At 23 feet, 4 inches long and with seating for 16, the MasterCraft XT23 sits right in the sweet spot for wakesports enthusiasts. There’s more room than the smaller models, and it’s more maneuverable and easier to tow than the bigger models. There is plenty of space for family and friends, not to mention loads of tow-sports performance.
Featuring a traditional bow shape and MasterCraft’s signature sheerline, the XT23 is both modern and classic, which should appeal to boaters old and new. What’s all-new and will definitely appeal to everybody is the redesigned helm, dash and operating systems. The XT dash features a 12-inch touchscreen with a new, more intuitive interface. Also, an all-new quick-control dial allows adjusting the stereo without the need to locate audio controls on the touchscreen. Truly cool is the new MasterCraft MyDrive rotary encoder. This dial allows navigating the touchscreen without tapping, while hot keys around the dial offer instant adjustments to surf settings and other features.
The XT23 is equipped with 3,300 pounds of ballast, plenty to displace the boat and kick up high-level wakes and waves. The Rapid Surf system offers presets for every activity built into the interface. With it, users can quickly pick what they want and start riding, or tweak the plates’ positions on the fly for total customization. Rapid Surf features seven positions and an integrated diagram on the display to show how the wave’s shape will change based on the system’s positioning. With the ballast full and a small crew on board, the XT23’s wave is big, clean and a ton of fun while being easily customizable to accommodate any skill level.
Our tester model was equipped with Ilmor’s new 5.3L GDI HO engine, which comes standard. This engine easily planed the XT23 under a full load and proved itself efficient. Cruising between 26.7 and 31.7 mph, the XT23 achieved 2.5 mpg. While fully ballasted and in wakesurf mode, it burned 10.7 gph, besting other boats in its size and class.
Super-versatile, the midsize MasterCraft XT23 offers a full-size watersports adventure.
High Points
- New XT helm is slick, easy to use, and integrates seamlessly into the boat’s design.
- Optional Z8 tower can be lowered or raised quickly by a single person thanks to Hydro-Lock technology.
- Transom seats bring comfortable lounging to the stern.
How We Tested
- Engine: Ilmor 5.3L GDI HO
- Drive/Prop: V-drive/16.5″ x 17″ 4-blade nibral
- Gear Ratio: 2.00:1 Fuel Load: 79 gal. Crew Weight: 600 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| MSRP: | $170,360 (well-equipped) |
| LOA: | 23’4″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft: | 2’8″ |
| Dry Weight: | 5,250 lb. |
| Ballast: | 3,300 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 16/2,500 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 79 gal. |
