Maristar 210 VRS or X-2?

[Daniel G.]

I am currently in the market for a Mastercraft V-drive. We have looked at a Maristar 210 VRS and an X2 - both have towers. We will be using the boat for recreational skiing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing and as an all around family boat - so we definitely want a V-Drive and are trying to combine the best of all worlds - a great watersports boat with a fun and roomy family boat. A few questions that I would love some feedback on:

1. What do folks like about their Maristars and how do they primarily use them? Same question for X-2 owners? What can't I do with one versus the other?
2. Will we notice any difference between the 310 RTP engine and the 350 MCX? How important is this?
3. I know the X2 has the 205v hull? Will we notice any difference for skiing or wakeboarding between the Maristar 210 hull and the X2 205v hull? Am I splitting hairs?
4. Any other V-drives in the 2004-2006 range that you might recommend?
5. What other factors should we consider (perfect pass, ballasts) that folks have found absolutely essential?

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and opinions. Dan

[bturner2]

I can only speak from my experience and I'm sure others will have different opinions but here goes.....

For 2005 and older (I believe 2006 was the first year for the pickle fork) you're going to find the X2 will more ski oriented. More of a no nonsense wakeboard boat that has a very good slalom wake too. The MariStar is going to be more family oriented with more of a focus on ride and comfort. Still great wakes and handling just a little dryer and smoother ride. My wife has loved all our MariStars, not so much with the 03 X2 we had for a year. You'll want to sit in both and take a ride with everyone in the both boats if possible to see which one suits you best.

This is a loaded question that keeps hitting the posts. There are those that wouldn't have anything but an MCX. I've been fine with the RTP. If you can find a boat with the MCX I see it as a plus but would be more concerned with condition and price. I've had no complaints with the RTP but others may disagree.

Depending on how you ski and at what line lengths you will see a difference. The X2 is going to be a better skier but to what degree will depend on what kind a skier you are. The MariStar is more of a recreational skier.

In the 20' range you’ve pretty much covered the field. If you're looking to go larger there are other models like the 230.

If you're surfing and wakeboarding you'll want a tower, ballast and Perfect Pass. If you like to listen to music while you ride tower speakers are a must. A stereo that has been upgraded to support MP3 format is also a plus. My boat has a heater and shower that we use in the spring and fall that are nice to have but not essential. If you're going to pull distances a tandem axel trailer is nice to have.

[bigmac]

The X-10 has a pretty good wake for skiing. This youtube video is one I took from my buddy's 2004 X-10.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSyer5PgHU4

[JohnE]

The pointy bow X2 will not only have a better ski wake but also a better boarding wake. Look for a boat that already has a tower, ballast, and perfect pass. Those items can add up in a hurry if you decide you want them on a maristar afterward.

[Daniel G.]

Thanks for the detailed response. I think you have hit on one of my main concerns - while we are not expert waterskiiers, I don't want to regret it later if the lip of the wake is a little high. I just don't know if I will ever notice it - and the family fits well in the Maristar and my wife likes it too. I am sure either will be fine. Does anyone actually have the 2004 Maristar 210 (I coudn't tell if that is exactly what you have, bturner2?

Thanks.

Dan

[JohnE]

Originally Posted by Daniel G.

Thanks for the detailed response. I think you have hit on one of my main concerns - while we are not expert waterskiiers, I don't want to regret it later if the lip of the wake is a little high. I just don't know if I will ever notice it - and the family fits well in the Maristar and my wife likes it too. I am sure either will be fine. Does anyone actually have the 2004 Maristar 210 (I coudn't tell if that is exactly what you have, bturner2?

Thanks.

Dan

Um, Maristar210 has one. PM him, he's never short for an opinion.

[Witness140]

Dan - are you looking at the yellow 210 at Echo Bay? Looked like a nice boat. I only have experience with the pickle fork X2 firsthand. Love my X2. Good for the family, and good for the skiing. I can still ski on the boat, as well as surf, wakeboard, and trick. Not bad for footing either, although I would reprop it if that became a regular occurence.

Love the storage and the ride in rougher water as well.

[Maristar210]

Originally Posted by JohnE

Um, Maristar210 has one. PM him, he's never short for an opinion.

What are you trying to say John?

Both nice boats IMO. If you need ballast and the stuff that goes with the X2 then get that.

If you want to have more of an all around boat you can take into some chop then the Maristar wins there.

Me? I am not serious enough to care. I just know I like my 210. Had I had a chance to do it over I would have gotten PP right out of the gate along with a heater. I can't count the number of times we went in because the wife and kids were COLD. Heater would have meant one more pass, run, beer or some damn thing....

wake is at 20mph. Fat effer is me last November on our last run of the year.

[Maristar210]

couple more pix

[bigmac]

Originally Posted by Daniel G.

Thanks for the detailed response. I think you have hit on one of my main concerns - while we are not expert waterskiiers, I don't want to regret it later if the lip of the wake is a little high. I just don't know if I will ever notice it - and the family fits well in the Maristar and my wife likes it too. I am sure either will be fine. Does anyone actually have the 2004 Maristar 210 (I coudn't tell if that is exactly what you have, bturner2?

Thanks.

Dan

Again, view the video above from my buddy's X-10. The Maristar 210 and the X-10 are the same boat.