2019 Mastercraft X22 vs G21

[bandit628]

I have spent some time in/behind a G21. No experience on X22.

Just food for thought here. The G21 has been out for what 6 years now? The X22 only 2? So the G21 will have been a little more perfected I think and more user experience knowledge out there.

I own a 210. If I could get any boat out there I would get the G21. So much storage with the subfloor ballast. And the wake sends you.

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[mulde35d]

So I had an X2 previously (significantly smaller) and was also looking between the X22 and the G23. I ended up going with the G23 while a friend of mine went with the X22 (which I have done some riding in as well). The biggest differences I saw were as follows, but keep in mind these are purely my opinions and I was comparing against the G23 and not the G21:

- I felt the bow rise in all the mastercraft were more than the G series based on how the two boats make their wakes (but both were acceptable).
- The X series seam to plane and lean/tilt sideways to make their wake while the G series just plow through the water.
- The X22 seems to have more comfortable seats, but the G23 had more room and a better interior design.
- The G series have a step pad on the rear center seat so you don't beat up the vinyl every time you get in the boat. (my X2 vinyl got fairly torn up for this reason). This was actually a pretty significant factor in our decision.
- The rear facing transom seats on the X22 are deep and comfortable, but they eliminate your storage in the rear transom compartments.
- Interior storage on the G series is far superior to the Mastercraft (due to sub-floor ballast)
- The tower on the X series fold much smaller than the G, but we liked the G tower better for shade and usability
- The G series are simply much higher quality materials throughout the boat (small things like all seats on a hinge rather than removable seats).
- G series have the exhaust down pipe and no metal surf tabs near the edge of the platform to kick. The X2 beat me up a time or two.
- The G series wakeboard wake is better in my opinion (steep and crisp). Can't comment on surf as I haven't surfed them yet.
- The G series is a closed cooled engine vs open cooled X22 (unless you buy coastal edition). This is significant if you ever plan to use the boat in brackish or saltwater. If you get the coastal X22 then the price goes up significantly.
- X22 is 430hp while G23 is 450hp.
- X22 is about 30K cheaper than the G23 (actual purchase price comparison)

Hope this helps, but in the end they are both great boats for different reasons.

[greggmck]

So I had an X2 previously (significantly smaller) and was also looking between the X22 and the G23. I ended up going with the G23 while a friend of mine went with the X22 (which I have done some riding in as well). The biggest differences I saw were as follows, but keep in mind these are purely my opinions and I was comparing against the G23 and not the G21:

- I felt the bow rise in all the mastercraft were more than the G series based on how the two boats make their wakes (but both were acceptable).
- The X series seam to plane and lean/tilt sideways to make their wake while the G series just plow through the water.
- The X22 seems to have more comfortable seats, but the G23 had more room and a better interior design.
- The G series have a step pad on the rear center seat so you don't beat up the vinyl every time you get in the boat. (my X2 vinyl got fairly torn up for this reason). This was actually a pretty significant factor in our decision.
- The rear facing transom seats on the X22 are deep and comfortable, but they eliminate your storage in the rear transom compartments.
- Interior storage on the G series is far superior to the Mastercraft (due to sub-floor ballast)
- The tower on the X series fold much smaller than the G, but we liked the G tower better for shade and usability
- The G series are simply much higher quality materials throughout the boat (small things like all seats on a hinge rather than removable seats).
- G series have the exhaust down pipe and no metal surf tabs near the edge of the platform to kick. The X2 beat me up a time or two.
- The G series wakeboard wake is better in my opinion (steep and crisp). Can't comment on surf as I haven't surfed them yet.
- The G series is a closed cooled engine vs open cooled X22 (unless you buy coastal edition). This is significant if you ever plan to use the boat in brackish or saltwater. If you get the coastal X22 then the price goes up significantly.
- X22 is 430hp while G23 is 450hp.
- X22 is about 30K cheaper than the G23 (actual purchase price comparison)

Hope this helps, but in the end they are both great boats for different reasons.

Wow. A concise, fact based approach. How refreshing. Nicely done.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[nyryan2001]

Mastercraft still hasn't figured out what fresh air exhaust is.

they still love the 130db+ roar of a V8 and steamy exhaust in their face as they surf 11mph at 3800rpms. if that is your jam.. go buy a Mastercraft.

i do believe... that Mastercraft has a better dealer network than Nautique. You don’t hear about refused service and “you didn’t buy yer boat here” garbage with Mastercraft.

there are 2 A+ Nautique dealers id go to in a heartbeat.

There are 4 Nautique dealers (or ones that were Nautique) I’d never go to again. Either hack job service or unethical conduct.

