What Mastercraft is for me?

[ibrokeit]

Sometime in the next year or so (less if I can sell my Rzr), I am planning on buying a Mastercraft. I have had a Maxum 4cyl 17.5 I/O for 7 years or so before I sold it last year to throw a little extra down payment money on my house. Well, I miss boating much more than I thought.

I have never owned a Mastercraft but I have ridden on a few (pre-2000) and am constantly impressed by them. The problem is, I have no idea what models I should be looking for. FWIW, I was out on a 1999ish Maristar a few weekends ago and liked it.

What I want-
Open bow is a must
V-drive would be nice, but not a deal breaker
Fuel injection
Tower

Budget-
Cheap-$20,000

The boat will be used for a little bit of everything. I can wakeboard, surf, ski, etc but not great at any of them.

Recommendations?

[scott023]

For 20k, you could get into a darn nice 205V. There are a few for sale in the classifieds on here.

[Wakerider16]

As scott said definitely recommend the 205V. Bought my 2001 ProStar 205V, plumped in the rear bags and basically turned it into an early X-Star. Got mine for just over 20k as well.

[ibrokeit]

Any years to look for/stay away from?

And just because it was the last mastercraft I was in, what are the big differences from a 205V vs. a Maristar

[ibrokeit]

(and please excuse me if I have my wording wrong. Just trying to figure these things out)

[mikeg205]

+1 on the 205V - great all around boat... prolly even be able to get one with a tower.

[06MCX15]

My experience with a Maristar is that it is a bit of a rough ride even in a little chop (my inlaws have one). We also tend to get swamped in it quite a bit if the driver is not careful (i.e. father in-law)! However, that is fixed by changing the nut behind the steering wheel I would say that you would be better off with a 205V. As far as looks, I think the 205V also wins.

[Jeff d]

My experience with a Maristar...

Ummm... Don't you own a MariStar 215 + a tower + ballast system + x series graphics?

[Jayhawk]

Any years to look for/stay away from?

And just because it was the last mastercraft I was in, what are the big differences from a 205V vs. a Maristar

A few good threads:

http://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=52647

http://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=15198

http://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=5337

[mzimme]

They make 205V Maristars. With the exception of the earlier years, Maristar is just a trim level. Usually maristars come without the tower, ballast, etc, but its the same "boat" so to speak.

[Wakerider16]

My understanding is that Maristar, Prostar, X-Star, X2 & X1 all from the 205 hull. As Mzimme said its all the trim packages that vary. My prostar came with tower, speakers, and center ballast. I plumbed in 2 ballast pumps with switches and made it look as close to factory as I could. pretty happy with the results and basically have an X-Star now.

[ibrokeit]

A few good threads:

http://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=52647

http://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=15198

http://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/...ead.php?t=5337

Wow.. That really makes it clear as mud! Haha. I have some reading to do for sure.Thanks for the awesome links.

[ibrokeit]

My understanding is that Maristar, Prostar, X-Star, X2 & X1 all from the 205 hull. As Mzimme said its all the trim packages that vary. My prostar came with tower, speakers, and center ballast. I plumbed in 2 ballast pumps with switches and made it look as close to factory as I could. pretty happy with the results and basically have an X-Star now.

Ok. That makes much more sense, and what I was starting to figure out from the above 3 links.

[j.robinson389]

This would fit the bill.

1999 205V w/ 330 hp LTR

http://jonesboro.craigslist.org/boa/4513407757.html

[Jayhawk]

I was in the same position as you last year. Spent several months reading this site and determined the 205v was the right boat for our family. We couldn't be happier with that choice. Happy reading