Big Decision to Make, buy the X-Star or X-45?

[x-swagger]

So, I just sold my first MC which was an '04 X-Star MCX. I absolutely loved the boat, except my only gripes were a tad underpowered and I felt like the surf wave wasn't anything special, no matter what ballast set up I tried.

Now, here's my dilemma. My time on the lake is split about 50/50 between wakeboarding and surfing. Obviously, the wake behind the X-Star was a huge, perfect ramp all the time and I loved it. However, I would really like to have a bigger, longer surf wave to play in. So this leads me to lean towards the X-45 with either the LY6 or the L18 powerplant.

I was hoping to get some insight as to the wakeboard wake for the 45 vs. X-Star as well as the surf wave comparison. I WILL be buying one of the two before next spring, so I want my decision to be well informed.

Thanks for the help guys!

[Ole Miss Rebels]

never been in an x45 but i have had an xstar since 2005 and it is a killer wake machine and after a couple of years studying and testing the surfability i have it down to a pretty good surf wake. the word is though that the xstar can and never will be a world-class surf boat. i suspect that may be correct but it is a lot better than people o her say it is. but remember, i have a lot of weight and have studied how to do it and it has finally paid off. it can be done easilyh now that i know what to do. x45 is unknown to me as i have never even seen one.

[x-swagger]

Interesting, thanks man.
I feel kind of silly for submitting this thread, as after I did i found about 3 others from past posts.

However, I'm curious of your surf ballast set up? Typically, i put a 750# in the rear port locker and another 750# in the front walkway (with all 3 full stock ballasts). Then, i usually have at least 3-5 people to sit down on the sunpad on the port side. The surf wake is good, but I have heard BIG things about the 45's surfability

[mpabreo]

I have an x-45, and I do 95% boarding, 4% surfing behind it, and 1% pleasure. The boarding wake is great. When weighted correctly, its actually better than my limited experience behind an x-star (lesser weighted). The wake is very wide, but steep and boots you well. I've got the LY6, which is fine, unless I've got 10+ people and a full tank of gas, plus the ballast weight in it. She struggles at that point.

The surf wake is monster. Like mentioned above, better than you'll ever get with an x-star. What I will tell you is that it drinks gas when loaded down. I purchased my boat with plans to do more pleasure than what I've done and I've been wondering what the fuel consumption comparison is between these two boats. However, I would not NOT buy an x-45 for lack of a wakeboarding wake. If i remember tonite, I'll post some pics.

Another thing you may want to ask yourself is do you want/need lots of space? The 45's layout is nice and comfortable, yet practical. Best in the lineup IMO.

[vision]

I have an 08 X-star and agree with your comments X-swagger.

If I was surfing and boarding, I would strongly look at the X-25. But this may be too small a boat for your needs. I have no first hand experience in an X25, but based on images posted, and talking with several wakeboard pros in our area, they rank the wake to be equal to, and in some ways better than the X-star and a far better surf wake.

[x-swagger]

Thanks guys.

And MpaBreo, thanks for all the input!
If I indeed will be able to maintain a good wake for riding, then I might lean towards the 45. I typically have 5-8 people, which is perfect for the x-star IMO. However, every now and then I have had 10-11 on my old x-star and it felt a little bit crowded, and the MCX was struggling big time.

Also, Vision, I would love to go with the 25, but I am planning on buying a used boat (preferrably an '07, first year with new tower) and my budget will probably be limited to $50k or so. I don't know if I'll run across a 25 in that $ range so soon after its debut, right?

[vision]

Thanks guys.

And MpaBreo, thanks for all the input!
If I indeed will be able to maintain a good wake for riding, then I might lean towards the 45. I typically have 5-8 people, which is perfect for the x-star IMO. However, every now and then I have had 10-11 on my old x-star and it felt a little bit crowded, and the MCX was struggling big time.

Also, Vision, I would love to go with the 25, but I am planning on buying a used boat (preferrably an '07, first year with new tower) and my budget will probably be limited to $50k or so. I don't know if I'll run across a 25 in that $ range so soon after its debut, right?

I think you are correct. However, there were a few used 2010 X25s being sold for right around 60K.

I have an MCX in my X-star and it worked well for us once I repropped the boat. But I can certainly see the benefit of a larger engine. I just have a hard time giving up my 6 GPH fuel efficiency!

[x-swagger]

Agreed Vision!

My MCX did give pretty good fuel efficiency, and after I put the 14.25x14 OJ on there it could handle most loads, but I wouldn't even consider it for the 45!!