[FireBreathingRubberDucky]

So I had an X2 previously (significantly smaller) and was also looking between the X22 and the G23. I ended up going with the G23 while a friend of mine went with the X22 (which I have done some riding in as well). The biggest differences I saw were as follows, but keep in mind these are purely my opinions and I was comparing against the G23 and not the G21:

- I felt the bow rise in all the mastercraft were more than the G series based on how the two boats make their wakes (but both were acceptable).
- The X series seam to plane and lean/tilt sideways to make their wake while the G series just plow through the water.
- The X22 seems to have more comfortable seats, but the G23 had more room and a better interior design.
- The G series have a step pad on the rear center seat so you don't beat up the vinyl every time you get in the boat. (my X2 vinyl got fairly torn up for this reason). This was actually a pretty significant factor in our decision.
- The rear facing transom seats on the X22 are deep and comfortable, but they eliminate your storage in the rear transom compartments.
- Interior storage on the G series is far superior to the Mastercraft (due to sub-floor ballast)
- The tower on the X series fold much smaller than the G, but we liked the G tower better for shade and usability
- The G series are simply much higher quality materials throughout the boat (small things like all seats on a hinge rather than removable seats).
- G series have the exhaust down pipe and no metal surf tabs near the edge of the platform to kick. The X2 beat me up a time or two.
- The G series wakeboard wake is better in my opinion (steep and crisp). Can't comment on surf as I haven't surfed them yet.
- The G series is a closed cooled engine vs open cooled X22 (unless you buy coastal edition). This is significant if you ever plan to use the boat in brackish or saltwater. If you get the coastal X22 then the price goes up significantly.
- X22 is 430hp while G23 is 450hp.
- X22 is about 30K cheaper than the G23 (actual purchase price comparison)

Hope this helps, but in the end they are both great boats for different reasons.

Talk about a great breakdown. My wife loves the Nautique and I'm still hung up on the X22. I'm taking the X22 out one more time on Wednesday and then making my decision. I actually placed a refundable deposit on the Nautique though, as I do love the boat and don't want it to sell while I'm trying to make up my mind.

[FireBreathingRubberDucky]

Update:

I took out a loaded 2019 Mastercraft X22 today. The surf wave was actually pretty incredible and highly customizable. The wakeboard wake had similar adjustability. I didn't love the factory preset for the advanced wakeboard mode but was able to make some adjustments and achieve a far steeper peak with much more pop (I'm a wakeboarder at heart and this is definitely my strength, though everyone else in the fam is favoring surfing and I'm moving in this direction to a degree). Then, with one click of a button my favorite wakeboard setting was saved. On the flip side the beginner setting was perfect for my kids for both wake and surf. I noticed the surf wave on the X22 was longer than the G21 as well. Ironically however, I called my Nautique dealer and now the G23 has entered the mix. This was frankly my dream boat but price at this point was a hindering factor (I just finished building a home), though it may not be now....I'll know more tomorrow. The G23 was my 5 year plan but this may come to fruition much sooner. The color of the X22 was gorgeous and the premium sound system with the speakers in the dash really added to the experience. This was a significant upgrade compared to the first X22 I tested. I did like that I could stop the X22 with ballast tanks full and not worry about water coming over the stern, which was a small issue with the X22. The X22 handled rough water better and didn't have any water come over the bow after I churned things up and drove straight through some pretty gnarly waves without a problem. Bow rise is still an issue for my wife, particularly when going against the river current, however a trusted colleague pointed out some lead (technically not lead at all) in the bow can help with this. The G21 has more storage for sure but I'm not sure that's enough to overcome the other good things about the X22. It's a bigger boat obviously and handles rough water quite well. The only thing that would change my mind at this juncture is the G23. We shall see.

[swatguy]

I’ve been in a G21 a good chunk of time. Only been on an X22 twice . I am more of wakeboard first guy , then a surf guy . So my reviews would be based on that.

Hands down the G21 wakeboard wake As Farsi much more appealing. It’s firm and poppy, lots of kick. While x22 wake is respectable , it just lacks the kick and pop , It’s more of a smooth transition and a lack luster release. This is all personal preference, but in my opinion the G21 wakeboard wake is more along the lines of what a pro caliber wake is considered these days.

As far as surf waves , I would argue the X22 surf wave shape is more of the “norm” . It has a longer pocket worth a much smoother consistent push. The G21 surf wake is much steeper it has ton of push but depending on where you are on the wave that amount of push changes more significantly . It takes a lot less effort behind the G to pump the wave due to the steepness , but you also have little less wave to work with. I feel like I have to concentrate more behind the G21 to really ride more back foot heavy when transitioning down the face.

The biggest advantage the G21 has is its lack of bow rise , weather wakeboarding or surfing the X22 rides bow high. The overall driving experience behind the G21 in my opinion is just more relaxed and mellow. The G21 is cake to sit behind the helm and drive all day for my wife as well as myself. She’s comfortable and has no issues with view. The boat gets to plane with significantly less rise than an x22. The x22 on start up makes you have to adjust and even while getting to the target surf speed still requires effort to concentrate over the dash . The Gen 2 system on MC’s gives a much different driver experience than the NSS system on Nautique. The MC boats still lean every so slightly and turning while surfing the boat will roll a little. If your doing transitions at all the Gen 2 boat shift is noticeable The G21 just rolls through the water completely level. Even in turns and transitions it seems to stay level.

