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Old     (mikejones)      Join Date: Jun 2009       08-05-2013, 4:51 PM Reply   
My new boat is scheduled to be delivered this weekend, or early next week. I'm wondering how those with the current gen (2012+) xstar are weighting the boat. Its coming with the plug and play which will add sacs hard piped to the rear and bow compartments, but is anyone adding more weight? I've got several sacs left over from the previous boat and am thinking of at least throwing a 550# sac in each mid-cabin compartment. Thoughts/recommendations?

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Old     (brichter14)      Join Date: Jul 2010       08-05-2013, 5:00 PM Reply   
I like the green seats. That it all I can contribute.
Old     (superair502)      Join Date: Mar 2010       08-05-2013, 5:08 PM Reply   
everyithing I heard when I rode it and from others was that it likes as much weight in the back as possible and too much up from makes it less clean, which doesnt make any physics sense but it seemed to be true.
Old     (mikejones)      Join Date: Jun 2009       08-05-2013, 5:11 PM Reply   
Anyone know whats the weight of the sacs that come with the plug and play option?
Old     (hunter660)      Join Date: Aug 2007       08-05-2013, 5:25 PM Reply   
All of them I have seen on the water ride with the bow way up in the air so what Mase said may be true.
Old     (scottb7)      Join Date: Oct 2012       08-05-2013, 7:05 PM Reply   
Yep, there is one on my lake with bow way up in the air. No thanks.
Old     (jkanesmith)      Join Date: May 2013       08-05-2013, 7:47 PM Reply   
Badass looking boat! I like it, but that black's going to get hot, at least it would down here in southeast Texas.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
Old     (wakebordr11)      Join Date: May 2001       08-05-2013, 8:00 PM Reply   
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikejones View Post
Anyone know whats the weight of the sacs that come with the plug and play option?
Did you really buy a boat without a build sheet to understand what all the options entailed? You dropped the coin, you should be telling us how much ballast it comes with................
Old     (schmo)      Join Date: Oct 2003       08-06-2013, 5:05 AM Reply   
Do the bags even come with the plug and play option? I thought that was just to have the plumbing and it was up to the end user to add the bags. I could very well be wrong.

However, with that said, Wakemakers has the bag kit. Says it adds close to 1600lbs for a total of around 2300lbs.

http://www.wakemakers.com/2013-maste...play-sacs.html
Old     (mikejones)      Join Date: Jun 2009       08-06-2013, 5:40 AM Reply   
Yes, the bags come with the plug and play kit. They are provided/purchased by the dealer rather than the factory due to USCG weight requirements. Something odd about that link above, stock is 1400lbs, if its adding 1600 that would be ~3klbs.

Of course I did not buy a boat of this value without a build sheet. The option for plug n play just happened to come with bags specific to the boat. I haven't been able to find out the size of said bags, hence the post.
Old     (schmo)      Join Date: Oct 2003       08-06-2013, 6:40 AM Reply   
Here is the exact kit from FlyHigh which states a capacity of 1450lbs. More than likely what the dealer installs. The other thing to consider is that many times, the bags won't completely fill to 100% capacity. Still, with 1400 stock, it would seem you would get more than 2300 total.
http://fatsac.com/fatsacs.bifh

#W049
2013 X-Star Ballast Sacs
1450 lbs. / 657 kg.
4 sacs, fittings included
Old     (Fixable)      Join Date: Oct 2012       08-06-2013, 6:51 AM Reply   
Mike- I can help.

Nice looking boat.

There are a few options for the ballast bags. I believe the latest wakemakers setup is 2 500s in the lockers and 2 300s up front. When I got my 13 XStar, I purchased the 750lb bags for the last gen Xstar, and they fit perfect. (That was also what they recommended at the time). I use a single 400, up front, as needed (hardly ever. only use it when surfing stbd)

If you are going to surf a lot, get a 1000lb for your coffin.

One thing that you may want to consider- Because the XStar rear tanks have a section that runs up to the height of the rubrail, and because the ballast timers are programmable, you can actually piggy back them off of the fill hose (not the vent), and they will fill evenly with your rear tanks. This means, that once you have adjusted your timers, and let the boat learn the new ballast capacity, (uses the level sensor and measures the pump revolutions to calibrate) Your ballast gauges will indicate the level of your total ballast in each rear compartment. This is extremely handy because you always know how much total ballast there is, and you never have to check on the bags. It is just like you installed a 1250lb single tank on each side. Works very slick.

