MasterCraft Business Development Manager, Steve Geske, gives us the lowdown on the towboat brand’s latest line up of high-performance wake and ski vessels.
Many of our readers will be familiar with MasterCraft, but for those who aren’t can you give us a snapshot of the MasterCraft brand and what it’s all about?
MasterCraft was established in 1968 by Rob Shirley, who had personally found there to be a lack of quality purpose-built towboats to meet the needs of the emerging waterski market. So, he set out to build a boat that would not only meet but exceed the needs of customers wanting to spend time in and on the water. This basic principle holds true today for MasterCraft with the company evolving with the changing needs and trends of watersport and boating enthusiasts. However, the pillars on which the company stands hold true… Legacy, Power, Precision and Progression.
MasterCraft prides itself on building boats to the absolute highest standards using the highest quality materials, developing industry-leading standards of production and process, innovating relentlessly, and cultivating a workforce of the best craftsmen and women. What this means is that every MasterCraft model offers pinnacle performance and quality to their end user.
Can you give us an overview of the new MasterCraft range for summer 23/24?
The last two years have seen us introduce several new innovations to our line of boats as well as a number of new boats to multiple lines. The NXT family of boats has seen the introduction of the NXT21 and NXT23 which features a new style hybrid or trident bow which offers some middle ground between our traditional bow and pickle fork designs. These boats perform incredibly on the water and offer our Australian owners incredible versatility across a variety of towed watersports.
We also have an all-new range of XT family boats. The XT series was introduced in 2017 with the second generation introduced in 2022 now offering all new designs with a size and style that caters to everyone. XT20 is the most capable and generous 20ft boat we have ever offered. The 22ft length is extremely popular in Australia and globally so we offer the XT22T for those wanting a traditional bow or the XT22 for those wanting our signature pickle fork design. The XT23 is a team favourite and is the choice of our world champion surf team of Ashley Kidd, Austin Keen and Jett Lambert.
The XT24 offers ultimate amenity with the most generous passenger comfort and storage and to round out the line the most recent release is the XT25 featuring a traditional bow. We don’t just stop at boats when we look at what’s new though. In the same time period, we released SurfStar, which is our patented wave generation platform. SurfStar is a third
generation surf system while most of our competition is still using a first generation system. We are also the only manufacturer to offer a non-binary asymmetrical surf system. SurfStar offers riders an almost endless array of customisation in wave styles, shapes and sizes while the driver can quickly and easily recreate any wave thanks to our precision position sensors and easy to use Rapid Surf interface.
Our audio partner, Klipsch, has also been listening to feedback from the market. Not only do people want more clarity in their audio systems, they want more in general, so we gave them what they wanted and doubled the output of our audio packages… across the board. Our standard Advanced Audio Package includes DSP animated sound through an array of amplifiers and speakers including a subwoofer… something no one else is offering as standard.
What are the most popular MasterCraft models in Australia?
We find that most of our customers in Australia trailer their boats from home so we find that 22-23ft is generally the sweet spot. We do find the 20-21ft models to be popular with people still wanting more of a genuine multisport or if they have smaller tow vehicles or storage restrictions. For those that don’t have to tow, the bigger 23-24ft models and even a few 26 footers prove to be most popular.
How are the build timelines and availability looking at the moment?
Our dealer network in Australia managed very well through the Covid period. Despite challenges that were faced not only by our industry but by so many areas of manufacturing, we managed to keep a steady stream of product coming into the country. With supply and demand equalising over the past nine months we have a good range of boats available for immediate summer delivery, but if people want to build something to their exact specifications, we can usually turn an order around in approx. five months.
How well are these vessels suited to our local lifestyle and waters?
Australia has a great variety of waterways for people to use their boats… Rivers, lakes, bays, ports, you name it, we have access to it. We also have a variety of water types from fresh to brackish to salt and we offer a variety of options and packages on our boats that will suit all the various environments that Australia has to offer.
XT22
XT22
Give us a brief overview of the vessel.