[Ole Miss Rebels]

my poor xstar, upstaged by the x25 and x45. what a gyp, i want my money back.

[TallRedRider]

I have an x-45, and I do 95% boarding, 4% surfing behind it, and 1% pleasure. The boarding wake is great. When weighted correctly, its actually better than my limited experience behind an x-star (lesser weighted). The wake is very wide, but steep and boots you well. I've got the LY6, which is fine, unless I've got 10+ people and a full tank of gas, plus the ballast weight in it. She struggles at that point.

The surf wake is monster. Like mentioned above, better than you'll ever get with an x-star. What I will tell you is that it drinks gas when loaded down. I purchased my boat with plans to do more pleasure than what I've done and I've been wondering what the fuel consumption comparison is between these two boats. However, I would not NOT buy an x-45 for lack of a wakeboarding wake. If i remember tonite, I'll post some pics.

Another thing you may want to ask yourself is do you want/need lots of space? The 45's layout is nice and comfortable, yet practical. Best in the lineup IMO.

MPB, how do you sack your 45 out for wakeboarding? I thought I had it perfect...then I didn't. ;)

I think you are correct. However, there were a few used 2010 X25s being sold for right around 60K.



Is that the very unusual case of being sold with no warranty? Just doesn't smack right to have a 2010 boat with no warranty. But I bet the 25 is the ticket for both sports.

X-swagger, I will be aiming to get my boat sold sometime between now and spring. Send me a PM if you would consider a 2006 with a 2007 tower and 2009 8.1L engine.

[vision]

Is that the very unusual case of being sold with no warranty? Just doesn't smack right to have a 2010 boat with no warranty. But I bet the 25 is the ticket for both sports.

No, there are some used X25s outside of Florida. I do not know if they are still around.

[mpabreo]

TallRed - my preferred setup is...

550lbs in each rear locker, 650lbs on the bow floor, stock tanks full, gas tank half full, 70' rope length, 23.8mph, 3-4 people in boat, trim all the way up. Try that out, its perfect.

If I want to go big, and have money to burn, same setup plus a full tank of gas, 75' line lenght, 24.4mph, and add a couple people. I notice a drstic difference in half tank vs full tank fuel economy. I've also sometimes ride this setup with an 1100lb sac in the center of the boat on the floor.

Let me know how that works.

[Eagle Lake Rebel]

OMR I'll still slum with ya in that dumpy old Star of yours.

[vision]

my poor xstar, upstaged by the x25 and x45. what a gyp, i want my money back.

ROFL! At least no MC looks better sitting in the water, IMHO, than an X-star.

[x-swagger]

HEY NOW!!!!!!!!!! Don't get me wrong, gentlemen, I have absolutely LOVED my X-Star since the day I first started it up in Nashville. If I end up buying another one, I am sure I will be thrilled. However, if I had to pick between sports which one I am more skilled at and my friends enjoy more, it'd be surfing. At the same time, I do not want to lose that huge ramp I see to my left as I am cutting out, such a rush!

Just trying to make the best, most informed decision I can.

[Plave]

I'm gonna get shouted at now and I will say at this point I own a Prostar and am an MC fan, but have you considered a SANTE 230? :o

One of the guys at our site has one (the only Nautique amongst 30 + MC's) and I have to say the wakes for both surfing and boarding are excellent, they're the right size and you'll get a nice one in your price bracket.

[x-swagger]

You know I'm not an anti-Natique guy, however I just do not care for the look and style of the boats. I have seen Natiques around my lakes and their wakes do look pretty nice, but compared to a properly weighted X-Star I still think they pale in comparison.

[mpabreo]

At the same time, I do not want to lose that huge ramp I see to my left as I am cutting out, such a rush!

You won't lose a quality wake with a 45. Here's a couple pics of its wake.

62062

62063

[x-swagger]

That one on the top looks legit, that's fully weighted down right?

[Ole Miss Rebels]

the one on the top does look big AND WIDE. i am impressed. how much weight in the top picture?

[TallRedRider]

I apologize for the phone pic, but I'll play...

Roughly 800 pounds on top of stock ballast.

[flashydubber]

This is a snap shot of a X-star with factory with just a 750 lb sac on the floor. Speed about 22.6mph if I remember right.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/GTI2lo/Cottage%202010/air1.jpg

but as stated NOTHING looks better than an X-star in the water.

