X-35 review

I was able to go out on an X-35 Mastercraft a few weeks ago. We went to my local lake (Quail Creek Reservior) on a sunny Wednesday morning. Conditions were perfect.

Many of you might remember that I received a hassle from the dealer about requiring a deposit, signed bill of sale and other nonsense before doing a demo. They called back and apologized for the mixup and offered to take me out no questions asked. So I decided to take them up on the offer.

Justin, our sales and demo guy was terrific and met us at the ramp early in the morning. He brought the X-35 they have here locally. It is a gorgeous silver metal flake boat with marroon bottom and accents.

The interior was typical Mastercraft. It was very comfortable and remarkably deep. It felt like riding in a 25 foot I/O. It tends to ride very high in the water and felt like the kids could run around and no one would fall out. The seats were sturdy, but soft, and there were no rattles or shakes whatsoever.

Whoever designed the current MC tower needs to be getting a raise. It feels like it belongs on the boat, not some afterthought. It is sturdy and the rotating board racks are superior to anything I have seen. The bimini is nicely integrated as well.

The wake was terrific. The best word for me is 'easy'. It has a nice long ramp and a little pop off the top that made it effortless to wakeboard behind even for this 6'9" washed up 40 year old.

The fridge is hard to get used to. It takes up a lot of space and would really have been nice to just have more seating there. THe fridge can be removed and then it would make a perfect little storage spot for garbage or whatever.

The only downside I can find on this boat is that it comes with a hefty pricetag, as do most MC models. The MSRP was quoted around 100K, and getting into the low 80's would be approachable for some dealers, I think.









forgive the fashion air, but we were just having a good time.

TTG, the pics didn't work.

We sure are getting a lot of MC reviews on here lately. They are all pretty damn positive as well.

Sorry about the duplicate uploads.

Resizing them for wakeworld is a major PIA. SOme day they should catch up with the modern world and support direct links.

One more time;

One more

Not sure what MC calls their trim tab system, but I was curious how it performs. I've read many posts by other MC owners on this Forum that the plate is needed to offset a poorly designed hull? I'm sure it's not true with MC, or any of the other numerous towboat makers.

I thought tri tabs were just added to bigger boats for efficiency. I heard the trim tab system on the X-15 works remarkably well for getting the boat on plane quick, with a lot of weight.

It does. It also smoothes out the ride at higher speeds and for a big boat like an X35 or X45 it will take some weight off the back end and soften your wake for a somewhat decent slalom wake.

The reason I say "somewhat decent" is that were talking about a 23ft boat that weighs 4900lbs. Not usually a recommended boat size and weight if your an avid slolam skier. Thats where the tab benifits you. As water flows beneath the boat and hit the tab its actually pushing the transom up a bit instead of sitting so deap in the water

looks like a lot of other manufacturers are using this idea. Epic, MB, Tige, and MC to name a few.

<off> All these times Tige gets slammed for this idea and MC comes around and realizes the benefits of it. $.02 </off>

I forgot to mention something about that trim tab.

The boat has a somewhat annoying tendency to sway from side to side when going 28MPH or more. This seems to be because the only part of the boat in the water is the flat rear portion of the hull. So it wants to slide from side to side. It is a small thing, but with the tab down just a little, the keel goes down and it tracks perfectly. It handles the double ups very well also, and feels very solid. This sliding might not occur if the water were not so smooth that day.

This definitely does not occur at wakeboarding speeds.

I also forgot to mention the computer on the dash. It did not turn me on too much. It was hard to see when wearing glasses unless I was right in front of it, so when the dealer was showing me it's features, I sort of had to breathe in his ear. I think he liked it..J/K.
It is a little small and sometimes was hard to read, especially the ballast display. I think once I get used to it, and especially when I sit directly in front of it, it would be a pretty cool feature. The screen seems a lot smaller than the Maliview, and it contains too much information and graphics. For example, the ballast screen has a design of a birdseye view of the boat, and then some red blobs indicating the ballast tanks and if they are full. The ballast graphic is hard to see at first because of the lines everywhere from the boat graphic.