Enjoy world-class wakes and waves, unwavering reliability, and customisations that reflect your style and preferences – all with the XT22. This 22ft model boasts room for 16 and standard features like transom lounge seating, a transom walkthrough, and MasterCraft’s renowned fit-and-finish. With the ability to create your own wave, choose from the industry’s widest range of colours, and select your preferred options – the XT22 is the most customisable and reliable 22’ surf boat on the market.
Where does this model sit within the MasterCraft range?
The XT22 is one of our mid-size boats from the XT family. The XT22 offers endless options and customisations that allow you to create your ideal boat with your preferred features without sacrificing the performance, quality, or comfort that comes standard on a MasterCraft.
XT22
Talk us through the top three features of this boat.
Wake and Wave generation on the XT22 is effortless with over 1520kgs of ballast standard. Our ballast system comes fully equipped with both underfloor hard tanks and a complete plug and play rear ballast bag system unlike some of our competitors who only offer plug and play plumbing or charge thousands of dollars extra for supplemental ballast systems. The auto launch system, which can be configured by the driver to be either in single, or triple-plate modes reduces planning times, minimises fuel consumption and gives the driver a clear view every time they get on plane by dramatically reducing bow rise and it’s all integrated, so it happens every time without being asked. The broad pickle fork bow offers room that has no right to be in a 22ft boat and the seating in the cockpit is incredibly generous while offering superior ergonomics for all day comfort.
Give us a brief overview of the vessel.
The NXT22 delivers best-in-class wake and wave performance. It has a spacious layout with ample room for gear – boasting the industry’s most board storage. With an intuitive surf system, reliable craftsmanship, and all round comfort, the NXT22 is ready to make your next summer the best one yet.
Talk us through the top three features of this boat.
The updated technology that is offered standard is mind blowing. This includes a new standard 7” screen at the helm to operate all of the boat’s systems and new standard advanced audio system with six speakers, amplifier and sub-woofer. The standard Z6 tower is also a fan favourite. MasterCraft is also the only manufacturer to offer clamping board racks as standard which, when coupled with the standard surf bimini, can hold a combination of 10 wakeboards, surfboards, kneeboards, or foils.
You’ll love this boat if… you want the fit, finish and functionality that MasterCraft is renowned for without a break-the-bank price point.
NXT22
NXT22
Give us a brief overview of the vessel.
The NXT22 delivers best-in-class wake and wave performance. It has a spacious layout with ample room for gear – boasting the industry’s most board storage. With an intuitive surf system, reliable craftsmanship, and all round comfort, the NXT22 is ready to make your next summer the best one yet.
Talk us through the top three features of this boat.
The updated technology that is offered standard is mind blowing. This includes a new standard 7” screen at the helm to operate all of the boat’s systems and new standard advanced audio system with six speakers, amplifier and sub-woofer. The standard Z6 tower is also a fan favourite. MasterCraft is also the only manufacturer to offer clamping board racks as standard which, when coupled with the standard surf bimini, can hold a combination of 10 wakeboards, surfboards, kneeboards, or foils.
You’ll love this boat if… you want the fit, finish and functionality that MasterCraft is renowned for without a break-the-bank price point.
X22
X22
Give us a brief overview of the vessel.
The X22 is built for those looking for the best – whether you’re behind the boat, in the cockpit, or at the helm, the X22 is nothing short of incredible. The performance of the industry’s premier wakes and waves creates an unforgettable riding experience, and luxurious styling with high-quality amenities like smart telematics ensure that your boating days are nothing short of extraordinary. With room for 16, a standard 6.2L Ilmor engine, and 1610 kgs of ballast, the X22 is renowned and respected.
Where does this model sit within the MasterCraft range?
The X22 offers unrivalled wake and wave performance combined with unmatched luxury. Distinguished style, premium amenities, and advanced technology deliver an unparalleled experience on the water. Boasting our signature pickle fork bow, the X22 boasts progressive styling while delivering a luxurious experience in and behind the boat.
You’ll love this boat if… you want the best of everything, ultra-premium luxury at every turn and performance that is thrilling each and every time.
Visit mastercraft.com
For boating news, features and interviews, subscribe to Nautilus Marine Magazine here.