Boat Test: 2025 MasterCraft XStar 23

Overview

Since its introduction in the late ’90s, the MasterCraft XStar has left an immeasurable mark on wakeboarding, propelling the sport and its riders to unbelievable levels. For 2025, ­MasterCraft completely redesigned the XStar from the bottom up, but it’s now offered as a 23-footer, which we tested, and as a 25-footer. Performance, luxury, technology, fun and functionality have all been enhanced in major ways, taking the XStar to new heights.

Interior and Accessories

Take a look. This XStar not only looks different from any previous iterations, but from the rest of the MasterCraft lineup as well. Gone is the signature sheerline that dipped at the hip, just aft of the tower, and in its place is a look that is both sleeker and bolder. The tower too is all-new. Dubbed the Z100, it power-folds in a matter of seconds, and it’s designed to accentuate not only the exterior look of the XStar, but the interior as well, thanks to upholstered inlays. Speaking of that interior, throughout the boat, the stitching and SeaDek flooring feature a modern linear pattern that lends the XStar a vibe of its own. The seat cushions and upholstery are top-notch, providing ample comfort, while details such as built-in wireless chargers and sunglasses holders in the cubbies help elevate this boat. While previous iterations of the XStar were always known for on-water performance, this offering ­exudes luxury and refinement too.

For seating, the XStar has a new trick up its sleeve—or under its floor. Instead of the typical sliding rear bench, the XStar features what MasterCraft calls a “Murphy seat.” Lift the floor hatch, and a bench easily pulls up into the cockpit. Keep the backrests folded down, and they act as a tabletop for food and drinks. The best seats in the house though are at the transom, and they are easily accessible thanks to a new, cascading walk-through design. Two ­ultracomfy loungers sit on either side of the engine compartment and make for the perfect spot to sit back and relax.

Our test boat came with 26 total speakers: 10 cockpit speakers, four tower speakers, six transom speakers and six subs. The whole system—called MAAX for MasterCraft Aft Audio Experience—is impressive and can be individually controlled in seven separate zones, but the transom setup is unique unto itself. Simply put, audio for hanging out at the back of a boat doesn’t get better. 

The other best seat in the house is definitely the captain’s. It offers plush cushioning and powered fore/aft and vertical movements for a customized combination of visibility and comfort. From here, you command new tech in the form of the dual displays—a 15-inch panoramic center display paired with a 12-inch touchscreen to the right. The screens feature an all-new interface that is equal parts sleek and simple. Quick menu navigation and adjustments happen with just a finger tap or two. MasterCraft went further, adding the MyDrive rotary encoder, located right next to the throttle. This allows quick adjustments on the fly to the most used systems such as surf wave or speed control, all without needing to touch a screen. Got a system or setting you’re regularly accessing? Add it to the “favorites” button for the ultimate shortcut. Captains will also appreciate the ability to customize the center display and choose between the multitude of built-in cameras on the XStar: bow, tower, port stern and starboard stern.

Ballast 

When it comes to wakesurfing, the J shape that MasterCraft has long touted is more evident than ever behind the new XStar, meaning riders can get farther back and still have plenty of push. Much of this is also due to the XStar’s overall displacement, which comes in at 7,600 pounds of dry weight plus 3,850 pounds of ballast. If you’re wondering—and of course you are—that’s an identical total displacement to Nautique’s G23 Paragon. Thanks to SurfStar, the wave is easily adjusted to suit a variety of skill levels and preferences, and the display makes those adjustments even easier to navigate and understand. For wakeboarding, the wakes go from all-pro, when the ­ballast is full, to friendly and ­accommodating, which is great for beginners. Notably, the XStar delivers clean, consistent wakes, even at slower speeds (less than 20 mph), with little to no ballast, ensuring beginners a fun, approachable platform for learning to catch air.

If you’re shopping the all-new XStar against others in the market, the most likely comparison is Nautique’s G23 Paragon (seen advertised for $474,324 with a 630 hp PCM ZZ8 ­engine), which is also renowned for its luxury and wake/wave performance. Just a few inches shorter, it’s also rated for 16 passengers but carries 20 fewer gallons of fuel.

The most surprising aspect of the XStar might actually be the driving performance. As wakesports boats have grown and dwarfed their water-ski predecessors over the years, handling characteristics haven’t kept up. Thanks to its 6.2-liter supercharged Ilmor motor, the XStar delivers serious giddyap, and handling to boot. Throw it into a hard turn at speed, and it tracks and pivots in ways that are reminiscent of those older ski boats. More than anything though, the ample power ensures that the XStar gets on plane quickly, no matter the load or activity of the day.

The XStar was originally given its moniker as an ode to all things extreme, and wakeboarding was the new, cool “extreme” sport at the time. Now the “X” might have to stand for “extra.” If you’re in the market for the ultimate in luxury, styling, performance and fun, put the XStar high on your list.

Read Next: MasterCraft XT25

How We Tested

• Engine: Ilmor Supercharged 6.2L 630 hp
• Drive/Prop: V-drive/Acme 18″
• Gear Ratio: 2:1 Fuel Load: 43 gal. Crew Weight: 700 lb.

High Points

• Stern thruster integrated into the throttle makes maneuvering the XStar in tight quarters a breeze.
• Windshield walk-through utilizes friction hinges—no more worrying about slamming it!
• The wake and wave have to be experienced to be believed, and riders of all levels will love them.

Low Point

• A Bimini top was not available at the time of testing. Without one, board storage is minimal compared with other boats.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation