mastercraft buying guide 2015

2015 BOAT SHOW BUYER’S GUIDE10 RULES FOR SUCCESS

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IF YOU’RE IN THE MARKET FOR A NEW BOAT, SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER...

WELCOME TO 2015Throughout the winter, the recreational marine industry will be represented in various boat shows all over the world. These shows are a great opportunity to compare products, meet a dealer and find the best model for your family. These are also the last months before summer, when the pool of inventory dries up.

Whether you’re a tow sports veteran deep in the research process, or just dipping a toe in—this guide will help you navigate the potentially choppy waters of boat show season.

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RULE #01

A GOOD DEAL ON THE WRONG BOAT IS NOT A GOOD DEALYes, price is important—and no doubt there are bargains to be had on the showroom floor feeding frenzy.

But savvy buyers know there’s price, and there’s value. Through experience, they will question the savings if it costs them fivefold in compromise.

As you look at boats, consider the overall ownership experience, brand reputation, features, innovations and the model that is the best choice for your family. Your free time on the water is the most valuable part of the equation. Which brand do you trust with your summer?

And taking an even longer view—a low price often indicates cheap build quality or a market saturated with low-demand models as manufacturers throw big incentives at consumers. Either way, a boat that doesn’t hold its value means the owner gets stuck with that discounted price when it’s time to sell or trade-in the boat.

WHICH BRAND DO YOU TRUST WITH YOUR SUMMER?

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If you’ve researched the used boat market, you know pre-owned MasterCraft are in demand and retain higher resale values where other brands depreciate. As a bonus, this also means MasterCraft owners are able to level-up to the latest model because they get top dollar for their trade-in boat.

X2

X23

X46

PROSTAR NXT

X10

X25

X55

X20

X30

XSTAR

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RULE #02

DON’T FORCETHE FIT

THE CHOICEST PRODUCT, MORE CHOICESMasterCraft: 10 wake / surf boats, 1 ski boat Malibu: 7 wake / surf boats, 1 ski boat Axis: 5 wake / surf boats Nautique: 6 wake / surf boats, 2 ski boats Tige: 7 wake / surf boats

Finding the right boat starts with the way you’ll use it. Do your tastes run classic, or more progressive? Which model matches the size, sport capability, seating configuration, style and set of features that you need? From family-centric fun to pro-level performance, MasterCraft has the largest product portfolio in the industry: 11 boats strong. More models than any other brand means regardless of which specialty boat you choose, we have one in the perfect size with features for your needs. Each is completely customizable with an array of comfort, convenience, performance and style options.

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After finding the perfect boat, look for relevant components that will make your experience better. Don’t buy into gimmicks or “stoke tech.” Seek out features you’ll enjoy every day, such as...

FAST FOLDING TOWERSZFT-4 TOWERS automatically fold up or down in seconds without impeding the driver. Only MasterCraft has taken the headache out of storage and transport.

THE BEST SEATS EVERMost of your experience on the boat happens in the seats. MasterCraft seats feature the industry’s most puncture-resistant vinyl, easy-open gas-assisted shocks to save hassle, superior storage, super durable rotocast construction and are ergonomically designed with 10% more material. Pick the wrong boat and your aft will be the first to know.

BETTER VISIBILITYAUTOLAUNCH is included as part of every Gen 2 Surf System. AutoLaunch is awesome for new drivers because it makes the boat safer to drive and instills more confidence by minimizing bow rise. MasterCraft gets on plane smoother and faster, without sacrificing visibility like other boats.

THE RIGHT WAVE FOR EVERY RIDERGEN 2 SURF SYSTEM offers the easiest operation and most customized waves for every age, ability level and board length. Port and starboard, mellow to steep and up to four zones of push. All deployed with easy to use controls.

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Everything looks shiny and perfect on the showroom floor. But reliability on the water is the #1 concern with owners. This makes buying a boat different than almost any other product purchase. A comprehensive warranty is vitally important when you want zero down time and 100% fun times. Choose a dealer you trust, and a brand you can rely on. Which brings us to rule #03...