Cruising across heavy chop the X22 wins. They advantage of the little higher ride means the chop spray tends to bypass you. However on the G21 we’ve gotten wet on some some occasional rough days.

The G21 storage is awesome. The accessibility and the overall depth and compartments are huge. You give up good portion of trunk space with the rear facing lounge seats on the X22



The G21 owner and myself have been driving comp boats for 30yrs. Both of us a completion drivers throughout those years , even we still have an occasional over the back walkway on the G21. It’s not a regular event by any means for us , but it’s worth noting it can happen .

The sound system in the G’s is far superior and more customizable than the Klipsch “closed” MC systems that are all pre tuned and offer next to zero personal adjustment.

Lastly while I like the looks of the G21 tower better , the tower design and placement does give the rear passengers a bit of an obstructed view for cruising the lake . The mounts that house the shocks and hardware are pretty substantial. The X22 tower seems to go more unnoticed.


Overall two quality boats. My personal opinions , the X22 looks sexier and just has an aura of wow to it. It has more sweeping lines on the exterior and interior that really draw attention to the boat. I like the look of the G21 tower better as I feel it just completes the style of the boat. I prefer the interior access and setup of the G21 as well as the wakeboard wake. I prefer the x22 surf wave. I absolutely love the helm on the G21. Nautique’s driver seat and helm setup just makes me feel like I am in a lazy boy all day. The ergonomics just fit me better. It’s hard to describe , but I just feel so much more relaxed and in control in the G21 . I feel like when I drive the X22 I never really fall into that comfort zone.

[swatguy]

Update:

I took out a loaded 2019 Mastercraft X22 today. The surf wave was actually pretty incredible and highly customizable. The wakeboard wake had similar adjustability. I didn't love the factory preset for the advanced wakeboard mode but was able to make some adjustments and achieve a far steeper peak with much more pop (I'm a wakeboarder at heart and this is definitely my strength, though everyone else in the fam is favoring surfing and I'm moving in this direction to a degree). Then, with one click of a button my favorite wakeboard setting was saved. On the flip side the beginner setting was perfect for my kids for both wake and surf. I noticed the surf wave on the X22 was longer than the G21 as well. Ironically however, I called my Nautique dealer and now the G23 has entered the mix. This was frankly my dream boat but price at this point was a hindering factor (I just finished building a home), though it may not be now....I'll know more tomorrow. The G23 was my 5 year plan but this may come to fruition much sooner. The color of the X22 was gorgeous and the premium sound system with the speakers in the dash really added to the experience. This was a significant upgrade compared to the first X22 I tested. I did like that I could stop the X22 with ballast tanks full and not worry about water coming over the stern, which was a small issue with the X22. The X22 handled rough water better and didn't have any water come over the bow after I churned things up and drove straight through some pretty gnarly waves without a problem. Bow rise is still an issue for my wife, particularly when going against the river current, however a trusted colleague pointed out some lead (technically not lead at all) in the bow can help with this. The G21 has more storage for sure but I'm not sure that's enough to overcome the other good things about the X22. It's a bigger boat obviously and handles rough water quite well. The only thing that would change my mind at this juncture is the G23. We shall see.

I would add that yes some weight will help a touch with the bow rise , it won’t make a significant difference to eliminate the issue , MC’s tend just ride high while surfing . And no amount of lead will change that.

[Cpan13]

If a G23 is in the picture then you have your answer.

[scottb7]

For me the deciding factor was the bow rise. My wife had to be able to drive the boat comfortably.

[FireBreathingRubberDucky]

Long story short, a lot has changed in the last 24-hours. I'm going with the G23. Got a great deal from a good dealer and couldn't say no. It's the boat I really wanted anyhow, so things worked out!

[hal2814]

Congratulations! I don’t think you would’ve been unhappy with any of them but I’m glad you got what you wanted.

[scottb7]

Long story short, a lot has changed in the last 24-hours. I'm going with the G23. Got a great deal from a good deal and couldn't say know. It's the boat I really wanted anyhow, so things worked out!

I love how you say, "a lot has changed in last 24-hours"...ha. For you it has. But those of us on this forum have heard your story lot's of times....enjoy...

[BoatGuy2019]

For me the deciding factor was the bow rise. My wife had to be able to drive the boat comfortably.

Same here. Loved a lot about the x22, but when your boat rides like a boner, then for me it’s time to look elsewhere.


Sent from my iPhone using the force of my 2019 G23

[BoatGuy2019]

woman at my dock has an x22. she has had nothing but problems with it. seems like every time she goes out, there is a problem. this is her second one. Master Craft took the first one back. not saying that can't happen with any brand, but....

Happened with me on my first, brand new Nautique that I bought in 2017. Buxton, PCM and Nautique all chipped in to take in back and replace my boat with a new one. Still rolling in a Nauti, just confirming what you’re saying... it can happen with any brand.


Sent from my iPhone using the force of my 2019 G23