Oh no not the ZFT2 tower

I thought there was supposed to be a new star in 2012, 24ftr maybe. Anyone heard this or know anything on these rumors?

I think the person complaining about the cup holder right above the screen is saying that there is a likely chance of drinks spilling right above the screen(both front side and backside) which may result in a touch screen that doesn't work. I have heard from someone that the idiots at audi put there CPU under the drink holders in the center console. I had heard someone spilled a drink and fried the computer which basically shut the car down. There are just certain things that need to be thought about before desinging. In a lot of cases engineers are brilliant but have no idea how things actually get used which makes their design a huge failure. I still think screens like that in a ski boat are stupid and I wouldn't want one.

Originally Posted by alans

There is a new software update for the 2011 BIG. It came in the most recent 2011's that we got in. The interface is a lot like the touch screen software.

That's fantastic. I will have to call my local dealer about it. Thanks!

The new tower is rock solid and goes up and down with 2 fingers. Thought you guys may like to see a new boat we just moved in to the showroom this morning.

Someone needs to Photoshop the top part going the other direction and I bet it would look better. Or just try Photoshopping the whole tower going forward.

Ya know at first I was kinda excited about the new fugly cuz I was thinking the swivel clamping board racks wouldnt be integrated into the tower like there other tower. So I could just buy em, get tower clamps, rig something up to put em on my tower. But after that last pic how they welded the swivel clamp rack to the tower... that dream is shot

When I looked at the pictures, I just did not get any of the new design. After sitting on a 2012 X25 with power tower an Bimini and an X15 with the manual tower all I can say is wow, I love the new dash and 2012 designs!!! You cannot judge these new boats from pictures, go look in person and you will get it!

• The dial switch's are fantastic, simple quick and easy to operate and light up when on
• The left helm cubby cut out makes total sense and has a rubber surround inside
• The driver cup holder is perfect and the lower dash allows even a 12oz bottle to clear the windshield - plus you still have the 2 down right of the driver seat
• The new gauge configuration is awesome and looks very sleek
• The tab and ballast switch's are easy to operate and very functional
• The touch screen is very visible and useful in the new location, operation and scrolling through the menus is simple and easy to learn
• The power tower looks hot on the X25 with the Bimini up, only regret is... It does not collapse for trailering, however you can remove the canvas pretty easily
• The 2 point manual tower is rock solid, it does not budge a millimeter and looks way better in person - A little bird mentioned a ZFT4 version option that will be manual but a bit more swooping/sleek design in September

The ugliest tower I have ever seen. What were they thinking.....

Why swoop the tower forward? To be just like Nautique and Malibu so you can't really drive the boat with it down?

Originally Posted by mattscraft

When I looked at the pictures, I just did not get any of the new design. After sitting on a 2012 X25 with power tower an Bimini and an X15 with the manual tower all I can say is wow, I love the new dash and 2012 designs!!! You cannot judge these new boats from pictures, go look in person and you will get it!

• The dial switch's are fantastic, simple quick and easy to operate and light up when on
• The left helm cubby cut out makes total sense and has a rubber surround inside
• The driver cup holder is perfect and the lower dash allows even a 12oz bottle to clear the windshield - plus you still have the 2 down right of the driver seat
• The new gauge configuration is awesome and looks very sleek
• The tab and ballast switch's are easy to operate and very functional
• The touch screen is very visible and useful in the new location, operation and scrolling through the menus is simple and easy to learn
• The power tower looks hot on the X25 with the Bimini up, only regret is... It does not collapse for trailering, however you can remove the canvas pretty easily
• The 2 point manual tower is rock solid, it does not budge a millimeter and looks way better in person - A little bird mentioned a ZFT4 version option that will be manual but a bit more swooping/sleek design in September

How many f'ing towers are they going to make before they find out that if you make just one that is actually good looking and functional people will buy the boat. That whole boat is gotti. That billet glove box just looks horrible. God, boats are getting terrible looking.

Originally Posted by polarbill

Wow, just wow. The only way I could ever see buying a mastercraft now is by getting one without a tower and putting on my own Samson...

The local dealer here in Portland actually builds and sells exactly what you are talking about:

Step 1: They start with a Maristar 200

• ordered with hard ballast tanks
• analog gauges (no BIG)
• no MC tower

Step 2: Install custom made, forward swept Samson tower and racks

• available in a variety of powder coats
• it is also counter balanced so it doesn't fall when lowered, yet can be lowered with one finger.

Step 3: Price it at $60K. MC on a budget!

I'll tell you what... it looks 10x better than that ZFT2 atrocity!

http://ski-boats.com/

Here is another one...

The local dealer here in Portland actually builds and sells exactly what you are talking about:

...wow, when dealers have to start getting creative to sell boats the company (MC) needs to take a step back and think about what they're doing...


I understand that most other companies already have a 2pt. design that MC can't "steal" or copy to closely for fear they'll be looked down on, but holy **** this thing is bad. I truely cannot believe it made it through the design stage. Its the Pontiac Aztec of the boating world....

Originally Posted by jason95gt

Why swoop the tower forward? To be just like Nautique and Malibu so you can't really drive the boat with it down?

Why on earth would anybody ever want to drive the boat with the tower down?

IXFE, those maristars look so much better then the regular X2s. those simple color combos with the color matched tower look great. Can they actually sell those for 60k and still make money. If so, I like their style.

I showed my buddy these towers and his response was, "Wow, looks like something Overton's sold in 2002"

Originally Posted by polarbill

Why on earth would anybody ever want to drive the boat with the tower down?

IXFE, those maristars look so much better then the regular X2s. those simple color combos with the color matched tower look great. Can they actually sell those for 60k and still make money. If so, I like their style.

If you need to drive under a low bridge? I know it's not a typical use case but lake chains usually have low bridges with canals under them so that you can go lake-to-lake. I saw this a lot in Florida when I was there last weekend and I finally understood why a power tower was desirable.

Also those Sampson towers are not any better looking in my opinion.

I dont understand the angle that these ugly towers swoop forward on. It doesnt flow with the lines of the windshield. Heck, even the new malibu seems off to me. The orignal illusion tower was quite a shock to me when it frist came out, but now when I see the older wakesetters, etc, the lines of the first few years of that tower really pop and fit with the overall scheme of the boat. These new mc's and especially the nautiques tower angle just look terrible. I would not drop the coin for one, even if I had it.

Brett, around here there are a lot of bridges and channels that you have to drive through with the tower down and I know the Malibu and Nautique crew don't have fun or don't attempt to go through the channels.

while we are on the tower subject, does anyone have any pics of a power tower with a z5 bimini on it or a power tower with any bimini on it.

just curious to see what it looks like

Originally Posted by sidekicknicholas

...wow, when dealers have to start getting creative to sell boats the company (MC) needs to take a step back and think about what they're doing...

Totally agree. That was my thought when I first saw these "budget" MC's at the boat show last winter. I actually felt sorry for the MC dealers. They are small businesses who are finding it harder and harder to recover since the downturn that almost killed the industry. And the prices MC charges (e.g. $130K for a X35) are stupid. So they have to resort to piecing together their own boats in order to hit a price point.

This is one reason why our MC dealer picked up MB. Mastercraft simply doesn't build a boat for the consumer in the $50k range anymore, and there are more people in that price range than in the $100K range.

Originally Posted by polarbill

IXFE, those maristars look so much better then the regular X2s. those simple color combos with the color matched tower look great. Can they actually sell those for 60k and still make money. If so, I like their style.

I have no idea what dealer cost looks like on those Maristars. But I don't think they would offer them at $60K if they were no profits to be had. Look, that price is advertised right on their home page. http://ski-boats.com/

Originally Posted by d_rock

I dont understand the angle that these ugly towers swoop forward on. It doesnt flow with the lines of the windshield. Heck, even the new malibu seems off to me. The orignal illusion tower was quite a shock to me when it frist came out, but now when I see the older wakesetters, etc, the lines of the first few years of that tower really pop and fit with the overall scheme of the boat.

The originl Illusion tower did look sweet the way it matched the angle of the windshield. But it's fatal flaw was how low it was. I'm 5'11" and that tower hit the top of my head. So I'm guessing these new towers don't match the angle in order to get more clearance.

That Parks edition above...why in the world would they not use a black frame for the windshield? Would look 100 times better.

Goodness, product evolution folks.

The tower is a step above most in functionality. Just haven't quite gotten the look down. Good things will come out of its use though, has happened a hundred times along the way to creating what these boats are today. I don't think it looks good but I'm sure its a quality product and will lead to a design that is both functional and easier on the eyes. And I'm a Nautique guy, but old school and still prefer the original 210's and 4 point towers.

