Wakeboard Boat Review
We had long discussions about how to categorize this MasterCraft CSX. This boat kind of defies categorization. It’s a center console direct-drive with optional T-top. Yeah. But we were so impressed with the wakes during our test session in Orlando and what we’ve seen of it elsewhere that we decided to put it in the “core” section alongside the tournament boats. Yeah.
Hull: The hull itself shows how MasterCraft is trying to combine its expertise in water sports and inboards with the creativity of its R&D department to create something brand-new. The CSX slices through chop like a near-shore fishing boat, yet it creates a crisp wake. And the keel is protected so people can beach it and really give it a workout.
Ballast: The 650-pound rear bag is an option, because, after all, this isn’t a typical wakeboarding boat. (The rod holders, livewell, GPS fish finder and scuba tank racks are also options.) So yeah, like always, we say go for the ballast. In fact, get the T-Top X Sports package that also has gunwale board racks and a stereo.
Tower: OK, this review is a lot of fun to write because nowhere else can we say, “Try the center console tower with T-top.” We actually know some riders who like to fish, so that’s not as crazy as it sounds. Or get the ZeroFlex tower with the killer swivel board racks.
Highlight feature: The interior layout. It’s wide open. One tester said, “We could fit a rhino on this boat!” Again, this is seating unlike anything else: T-shaped lounge in the front, center-console bench, engine box with teak countertop and angled rear seating.
The wake: At 65 feet and 22 mph, our testers rated these wakes big and steep but very manageable with a good landing area. They’re rampy enough to go out into the flats and are great for wake-to-wake pop while still getting plenty of height. At 75 feet, wakes were smaller and more abrupt but still good for raley-based moves.
What We Dig
-Overall multiactivity vibe for riding, fishing, diving, exploring
-Center console with the best of a MasterCraft dash
-Teak cutting board has sink and cooler underneath
-Wide walkway, practically from bow to stern
-Top-flight, solid construction
Specs
Length w/o platform: 21’5”
Beam: 8’5”
People: 12
Dry weight: 4,300 lb.
Ballast*: 650 lb. (one rear bag)
Tower*: T-Top, ZeroFlex
Racks*: Swivel
Stereo: Clarion deck, four speakers, satellite-radio ready
Fuel: 57 gal.
Trailer*: Tandem axle
*Optional
Engine
Standard: Indmar RTP-1 5.7L, 310 hp
Test: Indmar MCX 5.7L, 350 hp
Test prop: OJ 13×12 three-blade
Cruise: PerfectPass optional