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HERE’S THE FINE PRINT WITH MASTERCARE: THERE IS NO FINE PRINT.

RULE #03

READ THE FINE PRINTMasterCraft was the first brand to introduce a five year warranty. Subsequently, several other manufacturers introduced warranty logos to create confusing similarity. However, don’t be fooled. Graphic design is easy to copy.

The difference becomes evident when you read the fine print in their warranties. Riddled with convoluted language and conditional terms, this is bad news for the consumer when it comes time to file a claim. The burden of coverage is passed from manufacturer onto their component supplier—the guys who made the trailer, engine, electronics or whatnot.

With MasterCare, there is no ambiguity. It covers everything bow to stern on the boat for five years except paint and corrosion. We never hand off the boat owner to a third party. Period.

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FACTORY BACKEDIf a problem occurs there are no intermediaries, no pass-off to component suppliers or an aftermarket insurance company. Issues are resolved immediately through our award-winning concierge service, recipient of the industry’s highest ranking for customer satisfaction.

FULLY TRANSFERRABLEOur five year coverage is double the length of the competitors, and it’s fully transferrable. The transferrable warranty adds an average of $2500 to the value of a used MasterCraft.

BOW TO STERNThe engine, the touchscreen, the ballast system, the stereo, the carpet, the prop, the seats, the instrument gauges...every single element of your boat right down to the screws is covered, with two exceptions: trailer paint and gelcoat corrosion. Nobody in the industry can top it.

WHERE MASTERCARE BLOWS EVERY WARRANTY AWAY:

NAUTIQUE“Boat Five (5) Year Transferrable Limited Warranty:...Additional policies: Upholstery five year coverage (3-year parts & labor; 2-year parts); Instrumentation including gauges five-year coverage (3-year parts & labor; 2-year parts); Audio, NSS, LINC System and electronics systems have three-year coverage...”

“...For the lifetime of the boat (“the Lifetime Warranty”). Exclusions do apply...”

“...Engine / Power Train Warranty...For details see Pleasurecraft Marine Engine Co., owner’s manual...”

“...This coverage applies to factory-installed components including boat parts, options, or other components not manufactured by Correct Craft, Inc. The remaining portion of this warranty covering PARTS (no labor)...”

TIGÉ“...Warranty is transferrable to a second owner under limited circumstances...”

“...For years two and three, Tigé will pay for parts only...”

“...Exclusions...swim platforms, fiberglass, non-skid pads or teak wood...items warranted by another manufacturer (engine, trailers, etc.)...”

CENTURION“...Centurion provides no independent warranty with regard to the engine and transmission; however, the owner may contact Centurion to obtain contact information for making claims or inquiries under the applicable engine manufacturer’s warranty...”

MALIBU“...*The tower cosmetic limited warranty and gelcoat limited warranty are not transferrable...”

“...The second owner must arrange for a Malibu Boats authorized sales facility to inspect the boat, at the second owner’s expense....”

“...Failure to rinse thoroughly after each use and apply a protective coating will void warranty...”

“...Please note that Malibu Boats authorized repair facilities, generally, are independently owned and operated businesses. Malibu Boats does not control the scheduling of service work...”

“...Some materials, components or parts of the boat which are NOT covered by the Malibu Boats Limited Warranty are separately warranted by their manufacturers or suppliers. These other warranties include, but are not limited to, warranties covering the engine, audio system, trailer, tires, mooring covers, batteries and Bimini tops. See copies of these other warranties for details relating to their terms, conditions and limitations...”

SUPRA“...For complete information, please refer to the individual policies. Exclusions and limitations a p p l y. T h e I n d m a r p r o g ra m i s d e s c r i b e d i n separate booklets...”

“...Transportation of the boat, parts or components to and from the Skier’s Choice factory or the Authorized Supra Facility must be pre-paid by the owner...”