No longer maristars. V-series or V-family or something.....? Or 200V

Originally Posted by buzzardmountainz

That Parks edition above...why in the world would they not use a black frame for the windshield? Would look 100 times better.

Agreed. If spending that much money I would have them powder coat the window frame

sent with tapatalk.

The tower is a step above most in functionality.

So are "Crocs" shoes but you won't catch me wearing a pair.

Good things will come out of its use though, has happened a hundred times along the way to creating what these boats are today. I don't think it looks good but I'm sure its a quality product and will lead to a design that is both functional and easier on the eyes.

That is what R & D is for... so a forum full of consumers like us are talking about how awesome it is, not how it looks like a roll-bar in a PT cruiser

This is my buddies new X-25. Not a huge fan of the tower, obviously, but otherwise the boat is dirty.

Is that gray on the bottom and deck? I guess I would have to see in person or on the water.

anyone see MC's facebook page, a new owner posted a pic of their busted new tower

We just received our first 2012 x25 with the ZFT2 tower and let me tell you, it looks A LOT better in person than on pictures, very practical also and rock solid, doesn't move an inch when shaking it.
the new dash is just amazing!

how much sicker would that x25 look with the standard MC tower - powder coated black...

New MC tower, now only $12, 999.00!

$13k is for the power tower, right?

I think its kind of humorous when dealers post here and other places with the "its not that bad, you have to see it for yourself" line.
This is an ugly tower, 9 out of 10 people think so. I love MC's, just switched from one myself. But that tower is jacked, no matter what they say... you cannot polish a turd!

New MC tower, now only $12, 999.00!

$13k is for the power tower, right?

Are you ****ting me?! wowza.

Anyone know how the tower locks up/down - or is it all controlled by hydraulics?

It ain't no 'bu illusion.

Plus don't like that the rope attachment is further back than other boats. Makes the change from boat to boat slightly harder. Was really confusing at worlds trying to adapt to a new boat AND then the effect of the tower

Originally Posted by ixfe

I have no idea what dealer cost looks like on those Maristars. But I don't think they would offer them at $60K if they were no profits to be had. Look, that price is advertised right on their home page. http://ski-boats.com/

I'd be willing to bet that the trailer is not included in that price! That's how they advertise super low prices, at least at that dealership.

Originally Posted by myroad

I'd be willing to bet that the trailer is not included in that price! That's how they advertise super low prices, at least at that dealership.

Okay wiseguy. How much do you want to wager?

Originally Posted by ixfe

Okay wiseguy. How much do you want to wager?

No response from myroad. I guess he wasn't all that willing to bet. Shocker!

The fact is that Portland Ski Boat Center advertises all boat prices with trailer included, even those stripped down MC 200V's with the Samson towers.

Still don't believe me, myroad? One phone call will solve it. 503-892-9965

Trailer may be included in that price, but if so his margins are crap on those boats.

Margins are just fine on those boats. I can't tell you why, but they are.......

DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW THIS TOWER LOCKS INTO PLACE ?!?!?!

I know some people here are dealers, reps, own one.... does the tower itself lock up/down? or is it just the pressure from hydaulics that hold it in place?!

Can anyone answer this?




.... sorry for big and bold but I've asked a few times and gotten nothing, someone HAS to know.

Post the question on Mastercraft Team Talk and you'll get an answer.

Post the question on Mastercraft Team Talk and you'll get an answer.

Don't really want to become a member for 1 question

youre talking about the zft2 or zft5?
because the 5 is only held by the hydraulics, is doesn't lock up...well from what i've seen the many times i've used the tower.
The Zft-2 is way stronger and has 2 big tower bolts that tighten it when it's all the way up or down.

because the 5 is only held by the hydraulics, is doesn't lock up...

... so what happens if/when the hydaulics go out? does the tower fall backwards if a rider is attached?!

Nick, I hope I get that lawsuit... j/k, obviously!

Nick, I hope I get that lawsuit... j/k, obviously!

My thoughts exaclty.... I'll buy a new MC for 100k knowing that one hose "accidently" pops off causing me to get cracked on the head and caused me tons of pain and suffering.

I'm sure they had to think of some failsafe... but I haven't heard what it is... if there is no locking pin, don't know what else it could be. MC, if you're reading this maybe you could use a new engineer on your team.... PM me.