Because I didn't use the PNP for my rear bags, I use it to fill my 1000lb Surf bag in the coffin. Everything done from the helm, with very accurate level readings.
Old     (Teamcanada)      Join Date: Apr 2013       08-06-2013, 9:33 AM Reply   
So can you show us some surf pics with your star setup? I would love to see that.
Old     (Fixable)      Join Date: Oct 2012       08-06-2013, 10:30 AM Reply   
Quote:
Originally Posted by Teamcanada View Post
So can you show us some surf pics with your star setup? I would love to see that.
Ya, I gotta take a bunch of surf photos one of these days. For some reason we are not a very "photo happy" crew. We will be out this weekend, and I will try to remember to snap a bunch and post them.
Old     (mikejones)      Join Date: Jun 2009       08-06-2013, 12:19 PM Reply   
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fixable View Post
Mike- I can help.

Nice looking boat.

There are a few options for the ballast bags. ...
Thanks for the info Eric. So your standard riding setup is two 750's in the rear and the 3 hard tanks full? Wow, this thing must love weight in the rear.

I have a 1000lb bag, but the coffin is not an option as thats where the subs are going. I was thinking of using the cooler space (500lb bag) and the port bow sac from the kit for a surf setup.

Thats an interesting idea about piggy backing the bags off the fill line. I'll have to tinker with that once I get it.

So how does the PNP work with the gauges/ballast readings if used how intended? Would you just fill the ballasts until they spit out the sides, then you'd know that the bags are full also?

One more thing, when you snap some surf pics, grab some photos of the cooler area, and the same location on the starboard side if you don't mind.

Thanks for the great info!
Old     (brichter14)      Join Date: Jul 2010       08-06-2013, 8:54 PM Reply   
I watched Parks ride behind a 13 xstar a few months ago and he didn't want ANY front weight. We had stock ballast full (I have no idea how much that was) and like 10 ppl in the back of the boat. His riding was sick but like I said, no weight up front.
Old     (laptom)      Join Date: Apr 2002       08-06-2013, 11:47 PM Reply   
Nose high!

Nice colors, enjoy the ride!
Old     (Fixable)      Join Date: Oct 2012       08-07-2013, 4:42 AM Reply   
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikejones View Post
Thanks for the info Eric. So your standard riding setup is two 750's in the rear and the 3 hard tanks full? Wow, this thing must love weight in the rear.

I have a 1000lb bag, but the coffin is not an option as thats where the subs are going. I was thinking of using the cooler space (500lb bag) and the port bow sac from the kit for a surf setup.

Thats an interesting idea about piggy backing the bags off the fill line. I'll have to tinker with that once I get it.

So how does the PNP work with the gauges/ballast readings if used how intended? Would you just fill the ballasts until they spit out the sides, then you'd know that the bags are full also?

One more thing, when you snap some surf pics, grab some photos of the cooler area, and the same location on the starboard side if you don't mind.

Thanks for the great info!
Yes, I run with the front tank full, and the rear ballast at 80%. Which is about 1000lbs per side in the back. If I fill to 100% in the rear, I put somebody up in the bow, so that the driver can still see from a seated position. You will find that MC puts a taller helm seat in the XStar. That was the first thing I loved about this boat. The taller helm seat is much more comfortable for me, and I am not very tall.....

If using PNP, as they intended, your tanks will fill normally, and give you readings based on the ballast pump revolutions and tank level sensors. The system calculates both for more accurate readings. Your bags will be activated separately, and those will calculate levels based on pump revolutions only. The bags are not vented, so you use the fill gauges to know if they are full. (the first few times, you will want to adjust your timers, and watch the bags. Once the system has learned the bag size, you should be all set)

If you are going to surf this boat, you will want a different location for your subs. Put them up in the huge compartment behind the observer seat...
Old     (Fixable)      Join Date: Oct 2012       08-07-2013, 5:43 AM Reply   
Actually went out for a little bit last night and snapped a few shots. I didn't see that you wanted the compartment photos before I went out. I will try to get those this weekend.

Only three of us went out, so not as good as when we have a few people to sit in the surf corner, instead of 1 100lb girl....... but it will give you an idea of what the surf wave looks like on the XStar. 4 or 5 people, on the boat, provides a taller wave, but it was still pretty good considering.























Old     (pierce_bronkite)      Join Date: Jul 2003       08-07-2013, 7:39 AM Reply   
Black vinyl.
Old     (Fixable)      Join Date: Oct 2012       08-07-2013, 7:46 AM Reply   
Quote:
Originally Posted by pierce_bronkite View Post
Black vinyl.
And?
Old     (Teamcanada)      Join Date: Apr 2013       08-07-2013, 7:53 AM Reply   
That wave looks pretty good. Certainly dispels the myth that the new star won't surf.
Old     (pierce_bronkite)      Join Date: Jul 2003       08-07-2013, 9:05 AM Reply   
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fixable View Post
And?
I am just amazed that MC sells so many boats with that dark color vinyl. It certainly looks good but I could never fully understand the practicality of it. In Texas light grey vinyl will give you 2nd degree burns.
In any event the wave looks good.
Old     (Fixable)      Join Date: Oct 2012       08-07-2013, 9:51 AM Reply   
Quote:
Originally Posted by pierce_bronkite View Post
I am just amazed that MC sells so many boats with that dark color vinyl. It certainly looks good but I could never fully understand the practicality of it. In Texas light grey vinyl will give you 2nd degree burns.
In any event the wave looks good.
Typically, I would agree. However, this new type of vinyl, that MC uses, stays very cool. The black definitely gets warmer than the white, but it stays cooler than regular white vinyl does. The sun isn't as bad up here, obviously, but I have never been uncomfortable sitting down on this vinyl after it bakes in the sun. On the same day, I could sit in one of my friends boats, with traditional white vinyl, and have it be too hot to sit on.

It is a little more difficult to clean because of the texture, but not too bad.
Old     (mikejones)      Join Date: Jun 2009       08-07-2013, 6:03 PM Reply   
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fixable View Post
Typically, I would agree. However, this new type of vinyl, that MC uses, stays very cool. The black definitely gets warmer than the white, but it stays cooler than regular white vinyl does. The sun isn't as bad up here, obviously, but I have never been uncomfortable sitting down on this vinyl after it bakes in the sun. On the same day, I could sit in one of my friends boats, with traditional white vinyl, and have it be too hot to sit on.

It is a little more difficult to clean because of the texture, but not too bad.
I had the same skepticism before I selected the interior choices. However, my dealer (in July south Louisiana sun) took me out to a boat he had in the sun for hours on his lake, and we felt the new vinyl, both black and other dark colors. I definitely noticed, even the black, was cooler than my white interior vinyl of my last MC, circa 2009.

How is it more difficult to clean? Its definitely more porous, which what keeps it cooler, but how is it tougher to clean? I've ordered some performance boat candy products to try when she comes in.
Old     (mikejones)      Join Date: Jun 2009       08-07-2013, 6:08 PM Reply   
Also Eric, what are you referring to as the coffin? I assumed you mean the large area behind/under the observer seat. Where exactly are you putting the 1000lb bag? Whats the rest of your surf setup? 750 in the port rear, stock full? Thanks!
Old     (Fixable)      Join Date: Oct 2012       08-08-2013, 7:44 AM Reply   
The coffin is the side compartment that is across from the cooler compartment.... The side bench seat.....

As you know, my tanks and bags are linked together in the back, so that I can have gauge readings on the bags as well. My surf setup (surfing port) is port locker bag+tank full, stbd locker bag+tank 80%, front tank full, and 1000 lb full in the coffin. With that setup, I will usually put two people up in the bow. The setup in the photos was a little different because I didn't have anyone to sit in the bow, or the port side back. It was port locker 80%, stbd locker 30%, front tank full, and about 80% full on the coffin bag. If I had used my usual ballast levels, I would have had to put a 400 up front. The nose rides to high if I don't have at least 1 person sitting up there. I had left that bag on the dock because I didn't think I would need it.

I like the fact that you can run 900-1000lbs in the non surf side of this boat. It really makes it more stable when you are stopping/turning around for a rider etc. The Star putts out a nicer wave if you don't lean hard to the surf side. This boat is really funny like that. It loves to be weighted in a way that would kill the surf waves on most other boats.
Old     (kimper)      Join Date: May 2008       08-09-2013, 9:13 AM Reply   
Nice looking wave! Post us some boat pics!
Old     (mikejones)      Join Date: Jun 2009       08-30-2013, 5:39 AM Reply   
Going pick her up this morning...