“...Exclusions: Defects in or damage caused by or relating to the engine or any part thereof...Damage caused by, related to, or resulting from failure of components or parts which are not manufactured by Skier’s Choice, including but not limited to bilge pump failure...”

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ACTUAL FINE PRINT FROM OTHER BRANDS’ WARRANTIES. WARNING, SMALL TYPE LEADS TO LARGE HASSLES...

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RULE #04

YOU CAN’T SHORTCUT QUALITYThe reason MasterCraft can offer such a solid warranty is not because you’ll need it...in fact it’s quite the opposite. We are so confident our boats are built better that we’re able to back them up with an unprecedented guarantee. Not all boat buyers are motivated enough to trace a product back to its source, but knowing a little about how it was made will indicate how it will perform.

As you step inside a boat, pay close

attention to how solid it feels. Tug on the

tower and see if it flexes. Open the storage

and look beneath the seats. Bounce on the

floor. Pull on the throttle. Plastic-chrome

parts and rattly interiors are indicators

that the manufacturer used low grade

components or assembly methods to keep

costs down.

I.S.O. AWESOME MasterCraft has one of the most efficient factories in the marine industry. Our quality controls produce a better product and create less waste with lower environmental impact. We also hold our component suppliers to the same standards. We are the only boat manufacturer in the world with three ISO certifications. International Organization Standardization means we meet world-class specifications for products, services and systems, to ensure quality, safety and efficiency.

Each boat is inspected across 2500 checks at 375 checkpoints. Every model has its own set of jigs for perfect consistency and superb fit and finish. Every detail is premium—from the triple-sprayed .24mm polyester gelcoat to tinned electrical wiring to 316 stainless steel staples, screws and Nutzertz. We produce our own custom seats and are the only inboard manufacturer to custom build trailers for each boat model. Other manufacturers shortcut wet testing by taking partially assembled boats out for a quick spin and calling it good enough. MasterCraft completes the entire boat, and then spends over an hour comprehensively lake testing each before delivery.

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FOR A FACTORY TOUR CALL 423-884-2221.

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RULE #05

ASK “WHAT’S EXTRA?”Look carefully at the content list on your boat. Many manufacturers start with a low base price to get your attention...often these models are so basic they require a lot of “optional equipment” to achieve the comfort, performance and convenience most customers demand. Suddenly that low base price quickly spikes.

MasterCraft X Series boats come standard with amazing features other manufacturers consider optional equipment—or can’t even match because of their construction methods.

THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO BUILD A PREMIUM TOWBOAT...

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MASTERCARE WARRANTY is the industry’s only five year, fully transferrable, comprehensive bow to stern warranty that includes all components. Factory backed.

BRIGHT-DIPPED BILLET ALUMINUM looks better and lasts longer than faux finishes or painted parts.

ALL DAY COMFORT SEATS with the sturdiest rotocast construction, thickest foam and 10% more material than competitors.

MAXIMUM PUNCTURE-RESISTANCE VINYL looks great longer. We’re the only brand on the water with 150psi resistant backing. Compare to 70psi rated vinyl on most competitor’s seats.

JL AUDIO SYSTEM is ready to rock, rated at 2000 hours of use without fatigue. This is quadruple the industry standard for usage.

HEAVY DUTY BALLAST PUMPS by Jabsco. Heavy metal with high output, up to 500% faster operation time than flimsy plastic bilge pumps.

30% MORE FIBERGLASS is jig-cut and applied throughout every boat. Others simply reinforce stress points and use the cheapest grade glass.

A GRID LINER SYSTEM locks the hull inside a structurally reinforced backbone. Other brands use stringers, prone to torsional flex and a noisier ride.

SEALED ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS with tinned copper wiring for ten times the lifespan. MasterCraft is the only brand in the industry with this feature.

PREMIUM HARDWARE throughout including high-grade 316 stainless steel screws, staples, backings, nylon fittings and Nutzerts.