Notice how low the bow comes to the water....
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/GTI2lo/Cottage%202010/IMG_2043.jpg

[Ole Miss Rebels]

hard to tell from the two pics but the xstar sure seems to have a longer transition going up the wake than the x45 does. is that a correct analysis from someone who has ridden behind both?

[TallRedRider]

hard to tell from the two pics but the xstar sure seems to have a longer transition going up the wake than the x45 does. is that a correct analysis from someone who has ridden behind both?

I believe the 45 to have a more abrupt/steeper transition. I think it boils down to what you get used to. Those Nautique 210 guys have sort of a brick wall instead of a ramp compared to the 45.

[vision]

More of a lip compared to an X-star would be positive for most riders. Although from the images the X-45 wake looks even wider than the already wide X-star. But some one who rides behind both will hopefully comment.

[mpabreo]

That one on the top looks legit, that's fully weighted down right?

The first pic is loaded at my preferred setup mentioned above.

[TallRedRider]

hard to tell from the two pics but the xstar sure seems to have a longer transition going up the wake than the x45 does. is that a correct analysis from someone who has ridden behind both?

More of a lip compared to an X-star would be positive for most riders. Although from the images the X-45 wake looks even wider than the already wide X-star. But some one who rides behind both will hopefully comment.

I believe the 45 to have a more abrupt/steeper transition. I think it boils down to what you get used to. Those Nautique 210 guys have sort of a brick wall instead of a ramp compared to the 45.

What I mean is, that I have ridden behind both, and the transition on the 45 is indeed much steeper than the Xstar. The 45 can be as steep as you want it, if you overload the rear ballast. Notice how bad it folds over just a little further than where the riders are in the 45 pics. It gets worse and you have to go faster if you don't put weight in the front.

[TallRedRider]

X45 at Lake Mead a week ago. About 800 pounds on top of stock, only 2 people in the boat.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff206/talltigeguy/Lake%20Mead%202010/IMG_0762.jpg

[TallRedRider]

I do have some problem sometimes with this on my 45. Note the way the top of the wake gets so steep it starts to fold over. Given, that this is on the opposite side as the rider's pull, but you get the idea. I think it happens more when the back is weighted too heavily.

http://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/attachment.php?attachmentid=49882&d=1248781606

[Ole Miss Rebels]

i would expect the X45 wake to be wider since the boat is 2 feet longer and a couple of inches wider. the xstar is 100 inches wide and i believe the widest a trailerable boat can be is 102 inches. am i correct on the width of the x45? anybody?

[mpabreo]

i would expect the X45 wake to be wider since the boat is 2 feet longer and a couple of inches wider. the xstar is 100 inches wide and i believe the widest a trailerable boat can be is 102 inches. am i correct on the width of the x45? anybody?

Yes, the 45 is 8.5' wide.

[mpabreo]

[QUOTE=TallRedRider;712503]I do have some problem sometimes with this on my 45. Note the way the top of the wake gets so steep it starts to fold over. Given, that this is on the opposite side as the rider's pull, but you get the idea. I think it happens more when the back is weighted too heavily. QUOTE]

It took me almost a year to correctly dial in the wake on my 45. If you're jumping right where its folding, try bumping the speed 0.2-0.5mph and it will fix it. Other than shortening the rope this is probably the simplest thing you can do to fix that problem.

[mpabreo]

I do have some problem sometimes with this on my 45. Note the way the top of the wake gets so steep it starts to fold over. Given, that this is on the opposite side as the rider's pull, but you get the idea. I think it happens more when the back is weighted too heavily.

It took me almost a year to correctly dial in the wake on my 45. If you're jumping right where its folding, try bumping the speed 0.2-0.5mph and it will fix it. Other than shortening the rope this is probably the simplest thing you can do to fix that problem.

[x-swagger]

I found an '07 45 in Utah for $52k. 290 hours, L18. Tempting...

More importantly, does anyone have a 45 surf wake picture? This is about the best I could get from my X-Star.

[mpabreo]

Here's one of my 45 surf wake. I've had it much better than this also. This is the only pic I have at work. I'll try to post a few more tonite.

62186

[KBKOOL]

Why hasn't anyone mentioned surf tabs? I have them on my 2010 X-15 and they make a sizeable difference for surfing compared to just using stock ballast. Maybe an X-star with surf tabs would be the best of all worlds.