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Old     (axxxiswake)      Join Date: Jun 2013       08-30-2013, 6:19 AM Reply   
The X-Star is, IMO, the ONLY boat that looks good with that lime green. And man does it look good.
Old     (johnny_defacto)      Join Date: Sep 2006       08-30-2013, 2:01 PM Reply   
yeah man, I like it. Congratulations, going to finish the summer off strong!
Old     (bmock50)      Join Date: Feb 2011       08-31-2013, 1:20 AM Reply   
You bastard....haha sick boat!!!
Old     (cwb4me)      Join Date: Apr 2010       08-31-2013, 3:00 AM Reply   
Congratulations on your new boat. Looks great!
Old     (jtiblier123)      Join Date: Jan 2011       08-31-2013, 4:39 AM Reply   
Esteban looks great in that thing...Can you even run that thing in Lake 2 without dredging?
Old     (jtiblier123)      Join Date: Jan 2011       08-31-2013, 4:43 AM Reply   
Great looking boat by the way
Old     (gti2lo)      Join Date: Nov 2005       09-02-2013, 2:54 PM Reply   
That is a good looking X-star. Like how the metalic is in withe green and black
Old     (DatTexasBoy)      Join Date: Aug 2012       09-02-2013, 3:09 PM Reply   
Great looking boat man!!!
Old     (mikejones)      Join Date: Jun 2009       09-04-2013, 2:46 PM Reply   
Thanks for the comments guys. I was able to get the engine broken in last weekend, and get a few sets behind it. I rode at 75', 23.6mph, tanks full, PNP rear sacs full, and bow sacs at 40%. The wake seemed only slightly larger than my previous x45 setup (similar weight), but was much cleaner, it has a lip, but less lippy than the 45, and it pops you effortlessly. Slack line tricks and spins felt more floaty and tight line tricks out into the flats seem to carry further (45 wake was wider in comparison).

One question I have for Eric is when you pull the throttle all the way back when a rider falls, do you get a splash/prop wash all on the back deck? I do when I pull it quickly back to neutral as a rider falls. sometimes it comes over the rear seats and splashes the flip seat and carpet beneath. So what Ive done is pull off, and let the prop wash chase me by accelerating after I've dethrottled. This makes for a long turnaround to pickup a rider. Any other experience this?

Thanks! Oh, couple more pics...

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Old     (pierce_bronkite)      Join Date: Jul 2003       09-04-2013, 3:08 PM Reply   
Usually pictures dont do the boat any justice but in this case that X-Star looks very badass! I cant imagine what it looks like in person. Congrats.
Old     (Fixable)      Join Date: Oct 2012       09-04-2013, 3:41 PM Reply   
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikejones View Post

One question I have for Eric is when you pull the throttle all the way back when a rider falls, do you get a splash/prop wash all on the back deck? I do when I pull it quickly back to neutral as a rider falls. sometimes it comes over the rear seats and splashes the flip seat and carpet beneath. So what Ive done is pull off, and let the prop wash chase me by accelerating after I've dethrottled. This makes for a long turnaround to pickup a rider. Any other experience this?
Go into your user settings and reduce the speed that auto launch kicks in. (Pretty sure reducing it, was what got rid of it on mine) What is happening, is that your attitude plate is going down and it will kick water up through the wake, and onto the back.

If you are really heavily weighted, and stopping way to fast, you may need to change the routine a little bit. Its hard to avoid a wake washing over if you stop fast with a lot of ballast on....... Which would be the case in almost all boats, especially Nautiques (Because of the walk through)

On another note, if you want to grow that wake, empty the bow sacks. I usually ride the "nose down" wake as well, just because I don't need it HUGE. However it is fun to weight the heck out of the back and scare myself sometimes!
Old     (Pad1Tai)      Join Date: Jan 2013       09-04-2013, 4:13 PM Reply   
Congrats .... What prop do the new Xstar's come with?... size?
Old     (MCObray)      Join Date: Mar 2013       09-04-2013, 5:39 PM Reply   
Sharp looking Star. Tinted windshield would further set it off... just sayin'.
Old     (mikejones)      Join Date: Jun 2009       09-05-2013, 11:01 AM Reply   
Eric - i adjusted the auto launch as low as I could. It only allows for adjustment between 14-20mph, so I put it at 14mph. It was at 15mph. Not sure if that will help much but I'll let you know.

Charlie - not sure of exact prop size, i know I got the prop option that goes with the added weight of the PNP.

Mason - its on my list of may things...
Old     (lifetimewarranty)      Join Date: Oct 2008       09-05-2013, 3:02 PM Reply   
Like your ego needs any more boosting but that is one of the sweetest boats I've seen this year.

Well played sir. Well played.
Old     (dezul)      Join Date: Jul 2012       09-05-2013, 6:53 PM Reply   
Can i get a pull brah? Love it.
Old     (MIKEnNC)      Join Date: Nov 2012       09-18-2013, 5:40 PM Reply   
I can't stop admiring ur boat man,,,,, just sick, and I am a nautique guy but damn I love ur xstar, so loud but mean at the same time
Old     (mikejones)      Join Date: Jun 2009       09-18-2013, 6:59 PM Reply   
Ahaha thanks dude. Thats pretty much what I was going for, loud and mean. Someone called it a green goblin transformer the other day.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk 2
Old     (cbarguy1)      Join Date: Dec 2012       09-19-2013, 7:52 AM Reply   
That last picture is money. Mastercraft should post it on their website. I had not warmed up to the new star until I saw that.

Taking on water when loaded is part of owning an X*. Its the price you pay for the sleek lines. If you had enough freeboard to prevent it, it would look like a G23.
Old     (wakebordr11)      Join Date: May 2001       09-19-2013, 8:28 AM Reply   
Quote:
Originally Posted by cbarguy1 View Post
That last picture is money. Mastercraft should post it on their website. I had not warmed up to the new star until I saw that.

Taking on water when loaded is part of owning an X*. Its the price you pay for the sleek lines. If you had enough freeboard to prevent it, it would look like a G23.
If you had enough freeboard to prevent it, you wouldn't be able to see over the nose while on plane.,..
Old     (bruizza)      Join Date: May 2009       09-26-2013, 1:47 PM Reply   
That is an absolutely gorgeous boat! Black and Green is growing on me something serious after those pictures!
Old     (grant_west)      Join Date: Jun 2005       09-26-2013, 2:10 PM Reply   
That's a great looking boat. And the color of the water just adds to the over all coolness of the photo. The silver metal flake add's another dimension. Personally I was getting pretty tired of the Black and Green (monster energy colors) but the silver flake sets it off. I never thought I would be a fan of Black and Green interior but your boat looks cool
Old     (Fixable)      Join Date: Oct 2012       09-26-2013, 2:55 PM Reply   
Quote:
Originally Posted by cbarguy1 View Post
That last picture is money. Mastercraft should post it on their website. I had not warmed up to the new star until I saw that.

Taking on water when loaded is part of owning an X*. Its the price you pay for the sleek lines. If you had enough freeboard to prevent it, it would look like a G23.

The kicker about that, is, when you have that much freeboard, the boat mfg. will usually do a walk-through like the G has (to avoid having to step so high to get on the sunpad)...... And because of that, it is very easy to have the wave come over the back of a G. Definitely easier than an XStar, in my experience..... Especially when surfing.

Mike- did you figure out how to change the plate to avoid the rooster tail coming over? If not, I will get into my settings, and take a photo for you, the next time I am out at the lake house.
Old     (mikejones)      Join Date: Jun 2009       09-26-2013, 3:38 PM Reply   
It won't let me adjust below 14mph and still washes . Take a pic of yours if you don't mind.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk 2
Old     (mikejones)      Join Date: Jun 2009       09-28-2013, 10:24 AM Reply   
Dealer says a software update is available that will fix the plate issue and it's currently being tested with a few pro boats. Should be Available the public in a few weeks.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk 2
Old     (mikejones)      Join Date: Jun 2009       11-06-2013, 8:04 AM Reply   
Here you go Kirk...


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Old     (WLF)      Join Date: Mar 2010       11-06-2013, 1:37 PM Reply   
Thanks Mike...it is beautiful!!!
Old     (davez71)      Join Date: Oct 2007       11-06-2013, 4:14 PM Reply   
Beautiful boat where do you keep it in Louisiana? If you ever need a third I would love to ride the next Xstar.
Old     (mikejones)      Join Date: Jun 2009       11-09-2013, 9:02 AM Reply   
Quote:
Originally Posted by davez71 View Post
Beautiful boat where do you keep it in Louisiana? If you ever need a third I would love to ride the next Xstar.
Its kept in diversion canal near blind river. We're always looking for a third, where are you located?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk 2
Old     (davez71)      Join Date: Oct 2007       11-10-2013, 6:41 AM Reply   
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikejones View Post
Its kept in diversion canal near blind river. We're always looking for a third, where are you located?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk 2
If You ever need a third Iet me know. I live in Baton Rouge. I keep my X45 in Mississippi on the Jourdan River. I grew up around where the blind river starts so we used go down the diversion canal a lot when I was a kid and I know the area pretty well.

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