to 20K price range. I see your jeep sold quick!


I definately like the 15k to 20k range better myself, but if I'm gonna spend that much, might as well get what I really want (that doesn't mean the 15-20 range is out). The Jeep actually sold pretty quick. Some guy from Texas called, asked a few questions, clicked the Ebay "buy it now" buttom, and wired the money to my account. I'll miss it, but it makes buying a newer boat a little easier.

[thwack]

Coz - definately gonna check out the 205Vs.

I've found one other boat that I'm interested in. It's a 2005 X-Star, 235 hrs, loaded same as the 04, for $35k. Seemed like a pretty good deal. One owner and maintenanced by the local MC dealer.

[mccobmd]

That's the same boat as my 2006 X1, love that hull for everything

[Chicago190]

Coz - definately gonna check out the 205Vs.

I've found one other boat that I'm interested in. It's a 2005 X-Star, 235 hrs, loaded same as the 04, for $35k. Seemed like a pretty good deal. One owner and maintenanced by the local MC dealer.

That's an unbelievable deal. 12-15 months ago that boat would cost $50k+.

[thwack]

That's what I was thinking. It's a dealer repo, so I guess that's the reason for the good deal. I'm gonna try my best to put it in my garage.

[thwack]

Hey guys, I'm definately looking to purchase a new (at least to me) boat in the next few weeks. I'm trying to sell my 79 S&S now to make the purchase a bit easier on my piggy-bank. If you know of anyone looking for a very nice old S&S, send them my way. The link to the listing on Ebay is below. I'm also listing it in Boattrader.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1979-Mastercraft-P19-Skier-S-S-Super-Nice-Clean_W0QQitemZ280356948937QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPowe r_Motorboats?hash=item4146938bc9&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A317%7C240%3A1318

Thanks, Travis

[coz]

Hey guys, I'm definately looking to purchase a new (at least to me) boat in the next few weeks. I'm trying to sell my 79 S&S now to make the purchase a bit easier on my piggy-bank. If you know of anyone looking for a very nice old S&S, send them my way. The link to the listing on Ebay is below. I'm also listing it in Boattrader.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1979-Mastercraft-P19-Skier-S-S-Super-Nice-Clean_W0QQitemZ280356948937QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPowe r_Motorboats?hash=item4146938bc9&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A317%7C240%3A1318

Thanks, Travis

I sell alot of stuff on ebay and have since 04, but for the listing & final value fees ebay charges I'd never sell a vehicle there, it's rediculous. I know you sold your jeep there but you probably paid a crazy ammount for a buy it now listing along with the listing fee along with the final value fee, it adds up in the end. Anytime you do a buy it know along with a starting bid it's double, there's other places that are free or alot less than ebay. Just saying

[kgrove]

Agree eBay is high on fees. Anyone know how good it is at attracting buyers? Obviously the extra fees would be worth it if you end up netting more cash either with a higher sales price or selling it faster and avoiding another month or two interest, depreciation, insurance, etc. I've had my boat listed several places for 9 months now and barely generate any interest. Have thought about eBay but been scared away by the fees...

[thwack]

I've always had good luck with Ebay. For example, my Jeep got over 700 views in less than 4 days. The fees are a bit steep, but you just have to ensure that you sell the item for the right price. For any vehicle including a boat the fees are as follows:

Listing fee: $0
Successful listing fee (if it sales): $125
Buy it now fee: $2
Reserve fee: $7
Gallery Plus Picture Package: $2
24 Picture Package: $2.50

All the fees usually end up around $150. It kinda sucks, but if it sales and you get what you want out of it after the fees, then it doesn't seem so bad.

[thwack]

By the way, my boat is also listed on Boattrader.com

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1979-Mastercraft-P19%20Skier%20Stars%20&%20Stripes-95249266

[coz]

By the way, my boat is also listed on Boattrader.com

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1979-Mastercraft-P19%20Skier%20Stars%20&%20Stripes-95249266

Have you tried craigslist and the market place here?

[thwack]

I've not listed on Craigslist yet. I tried listing on the market place here earlier, but the site was having problems. Gonna try again here in a few minutes.

[icedog-10]

There is a 99 205V on Wakeworld.com in Raleigh NC with tower and the 330 LT1 engine for 18,900 with 850 hours. I have that boat in the 2000 and love it. Only bummer is no wrap around seat.

