2018 MasterCraft boats go cutting-edge

MasterCraft has revealed a raft of new features and upgrades for its new 2018-model year boats that are designed to improve and enhance the boating experience. They include functional and cosmetic improvements as well as a more intuitive and customisable operating experiences through a new digitally controlled entertainment and driving systems.

Terry McNew, President and CEO of MasterCraft Boat Company, said he’s thrilled about the industry-leading new technologies in the 2018 boats, as they change the experience on the water like never before.

"For the last couple of years MasterCraft engineers have been focused on how our boats function. We set goals and pulled in amazing partners to help us introduce a host of upgrades, ranging from the expected to profound," he said.

SIMPLIFIED DIGITAL OPERATION
After studying its customers’ usage habits and collaborating with leading technology partners BMW DesignWorks, QNX and Murphy, MasterCraft has simplified and enhanced the on-board experience for 2018.

New technology tunes the boat to three owner-favourite modes: drive, tow and chill. This first-ever “modal” operating software for towboats is enabled by MasterCraft’s new proprietary dual-screen dash. This has been designed to streamline boat operation and improve helm styling and ergonomics.

The dual-screen dash is an option on new XT and X series boats.

The largest LCD interface system on any towboat, the 10.1in new primary touch screen and 12.3in non-touch displays utilise MasterCraft’s software to simplify boat control, enable better organisation, and display information changes on both screens.

The displays are uniquely customised for each mode. The tow mode has three sub modes (wake, surf, ski) and in that mode the system enables new Flexible AutoLaunch capability to enable triple tab, or single tab activation.

The dual-screen dash also maximises the additional LCD real estate by offering pre-loaded tutorial videos, navigation and maps of all global waterways.

Its software also integrates with cellular phones allowing drivers to receive notifications of text messages and phone calls on the dash.

Cameras are integrated with the dual-screen dash including rear-facing cameras as well as on-board GoPro Cameras, enabling drivers command and control of the GoPro Camera’s functions and video viewing on the dash through built-in WiFi technology.

The dual-screen dash also pairs an audio mode of the new Klipsch Audio system to each driving mode (drive, tow, chill) and uses Integrated ICE audio controls, including zone volume control, equaliser, media sources and integrated Bluetooth.

Beyond the dual-screen dash, MasterCraft has created an all-new touch screen base 4.3in dash on X and XT series boats.

CONCERT-LEVEL SOUND
On-board entertainment has received a big boost, as all MasterCraft boats will now include premium, concert-level sound from Klipsch Audio as standard equipment.

Klipsch Audio custom engineered its first marine audio systems exclusively for MasterCraft, creating amplification systems and speakers that are said to bring incredible power yet deliver a rich, accurate sound for any type of music.

To further enhance the audio experience, speaker placement has been revised to improve sound distribution using a variety of Klipsch Audio speaker sizes.

MasterCraft has also partnered with Bongiovi Acoustics to implement its Digital Power Station (DSP) technology. This customises the new Klipsch-powered system specifically into MasterCraft’s boats.

The Bongiovi DSP contains a unique, patented digital-audio signal processor that adjusts real time to music to ensure concert level sound. This is said to be another first for the marine industry.

The Bongiovi DSP module is tuneable, changing the sound of the system depending on which software mode is selected by the driver.

Bongiovi Acoustics technology is included in the Advanced and Premium Audio systems packages in X, XT and NXT boats.

IMPROVED TOWERS
MasterCraft has a new easy folding, gas-shock-assisted ZFT2 as its new base model tower. The ZFT2 tower shares MasterCraft’s styling and has a solid, billet foot.

The ZFT4 styling was enhanced with new lower leg colour options and the ZFT7 Power Tower colour options are now independent. The ZFT4 and ZFT7 feature a new board rack clamping system with an intuitive new clamp and release system that requires less effort.

A rear-facing camera is included in the Premium Audio and dual-screen package on premium ZFT4 or ZFT7 towers.

Working with Klipsch Audio, MasterCraft has designed a suite of new billet aluminium speaker cans for the new Klipsch speakers that have a premium aesthetic and also alleviate potential sound issues. Several mounting, colour and lighting options are available.

INTERIOR UPGRADES
Interior appointments have also been enhanced for 2018. At the helm, MasterCraft introduces all-new base and dual-screen dash styling, new throttle panel and throttle-knob styling, new cup holder insert styling and colours, and expanded CoolFeel vinyl colours. Rear-facing lighting has moved to the transom rub rail.

Additional functional enhancements available for 2018 include the award-winning DockStar Handling System now available to the X26 and X46 boats. The ProStar now utilises turn-downed exhaust pipes to quieten the ride.

The raft of new features is available on the initial 2018 boat introduction, the new twenty-two foot XT22. Hand-built by “Master Craftsmen” in the company’s U.S.-based manufacturing facility in Vonore, TN, MasterCraft boats are constructed with quality and reliability in mind. This, says MasterCraft, results in the highest resale values in the industry and a plenty of boatowner pleasure.

More at MasterCraft.