The Tige RZ4 screen is smaller, but is organized more clearly without a bunch of extraneous graphics, so it actually is easier to read.

That screen is literally 1/3 the size of the malivue.

The malivue also came out after the VDIG was introduced. I agree the malibu version looks nice. Im not bashn it at all, but being that MC introduced the in dash LCD screen last year Id have to give MC credit for being the innovative company. On top of that, just from the pics Ive seen of the Maliview compared to the experience Ive had with the VDIG from MC. Id say the VDIG is much simpler to use and understand. Just my 2 cents. Oh ya and talltigeguy, there is brightness control on the VDIG in the MC's its not the boats fault that the salesman didnt properly show you that or you didnt ask and the ballast display hard to see???? Dude it just shows you 3 squares and they fill up blue when your filling the ballast. How is that hard to see and red blobs??? Were you looking at an 09. All the ones on my showroom floor turn blue.

And please talltigeguy Im just trying to make sure the information you were provided is accurate and that maybe there were some things that werent properly explained to you. Not bashin malibu, tige, or anyone. I love wakeboarding and would take a set behind anyone of those companies boats anyday. But I just want to make sure that before you form an opinion of a product you may not like that you were provided with accurate info about it.

Oh and one last thing thanks for the review its cool to see that kinda stuff both positive and negative

Interesting, that boat looks like a freshwater boat has the self bailing cockpit like the saltwater series do.

Dave, when you say "MC introduced the in dash LCD screen last year " you mean the 08 model year right, since we are into the 09 models.

Great comparison "On top of that, just from the pics Ive seen of the Maliview compared to the experience Ive had with the VDIG from MC. Id say the VDIG is much simpler to use and understand" Take off the "owners goggles" and go demo a Malibu and then give us a fair review.

Dave,

You may be correct. We did not have the bimini set up at all so there was direct sunlight all around although the screen of the VDIG was shielded. It did remind me of an LCD display that was not put on the brighter settings. Similar to when my Treo phone gets out of whack on its brightness.

I could be mistaken, but I recall the ballast display being red. Maybe I was looking at something else. I did not even point out that the display was hard to see not thinking that there could be an adjustment. I just assumed it was the angle, since it looked pretty normal from straight on. An LCD adjustment sounds like a great feature. This boat was a 2008 model.

And I am definitely not trying to bash the boat. These things are nitpicky in the grand scheme. Don't I look like I am having fun in those pictures?
If the price tag were lower, I would already have one. I just have to find out if it would be worth the price difference between a Tige, Supra, or couple of years old boat.

Cool, ya once again thanks alot for the review. Its good to hear other peoples opinions. I also didnt want to come off like an @$$ I just wanted to make sure you get accurate info. Ive shown customers the LCD screen and at times it was very hard to see, so I can see where your comming from. You just gotta go to the brightness control setting and adjust it. All the boats we have here on the ballast setting they turn out blue when they fill up and they are outlined in yellow I believe. It coulda been the light or reflection who knows? Anyway ya Im glad you got to take a set behind the 35. Ive always wanted to but most of our demos are in X45's, Xstars, and X2's. LUCKY! hahaha have a good one brotha

Ha Tigemike I dont own an MC so there's your first inaccurate comment. Second I used to work for a Malibu dealer and now currently "sell" MC's. So like I stated in my post (If you could understand it correctly) Im comparing something that Ive had experience with to something that Ive only seen pictures of as stated in my post(being that maliview is 09 I havent had the experience yet). On top of that I even said "the maliview version looks nice" Did you like not get any of that or what?? I have alot of experience with both brands. My best freind has an 08 VLX. So before you make comments like take off the owners goggles or go demo a malibu. Make sure you have your information correct on the person your talking to thanks and have a great day.

