My Thoughts on X-25 vs. X-15

[jcbatt]

I took delivery of my 2011 X-25 this past week, and here are my thoughts from the first 10 hours or so.

For background, I had had an 07, 08, and 09 X-15 before this, and prior to that several Malibu Wakesetter VLX's. I'll compare the X-25 to my 09 X-15, which had an MCX, attitude adjustment plate, heater, bimini, tower mirror, cover, and all the standard stuff. The 2011 X-25 Pro (so it has the spinning board racks and the BIG) has an MCX, attitude adjustment plate, surf tabs, heater, bimini, tower mirror, cover, bow ladder, and all the standard stuff.

Interior: The interior on the X-25 is awesome (especially love the 2011 vinyl - does not get as hot and looks great). Great for relaxing with the rear facing seats, and we saw a lot more use of the bow than we ever saw on the X-15, as it's very comfortable up there. Storage is listed as a little less than the X-15, but it doesn't feel like it. We had lots of room for everything we need. Love the seat cushions that stay up their own. One minor negative is that it seems like there is less floor space in the main part of boat on the X-25. I think it's due to the seats being wider than the X-15. Overall, both interiors are great, but advantage goes to the X-25.

Exterior: I like the new gel patterns and graphics a lot (I'll post some pics soon - I did white, red, and black slider), but still am not in love with the superfly front end from an aesthetics perspective. The boat looks, feels, and tows a lot bigger than the X-15, and it looks like it will take up more garage space. One thing I noticed on the X-25 (and not sure if this is all X-25's, or all 2011's, or what), but the swim platform brackets are back to the old style and are not folding any more, which is a bit of a pain. I'd probably give a slight edge to the X-15 here as it's more compact and lighter, yet still offers a lot of room.

Performance: The X-25 is awesome at handling rough water. It never pounds hard - it gently pushes through the rough stuff. It has a lot of porpoising at speed (30 MPH and up) until you put the attitude adjustment plate down a little, and then it completely clears up. I would not order one without the attitude adjustment plate for this reason alone. However, it's definitely a heavier boat, and you feel it in acceleration, and especially on recovering speed around tight turns. With the attitude plate down, the X-15 felt very quick coming out of tight turns, etc, while this feels big, heavy, and a little slow. I heard someone had great luck livening up the X-25 with a different pitch prop, so I may try that. Overall, performance depends on your usage - if on a lot of rough water, clear advantage to the X-25 (and the X-15 is not terrible, just not nearly as good as the X-25), if on smoother water, I'd give the nod to the X-15.

Wake: The X-25's wake is huge, even without much ballast or weight in the boat. We did not surf if much yet, but I'm sure that will be good too. I loved the X-15's wake, especially with 8-10 people in the boat, but the X-25 seems to be bigger, and not too wide. Advantage to the X-25.

Overall, so far we are liking the X-25 a lot. Time will tell if I order another X-25 next time, or go back to the X-15. We are mostly on smooth water, and the tighter exterior dimensions of the X-15 hold some appeal, but then again, we may get spoiled by the interior layout and wake of the X-25. Both are great boats!

As I have more thoughts, I will add them to this post.

[Sodar]

You can't post this without pics! Your boats always look nice. I want to see the scheme you did on this one!

Cool Post! If I ever went with a V-Drive, it would surely be a tough decision between the X-25 and the X-15.

[ttu]

nice write up. but i have to agree with cam, you have to post pics of that bad boy.

there is one at my lake but have yet to see it up close.

[scott023]

Thanks for the write up. I really thought the 25 was going to blow the 15 out of the water, was a bit surprised with the initial findings. I think you'll get to love the superfly... nothing beats it for comfort and covenience.

Sodar's right, where are the pics. Like he said, I've seen pics of your last two X15s and they were beauties. Need pics of the 25 ASAP.

[sand2snow22]

Well said. I hope you keep adding to this thread. X25 is listed as heavier. Did you ever consider the 400 hp? Would like to see pics, too......

[jcbatt]

I don't have decent pics yet... but will post them as soon as I have them in a couple days. I had to order this one blind, as there was no design-a-boat, pictures, or anything available. I like how it turned out, but retrospect, I might have flipped the black and white in one area.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs299.snc4/41274_482131319965_727564965_6835631_8303381_n.jpg

[jcbatt]

Obviously it has a nice black trailer coming for it :-)

[jcbatt]

Well said. I hope you keep adding to this thread. X25 is listed as heavier. Did you ever consider the 400 hp? Would like to see pics, too......

I'm not sure the 400 would have helped the "out of the hole" performance all that much, and top end I don't care about. I'm told the prop makes a major difference - we'll see. Besides the weight, I think some of it could also be the hull design that makes it feel different and slower. The better rough water performance doesn't come for free.

[Sodar]

Black trailer? WHY? That thing is a beaut, Clark... a real beaut! :D

Looks good! Can't wait to see more pics!

What motor options are there in the X-25? MCX, LY-6 and ???, as well as the new Ilmor line-up.

[edge0]

I have an 08 X15 and really going to look at the 25 soon. Have you measured the inside? One thing I do like as we always have lots of peeps and stuff on our boat is the floor spac on our 15.

Also removing the seats fully is good for deep cleans. Oneperson can be cleaning the seats out of the boat while another cleans inside the boat. Can these flip up ones be removed easily?

[jcbatt]

Black trailer? WHY? That thing is a beaut, Clark... a real beaut! :D

Looks good! Can't wait to see more pics!

What motor options are there in the X-25? MCX, LY-6 and ???, as well as the new Ilmor line-up.

I believe MCX, LY-6 and Ilmor are the options. I've always been reluctant to spend a lot on the motor upgrade, as I have not seen the value in resale. With the Ilmors being brand new, I was a little wanting to be a 2nd year buyer there to see how they do.

[jcbatt]

I sold the X-15 in June, so no, did not have it to measure inside... I am going more on memory than anything. The storage on the port side center seat on the X-25 is insanely huge and deep, so if the boards are on the racks, you can put almost anything in there to keep the floor clean. I had 10 adults people out very comfortably on the X-25 all day and it was more comfortable overall than 10 on the X-15. If I always had a lot of people, I think the X-25 is probably a little better suited to the crowds.

Re: the seats, they don't look easily removable, but they are huge. The only removable ones are the 3 in the rear, and then 3 small ones in the very front. Everything else is hinged. The hinged is def nicer when you are using the boat. The locking hinge above the cooler (which is now on the starboard side behind the driver) is especially nice.

[scott023]

I believe MCX, LY-6 and Ilmor are the options. I've always been reluctant to spend a lot on the motor upgrade, as I have not seen the value in resale. With the Ilmors being brand new, I was a little wanting to be a 2nd year buyer there to see how they do.

IMO, a great decision Clark. :D

[sand2snow22]

IMO, a great decision Clark. :D

+1. Probably a good decision sticking with the MCX, too, especially for resale. Lake neighbor went out in an X30 with the LY6, about 10 people in the boat, said it took forever to get out of the hole....

[coz]

With the Ilmors being brand new, I was a little wanting to be a 2nd year buyer there to see how they do.

Ilmor has been around for years now :confused: maybe 20 years at least :confused:

[edge0]

I sold the X-15 in June, so no, did not have it to measure inside... I am going more on memory than anything. The storage on the port side center seat on the X-25 is insanely huge and deep, so if the boards are on the racks, you can put almost anything in there to keep the floor clean. I had 10 adults people out very comfortably on the X-25 all day and it was more comfortable overall than 10 on the X-15. If I always had a lot of people, I think the X-25 is probably a little better suited to the crowds.

Re: the seats, they don't look easily removable, but they are huge. The only removable ones are the 3 in the rear, and then 3 small ones in the very front. Everything else is hinged. The hinged is def nicer when you are using the boat. The locking hinge above the cooler (which is now on the starboard side behind the driver) is especially nice.

