MariStar 280 SST, Tow-Boat Evolutionary
MasterCraft's proven 280 SST has ushered the boatbuilder into new waters.
June 13, 2009
Like animals, companies and products evolve over time. Sometimes it’s in reaction to a changing environment. Just look at outboard and diesel engines and how much they have changed over the last 10 years. Sometimes the evolution is forced, which is essentially what we’re seeing now with Chrysler and General Motors. And sometimes, it’s a logical progression that expands the boundaries of a company’s product line into new market segments.
The 280 SST MasterCraft carries a party and has a wake you can surf.
Launched in 2004, MasterCraft’s MariStar 280SST is one part of the company’s evolution and its push into new markets. A company founded on 19-foot direct-drive inboards that deliver flat wakes and solid tracking, MasterCraft has expanded its lineup to include what could be called luxury day boats with an eye toward watersports. It still offers those hard-core tow boats for slalom jocks, but the MariStar 280SST reflects philosophies and principles far different from those held when the company was formed back in 1968.
The "pickle fork" bow opens up extra seating forward.
“The continued success of the MariStar 280 signifies that we do more than just build the world’s best ski and wakeboard boats,” said Scott Crutchfield, MasterCraft’s senior vice president of sales and marketing. “The 280, along with our other larger boats, demonstrates our thirst for innovating fresh ways to reach new markets and ensures we stay one step ahead of the competition in the luxury performance niche.”
What instantly sets this boat apart is its size, and also the fact that it has twin engines, which is an anomaly in the tow-boat market. With options for up to 800 horsepower from a pair of Indmar Marine engines, the MariStar 280SST can be had with plenty of power, and with its 100-gallon fuel tank, you can go all weekend without having to fill up. To handle ocean waters, the 280SST comes with a sea strainer, hydraulic steering, corrosion resistant wiring and a beefy sacrificial anode system.
Now that you know the 280SST is equipped for saltwater voyaging, let’s get to the fun parts. For example, MasterCraft fitted the cockpit with an entertainment center on the starboard side, replete with a sink and cooler or even an optional refrigerator. Beneath the port side cowl is a head—with its own porthole—which is available with an optional vacuum-flush system. If your boating plans include women, that’s an option you should spring for because the first question they ask is whether the boat has “facilities.” And if the answer is no, they’re usually not as keen about going out. Consider it money well spent.
The cockpit also comes with wraparound lounge seating, a center walk-through to the swim platform, padded cushions where you sit to strap on a wakeboard or get the kids ready for tubing. A really cool feature is the port side co-captain’s seat, which can be configured to face forward or canted to create an aft-facing lounge.
The 280 has more room for passengers than your average tow boat.
The helm is fitted with MasterCraft’s signature instrumentation, with three “chrome bullets” atop the dash. The instrument cluster also has a new feature called VDIG, or video digital gauge, which displays fuel, coolant temperature, speed, water depth and air and water temperatures.
Up front, the 280SST employ’s MasterCraft’s latest design cue, the “pickle fork” bow, which not only creates a family identity for many of MasterCraft’s offerings, but also creates a lot of space in the bow area. The forward facing lounges are nice and deep for comfort and safety, and the forward section features an enclosed anchor locker, which also includes a fold-out, telescoping swim ladder.
MasterCraft’s MariStar 280SST represents an ambitious leap into new waters, a way for the company to let its loyal owners move up in size without leaving the brand. Base price for the 280SST is $127,700, which does not include a trailer. For more information, call 423-884-2221, or visit www.mastercraft.com.
MariStar 280 SST specifications
Length: 28'3"
Beam: 9'6"
Max draft: 29"
Deadrise: variable
Weight: 6,200 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 100 gal.
The 280 SST is prepped and ready for saltwater excursions as well as fresh.
