230 vs. X-30

[CAN'TSKI]

Tell your wife to give it some thought and ya'll can discuss it later. Then don't bring it back up until you pull the 230 up the driveway. That worked well for me, kindof. Its all good now.

[NautiDave07]

I referred a friend of mine to the mc dealer locally for and x 30 before the 230 came out. He has had numerous problems with his MC and has to fight the dealer to get them fixed. The main thing about this boat is the x 30 is a family cruiser that takes a lot of weight to get a decent wakeboard wake.. It was not built with hardcore wakeboard in mind. I have a 236 which is the same boat as the 230. This boat throws an incredible wake and the interior is very friendly with lots of storage. Also typical CC quality 2 seasons so far with no mechanical trouble at all.

[Nautiquehunter]

Open the engine hatch on both [ that should be enough said] look for the maintenance items you will have to check. The X30 handles like a tub especially when loaded I was told its a poor design .If you must buy
a MC check out the X15 . I just went through this I bought a Nautique. PCM is without a doubt
the best marine engine out there.

[kaikane]

As a former MC owner I can certainly empathize with the marketable brand MC has built. Sadly...I don't think they have made a quality boat in 10+ years. Sold my 94 ProStar 190 to finish college about 10 years ago. After getting married and having 3 little ones...i finally got back into a ski boat this summer. Drove just about every boat comprable to the 236...needless to say I can't personally imagine any other boat for fun+family. I was never a big CC fan until I got behind the 236 and all I can say is best purchase i have probably ever made. High quality, excellent performance and can be set up for any situation in a matter of minutes (cruising, wakeboarding, wakesurfing, skiing) it can do everything.

I get the wifey is all about the curb appeal of an MC but trust me, grab your sack and make the call on the Nautique, you will not be disappointed.

[kevfran99]

I get the wifey is all about the curb appeal of an MC but trust me, grab your sack and make the call on the Nautique, you will not be disappointed.

PDT_002 LMFAO!

[aarond0083]

If you're going to compare a MC boat to the 230 you should be looking at the X-35 rather than the X-30.

Having said that, I would still go with the 230 for all the reasons everyone have already stated. Quality and reliability with Nautique and PCM is second to none.

[Nautiquehunter]

If all that has been said hasn't convinced you try posting the same question on team MC forum.
You will be slammed ,ridiculed and insulted for having the gall to ask such a question.
CC owners are a much more fun group to be a part of.
Welcome to CC make sure you post pics of your new boat.

[jaybird]

When Mastercraft got into the competition water-ski market in the early 70’s I was skiing SE division AWSA and had the opportunity ride and ski behind some of the first tournament boats. When riding in the front seat you could see the rear flex, not a good feeling. Many of the MC boats produced in the early years had structural problems. It was discussed at that time among the AWSA community that Correct Craft hulls were hand laid woven glass and Mastercraft used the cheaper production methods of sprayed chopped glass. Does anyone know if these differences in production methods still exist today?

[BHog]

I have never been behind the 230. My very good friend as an 07 X30. Its a nice boat inside and out. He has had great service at his local Mastercraft dealer. However the wake sucks really bad. I mean we have tried several different weight set ups and cant get it right. Always seems like a portside wake rolls and washes. We have dumped so much wieght on the side to prevent it but still no luck. Im not bashing the boat, its a great boat but the wake reminds me of an I/o wake. Now the surf wake is awesome. Just make sure you ride behind both boats before you drop that much coin.

[kevfran99]

Now the surf wake is awesome. Just make sure you ride behind both boats before you drop that much coin.

really?????? I've be behind my friends x30 plenty of times and have seen just as good of a wake surf behind my 210! I'm not bashing the x30, it's a nice boat, but I won't ever own one!

[MileHiGuy]

This is old thread but does anybody have a direct comparison with the '12/'13 X30 and the 230? We like the layout of the 230 but I prefer the operation of a wake plate over the Hydo Gate. It's a little apples and oranges as I am comparing a near new 230 to a new X30 because I would go with the G23 if I was spending new 230 money.

Like the original poster, we are looking for a fun and large wakeboard wake (19-25 mph) and a solid surf wake good enough for 230 lbs riders.

[wakerider107]

I wouldnt mess with a new x30 for a while. the majority of the ones coming off the line are having hull issues (listing starboard while on plane no matter how its weighted). MC is going to start replacing new x30s soon.
the zft4 is an awesome tower, i like it better than the CC, but i still wouldnt trade my '12 230 for anything. awesome wake, awesome surf wake.