MORE FUNCTIONAL STORAGE is found in MasterCraft than any other towboat brand. Look carefully at usable, horizontal storage, not impractical vertical storage.

ZERO FLEX TOWERS with swiveling board racks and fold-back convenience.

UNBEATABLE PULLING POWER with Ilmor engines, the most advanced inboard powerplants.

GAS-ASSISTED SHOCKS on all underseat lockers give one-handed access to storage.

EXCLUSIVE STANDARD EQUIPMENT ONLY ON MASTERCRAFT

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RULE #06

IT’S NOT WHAT YOU DO ON THE WAVE, IT’S WHAT YOUR WAVE CAN DO

S o m e b u ye r s b a s e t h e i r s u r f b o a t

purchase on the size of the wave. The

thinking goes something like: “big wave

equals best boat.” If that’s the case, we’ve

got you covered as the Gen 2 Surf System

produces massive waves. However, it’s

2015 and we’re in a new era of features to

consider. Ease of operation, waves tuned

to ability levels, safety and efficiency—

Here’s what earned Gen 2 an NMMA

Innovation Award...

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NOW BOARDING ALL ZONESZONE 1START HEREBuild your confidence and hone your skills in Zone 1 with a powerful, stable wave that’s great for learning to surf, recovering or riding out some chop.

APPROX. 0-5’ FROM PLATFORM




ZONE 3GET AGGRESSIVETake it next level in Zone 3, providing even more vertical lip and a steeper face to drop in and accelerate.

ZONE 2STEP UPZone 2 has a strong push and a more defined lip edge so you can charge hard and get some air.

ZONE 4BONUS ROUNDWe see you way back there. Exclusively on the X23, you can spread it out in Zone 4 with room to roam, recover or surf bigger boards.

ANATOMY OF AN EPIC WAVE:

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01. SWIVELING SURFBOARD RACKSAccess your quiver with swiveling clamps that accept big boards. Add a surf sleeve and additional surf rack for even more storage.

02. MURPHY SOFTWAREOne finger control from mellow to steep waves.

03. THE BEST POST-SESSION SEATSThe new X23 features innovative rear-facing aft lounge seats.

04. PLENTY OF STANDARD BALLASTThousands of pounds of under-floor hard tank ballast won’t take up storage space or burst like soft sacks.

05. JABSCO BALLAST PUMPSSoftware controls weight, filling the tanks quickly and leveling the boat.

06. CUSTOMIZED FOR EVERY BOATGen 2 software and device placement is tuned to each model to enhance performance.

07. AUTOLAUNCHMinimizes bow rise and improves driver sight lines.

08. DEVICES THAT SHAPE, NOT DRAGMasterCraft’s exclusive shaping tabs channel energy to create waves. We don’t drag an engine-straining plate. And less drag means less fuel consumption.

THE GEN 2 SURF SYSTEM OFFERS THE EASIEST AND MOST CUSTOMIZED WAVE. THE ELEMENTS THAT DELIVER THE BEST SURF EXPERIENCE:

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RULE #07

ASK AN OWNERWant to know about the product? Ask an existing MasterCraft owner what they love about their boat. We recently gave 23 seasoned towboat owners (across all brands and regions) a chance to preview our 2015 X23.

The X23 is the most powerful wave I’ve ever ridden behind a boat. It’s crazy that it’s that big with so much energy pushing you. I’ve ridden Nautique, Malibu, Centurion–and MasterCraft is the best for sure.- JERRETT MOSS

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We’ve had a couple other brands and MasterCraft is a cut above. They’re really well built and Gen 2 really works well. I was amazed by how far back I could get. We’re thrilled with the wave. - CARY HOBBS

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See more testimonials and watch the video evidence at MasterCraft.com/x23event

The X23 is the best boat I’ve been in this year and I’ve tried every brand. Look at the build quality, the ergonomics, the performance of the boat—nothing else compares.- WAYNE ROBBINS

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RULE #08

ALWAYS TRY IT BEFORE YOU BUY ITDon’t buy on blind faith. Demo your boat first. This is difficult to do in the cold winter months, but we are the only brand with a solution:

A 100% full refund guarantee if you don’t love your surf boat.

That’s right. If you buy a Gen 2 Surf System equipped boat by March 31, 2015 and after surfing behind it, if you don’t love it, you can return it for a full refund before June 30, 2015. No other brand has the confidence to make that offer.

For more information go to MasterCraft.com/buyback

100% FULL REFUNDGUARANTEE.*US and Canada markets only

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RULE #09

THINK LIKE A DEALERWHICH BOAT IS BEST FOR YOU?Top dealers understand it can be intimidating to decipher the choices available. The right questions will get you into the right model.

HOW MANY PEOPLE IN YOUR FAMILY?More people means more gear, more seats and more weight in the boat—and a bigger engine or larger layout might be appropriate.

WHICH SPORTS DO YOU SPEND THE MOST HOURS DOING—SURFING, WAKEBOARDING, SKIING?Crossover boats are often “okay” at a few things, but some excel at all three.

ARE YOU NEW TO SURFING OR EXPERIENCED?A surf system that’s easy to use and can still deliver big waves is key.

HOW MANY HOURS PER SEASON DO YOU SKI?Do you freeski or run a course?

ARE YOUR KIDS YOUNGER OR OLDER?Are they progressing in sport or just into having fun?

WHERE DO YOU LIVE—ON THE WATER OR NEAR THE WATER?For some buyers, a trailer is key. And some don’t even need a tow vehicle.

HOW WILL YOUR BOAT BE STORED?If you’re putting it in a garage, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice features to fit in a small space. If you’ve got a boathouse, an automatic tower will make life easy.

DO YOU BOAT ON BIG WATER, A SMALL LAKE, A RIVER OR THE COAST?Everything from hull size to handling characteristics to saltwater protection come into play.

WHAT KIND OF CONVENIENCE AND COMFORT ARE YOU INTERESTED IN?Do you want pure sport performance or more emphasis on music, video capture, cold drinks and a working sink?

AFTER A FEW YEARS OF ENJOYING THIS BOAT, WILL YOU WANT TO SELL IT OR TRADE IT IN FOR THE LATEST MODEL?Popular configurations, brand reputation, warranty and regular service will keep depreciation to a minimum.

WHICH BRANDS AND MODELS HAVE YOU LOOKED AT?A dealer will help with an apples-to-apples comparison of the brands on your short list.

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MORE BOATS AND MORE NEW MODELS THAN ANY OTHER BRAND

X2 NIMBLE HANDLING CROSSOVER PERFORMANCE / STOKE THE SURF, WAKE AND FREE SKI MISSIONS

20 ’ 0 ” / 11 PASSENGERS / 4300 POUNDS

X10 GARAGE-FRIENDLY CROSSOVER SKI, SURF AND WAKE MAKER / LARGE LOUNGE AND MASSIVE STORAGE


X20 HUGE WAVE, COMPACT SIZE / BIG BALLAST AND CONVERTIBLE SUNPAD SEATING


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X23 4 ZONES OF SURF, SERIOUS WAKE / SUPER DEEP HULL WITH MASSIVE BALLAST


