2006 Air Nautique 220 vs 2006 Mastercraft X-Star

[cifly2002]

Hi All,

I was wondering what you all thought of these 2 boats. Assuming both have the same number of hours and cost the same amount, which would you prefer and why?

Thanks in advance.

Joey

[swc5150]

I will go out on a limb, and say that the members of this forum would prefer the 220:-) I prefer PCM engines to Indmar. Our family, in total, has owned 8 MC's and 5 CC's. Zero issues with PCM motors and trannys. Indmar, numerous goofy little issue, plus a couple biggies. I also simply prefer the company values and history of CC. I would suggest driving both and let the 220 sell itself. I can't put it into words, but you'll feel the difference at the helm.

[cifly2002]

I am so thankful for your 2 cents. You have made my decision a bit easier

I will go out on a limb, and say that the members of this forum would prefer the 220:-) I prefer PCM engines to Indmar. Our family, in total, has owned 8 MC's and 5 CC's. Zero issues with PCM motors and trannys. Indmar, numerous goofy little issue, plus a couple biggies. I also simply prefer the company values and history of CC. I would suggest driving both and let the 220 sell itself. I can't put it into words, but you'll feel the difference at the helm.

[jdaydoc]

Xstar wakeboarding wake more consistent-but would demo to see what you prefer
PCM>indmar
220 surf>>>Xstar surf

[cifly2002]

Which for surfing?

Xstar wakeboarding wake more consistent-but would demo to see what you prefer
PCM>indmar
220 surf>>>Xstar surf

[aarond0083]

X-Star with weight has one of the best wakeboarding wakes in the business. Even the most biased Nautique owner can't argue with that. It does not produce a good wave for wakesurfing though. If surfing is high on your list the 220 has a huge edge over the X-Star.

[aussie_naut]

the x-star is very small in the cockpit and needs alot of weight to be good but altimatly has more wake potential than a 220. the 220 will be alot nicer to drive and much better interior. a X-Star actually has a smaller interior than a 210. the x-star is great when fully loaded and going in a strait line, every other time go the 220. and yeah PCM>Indmar.

[cifly2002]

You are all filling my head with so much knowledge and I want to thank every one of you. It's a big purchase as far as toys go so I really appreciate it. I'll let you all know what I end up with and post pictures.

[Miljack]

I'll chime in a little, spent only two sets behind an Xstar, but it was back to back with a 230, so a good comparison for me. The Star is very small in the main cabin, in my opinion, smaller than a 210. The wake was similar to the 230 (no ballast, only 6/7 people riding in the boat), but I preferred the 230's wake, a little better lip at the top. I could also tell by how they both turned in a tight area, that the 230 handles better than the Star.
Interior cushions were firmer, more supportive on the 230, and honestly, the cushions in the Star felt "mushy" if that makes sense.
I agree with those who have posted about a tourney loaded Star, they can put out a huge wake, but you'll need about 4000 pounds to get there.

[Nautiquehunter]

Before i bought my 210 I was test driving a 2008 X15 when I noticed a loaded XStar pulling a wake boarder . When the boarder fell the driver backed off on the throttle when the wave hit the back of the boat it rocked the rear up and front down. Then I saw the boat nose dive and take on a bunch of not so clean water. I asked the salesman about it and he said its normal to take on water when you fully load them?
I know you can get a great wake without so much ballast in a Nautique and the dont noise dive and take on water. Plus all that extra weight translates to extra gas to move it.

[Texan1554]

Taking water over the nose is completely the driver's fault not the boats. Yes, the bow drops in those X-Stars but it's still on the driver. I've spent a lot of time behind wheel and riding an 07 x-star.

jdaydoc got it right on...

Wakeboarding = X-Star
Surfing = 220
Engine, fit feel = Nautique

You just gotta go get in one. The Star is an amazing boat, and I think a few folks here over told the weight needed. 07 X-star with stock plus 1200-1500#'s is a pretty amazing wake that unless you are throwing mobe 5's + is very suitable. I never really liked the 220's wake but that's a very personal thing. The boat itself... it's a nautique it is what it is... quality.

[HS]

Before i bought my 210 I was test driving a 2008 X15 when I noticed a loaded XStar pulling a wake boarder . When the boarder fell the driver backed off on the throttle when the wave hit the back of the boat it rocked the rear up and front down. Then I saw the boat nose dive and take on a bunch of not so clean water. I asked the salesman about it and he said its normal to take on water when you fully load them?
I know you can get a great wake without so much ballast in a Nautique and the dont noise dive and take on water. Plus all that extra weight translates to extra gas to move it.

I have seen what Hunter is referring to for myself, but my guess iS that it was due to some sacs placed on the bow seats...
We went to see the pro wake series event last summer in Monroe, WA and they were using a couple X Stars. The bow tonneau cover was on and I assume it covered some sacs because the bow rode really low as they would idle around. From where we were sitting it looked like the froth of the bow wake at idle was just inches from the top of the pickle forks. The bow rose up under more throttle, but coming off throttle, the driver was extremely careful not to dip the nose, which is why I assume the bow was heavily ballasted under the cover. When a rider would fall it seemed like he would back the boat off plane over a long distance to make sure he didn't dip the nose, and some times he did get a wash on over the tonneau. Mind you that was a Pro event and not every day riding, so your experience may vary! I have not test driven an X Star for myself although there was a dark blue one consigned at the local MC dealer just this fall, but it had been ridden hard (physical damage to boot) and put away wet, so I didn't look any further, but had it not been trashed and overpriced I probably would have checked it out.