MasterCraft has a reputation for shattering paradigms. The introduction of the popular X-Series wakeboard boats - including the best-selling X-Star, towboat of the X Games -- is evidence of that. However, MasterCraft broke away from industry pattern again last year by introducing the MariStar 245 and 280 Saltwater Series (SS) line of boats, wowing the static stern-drive market and forcing competitors to cobble something together in response. Unable to rest on its laurels, MasterCraft has grown its SS line from two boats to five for 2006, with the new MariStar 200 SS, MariStar 230 SS, MariStar 245 SS, MariStar 280 SST and the X-Star SS, the first true wakeboard boat made for saltwater!
"MasterCraft boats are seeing more action in saltwater, as inland skiers, wakeboarders and water sports enthusiasts relocate closer to coastal markets," says Parker Stair, National Sales Manager. "Traditional saltwater boats just don't have the same towing characteristics as we do, so it's only natural that MasterCraft would equip these boats with the most saltwater-friendly components available.
"The SS line offers a choice of Crusader 330 hp, 375 hp or 425 hp GM Vortec engines. The MariStar 280 SST offers a choice of twin Crusader 5.7 liter, 330 hp engines, or 6.0 liter, 375 hp engines. All of the SS engines are fresh-water cooled, protected with premium multi-coat non-corrosive paint and come with composite motor mounts.
But MasterCraft did not just slap a "saltwater" engine in their current line and declare these boats saline worthy. Instead they spent hundreds of hours offshore in Florida testing components like stainless steel gas shocks, hydraulic steering, fully sealed wiring, sacrificial anodes, raw water strainers and the Crusader engines in the roughest conditions to ensure MasterCraft is able to carry their solid reputation into this market.
"About 15% of our customers take their MasterCrafts on saltwater," says Ken Bernard, Cope McPhetres Marine, Seattle, Washington. "MasterCraft has always used premium components in the boats, so corrosion hasn't been a huge issue. Nevertheless, the SS line will increase the lifespan of vulnerable parts and help maintain MasterCraft's excellent reputation for premium resale-ability. We're excited about offering the Saltwater line to our customers."

There are few things in life that give a grown man goosebumps like the growl of V8 power dressed up in black and stainless steel. MasterCraft celebrates over two decades of partnership with Indmar Marine Engines by offering its most complete line of Vortec engines in history in 2006. • Where most competitive base engine offerings are still carbureted, all MasterCraft engines are once again standard with multiport fuel injection and second generation Digital Throttle Control technology, making your boating experience easier, safer, and more reliable than ever. Our torque-filled RTP-1 (310 hp), steady and strong MCX (350 hp), bullet-proof LQ9 (385 hp), and meaty L-18 (450 hp) are the backbone of a lineup that earned Indmar the industry’s highest Customer Satisfaction Award in the Ski/Wake category in 2005. Grrrrrrr.

THE EASILY ACCESSIBLE OPEN BOW ON THE 245 IS MADE DEEP FOR SAFE, COMFY SEATING; THE OPTIONAL FILLER CUSHION LETS YOU ADD MORE PEOPLE TO YOUR BEACH PARTY.

THE OPTIONAL 10-GALLON TANK ALLOWS FOR A FRESHWATER WASHDOWN OF YOUR BOAT, YOUR CREW AND YOUR GEAR.

MASTERCRAFT SET A TREND BY BUILDING AN INBOARD DESIGNED TO HOLD LOADS OF PEOPLE, MAKING THIS BOAT THE PREFERRED TOW CRAFT AMONG ALL YOUR BEACHFRONT FRIENDS.

SNAP IN THE WALK-THROUGH PAD TO CREATE A ‘FLOATING MATTRESS’ WHERE LOUNGING AND NAPPING CAN HAPPEN.