2020 MasterCraft X26 adds fuel capacity, features in model makeover
Significant enhancements to MasterCraft’s biggest model make it even better suited to long days out on the waterThe MasterCraft X26, the largest boat in the tow sport specialist’s line-up, will gain a number of big changes ahead of an Australian arrival that should see it land here in time for Christmas.
The changes, part of a complete redesign of the boat, introduce a finer bow entry for the boat, making it much more comfortable on open water while travelling to and from your favourite wakeboarding or wake surfing destination.
And once you’re back in the marina, the MasterCraft X26 now has the option of a bow thruster to help with low-speed manouvering the 8.0-metre hull – the optional, restyled swim deck adds another 0.6m again – into a tight berth.
A taller main rudder now also helps with stability and changes in direction at idling or at speed.
In the US, the boat will also come standard with the 321kW/650Nm Ilmor 6.2 GDI engine, with the 390kW/711Nm 7.4 MPI available as an option. The MasterCraft X26’s fuel capacity has also increased, from 350 litres to 400 litres.
Soaking up sun
The boat now has a side walkthrough from the cockpit to the reconfigured bow seating area (an infill can convert this space into a sun lounge) that sits further forward, a big change from the previous model’s centre walkthrough. This helps with shifting more weight – and therefore the centre of gravity – forward to help the boat sit more level when engaged in tow sports, helping the driver’s visibility.
There’s also more aft-facing seating behind the driver’s seat, and a bigger hatch on top of the engine bay to access the space that’s used as a drying box or for warming up lifejackets before jumping in the water.
The new design includes underfloor storage options, although fewer drink holders in the divider between the driver’s seat and the cockpit behind it.
Transom seats, which face out over the optional swim decks, can now also come with flip-out ottoman-style extensions to make them more comfortable.
Other options for North American-market models include a toilet hidden away under the console that can also serve as ski storage space, and a Dometic fridge built into a slide-out drawer.
The new-look MasterCraft X26 is due in Australia either late this year or early next year.
Specifications
Model: MasterCraft X26
Length: 8.0m, 8.7m (with optional swim platform)
Beam: 2.59m
Draft: 0.76m
Weight: 3130kg
Ballast: 1882kg (Gen2 Surf System)
Fuel: 400L
Passengers: 18
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