Hey if I were going to spend the money talltigeguy I would do the same. I mean who expects somebody to drop 80K on something there not entirely satisfied with. Thats another reason I just wanted to make sure you got the info you needed before you make your decision. And heck yes you look like your having fun. Dont think I didnt laugh when I saw your fashion air haha. Those are so fun sometimes. I dont know if its the look people give you or if its the nature of the trick, but its freakin hilarious.

The X-35 is available with out the fridge/storage locker and with a traditional seat. MC will be building both options from now on.

Here's one more pic of the seat instead of the fridge.

Dave, your profile states you have an Xstar, sorry I was incorrect based on YOUR info.

2nd, I understand your post just fine, you are knocking the functionality of the Maliview display based on pictures, just the kinda of informed salesmen I want trying to sell me $100k boat.

"Make sure you have your information correct on the person your talking" Take your own advice and check out the Maliview before saying one is better then the other.

I bet you walk in circles with such a huge chip on your shoulder

Yes I ride mostly behind our demo Xstar at work so I can see that. By knocking functunality of Maliview by the pictures is simply opinion and actually I said it looks nice so NO you didnt read that correctly and how can I use one when Im pretty sure our nearest Malibu dealer doesnt have 09's in yet explain that one to me???? What you think every MC salesman gets sent to Malibu to check out there stuff before it hits there dealers??? Are you freakin kiddin me? Chip on my shoulder huh??? How do you figure when I havent said anything derogatory at all. If anything I said the Maliview looks nice and I would ride behind anyone of those companies boats any day of the week. Did you get that MIKE? And if your such a Malibu fan why is your nickname Tige Mike. Maybe you have the chip on your shoulder for MC's when you decided to accuse me of knocking a product that I admitted I knew little about only from reviews and pics.

Before this goes any further your accusations arent worth it to me. I was simply trying to help talltigeguy understand some things that he may not have got out of his demo. If you have a problem with that then I dont know what to tell you. You have every right to post just like me, but comments like "you have such a big chip on your shoulder you walk around in circles" are uncalled for and uneccesary. I havent made any attemps to disrespect you or malibu so Id appreciate if you kept your lame comments like that to yourself. Go ahead and post what you want Mike you wont change my mind and Im done arguing with somebody that acts like you.

I just read my previous post and everything I said is reasonable and accurate. I admitted I had no personal experience and based my statement on opinion. Like I said I even said the "Malibu version looks nice" the MC's version just SEEMS more easy to use based on my experience with it. Did you have a bad day or somethin Mike??? Well I hope it gets better brotha cause you honestly have what I said backwards.

Here is your quote:

"On top of that, just from the pics Ive seen of the Maliview compared to the experience Ive had with the VDIG from MC. Id say the VDIG is much simpler to use and understand"

You stated very clearly that the VDIG is better, based on seeing pics of the Malibu.

Calling me a "Malibu fan", now you've gone to far, them er fight'n words

hahah the only thats up with your post is your blood pressure. And chill man these are opinions. And fight n words????? Dude your on wakeworld. This isnt the UFC ultimate discussion board. Your a very mature person I dont know if anyones told you that.

That last statement was a joke

No blood pressure problems here

For the record I've used both the malivue and the vdig on an 09' X15. The malivue was just as easy to use, but way easier to see even in direct sunlight. With that said I really did like the X15 I demo'd. There were just a few things about the boat that was a deal breaker for me. I definetely like the MC tower better now than either illusion.

Nu Bu said "That screen is literally 1/3 the size of the malivue."

I think it's a little closer to 33% of the size.

Wow I actually gave it a little more credit than you are....

Wah. Who cares.

That boat is sick and I want one. Thank you for the pics and the review. Looks like you brought a doctor with you (5th pic), or does he come with the boat at that price tag? We do take some hard hits in this sport...

I'm guessing that guy in scrubs is one of tall's doctor friends from his previous post.

100k?????? Wow. No wonder they didnt want to demo it.

