2008 will mark the 40th year that the Mastercraft boat company has been in business. That is quite a feat to be sure, and one that is deserving of recognition. In a trend that has only become more popular recently, current rumors indicate that Mastercraft is working up something special to commemorate four decades of building boats. We’ll have to wait until some time around July or August for the unveiling, but we do have a few predictions that we can share right now.
Read on to see what we expect from these limited edition models after the break.
In the past, limited edition models from all manufacturers have been slalom specific machines, designed to turn out the smallest possible wake. As wakeboarding has continued to increase in popularity, to the point that wakeboard specific boats out number their slalom brethren by almost 3 to 1 in most lines, we can expect that trend of special production model ski boats to diminish. Malibu was the first to follow this new model, with their Response LXi and Wakesetter VLX Silver Edition models for 2007. Both boats are in honor of their 25th anniversary, and by offering a ski and wakeboard model, you can be sure every buyer will find something that makes sense for them.
With the introduction of the PWT X-Star this year, it seems apparent that Mastercraft will most likely offer some form of limited edition X-Star for their 40th anniversary. Whether that wakeboard specific boat will be joined by a special version of their waterski boat, the 197 is unknown. But based on the past which has seen a closed bow ski boat as limited edition model at each previous milestone, it only stands to reason that we will see another ski boat dressed up for the big Four-Oh.
Regardless of which models are selected for the honor, here’s what we can expect to see:
- Special exterior gelcoat patterns and interior designs that are unique to the anniversary models.
- Upgraded engine packages that offer increased output over the standard powerplant.
- Unique trailers with more style and options to set them apart.
As with previous “limited edition models”, don’t expect the actual substance of the model to change all that much. Building a one off boat is too expensive for one model year, so starting with a foundation that already exists helps to defer the R&D and production costs that are associated with any new boat. If history is any indicator, these limited edition models, even if they are just graphic and option upgrade over an existing model, should prove very popular.
We’ll bring you all of the details as soon as they’re available.
