700 hour boat questions...

[freeheeler88]

I’m looking to upgrade out of our xt21 to a bigger boat. Kids are growing, were taking more people frequently, and use our boat around 150 hours a season, including winter. I’m still pretty up in the air about which boats, but my dealer has a 20 xstar with 700 hours in very nice condition. I like the colors and options. Conventionally I would not entertain the idea of a boat with that many hours but was starting roll it around. I am not certain of what sort of warranty may be purchased with it if any, or any service contracts, etc. I will likely keep this next boat for about 4 more years or so. I also find it hard to wrap my head around owning such a boat without basic warranty. Anyway, am I crazy to even think about a boat with that many hours?!
Also looking at xt23 and x22. Xstar is about as big as i can go. We surf mostly but do some skiing and wakeboarding as well.
Thoughts and insights appreciated.

[kvw4x4]

Would this boat happen to be a blue/purple flake color?

[freeheeler88]

Navy blue with blue flake, tan interior silver accents.

[MasterCraft Ranger]

Even if you just do a little skiing, I would recommend the XT23 (or XT22 if you want a wide bow).


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[kvw4x4]

Navy blue with blue flake, tan interior silver accents.

This boat is from the boarding school in Orlando. If it comes with a warranty I wouldn’t be worried at all. Travis is top notch and takes great care of his boats. Some cool shots of it on Theboardingschools Instagram page.

[freeheeler88]

That looks like the one. I think its a pretty boat for sure. I need to see about what sort of warranty may be part of the deal.
I do like the xt23, still kind of partial to the traditional bow. I know the Xstar and xt23 are fairly different boats and part of this decision will come down to price as well.

[JohnE]

I wouldn't get the Star if you plan to ski. I had the pickle fork in my XT22 and just couldn't get used to it. I prefer the traditional bow.

[btriantos]

I’m looking to upgrade out of our xt21 to a bigger boat. Kids are growing, were taking more people frequently, and use our boat around 150 hours a season, including winter. I’m still pretty up in the air about which boats, but my dealer has a 20 xstar with 700 hours in very nice condition. I like the colors and options. Conventionally I would not entertain the idea of a boat with that many hours but was starting roll it around. I am not certain of what sort of warranty may be purchased with it if any, or any service contracts, etc. I will likely keep this next boat for about 4 more years or so. I also find it hard to wrap my head around owning such a boat without basic warranty. Anyway, am I crazy to even think about a boat with that many hours?!
Also looking at xt23 and x22. Xstar is about as big as i can go. We surf mostly but do some skiing and wakeboarding as well.
Thoughts and insights appreciated.

With today’s modern engines, I would less worried about hours. How is the boat? Does it look like it was properly cared for, well maintained? If there are signs of gel coat neglect, interior neglect, then chances are they neglected proper oil changes or other engine maintenance. But, if the boat looks brand new and well cared for, I wouldn’t mind seriously looking at a boat with 700 hours. The designs and testing that these ilmor engines go through, chances are it will run for while. This is just my two bits


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[Bouyhead]

With today’s modern engines, I would less worried about hours. How is the boat? Does it look like it was properly cared for, well maintained? If there are signs of gel coat neglect, interior neglect, then chances are they neglected proper oil changes or other engine maintenance. But, if the boat looks brand new and well cared for, I wouldn’t mind seriously looking at a boat with 700 hours. The designs and testing that these ilmor engines go through, chances are it will run for while. This is just my two bits


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Agreed. I refurbed an old ski club boat with over 2000 hours years ago, it's still running strong. If the drivetrain was properly maintained i wouldn't give it a second thought. But the price has to reflect the hours. Most people shy away from high hour boats and it might hurt your resale later on if you don't plan on keeping the boat.

[bturner2]

The 700 hours now is not what would concern me, it's the 600 you say you'll put on it in the next 4 years. By that time you'll have 1300 hours which is a lot for any boat. Sure you'll get the guys that are going to say that motor will go 3000 hours and wouldn't hesitate to buy a high hour boat but they themselves never do (with the exception of Bouyhead apparently), they just say that.

There's also a big difference between a ski tug from the 90s and a surf ship of today. The big difference being it's not just the motor that will have high hours. The pumps, interior and all the other components will also have those hours as well. If it has displays, heated seats and other toys those too will have those hours. I have no clue if there are any options to add warranty to a 700 hour boat but if I were in that business I wouldn't offer one or if I did the cost of the warranty would be in line with the risk which is high.

Another thought would be on resale. If you buy new and keep the boat for the 4 years you project the new boat will have 600 hours. This will still be a high hour boat for the year but still less than the 700 hours on the one you're looking at. There will still be much more value and a market for that 600 hour boat than a 1300 hour boat that you'll probably be giving away by comparison.

For most people doing 30 - 40 hour a season buying a 700 hour boat wouldn't be that bad of a deal. The 150 hours per year you plan to put on the boat are what raise the red flags for me.

[freeheeler88]

Thanks for all the great input. Yah I had pondered on the same issue of what the boat would be worth after i put another 600 ish hours on it! They’re asking 139k for it. I just called on a left over new 20 xstar which had an original msrp of 231 and were selling it for 163 apparently, just for reference.
Screens and pumps and so forth do worry me down the road that far for sure...

[Tookeymonster]

Also I believe that since it was used at boarding school that will void the warranty.

On the other hand for reference the X22 has the same amount of cabin room and seats the same amount as the x23. The x23 is an amazing boat, but you will be much more impressed with the surf wave of the x22 and thats what it sounds like you mostly do.

[freeheeler88]

Ive been behind an xt23, nxt’s and my son has been behind an x22 and x24, which he said were obviously great surf waves for sure. I have not be behind an xstar ever. My dealer is great and will demo anything he can for me.

[bturner2]

Holy cow I had no idea they had broke $200K. I thought the Paragon was the only one going near the $250s. Dang, I'm no where near that kind of money. I'd hate to get stuck with something like that if gas goes to $5 a gallon again and the market drys up again. But then again I guess its a lot like buying a Bentley or a Ferrari, if you need to ask about insurance rates or MPG you shouldn't be looking at it anyway.

[MIskiboat]

A few yrs ago The ski school boats came with “commercial” warranty which was similar but a bit less than std.
this is past that in hours so I’d guess no warranty.
For that much $, I’d spend a bit more and get the leftover new boat and have some warranty coverage and way better resale. (600 hrs vs 1300).
Good problem to have. Enjoy.