I said that the price that might be realistic in a reasonably equipped boat is in the 80's. Other bling can be added to get it to 100K, I am sure. I am sure there is local variation as well.

A buddy of mine who delivers babies didn't have time to get changed so he came in scrubs.

We have 3 X35's all priced in the 80's fully loaded. Most dealers should have similar pricing and with the end of the season approaching and the 09's getting ready to ship I'd say some dealers may give some great deals. Remember 80's is sticker price. Atleast for us. I cant speak for anyone else and Im ASSUMING that other dealers have similar pricing. I have not been to every dealer in America so just know that this is based off speculation

The hydraulic wake plate is very useful for many things. It dramatically improves the starts and lets you cruise slower with the bow down. It helps greatly if you are towing kids or newbies at slow speeds. It also makes a big difference if you get caught in a storm because you can adjust the attitude of the boat if you are going into or going with the waves.
My personal opinion is that all boats are better if they have one.

Dave if it MSRPs at 80, can you buy it at $62000? What kind of markup does a $80 MSRP have?

talltigeguy:
FWIW, I know quite a few physicians who board, most keep a pretty low profile, none would ever be caught demoing a boat in scrubs. Most hospitals have a pretty strict policy on scrub use as street clothing as an infection control issue-anyone who has seen a birth would instantly know why.
You guys may want to tone it down a bit so as not to perpetuate stereotypes (I'm guessing you're residents).
By the way- thanks for the good review!

i dont wanna be a negitive nancy but i heard that wake would be like the x-star, but WAY WAY better... and those pics aren't really selling me on that..... it looks nice, and for stock ballast okay but i would say the star is better

but i didn't ride behind it so i dont know

What usually happens is if you go to MC's website theyll show you an MSRP of like 100 and something thousand. Thats not USUALLY what dealers ask though. I cant give you exact numbers but the ones we have start at 84 so Id imagine 62 is relatively close if not under invoice. So in all honesty I would say no 62 would probably be out of the question, but 70's I could see possible especially with a non current model. (2008 going into 2009) But remember thats already a 10k discount even if you got it in the 70's. We give our customers FAIR deals for the product we sell. Im sure many can bash that being that MC's are so expensive, but quality is remembered long after price is forgotten and that pertains to more than just MC boats.

Dont forget as well that not every dealer gets the same pricing. I mean were all the way on the west coast. Can you imagine what we pay for freight to get boats from Tennesee?

Why would you pay to get a boat shipped from Tenn when you have a factory down the road?

The only factory I know of is in Vonroe, TN. Im not aware of what your talking about. If there is a factory closer Im sure they dont produce the amount of boats the factory does in TN. So whatever the case Im sure there's a legitament reason. Plus MC is very good to us and out customer sastifaction scores are very high so we do what we do for a reason.

Ahh I thought MC had a factory in Cali as well.

Mars,

Thanks for the head's up on my hospital's infection control policy. Did I mention the carpet has antibacterial properties in case you get birth debris on the floor? Just kidding.

When the doc gowns up to deliver your baby, it is not to protect the baby or mother. The baby comes through a far from sterile environment. That is different from an operating room procedure.

When my buddy showed up in scrubs, I too wondered why. He had not yet delivered the baby but expected to in a few hours. So no need to worry the boat is now contaminated with goop from a delivery.
Your doc friends would be happy to tell you that they weren't looking at new MCs in residency, but wondering if they could make the next rent payment.

Sorry I posted the pic, but it is the only interior pic I have.

Yeah trust me no one on a resident salary is looking at an 80k boat. Those guys make about 2 bucks an hour during their residency when you look at how many hours they have to put in. Of course I am exagggggerating but they are not buying 80k boats.

I just thought that for the price of the boat - a doc was a pretty cool option. Instead of a fridge - they can add a little apt there for the doc. Shouldnt change the price at all.

Hey Ted,
That was good, LMAO