Anyone consider / ride in X-star S?

[FOB1SAN]

I know its not a G or a Paragon, but I am looking for a 2nd boat. Anyone consider this in your purchase process? Any particular reason you liked or didnt like it?

[Cpan13]

X-Star (non S) would be my second choice of boat for sure. I would definitely own one if I was in a situation where two boats made sense.

Good
-Ilmor engines are great
-fit and finish on par with Nautique
-really like their tower design
-more comfortable seating
-cool touch vinyl
-clamping racks
-fast fill ballast
-better transom seats

Bad
-much less storage space
-not as attractive (personal opinion)
-screens are less intuitive (maybe because I’m used to Linc)
-must run boat to fill ballast
-surf system not as nice as NSS
-lots of bow rise

[XBIGPUN66]

My buddy's x23 has a pretty sick surf wave tho...

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

[bird_dog0347]

While I understand having more than one boat, I guess my first question is how do you intend to use it? If you already have the Paragon, why get another surf style boat? My uncle has his Pontoon boat in the slip next to our P23 so if we want to just go out and cruise or go to the islands and chill we can take that, but if we want to do water sports we that the Nautique.

Or do you want to keep them on two different lakes and be able to use them for the same things without moving them around?

[Wayward]

X-Star (non S) would be my second choice of boat for sure. I would definitely own one if I was in a situation where two boats made sense.

Good
-Ilmor engines are great
-fit and finish on par with Nautique
-really like their tower design
-more comfortable seating
-cool touch vinyl
-clamping racks
-fast fill ballast
-better transom seats

Bad
-much less storage space
-not as attractive (personal opinion)
-screens are less intuitive (maybe because I’m used to Linc)
-must run boat to fill ballast
-surf system not as nice as NSS
-lots of bow rise

I have a '22 S..... And I would have to agree with you that the regular XStar would be the better choice. Last boat was a 2020 XStar, and I really miss the rear storage in the regular one. I found that, while it wasnt quite as much storage as my G's were, the good sized rear compartments and the rest of the storage was more than I needed. It annoys me that I have to constantly ask people to get up to access compartments in the S (it does at least have a life jacket compartment at the back still). If I order another XStar, it will likely be the regular one next time.

I can't really agree with a lot of your "Bad" stuff..... but a lot of that is probably more related to being used to running it.

-much less storage space - Completely agree 100%.
-not as attractive (personal opinion) - I actually feel the complete opposite, and am not a fan of the looks of the G/P, but looks are subjective.
-screens are less intuitive (maybe because I’m used to Linc) - When I switched back and forth, I found it was a pain, but feel both systems are good once used to them.
-must run boat to fill ballast - Only applies to 2018s. You don't have to run when filling/emptying 2019-2022. That said, if you are running while filling/emptying a 2018-2019 without high output alternator, you are supposed to keep RPMs under 1500. 2020 and newer with high output alternator can be run any way you like while filling/emptying. And can also be filled/emptied with engine off.
-surf system not as nice as NSS -NSS is certainly a fantastic system, and I would say it is the best overall engineered of any surf system. That said, the MC system has far more adjustability than even the latest NSS version. Is that giant range of waves needed?? Well.... I don't necessarily think so, but I suppose it is nice to have. All of that said, MCs surf system is better on 2020+ than the earlier models, especially 2022s with the new surfstar system. With hugely better actuators and position sensing coming back, the system is fantastic.
-lots of bow rise - This is one I could be on either side of. Pretty much every boat has more bow rise than a G/P while surfing. I always loved that, until the wind picked up and the dreaded spray takes over. The Star has more rise than the G, but I am only 5'8" and I do not have to bolster up while surfing. It is one of the very few boats I drive that I can just sit in the seat normal and tow. Compared to everything else out there, I don't feel like it is a lot. I also feel like it is a great compromise for an average height individual to be able to easily drive without bolstering up while surfing......all while not getting a ton of spray on windy days. The X22 on the other hand...... I would consider that to have lots of bow rise.


My bad with the XStar/XStar S
-Windsheild frame is too short. While you can see well when towing, the top rail is right in the way while idling along. Wish they'd do the same windshield as the X models.
- Lack of storage in the S
-Lack of in-floor cooler
-Stereo has gotten better, and the premium+ system is more than enough....... Still wish it was back to JL though.

[Kenv]

While I understand having more than one boat, I guess my first question is how do you intend to use it? If you already have the Paragon, why get another surf style boat? My uncle has his Pontoon boat in the slip next to our P23 so if we want to just go out and cruise or go to the islands and chill we can take that, but if we want to do water sports we that the Nautique.

Or do you want to keep them on two different lakes and be able to use them for the same things without moving them around?

Bird…maybe the pontoon already IS the other boat…..saw this.

[Tchur1]

I currently own a 2020 Xstar and tend to agree with everything Wayward outlined. I have never had an issue with storage but we have a non S model with full rear compartments. If the rear loungers are a must for you then just keep that in mind, its a bit less practical.

I also prefer the MC system to NSS because we have a super wide skillset with the people that come with us. Its easier to mellow the wave way down for beginners IMO compared to the G/Paragon.

I really like both boats but the only other thing I would note is that the XStar feels more "open" when in the cockpit. Idk if this makes any sense but with the Paragon tower design and bimini always out it feels like your in a much more enclosed space vs the Xstar tower which is less invasive. We dont have the bimini out often so I might be an anomaly here but its just a personal preference/feel thing that we prefer in the MC.

Cant go wrong either way.

[FOB1SAN]

Bird…maybe the pontoon already IS the other boat…..saw this.

I always get a new boat. But the new Paragon pricing has past the ridiculous point. So I was thinking about getting a different boat and keeping this one. Doesnt really matter what I am doing. But I appreciate those that answered the question. Im getting a X24.

[bird_dog0347]

I agree on the pricing, we got a good deal on ours with the discounts when they were still decent, so could make a decent profit if we trade but the MSRP has gone WAY up and unless the 2023 P23 has some significant redesign I don't see us making the jump.

[Kenv]

No worries FOB….I was just showing Bird that your Paragon was for sale. I would definitely say you can’t go wrong with certain models of the big 3…Nautique…MC…Malibu. Good luck with the MasterCraft. That would be my second choice for sure.

[bird_dog0347]

Yeah, I saw it on the Gram as well... the comments there are funny, bunch of haters that have no idea he's had multiple Paragons.