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MasterCraft XStar 23/25... "ParaStar"
https://www.mastercraft.com/boats/xstar-23/
Somewhat surprised this topic hasn't been brought up yet that I've seen. MC basically copied the Paragon 23 and 25 models for the redesigned XStar. It's very easy to see all the similarities! I had a chance to look at one yesterday in Birmingham... First impression was I like it aesthetically more than the older model. Not hard too considering I mostly like the Pagagon design. I do think it's odd MC and their owners always spoke so highly of their interior being superior to Nautique with it's ergonomics, and yet now it's the same squared off, blocky design of Nautique. Really there isn't anywhere you look at this boat and not see Nautique's design influence! Tower speakers, dash, interior, stereo sub design in the transom, windshield frame, rear seating! Even the MC salespeople I talked with called it the "ParaStar". The center backwards facing seat design was different though... at first I didn't think it had one till I noticed the tracks leading down to the floor. They store it under the floor in a compartment when not used. Odd design considering it takes up a lot of room, which means no underfloor cooler like Nautique. In fact the only cooler I saw was a small cooler under the seat behind the driver... not nearly large enough for a day on the water with multiple people! Notably... that seat is an option it looks like.
Overall the storage felt smaller all over the boat with possible exception in the bow. In fact the boat overall felt smaller inside after getting in a P23 at the show. The boat dimensions are the same, the XStar just feels smaller. I didn't see mention anywhere at the show of engine though, and the website doesn't say either, but it looked like a 6.2L supercharged engine similar to the ZZ8S from Nautique. I will say it was tight... Working on the engine will not be fun at all!!!
Price point was in line with P23 at the show, just edging it out by about $1000 boatshow pricing and about $6000 MSRP. (XStar $398, 485/$495,294... P23 $397,332/489,024) Both without a trailer I may add. Overall the quality seemed just a bit less than Nautique... for example I just happened to pull up a cleat and noticed it felt cheap and loose feeling when compared to Nautique, but interestingly enough a nearby Supra felt better than both! I'm getting very picky, but that's what I do and it was noticeable. But there were a few things I noticed on the P23 that didn't meet my OCD standards either... I'm talking to you QC!!!
Somewhat surprised this topic hasn't been brought up yet that I've seen. MC basically copied the Paragon 23 and 25 models for the redesigned XStar. It's very easy to see all the similarities! I had a chance to look at one yesterday in Birmingham... First impression was I like it aesthetically more than the older model. Not hard too considering I mostly like the Pagagon design. I do think it's odd MC and their owners always spoke so highly of their interior being superior to Nautique with it's ergonomics, and yet now it's the same squared off, blocky design of Nautique. Really there isn't anywhere you look at this boat and not see Nautique's design influence! Tower speakers, dash, interior, stereo sub design in the transom, windshield frame, rear seating! Even the MC salespeople I talked with called it the "ParaStar". The center backwards facing seat design was different though... at first I didn't think it had one till I noticed the tracks leading down to the floor. They store it under the floor in a compartment when not used. Odd design considering it takes up a lot of room, which means no underfloor cooler like Nautique. In fact the only cooler I saw was a small cooler under the seat behind the driver... not nearly large enough for a day on the water with multiple people! Notably... that seat is an option it looks like.
Overall the storage felt smaller all over the boat with possible exception in the bow. In fact the boat overall felt smaller inside after getting in a P23 at the show. The boat dimensions are the same, the XStar just feels smaller. I didn't see mention anywhere at the show of engine though, and the website doesn't say either, but it looked like a 6.2L supercharged engine similar to the ZZ8S from Nautique. I will say it was tight... Working on the engine will not be fun at all!!!
Price point was in line with P23 at the show, just edging it out by about $1000 boatshow pricing and about $6000 MSRP. (XStar $398, 485/$495,294... P23 $397,332/489,024) Both without a trailer I may add. Overall the quality seemed just a bit less than Nautique... for example I just happened to pull up a cleat and noticed it felt cheap and loose feeling when compared to Nautique, but interestingly enough a nearby Supra felt better than both! I'm getting very picky, but that's what I do and it was noticeable. But there were a few things I noticed on the P23 that didn't meet my OCD standards either... I'm talking to you QC!!!
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