Wakeboard Boat Review
We don’t think of this wakeboard boat as the MasterCraft X-1, we think of it as the MasterCraft X-Star 1.0. Back in the day when wakeboarding was new, it was this wakeboard boat model that pulled the pros, pulled the X Games and helped put the sport on the map. As wakeboarding and the MasterCraft X-Star itself have both evolved since those days, MasterCraft has repackaged this wakeboard boat as the entry-level MasterCraft X-1.
Hull: The hull really takes us back. It’s wild to think that about 10 years ago, this design was pumping out what was then considered big wakes. Now at a length and beam pretty modest by today’s standards and without the intricate running surface of the current X-Star, the MasterCraft X-1’s hull excels as a design well-suited for beginners and for fast, agile handling.
Ballast: At 750 total pounds, the three-tank ballast system that comes standard on the MasterCraft X-1 does a solid job of weighting down this size of boat. There are two rear tanks alongside the engine for 225 pounds of water weight each, plus a center tank at 300 pounds. The high-grade pumps are timed so they won’t burn out.
Tower: The ZeroFlex tower does a good job of combining the classic tube look of a tower with the more modern design of its rear supports. They look like metal lightning bolts, with very solid optional swivel wakeboard racks incorporated into the design. Wakeboards don’t rattle, even at cruising speeds. Unscrew the bolts and it folds down easily.
Highlight feature: Construction. From the hull molds to the gelcoat to the hardware to the upholstery, MasterCraft puts so much energy and money into making its boats able to stand up to use for years and years.
The wake: The shape of the wakes is as classic as the boat. They have a consistent feel with a size that’s very welcoming for beginners and intermediate riders. No worries about going wake to wake off these smooth ramps that flow to mellow peaks.
What We Dig
-Angled seat back at tip of bow
-MasterCraft Cruise comes standard
-C-shaped interior lounge with quality upholstery
-Stylish ZeroFlex tower
-Cool X-Series graphics
Specs
Length w/o platform: 20’7”
Beam: 7’6”
People: 11
Dry weight: 3,200 lb.
Ballast: 750 lb. total (two rear tanks: 225 lb. each; center tank: 300 lb.)
Tower: ZeroFlex
Racks*: Swivel
Wake shaper: None
Main lounge: 46 sq. ft.
Stereo*: Clarion deck, four speakers, satellite-radio ready
Fuel: 33 gal.
Trailer*: single/tandem axle
*Optional
Engine
Standard: Indmar RTP-1 5.7L, 310 hp
Test: Indmar MCX 5.7L, 350 hp
Cruise: MasterCraft Cruise; PerfectPass optional