The MC ZFTp (power tower) uses a actuator, essentially a big screw, to raise and lower the tower. I believe one reason they did not use hydraulics (which would have been much easier) is the worry that a loss of hydraulic pressure would lead to tower failure.

Glad to hear the ZFT2 is strong. Does anyone know if you can lock it at various positions, not just full up and full down? It is voice to partially lower the tower and bimini if you get stuck out in the rain.

The ZFT5p will have hydraulic for 2012. They wanted to go this route at the beginning but the cost was a concern. If it is up and something happened it wouldn't come down. As far as the ZFT2, it is only all the way up or down. No other positions available. It is very solid and I was very pleased when I actually saw and shook one compared to what is online.

Just more proof that MasterCraft is like a dog chasing a squirrel. No real precision or drive, just running around blindly hoping to get a hit.

That tower is rediculous. Keep it up MasterCraft, you just keep letting Malibu, Nautique, and Supra control that marketshare.

If it is up and something happened it wouldn't come down.

How or why? Nothing against you, but I just don't buy it... I work for a company that manufacturers a LOT of hydraulic components (mostly heads/filters) .... and usually if something goes and you don't have a failsafe.... uh-oh

Originally Posted by sidekicknicholas

How or why? Nothing against you, but I just don't buy it... I work for a company that manufacturers a LOT of hydraulic components (mostly heads/filters) .... and usually if something goes and you don't have a failsafe.... uh-oh

that is why hydraulic only steering is not approved by the DOT...no fail safe if a hose develops a leak, the system loses pressure, and you lose your steering...

And why lots of heavy equipment have anti drop valves on main lift cylinders so no one dies if a host blows. And beleave me do they blow at the worse times.

sent with tapatalk.

Some more ZFT-2 fans at my dealership. We just got one in yesterday and I can attest that it is rock solid and super easy to take up and down.

Has anyone else mentioned that MC has a new color this year too?

Lime Green

the tower is hideous and doesn't fold near flat enough. The diamond stitching and etching will look as good as malibu tribal stickers in about 5 years. The steering wheel is awful, and that lime green completes the whole awful package perfectly.

On the plus side, that video pod thingamajiggy is better than Nauty's with the analog gauges...but then again, I wouldn't need a video pod thingamajiggy.

I don't care if this thing massages my back after i get done riding, its so fugly i wouldn't let it on the boat even if it had two thirty packs and i needed the extra ballast. I bet it'll be on its way out by next year. If nothing else i imagine they'll adjust and bring in another design to choose from until the zft-2 recoups some of the r&d costs

Why is the MasterCraft decal crooked? I'm sure its the lines of the boat that make it look off......but it's still off to the eye. The decal is placed too far forward.

I think a clean slate may be the what the doctor orders for 2013, not that anyone at MC will listen.

I'm sorry Alan, but that boat is just absolutely horrendous.

Originally Posted by wakecumberland

Why is the MasterCraft decal crooked? I'm sure its the lines of the boat that make it look off......but it's still off to the eye. The decal is placed too far forward.

I think a clean slate may be the what the doctor orders for 2013, not that anyone at MC will listen.

Oh let me guess, you're another one of those MB guys.

I'm sorry Alan, but that boat is just absolutely horrendous.

+1

I just feel so bad for the dealers who are getting **** on because of how ugly these are...

Maybe MC is making everything really really really awful this year, so next year it will seem like their 2013 line is AWESOME

You guys are ruthless...

I love the way it looks, definitely one of my favorites.

How much is that thing going to sell for? 90 to 100? what is the sticker MSRP?

Alan, did you design and order that boat? If so, I hope you like it.

It is starting to grow on me just a little bit. Not saying I like it, but I feel that growth starting to swirl a bit. Maybe it is just the trailer cause it does look bad ass. Maybe I need to see more black ones. That is always a sure way to win my heart.

Originally Posted by tyler97217

It is starting to grow on me just a little bit. Not saying I like it, but I feel that growth starting to swirl a bit. Maybe it is just the trailer cause it does look bad ass. Maybe I need to see more black ones. That is always a sure way to win my heart.

I actually don't mind the boat itself. If it had the Samson tower like IXFE posted or one of the other Samson towers(blade/razor I think) or even the MAstercraft tower from the last few years. I don't mind the braces they put on them and like the looks of those tower. Lime green might not be for everybody but I don't mind it.

Brett, nope not close to 90. No I didn't design it.

Trust me, I was very nervous about the tower, notice that I have have not made a single comment in this thread until now. After setting this boat up and getting in on the water, I am now a fan and I hope it does well.

its funny how spun up people get. i used to care before i realized that the people buying the MAJORITY of these high end boats are not the people you see at the launch ramp (at least in TX). at the launch ramp, you see a lot more Moombas, Supras, and Tiges. As soon as you jump on the lake you see who is buying these boats....the people that own the lake front house that cost $4m. that person is somebody that makes roughly $900k per year. they could care less if a boat is $80k or $100, and likely walk into a show room and buy the boat on the spot. they dont care about the utility...they are more concerned with luxury and what neat gadgetry is included because that is how they have lived their life for the past 20 years. their lifts are littered w/ CC 230s, MC XStars, X35s, and X25s that all have tubes attached to the back.

most of the people on these boards that WANT a CC or an MC are used boat buyers, at which point, beggars cant be choosers, and lime green all the sudden doesnt look so bad when they are ready to buy....

Originally Posted by alans

Brett, nope not close to 90. No I didn't design it.

Trust me, I was very nervous about the tower, notice that I have have not made a single comment in this thread until now. After setting this boat up and getting in on the water, I am now a fan and I hope it does well.

I'm sure the boat runs and performs great, and the lime green is just a miniscule problem.
I'm just saying that tower is a super buzzkill in my eyes.

Originally Posted by alans

Brett, nope not close to 90. No I didn't design it.

Trust me, I was very nervous about the tower, notice that I have have not made a single comment in this thread until now. After setting this boat up and getting in on the water, I am now a fan and I hope it does well.

So, in the 75-85 range for a realistic selling price?

Yes it is in that range with the options that it has.

The issue is it was not long ago that the the common man could afford to buy a brand new ski/wake boat. Hell just go back about 10 years not long and see. Now if you want a new boat an inboard is not an option. Still dont think its hate saying something that may be 100k is ugly. Am I jealous I cant afford it sure. But damn that tower sucks! If you got the 80 k go with the power tower it looks alot better.

You know its bad when someone says, "go with the Power tower it looks alot better"!!!

Originally Posted by wakecumberland

You know its bad when someone says, "go with the Power tower it looks alot better"!!!

No kidding.

i know i'm in the minority, but i like it. anxious to see one in person. power tower looks way better in person than in pictures too, imo. at least on the parks i've seen. i don't think the tower looks quite right accross their entire product line, but it does look clean to me on the smaller boats.

how much higher does this thing sit than the windshield frame when folded? hard to tell from the angle of that one pic.

Originally Posted by tdc_worm

its funny how spun up people get. i used to care before i realized that the people buying the MAJORITY of these high end boats are not the people you see at the launch ramp (at least in TX). at the launch ramp, you see a lot more Moombas, Supras, and Tiges. As soon as you jump on the lake you see who is buying these boats....the people that own the lake front house that cost $4m. that person is somebody that makes roughly $900k per year. they could care less if a boat is $80k or $100, and likely walk into a show room and buy the boat on the spot. they dont care about the utility...they are more concerned with luxury and what neat gadgetry is included because that is how they have lived their life for the past 20 years. their lifts are littered w/ CC 230s, MC XStars, X35s, and X25s that all have tubes attached to the back.

most of the people on these boards that WANT a CC or an MC are used boat buyers, at which point, beggars cant be choosers, and lime green all the sudden doesnt look so bad when they are ready to buy....

Spot on, great points. And it's easier for the dealer to sell them on some company half-made-up feature/function needs to dilute the pure ugly-ness of it.

Alan,

I actually like that X-15 (minus the tower). I've always liked the X-15, and that one is sharp. I think the lime green is cool. Not sure I'd be so bold, but I dig it.

I like the dash quite a bit too. Easily the best looking screen implementation going.

The issue with the tower is one of scale. Today's Mastercrafts have such big and imposing hulls. The new tower looks feeble and wimpy. I know you say it's solid, and I believe you. But it doesn't look strong. It looks small, skiny, and out of proportion with the rest of the boat.

I was hating on it. Doesn't follow the lines, tall, looks strange. Somehow it is growing on me. If it shakes less than the PT, it's a 100% winner in my mind. Who cares what it looks like, tow from it, holds boards, etc. I would like to see the bimini. Not sure why MC waits to get them dialed in? Once the bimini comes out, I'll drink some more haterade....