need boat opinion from you guys/gals (purchase question)

[Nordicron]

210 wake is more than adequate for any skill level. Here are a couple cell picks of a buddy behind my boat on Sunday. Water was kinda crap. He is throwing a 720 in one and the other was one of many huge grabbed inverts.

[V8 Killer]

@OP
Lots of good info and opinions in here. Like ironj32 said, 210/230/XStar are 3 great boats. My only point was to see if you've even considered a Star. I don't see how anyone could think about a 210/230 without at least thinking about a Star (and vice versa if I was considering a <2011 X-Star).
I realize you're probably going to get a lot more people on THIS website telling you the 210/230 is better, I wouldn't expect anything less. In some ways the 210/230 is better, in some ways the X-Star is better. Then again if you're equal amounts surfing / wakeboarding (plus everything else you mentioned) maybe a different MC like the X25 would be very suitable for you.
Sorry if my original post derails the thread in any way. If anything it seems to have provided lots of good comparisons though, hopefully something you find helpful.


@ironj32
I was referring to including the bow of the X-Star when I said the interior layout was superior. When I'm not driving or riding I love the bow (in my X-Stars and now my G23). I can still see all the action, stretch out (especially on the Stars), relax, etc. 210 and even the 230 bow must be made for kids and small dogs. Even the G23 bow is too small for my personal taste (I'm 6'2" / 190).
I honestly don't recall the engine(s) in the 210/230's I've ridden/driven. They weren't close friends nor boats I spent a lot of time on. I've been on 4 total and the 210 was better than the 230 at handling but none seem to plane as quick as my Star (trying to recall fairly and keeping in mind weight setups).
Wake is 100% personal preference, I agree completely. My comments are the X-Star has a larger wake stock v stock. I think this should matter to the OP since they are all beginners but won't always be beginners. They likely will never need to bag this boat they are buying...maybe their next boat.
I would like to recall my statement that the X-Star is more peaky. I actually did mean the Star is more of a ramp. I have no idea why I said peaky. Ramps are better for rolls and spins, peaks are better for trip flips...at least for my style of riding. Like you said, the 230 gives you that kick feeling...awesome for tantrums but for beginners I think the kick is harder to manage than a smooth transitioning ramp. A ramp gives you easier air and makes you feel more balanced.


@scottb7
Honest I feel the exact same way. My neighbor with a 2007 X45 and 300+ hours doesn't take "great" care of his boat and its in better condition than my 2 neighbors with 230's (which are several years newer and I believe a lot less hours). I'm referring to their overall condition and wear/tear. I'm estimating of course, I don't have all the facts here. But I've been on all of them multiple times, including as recently as Sunday. Both 230s seem more worn out. I believe both are 2010s but I admit I don't know my 230s year-by-year just by looking.


@Miljack
Personal preference is all I know to throw that one to. Just like boat color, people are going to prefer different wakes.
The Star sucks for surfing. If you want to surf a lot on a MC get an X25, X30, X45. Pretty much anything but a Star, ha. We could never get a nice curl, but by putting more weight in the front than you normally would (ratio-wise) we could build a nice ramp and get some length on it. The biggest key was a pretty heavy turn. You know you're supposed to turn slightly...not on the X-Star. It took a more aggressive constant left or right turn to get it really nice. Which honestly worked out very well for our lake and surf area.


@Nordicron
MC does use stitches everywhere. 1,100 engine hours on 2 Stars showed great wear. I had one seat on the 2010 that stitching came loose in one season. They replaced the entire cushion (not just the vinyl cover but the cushion). That was it. Not one more loose stitch on either boat, ever.
MC clamp racks are awesome. High quality, great look and feel. Much quicker and easier to operate. No leaning over my boat handing myself a fancy bungee cord on a $100,000+ boat like I do now on the G. Plus my boards bang together now on my G when going through rough water! I have to specifically pick what board goes where to try to minimize this. Really, really irritating.
Aluminum through door is nice. Tight seal, keeps you warm with the heater on in cooler weather. My $1,100 "upgraded" plastic pocket air **** upgrade on the G23 has a crack in it. 22 hours on the boat thus far and I have a crack...ugh. (LOVE my G23 overall, but just saying.)


@nyryan2001
Never seen any stitching bleed on my Stars. Maybe a different year/material than my '06/'10? I know MC changes interior designs and materials every few years.

[xlair]

I just find it funny that the OP states they are beginner boarders/surfers looking for a 210/230 and all of a sudden it turns into a debate of MC vs CC.

[scottb7]

"210 wake is more than adequate for any skill level." I so agree with that. I fill stock ballast port, starboard, and belly, have a bigger wake and still can only do wake to wake jump. I am a chump. But I still stay don't rule out mastercraft.

[lucky7t]

Personally I like the 210 because if its size. It's easy to maneuver and easier to find a slip for me.

I've tried a 230 for a day and don't really need the room. We have a 210 and have had 9 people and had a great time.