[kgrove]

I've had my boat on Marketplace here for maybe a month... about 450 views, but zero inquiries. I've had my boat on Boattrader for about 2 weeks. Zero responses. I've had it on Craigslist for months. A vast majority of the responses I've had were people who clearly had no idea what a Mastercraft is or costs - just saw "boat" and got excited. There have been a couple semi-legitimate lookers coming from Craigslist, but it takes more effort to weed them out from the clueless. Free ad, high volume of responses, but of poor quality. I may experiment with Ebay... see what happens.

[thwack]

There is a 99 205V on Wakeworld.com in Raleigh NC with tower and the 330 LT1 engine for 18,900 with 850 hours. I have that boat in the 2000 and love it. Only bummer is no wrap around seat.

Icedog - How in the heck do you find anything on that Wakeworld site? I was trying to find that 99 205V on there, but didn't even know where to begin.

[icedog-10]

From main page go to "Online Community" then "Discussion Board" then "Classified Add-For Sale" then "Boats-more than 5 years old" it's the seventh one down. Good luck.

[coz]

Icedog - How in the heck do you find anything on that Wakeworld site? I was trying to find that 99 205V on there, but didn't even know where to begin.

http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/8/704023.html?1244426842

http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/8/15.html?1244688098

http://onlyinboards.com/default.aspx

[thwack]

Sorry guys...I'm a little slow today. Finally started looking in the right places? I hate to even mention another name on this site, but what is the deal with Supra boats? I've seen several of those for what seems like relatively decent prices.

[coz]

I hate to even mention another name on this site, but what is the deal with Supra boats?

http://www.thewrestlinggame.com/public/roster/28/weopon-trashcan.jpg

Anymore questions?

[thwack]

Nope...think that covers it.

[Tomsinamerica]

here is the last place i would ask for information on other boats. There's way too much Kool-aid drinking going on. I have to admit, there's a supra out and about on my lake which looks pretty sweet. It may just be his color scheme but I like it. I still own a mastercraft though... each man to his own...

[dummy]

I'll say this for other brands. When we head to the river or Havasu it's usually with a bunch of friends and none of us own the same type of boat.

One has a newer MB-B52 Team Edition - Nice boat, cool hull shape for a (as the surf skate kids told us) "mass-gantic" wake, blingy interior. But you knock on his hull and then on the hull of my Mastercraft and you can tell mine is definitely more solidly built. His factory Triple Up tower also moves a lot, seats are a bit shallow, etc.

Another has a Moomba. Everything about that boat feels like a Hyundai. It gets you on the water cheaply, but with a ton of compromises. Sounds like a snare drum at moderate speeds over chop and the quality just isn't really there compared with the other boats.

Another has a Nautique. Very nice boat, solid hull, great performer, but unless you're pulling the trigger on a brand new model I think they really feel dated. I always enjoyed this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weqG8y62ZOs

Sure I'm biased, but FWIW I really don't think you'll do better in the long (quality, performance, resale) than a Mastercraft.

[thwack]

Okay, I've narrowed the search down to three boats. I'm hoping some of you out there can help me with my decision. I don't know enough about the three boats to know the difference in them.

Boat 1: 2005 X-Star - MCX engine, 256 hrs, loaded, $38,000

Boat 2: 2006 X-30 - MCX engine 210 hrs, loaded, $40,000

Boat 3: 2003 X-30 - MCX engine, 150 hrs, loaded, $32,000

What sounds like the best deal or are any of these good deals? What are the main differences in the X-Star and X-30? Is there much difference in the 03 X-30 and the 06 X-30? Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. I need all of the input that I can get before I go dump $30k to $40k. Thanks for all the advise.

[kgrove]

Boat 1: 2005 X-Star - MCX engine, 256 hrs, loaded, $38,000

Boat 2: 2006 X-30 - MCX engine 210 hrs, loaded, $40,000

Boat 3: 2003 X-30 - MCX engine, 150 hrs, loaded, $32,000

What sounds like the best deal or are any of these good deals? What are the main differences in the X-Star and X-30? Is there much difference in the 03 X-30 and the 06 X-30? Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. I need all of the input that I can get before I go dump $30k to $40k. Thanks for all the advise.

There obviously is much more to the pricing than just the year, engine, and hours. Assuming they are outfitted roughly the same...

