What X15?

[Big Star Lake]

Hello
I've been lurking on this site for over a year in search of the right Mastercraft and was hoping for guidance on purchase. I currently have a Searay 220 and want to upgrade to an X15. Ideally I would spend $50-$60k. Based upon current inventory would you rather have an 08/10 loaded w 100 hours or a brand new 11 with ONLY standard options? Both of these options are around $60k. Were there any major changes/issues with these years? The 11 would have an Ilmore. Anything else to consider? I would own this boat for 10+ years.

Thanks

[c_craig]

We have an 08, and love it. We had only one issue the first hours of use, handled promptly by our dealer and MC. Lots of similar 08-10's on our lake. I don't hear a lot of problems. Watching the board lately, the newer boats sound like a lot of problems. Too many changes? Too many gadgets? I don't know, but my motor works, ballast works, controls work. We're at just under 400 hours. Boat feels solid like a rock. MCX has been great with plenty of power, lots of passengers and a ballast. X15 is great. Son is serious on the WB. We hydrofoil, ski, surf, and yes, drag an occasional tuber around if needed. Boat does it all.

[GoneBoatN]

Originally Posted by Big Star Lake

Hello
I've been lurking on this site for over a year in search of the right Mastercraft and was hoping for guidance on purchase. I currently have a Searay 220 and want to upgrade to an X15. Ideally I would spend $50-$60k. Based upon current inventory would you rather have an 08/10 loaded w 100 hours or a brand new 11 with ONLY standard options? Both of these options are around $60k. Were there any major changes/issues with these years? The 11 would have an Ilmore. Anything else to consider? I would own this boat for 10+ years.

Thanks

I have a 2010 with the 1st generation of BIG which works just fine. I too have the MCX. Very reliable and more than enough power for the X-15. Since you been lurking for the past year, you seen the comments about the 2012 electronic controls. I think you have to consider the "loaded" options and what they mean to you. If you are concerned about the "used" option you can go the extended warranty route on a 2010 for a few years of coverage.

[Jonb1822]

The 11 will have the new carbon fiber upholstery.

[Thrall]

Think about it this way. In 10 years a model yr or 2 newer or older won't matter on the value. It will be the hours and condition that determine it's value.
What do you want? Do the options mean something to you? If you buy the stripped down one will you spend thousands putting options on it? If so then go for the loaded boat. 100 hrs is nothing. If having the Ilmor and new vinyl is more important then get the 11.
When I bought the X2 I was looking at color, features, hours, condition and price. Model year was down on the list of concerns.

[bikenskijerm]

I have a 2012 w/ 5.7 Ilmor and have only had one problem when new but was promptly taken care of. (When I put it on the lift it was purging all the water in the raw water intake and getting hot the next time I ran it). We don't have the pro pack and though a lot of people have had problems with the low end ballast system (forget the name) we have had 40 hours of trouble free use. The wake is steep and fantastic and the surf wave isnt bad when properly loaded. The boat also handles chop really well with all the yachts we have here on the TN River.

[bjames]

I went from a 2012 fully loaded X25 to a 2009 Xstar and feel better. The 2008-2010 were very solid. Also keep in mind that most used boats qualify for an extended warranty. I getting a 3 year warranty for my 2009.

Also your initial investment will be much lower and still having a top end boat that is not much different from new.

[rodltg2]

The 100 hour boat will most likely have all the bugs worked out.

[bjames]

Originally Posted by rodltg2

The 100 hour boat will most likely have all the bugs worked out.

Very good point... Fortunatly my 2009 was originally purchased from my dealer, so I was able to look at the service/warranty history.

[willyt]

a big consideration is how you'll be using the boat. the 5.7 ilmore may be enough for surfing, recreational wakeboarding, and skiing, but if you'll be doing any footing, heavily ballasted wakeboarding, the 6.0 LY6 that the 2008 has will be really nice. also, i dont believe the 2011 has a trim tab, so porpoising may be an issue (or it may not be - i've never been on the water in a 15).