MASTERCRAFT NXT
Fresh off the docks and straight into the Melbourne Boat Show
Fresh off the docks and straight into the Melbourne Boat Show, a striking new blue and gold MasterCraft NXT drew plenty of showgoers in for a closer look at its stunning metal-flake paint job.
But it was the very reasonable price tag of the NXT that had people really talking.
The NXT made its Australian debut on June 12 as the first of the new MasterCraft entry-level wakeboat series, designed and built in the same US factory as the company’s other premium towboats, but with a more affordable pricepoint.
The 20-footer has all-new features including a folding tower, three hard ballast tanks, Zero-Off tournament speed control and five unique colour schemes – the blue and yellow shown hereabouts, blue/silver, orange/grey, purple/gold and purple/black.
In Australia, the package price will start at $82,500 including trailer, and for those dollars MasterCraft hopes to attract younger boat buyers who may have previously thought owning a brand-new wakeboat was out of reach.
MasterCraft marketing and dealer support manager Steve Gescke told Trade-A-Boat the company was aiming this latest release at a younger audience – 21 to 30-year-olds who are starting to earn their own respectable income.
“And also, obviously families who want good quality and value without the price tag of our X series,” he said.
Under the engine hatch, is a 5.7lt Ilmor MPI engine to provide plenty of oomph for towing watertoys or wake riders and it’s also suited to effortlessly pushing out a solid wave for wakesurfers to enjoy.
Up forward, a pickle-fork bow provides room for three passengers to lounge in comfort and there’s smart storage options beneath the seats with lifting hatches assisted by gas struts
A hexagonal design theme carries through the NXT from the non-slip at the stern through to the steering wheel detail. At the dash are analogue switches for simple, reliable control of your boat’s systems.
But now that punters have finally had the chance to see for themselves at the Melbourne show, early responses have been overwhelmingly positive. You can bet we’ll be getting our little Trade-A-Boat hands on one to test as soon as possible, so watch this space for a full report on how she rides. For more, visit mastercraft.com/nxt
MASTERCRAFT NXT 20 SPECIFICATIONS
MATERIAL GRP
TYPE Wakeboat
LENGTH 6.1m
BEAM 2.31m
WEIGHT 1860kg
ENGINE Ilmor 5.7lt V8
FUEL 167lt
PEOPLE 11