advice on xstar

Hey all,

I'm looking into xstars from 08 and newer. I've found some boats that interest me but most of them the 350 hp motor. I'm thinking i'm going to need the 400 hp motor though as I plan on running as much as 1000-2000# of ballast on top of the factory ballast.

Do I really need the 400hp motor or can I go ahead with the 350 hp motor and just buy an upgraded prop?

What are your experiences with different ballast amounts and motor/prop set ups?

go with the 400, the 350 can do the job but it's gonna have to work a lot harder. With the 6.0L 400hp, it's easier to get the nose down even with a lot of weight in the back.

I'd rather have the big motor and not need it than need it and not have it.

nothing wrong with the mcx but the 400hp is better....

mcx starts to have issues if you go above 2500lb on top of factory and more than 6 people

I have a 09 X-Star with the 400hp motor thats the one you want. 350hp might get the job done I agree, but you will always be thinking man I wish I had that extra 50. Good Luck.

The 400 hp will definitely struggle less. If you are not running 3500lbs of ballast and do not need to run over 35 mph, a propped down MCX works fine. But, if you want to slam the boat or still would like to go over 40 mph, definitely get the Ly6. I would avoid the 8.1 engine.

Originally Posted by bobenglish

The 400 hp will definitely struggle less. If you are not running 3500lbs of ballast and do not need to run over 35 mph, a propped down MCX works fine. But, if you want to slam the boat or still would like to go over 40 mph, definitely get the Ly6. I would avoid the 8.1 engine.

A MCX propped to run 3500lbs drinks gas like a drunken sailor!

Supposed to be a new XStar for MY 2012. I would hold off and wait as I imagine there will be quite a few for sale once the details get released.

I have had the MCX and the 400 hp. I think for resale the 400hp is the way to go. The mcx will do the job however. The new Xstar will be a mid season release. Probably going to be quite a bit more expensive than the current Xstar. It will be 24 feet and the 400hp will probably be the minimum you could get away with.

I have the MXC in mine, I run the PWT bags plus about 250 in dead weight. I prop it with a 14.75x13 OJ, it gets up fine with 4 people in the boat anymore and I have to drain the rear bags down 25% or so. Stock + 1000 it'll get up all day long and you won't notice a thing. My top end is around 32MPH with the prop.

It def drinks gas like a mofo I'd guess 7-9 gallons per hour full ballast, I've never really checked it, I just cry every time I fill up. I just assumed the 400 did as well but maybe not.

Honestly a slammed Xstar is probably beyond 90% of peoples wakeboarding skill set, sure is fun though. It's still a super fun wake with stock plus maybe 1000.

Anything you hear on the 2012 or 2012 mid year is pure speculation, I feel it's a very select few who know what the true story is on the new Xstar or when it's coming out.

We have our '08 with the 6.0 for sale at Nor Cal Mastercraft. Sweet boat, low hours, killer stereo, right price.... Give them a call.

FWIW... I think the 6.0 is the best motor that went into the boat. Plenty of pulling power without the problems of the 8.1

Just a few thoughts. If I recall (someone speak up if I am wrong) but the quality of materials on the LY6 is also another advantage over the MCX. I believe it has aluminum heads among other advantages. Of course the torque curve is a plus as well. The LY6 is a more advanced motor especially with its software. With that being said, if you are running under 2000lbs of ballast in it the 350 will be fine....but I would go with the 400!

In all reality the difference in HP between the MCX and LY6 is about 70hp. As people have stated the MCX will do the job as I too ride with BI PWT ballast and stock with 3-6 people and MCX and it is okay completely full otherwise what you are talking about it will be fine and with the ACME 1285 it still runs 40mph GPS.

At what ballast load would you guys say one would absolutely need the 6.0? 3000? 4000?

Why mess around? When you're fully loaded and decide to take out a big crew of friends or family you want your boat to get on plane. You're not going to want to drain ballast. Yes the MCX will get it done. I've been in a couple that did, but the 6.0 is where it's at IMO.

The 8.1 was really the motor to have, but it had too many reliability issues.

I have an 06' MCX and run up to 4000# with the ACME 1285 4 Blade Prop. MCX does fine (>4200rpm at 24.5mph). But out of 6-8 riders I take out I'm the only one running full ballast. So gas consumption isn't that bad, top speed is <30mph unloaded. Going to try that new 5 blade prop soon, hoping to get to 3700-3800rpm at 24.5 with 4000#.

Though I'd definitely suggest the 6.0L, I have it in my truck and it's does a great job, Oh and stay away from the big block.
Xstar's also love front weight and provide a great ride!!!!
Cheers,
DC

LY6 is the way to go.

'05 X-star with the MCX, 2500# total ballast with 5-6 people is fine (at sea level)
Any more weight and I would switch to my 14.25 X 14.5 prop, and the MCX will still be good an ok job but the LY6 6.0 would be my choice if I had to do it all over again.

If you're at higher elevation, you need the 6.0....no question.

What problems does the 8.1 have?