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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

Originally Posted by vision

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.