For $8K I'd lean towards the '06 X30 over the '03. I'm not sure there is a ton of difference in performance, but the styling is better on the newer boat. Years put wear on a boat as well as engine hours - sun damage, dried seals, etc.

The tougher call is the 05 X-star versus 06 X-30... It might boil down more to the condition of each and what you want the boat to do. The X-30 is a better general purpose boat (e.g., the X-30 with a wake plate can be toned down to be a fair ski boat but an X-Star can't help but make a wake), but for wakeboarding the X-star is better.

That said, the rest of the feature list and individual boat condition could swing any one of these boats $5K or more and change the picture entirely. Add to that each owner's willingness to negotiate... tough call, especially for us that cant see the boats.

[dummy]

There obviously is much more to the pricing than just the year, engine, and hours. Assuming they are outfitted roughly the same...

For $8K I'd lean towards the '06 X30 over the '03. I'm not sure there is a ton of difference in performance, but the styling is better on the newer boat. Years put wear on a boat as well as engine hours - sun damage, dried seals, etc.

The tougher call is the 05 X-star versus 06 X-30... It might boil down more to the condition of each and what you want the boat to do. The X-30 is a better general purpose boat (e.g., the X-30 with a wake plate can be toned down to be a fair ski boat but an X-Star can't help but make a wake), but for wakeboarding the X-star is better.

That said, the rest of the feature list and individual boat condition could swing any one of these boats $5K or more and change the picture entirely. Add to that each owner's willingness to negotiate... tough call, especially for us that cant see the boats.

Very good info. I'd just add the hull is different between the '03 and '06 X-30s. The '06 is the new hull, wider beam, etc. Check the marketplace here and you can compare a '03 and an '06 that are currently for sale.

[thwack]

Well, those boats are out. Two of them sold yesterday and the other turned out to be in not so great condition. The '05 X-Star was perfect, but the dealer decided to keep it for himself. I'm looking at a few other boats now and need some more info if you have it. I really like the X-Stars, but I'm looking into a few other good deals on an X-2 and an X-10. Can anyone tell me about these boats? How are they in comparison to each other? How are they in comparison to the X-Stars? (Specifically the X-2: found a real good deal on a super clean boat, but don't really know much about the X-2's).

[thwack]

I need some serious opinions on a boat. I've found one that I really like and it seems like a heck of a deal. 2006 X-15, 196 hrs, 1 owner, LOADED, tandem axle trailer, excellent condition. Asking $41k...gonna offer $39k. Anyone see this any different than I do?

[kgrove]

I need some serious opinions on a boat. I've found one that I really like and it seems like a heck of a deal. 2006 X-15, 196 hrs, 1 owner, LOADED, tandem axle trailer, excellent condition. Asking $41k...gonna offer $39k. Anyone see this any different than I do?

I see it very differently. I have an 08 X-15 that I paid WAY more than that for just last summer. You're excited, I'm severely depressed... as is the value of my boat apparently.

[thwack]

Well I hate to be the spark behind your depression. Does that mean that it sounds like a good deal to you?

[kgrove]

Well I hate to be the spark behind your depression. Does that mean that it sounds like a good deal to you?

As much as anyone could tell without seeing the boat and getting a full feature list, I think so. I don't think the price is so amazing you shouldn't closely inspect and verify, but it sounds like at least a fair price - maybe even a good one.

For comparison, I am in the process of selling an '06 X-30. It has about 80 hrs, but I wouldn't call it loaded... kind of in the middle. If the buyer finally qualifies for his loan, I have for $47K. About $40K for the same year X-15 with more options but more hours? That sounds lower than what I am selling mine for, but mechanical and cosmetic differences plus a full reconciliation of options could easily swing the "real" value of either boat by +/- $5-7K making it potentially a wash (X-30 is bigger and should sell for a bit more).

[thwack]

Thanks. I've actually looked at the boat several times and am meeting the dealer at the lake in the morning to demo it. There are absolutely no visual defects with the boat, not even a scratch. The upholstery looks new and everything is super clean. It has every option offered on the 06 X-15 as far as I know. The dealer that is selling the boat for the owner has all of the service records and says that the owner has a great history of details with his boats. It has to be perfect and in perfect condition or he is not happy. He apparently buys a new model every two years.