Boat Test: 2024 MasterCraft XT25

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Overview

The XT line of boats from MasterCraft is one of the builder’s most popular, largely because of the many customization choices. Now MasterCraft brings back the biggest: the 25-foot XT25. Boasting room for 18, a robust 92-gallon fuel tank, and the comfort and performance for which ­MasterCraft is acclaimed, the XT25 is a must-see for buyers seeking a big V-drive watersports boat.

As mentioned, the XT line can be tweaked and adjusted to accommodate a variety of budgets and preferences. Add on nearly every option, and an XT25 comes close to the specs found in the higher-level X series. Conversely, keep the options trimmed back, and buyers can still get signature MasterCraft styling and performance while keeping the overall cost of acquisition lower. One of the biggest of those options, physically and visually, is the tower. MasterCraft offers three: the Z6, Z8 and Z10. 

The Z6—standard on all models—comes with clamping board racks and now also offers the option to upgrade to power board racks. 

The Z8 tower—an upgrade on XStar S, X and XT models—comes with options for black or silver tower legs; black, titanium or silver tubes; and silver or black clamping board racks. It also features patent-pending Hydro-Lock technology, making it one of the easiest manual towers to operate that we’ve tested.

Our test model featured the powered Z10 tower, which quickly and easily lowered at the push of a button. Clamping board racks are standard, and the oversize Bimini shade features wakesurf- and foil-board storage both above and below. Customize the Z8 and Z10 with colored inlays to add a unique look to your boat

Interior and Accessories

Of course, the calling card of the XT25 is its size. With 3,200 pounds of ballast and room for 18 family and friends, the XT25 stands large and ready for you and your whole crew to have loads of fun on the water. MasterCraft’s SurfStar system, along with its included factory presets—which now include settings for beginner and advanced wake-foil riding—can have you up and riding in no time. The built-in Rapid Surf software allows for quick, intuitive adjustments to the wakesurf waves, where riders can choose from seven different settings between mellow and steep. An intuitive diagram of a wave on the display at the helm makes it even easier to ­understand how changes you make to the ­settings will affect the characteristics of the wave. It’s easy to transition from a brand-new rider to a pro, all with a couple of finger taps on the display. Riders will be stoked to find a large, clean wave that offers a great transition and tons of push; once a perfect wave is dialed in, the rider can save all the settings to their own custom preset.  

All the space aboard the XT25 leaves plenty of room for passengers and gear. Storage is ample throughout, including some cool, new webbed baskets that hang in the bays on each side of the engine—great for letting wet ropes and life jackets drip down and not get in the boat. ­MasterCraft’s upholstery is tops for comfort, with plush padding and solid stitching. The ­convertible rear bench is one of the easiest to operate in the segment—simply pull up from the top with an integrated handle and allow the bench to flip into place. The attention to detail continues with the scalloped seatbacks at the rear of the wraparound area, which add comfort and a high-end look. Opt for the CoolFeel interior, and upholstery temperatures stay lower, even on hot summer days, thanks to the high-tech vinyl used in the upholstery. In the lounge area, cellphone-holder trays are purposely placed above the inset cup holders to keep them out of the sun—and the trays can be optioned with wireless-charging capabilities. At the transom, comfy seat pads above the swim platform are standard, and flip-up backrests can be added to make it a great lounge area. The swim platform itself can also be optioned with a flip-down step, to make for much easier boarding.

Every system on board the XT25 is quickly and easily controlled from the helm, whether you opt for the dual-screen setup—featuring an 11-inch touchscreen to the captain’s right and a 12-inch display above the steering wheel—or go with the standard 7-inch touchscreen. One nice touch from MasterCraft is that even with the large touchscreen, there are still soft-touch analog switches to the side for added convenience and redundancy if ever needed.

Read Next: MasterCraft NXT23

Shop the XT25 against the Malibu 25 LSV ($207,232 starting MSRP), which has a much different look than the lines of the MasterCraft, but is a fellow 25-footer with room for 18 and lots of options.

Overall, the return of the XT25 to the ­MasterCraft line is a great option for buyers who like the look of a traditional bow, want as much room and comfort as possible, and prefer ­customizing their boat through a variety of optional upgrades. Of course, the killer endless waves and fun times on the water come ­standard.

How We Tested

• Engine: Ilmor 6.2L GDI 430 hp/470 lb.-ft. torque
• Drive/Prop: V-drive/Acme 16.5″ x 17″ 4-blade nibral
• Gear Ratio: 2:1 Fuel Load: 88 gal. Crew Weight: 370 lb.

High Points

• The XT25 is equipped with telematics, so owners can monitor the boat’s vitals and location through the MasterCraft Connect app, as well as remotely switch off the battery.
• Optional dual-screen display makes navigating the XT25’s functions a breeze.
• Klipsch audio throughout, along with four speakers on the tower, provide killer audio experience.

Low Points

• Rear-facing bench doesn’t offer multiple positions like several competitors do.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 MasterCraft XT25 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Source: https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/2024-mastercraft-xt25-boat-test/