I'll measure mine and let you know. I don't keep my cooler under the seat, I have one that has 4 cup holders on top so I like it out on the floor where I can get to my drink fast! :D

[Sodar]

Ilmor has been around for years now :confused: maybe 20 years at least :confused:

We have seen Ilmors for a while now with their V-10's being used in the High Performance Market for years, but Ilmor is new to the mass produced inboard market with their new 5.7 and 6.0 liter offerings. I don't question the reliability and quality, as much as serviceability and such on the dealer level. Heck, some dealers have a tough time working on the boats as they are now! :D

[JohnE]

The LY6 is definitely not as good as the mcx for holeshot. Congrats on the new boat. Thanks for sharing the thoughts.

[sand2snow22]

Ilmor has been around for years now :confused: maybe 20 years at least :confused:

Wasn't available in my 2005 MC :confused:

[coz]

Heck, some dealers have a tough time working on the boats as they are now! :D

A MC dealer?.....NO! :D

[jcbatt]

I have nothing against the Ilmor engines, but the MCX has performed flawlessly for me so far (knock on wood), and there was not a compelling enough case to take the risk and change. Once we start hearing more reports on their increased power, strong durability, and serviceability, then the case becomes easier to make.

[vision]

Great write up jcbatt.

I was thinking of going from my 08 X-star to an X-25. I love my X-star, but would like a slightly narrower wake. Unfortunately, not a single dealer within 300 miles of me has one I can demo!

Is the wake narrower than your X-15?

It is a shame the hinged seats do not pop out easily. I do like the ability to take them out for cleaning.

How is the engine access? Does the one piece rear deck open to near 90 degrees, or only 45 degrees?

I agree with your choice of an MCX. It handles my X-star well unless you slam the boat with tons of weight.

I think the pickle fork will grow on you. It is amazingly functional.

[brettmess24]

Nice write up and comparisson, I love both boats and would not hesitate to upgrade to the 15 or the 25.

Having the CSX hull the 25 must be excellent in heavy seas. How large is the fuel tank on the 25?

Looked at the 2010 25 Redline Watersports has in Madison and was very impressed with the space.

You better get someone to surf behind that thing as I was told its one of the best if not the best for surfing in the mastercraft lineup.

Can't wait for more pics!

[sand2snow22]

Once we start hearing more reports on their increased power, strong durability, and serviceability, then the case becomes easier to make.

I've heard from a reliable source that they (5.7 IIRC) has less out of the hole, but more top end......Just what you're looking for, right?

Curious to your opinion on the surf wake. I surfed behind a 15 last week and had trouble staying in the pocket. Full ballast, 6 people in the boat, but I think the speed was off? We were going 11 MPH, but I think we needed to go a bit slower......

[jcbatt]

Great write up jcbatt.

Is the wake narrower than your X-15?

How is the engine access? Does the one piece rear deck open to near 90 degrees, or only 45 degrees?



I would say the wake is probably very close in width to the 15. I loved the 15's wake (better than an X-star - I know heresy to some, but for me, it was preferable), and this is similar but bigger. I was afraid it might get too wide, so I was pleasantly surprises.

Engine access is better than I thought. It probably opens 60 degrees or so, and I would imagine a little more if you took off the gas shocks.

[jcbatt]

Curious to your opinion on the surf wake. I surfed behind a 15 last week and had trouble staying in the pocket. Full ballast, 6 people in the boat, but I think the speed was off? We were going 11 MPH, but I think we needed to go a bit slower......


Probably need more than 6 people (unless they are all very large) and factory ballast... another 500lbs or so in the rear corner seemed to help my 15 a lot if I had less than 10 full-size people in the boat. I think this boat is going to take some weight back there too, but I could be wrong.

[sand2snow22]

Probably need more than 6 people (unless they are all very large) and factory ballast... another 500lbs or so in the rear corner seemed to help my 15 a lot if I had less than 10 full-size people in the boat. I think this boat is going to take some weight back there too, but I could be wrong.

My thoughts exactly and bummed we didn't throw the 400 lb fat sac in the back compartment....

