Maristar 210 VRS or X-2?

[bturner2]

I had a 89 TriStar for 6 yeasts, a 95 200VRS for 7 years, the 03 X2 last year and now a 07 MariStar. My personal favorites have been the 95 200VRS and the 07 MariStar. The MariStars just fit my boating life style better although there is very little difference between the new X2 and the MariStar with the X2 package.

The one thing that sunk the 03 X2 for us was the wind shield position on the passenger side. If you were sitting looking at the skier you could rock back and hit your head on the wind shield frame. This happened to my wife while in some rough water which pretty much ended the 03 X2 for us (strange how little things like this can change a women's feelings towards a boat). At any rate it was an easy sell to get the new MariStar.

The new MariStar with it's expansive seating area, comfortable dry ride and long list of features has quickly become our favorite MC. If you can find one in your price range I would highly recommend checking one out.

[Maristar210]

last one..........

[Daniel G.]

Thanks for the detailed response. Sounds like you have been in a similar situation. What size engine did you have in the 2003 X-2 and what size in your Maristars? I am wondering if I should get the 350 MCX or if that is just not critical (310 might be enough)? Do you have perfect pass? And, lastly, how do you compare the slalom wakes between the Maristar (is it a 210) and the X-2?

Thanks.

Dan

[mccobmd]

I have the X1 which is same as 03 x2, RTP plenty of engine for everything you want to do so don't let that be a deal killer. I would prefer the MCX but got too good a deal on the RTP to pass up

[bturner2]

Every MC I've owned has had the base engine and I've felt that all of them had plenty of power. You have to remember that in this high end tow boat market putting any product out there that is under powered would surely hurt the company's reputation. You can't make that same statement in the I/O runabout market. I honestly can't remember a time (like when I had I/Os) where I thought, gee I really need the bigger engine.

I believe the 89 TriStar had the 240HP Ford 351 which was the standard engine and was plenty power for that boat. The 95 MariStar 200VRS had the standard 275HP, never thought for a moment it was under powered. The 03 X2 had the RTP, no issues with power. The latest 07 MariStar 200 has the stock RTP and again I can't think of a time where I needed more power. Now saying all that if I would have run across any of those boats with the bigger engine option I would have jumped on it. The MCX is really pretty, just didn't come across a good one when I was looking. It seemed like every time I did come across one there was something wrong with the boat that made me pass on it. I personally agree with mccobmd, don't let the RTP be a deal killer on a great boat.

I've had Perfect Pass on the last two boat and it is a must have option for me. If the boat doesn't have it don't sweat it, it's easy enough to add especially on the newer boats. My 03 X2 didn't have it when I bought the boat. I purchased my PP on line and had it installed in about an hour and a half. Other than the servo motor it was pretty much a plug and play installation.

I'm a recreational slalom skier but I know some really good course skiers that I had ski behind both the 03 X2 and the 07 X2. The 03 had the better wake between the two. I've read that the wake plate option on the 07 can really help with the slalom wake but I don't have that option. I skied regularly behind the 07 X2 this summer and didn't really have any problems at 15 off. My complaint would be that there is more spray and the wake itself is rather large for a ski boat.

[Maristar210]

310 is plenty for me. Never wanted more. Slalom wake is not bad but it's no 197. I like my buddies X-9 a lot as well. Narrower wake is easier for us old fat types to jump. Much better slalom wake but it is an inboard not a V.

No perfect pass for us but it would be nice. Get the HEATER. Have it added as a deal at the end of negotiations, you wont be sorry.

Good luck.....

[Daniel G.]

Thanks to everyone for your input and guidance. We have made our decision - we went with the X-2 and are thrilled. Now we start counting the days until spring!

Dan

[ttu]

congrats on the purchase

now make sure you post a pic of the boat.

[Jerseydave]

Nice choice on the X-2 and congrats! What color is the boat/ which engine?
I've done alot of wakeboarding behind my buddy's X-1 and the wake is great! It should make a good slalom wake as well, just not prostar size.

These are cool boats...............

[franko]

I am about to be a Maristar 210 vrs owner this weekend and I'm absolutely stoked! We are primarily skiers and from all I've read this is the all around best boat for us.
I have a question about adding a keel guard as we boat Lake Mead and set up camp on the beach. The "new" '99 i believe is spotless underneath and I want to preserve its condition.
Is it against "the law" to put a keelguard on one of these boats?