X25 BIG WATER BLASTER / SURF, WAKEBOARD AND SKI IN A SOLID RIDE WITH TONS OF STORAGE


X30 CLASSIC LOOKS WITH WAKE, SURF AND SKI PERFORMANCE / REVERSIBLE SEATING

23 ’4 ” / 16 PASSENGERS / 4700 POUNDS

X46 MORE ROOM TO RIP / FOUR PERSON PICKLEFORK, FLIP UP SUNPAD, GULLWING STORAGE


X55 LARGE PARTY MEETS BIG PERFORMANCE / SOLID RIDE, DEEP HULL, STANDARD HEAD OR FRIDGE


XSTAR PRO-LEVEL WAKES AND SURF WAVES / FORWARD LOUNGE, REVERSIBLE REAR SEATING, GEN 2 ENABLED


PROSTAR ULTIMATE SKI MACHINE / SPACIOUS INTERIOR, OPEN OR CLOSED BOW, FLAT WAKES AT ALL LENGTHS


NXT ACCESSIBLE PRICE, AMAZING QUALITY / ILMOR V8, CROSSOVER PERFORMANCE, MASTERCARE WARRANTY


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RULE #10

CHECK YOUR FACTSDon’t waste your time wading through misinformation. Look for facts. Two key areas you’ll want to focus on: your powerplant and your surf system.

All information sourced from publicly available California Air Resources Board, official Indmar and Ilmor websites and a 2014 independent surf system study by Jim Dowd and Dr. Steve Zalek at the University of Michigan Marine Hydrodynamics Lab.

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85% FEWER WARRANTY CALLSIlmor engines get 85% fewer warranty calls compared to when MasterCraft used Indmar engines.

ULTRA-LOW EMISSION RATINGSAll Ilmor engines achieve ultra-low emission ratings from California Air Resources Board (CARB), the strictest emission standards in North America.

30 YEARSIlmor brings three decades of racing experience to the table, including 313 victories.

EXCLUSIVELY FOR MASTERCRAFTILMOR: custom built exclusively for MasterCraft. Each is precision tuned for the exact MasterCraft model. INDMAR: built with off the shelf parts, installed stock in numerous brands.

MOST POWERFULThe Ilmor 7.4L is the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in a towboat.

MORE HORSEPOWERThe Ilmor 6.0L and 6.2L both offer more horsepower than the Indmar at a comparable size. Indmar’s 6.2L Raptor 400 V8 is nearly beaten in torque and horsepower by the smallest Ilmor 5.7L V8.

MOST RELIABILITYThe Ilmor 5.7L provides industry-leading horsepower at its block size and the most reliability in any marine engine ever built.

15% LOWER RPM SPEEDUnder surf conditions, MasterCraft boats operate at up to a 15% lower RPM speed. This means better fuel efficiency and less engine wear and tear.

67% MORE FUEL EFFICIENTUnder surf conditions, MasterCraft boats are up to 67% more fuel efficient than Malibu boats.

$2625 IN SAVINGSBecause Ilmor engines are up to 67% more fuel efficient than Indmar engines when set up for surfing, that translates into a savings of $2625 per 100 hours on the water.

LARGEST ENGINE, LESS CARBON MONOXIDEThe largest recreational Ilmor marine engine releases less carbon monoxide than the smallest Indmar block.

95.8% CLEANERUnder surf conditions MasterCraft boats release up to 95.8% less carbon monoxide than comparable Malibu or Axis boats.

5 STEPS VS. 11 STEPSMASTERCRAFT NXT Surf System requires 5 steps to surf. AXIS A22 with Surf Gate requires 11 steps to surf.

24% MORE WAVE ENERGYGen 2 Surf System creates up to 24% more wave energy (measured in rider push) than Surf Gate on Malibu and Axis boats.

OUTPERFORMED SURF GATEGen 2 outperformed Surf Gate on every Malibu and Axis model in every boat size class.

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NOW’S YOUR TIME TO CLAIM ITGet into your dream boat before summer arrives: Custom built for you, outfitted with all the right accessories to elevate your game.

See your dealer and pick up a 2015 model year catalog, check out the lineup or drop into a demo.

JOIN THE FAMILY OF STOKED MASTERCRAFT OWNERS.

1 0 0 C H E R O K E E C O V E D R . V O N O R E , T N 3 7 8 8 5 4 2 3 . 8 8 4 . 2 2 2 1 M A S T E R C R A F T . C O M

mastercraft buying guide 2015

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