[2RLAKE]

i had the chance to drive a X25 for a few hours yesterday ... what an incredible boat. Once i figured out making sure the tab was all the way down before pulling up a skier it was fine fully loaded with ballast (5/7 Ilmor) for that size boat. I wont sell my X14, but if i could have a 2nd boat that would be it. I cant believe how well it road in rough water, and the room is incredible.

another fine example of MC technology innovation

[jcbatt]

One other point I should make. When I was out with a smaller, more mellow group, the comments from them on the comfort, and how nice it is just to sit out in the lake on the thing (especially with the rear facing seats in the back) were all extremely positive. It really is a perfect boat for sitting and relaxing on the lake. I know, most of us use our boats for more than just sitting and relaxing, but it is really, really nice for doing that. It was great for us to sit back there, and let our toddlers walk around on the swim platform. Can't overstate what a great family boat it is.

[c_craig]

Had a chance to spend some "quality time" on my cousins' new X-25 this summer, and we have an 08 X-15. I have to say, that is one great boat. The wakeboard wake is big. Here's my son launching one off the X-25 wake. I think we had added some sacs for this, but can't remember. We had been surfing too with lots of extra ballast.

[c_craig]

Ah the younger generation...

[vision]

That is a beautiful wake!

[sand2snow22]

That is a monster wake!

[vision]

c_craig, do you remember the speed your son was riding at on the X-25?

[jstewart319]

Love our X-25 got over 30 hours on it and looking forward to putting more on. The wake with stock ballast is great for wakeboarding but need more when surfing. We use two fat sacs 740lbs each one in the bow and one on the back seats still working on dialing it in. I got pictures and will try to post after work.

[c_craig]

c_craig, do you remember the speed your son was riding at on the X-25?

Boat was just delivered and we had a conflict with speedos (between my X-15 and his X-25) but I would say 21 or 22. Relatively short line on that setup, maybe 60-65 feet.

[Jet]

Looks like a great choice, thanks for the comments.

As this is a first year, any issues so far with the boat or the back-facing seats ?

I will look at the X25 next year as we are on a big lake where it can get rough at times.

Enjoy !:cool:

[vision]

Boat was just delivered and we had a conflict with speedos (between my X-15 and his X-25) but I would say 21 or 22. Relatively short line on that setup, maybe 60-65 feet.

Thanks for the info.

[jstewart319]

No issues so far for me. Just some minor things that are more of a nuisance. Like the back lockers are a pain to open and one came open on its own, quick fix the rubber grommet was a little askew. The BIG took/is taking a while to get use to, the manual was not much help but the more you use it the more you become familiar with it.
We took the boat up into DC on July Fourth to watch the fireworks along with a hundred plus other boats. After the show it gets a little dicey with all the boats leaving at once and some throw huge rollers but the X-25 took them with ease and I was very pleased with how it handled the in chop. When you can’t see very far in front of you at night having the quick steering and throttle response was very nice and the MCX motor has more than enough power.

[jcbatt]

Looks like a great choice, thanks for the comments.

As this is a first year, any issues so far with the boat or the back-facing seats ?

I will look at the X25 next year as we are on a big lake where it can get rough at times.

Enjoy !:cool:

If I were on a big lake where it gets rough, hands down the X-25 is the boat I would go with (just make sure you get the attitude adjustment plate). We'll see how the back facing seats hold up, but on my dealer's 2010 demo, they seemed to be holding up fine after a season's worth of use.

[jcbatt]

Here is another pic, still on a borrowed trailer... will get some on the permanent trailer soon:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs272.snc4/39922_455119680691_614525691_6944897_5809896_n.jpg

[scott023]

Dang nice boat... lovin your color choices, again. :D

[vision]

Sharp! I wonder when they 2011 design a boat will be up?

[jcbatt]

Another pic below, with it on the real trailer. I went with a Phoenix trailer this time (I am told them make the trailers for MC's big boats like the X-80's, etc) and so far I am very pleased with it. I love having the step all the way to the back of behind the fender, as it makes it a very easy step onto the platform. It also seems to be a little lower profile than the MC trailer, which will be nice for storage. I just towed it on a 500 mile trip, and it towed great.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs383.snc4/44670_486134819965_727564965_6951157_3165204_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs185.ash2/44818_486134564965_727564965_6951153_438214_n.jpg

[vision]

Nice combination!

[Tbob]

Nice color combo JC. We are looking at the X-25 my concern is the small access to the rear compartments due to the rear facing seats and the flimsy locking latch on the cooler storage seat. Any issues with these so far?