[1985 Skiier]

That looks fun, I need to stop reading these so I don't get tempted. The problem with boats is that you need at least seven. Ski, wakeboard, Bass, Riverjet, driftboat, house boat and off shore. Three down, four to go;) If my wife had it her way I would have rod holders in the Mastercraft.

[TX.X-30 fan]

Here's one of my 45 surf wake. I've had it much better than this also. This is the only pic I have at work. I'll try to post a few more tonite.

62186




I certainly hope there were no Ball-Chasers around all that glass you destroyed........:D

[1985 Skiier]

Nice! Those docks got hammered!

[TallRedRider]

I show this pic all the time. We obviously weren't trying real hard, with the water weenie still attached to the starboard side. My wife is 5'10" for comparison.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff206/talltigeguy/Lake%20Powell%206-09/IMG00024.jpg

X-swag, feel free to come for a ride if you are ever in St. George. You can use my boat for comparison shopping if you like. I never really winterize, just drain the engine and such when it looks like the worst weather sets in. I will have it on the market hard in the spring, and will probably tinker with a few ads this winter. It definitely would be the best looking boat you will get in that price range.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff206/talltigeguy/Tundra%20pics/IMG_9834.jpg

[TallRedRider]

Even has a great dark side wave!

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff206/talltigeguy/Tige%20reunion%202009/IMG_8822.jpg

[x-swagger]

Thanks TallRed! I will have to keep you and your boat in mind while I am looking. So why did you end up changing the tower, motor and graphics on your '06? simply for upgrade purposes?

[x-swagger]

Why hasn't anyone mentioned surf tabs? I have them on my 2010 X-15 and they make a sizeable difference for surfing compared to just using stock ballast. Maybe an X-star with surf tabs would be the best of all worlds.

Why did I never think of that...?
New question, has anyone put surf tabs on their X-Star and how did it end up??

[jbkriss]

Why did I never think of that...?
New question, has anyone put surf tabs on their X-Star and how did it end up??

I was waiting to do a retro-fit of the surftabs on my 09 x-star but was told by my dealer that MC and Lenco have scrapped the idea of a retro-fit. So you will either need to get a 2010 MC with tabs that work through the BIG display... Or, have a Lenco dealer/installer put them in- something MC and Lenco are hesitant for owners to do.

[TallRedRider]

Thanks TallRed! I will have to keep you and your boat in mind while I am looking. So why did you end up changing the tower, motor and graphics on your '06? simply for upgrade purposes?

Utah Water Sports did all those things. There were problems with the 8.1L until about January 2007, and almost all 06's with the 8.1 have been replaced or had the recall work done before they failed. UWS ordered almost all of their bigger boats with the 8.1 since some of the most popular lakes are around 6-7,000 feet elevation.

The previous owner took a 10' 6" tower into a 10' hotel drive through. I have 216 hours or so now. It had 94 hours when I bought it in December 2008.

[x-swagger]

Well everyone. I signed the papers Saturday and paid in full yesterday, and I am FREAKING PSYCHED!!!
Here she is, couldn't be happier!

[JulioX2]

Congrats!!!! Looks sharp. What year is it?

[scott023]

She's a beauty Swagger. What engine does it have?

[jdl xstar]

bet its an '07... tower, graphics and bimini design are all '07 style. Very sharp boat!

[brucemac]

Nice!!!!!!!!

[broncotw]

Awesome!!! Looks VERY clean!

[x-swagger]

Thanks! So happy about it.

Yes it's the '07, L-18. Sounds, looks, feels incredible.

Already have them adding a 2 channel amp for the tower, 2 more interior speakers in the cockpit (like the ones I saw TallRed showed). Also putting the StarGazer in and ordering the right prop.

[Scott S]

How does the Tundra pull your boat?

[Cmpdman]

You will love the x45. It's an amazing boat. The L18 sounds so good! It's a great looking boat!

[j4rowell]

Good looking boat.

Keep in mind everyone is comparing pictures at different depths. There is a pretty dramatic wake difference between a 6-10ft depth and a 60 ft depth.

[flipper]

Congrats....sweet bote

[Forrest-X45]

Congrats and nice looking 45!! You will be happy you got the L18.

[TallRedRider]

How does the Tundra pull your boat?

I can't speak for him...but the Tundra pulled my X45 very well. I can compare it to my Diesel Excursion. From 0-50, I honestly could not tell any difference. From 70MPH and up, the diesel is a monster and the Tundra was not. So my only complaint would be trying to pass someone going 70 in the 75 MPH freeway. And cruising at 70+ would net me about 8-9 MPG.