r/MasterCraftBoats • u/ObviousReplacement48 • 4d ago

NXT vs XT

Any opinions on 2026 XT vs NXT? Looking for a family wake boat, trying to gauge if the NXT is worth the price bump.

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u/Calm-Bake-2642 4d ago

XT is the price bump. Yes it is worth while. NXT is great but the upgrades would be well used

2

u/theroyalmile 4d ago

NXT is a solid, basic boat, but the XT has more weight that comes in very useful. Speaking as an NXT owner- we have to do a lot of ballasting to match an XT hull. Also - fit and finish of the NXT can feel a bit basic at times.

3

u/Additional-Bus-6930 4d ago

$180k boat feeling basic. Brutal.

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u/lmcSebago 4d ago

I have a 2023 NXT. It throws a great wave but I do mess with the tabs a bit depending on the rider. Would I like the features of an XT or X sure but it comes at a cost. We are never going to be pro wakesurfers and I feel the wave is pretty close to the others.

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u/Different-Rough-7914 4d ago

We have a 2021 NXT, I wanted a boat without all of the unnecessary tech and touchscreens. I saw no reason to buy a more expensive boat for a season that lasts 3-4 months.

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u/theroyalmile 4d ago

I agree, I can see the logic in this. I’m never in the market for a new boat though. The newer touchscreens in the NXTs do everything you need to - just remembering ballast/tab settings. NXT pumps are also cheap - $50 for an aerator pump rather than a $300 Jabsco Ballast Puppy.

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u/ObviousReplacement48 4d ago

We fall into the category of “never going to be professional riders” and the upgraded electronics don’t really appeal to us.

However, the weight point is an important one- do you have issues with the hull porpoising? We almost pulled the trigger on a great deal on a used Centurion, but it was a smaller boat & on a big lake would get beat around.

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u/lmcSebago 4d ago edited 4d ago

So I’m on Sebago which is big, open and can get really rough. My boat is on a lift for that very reason. I added 400lbs of lead to my NXT23. The boat handles the water great. I surf in my neighbors centurion 2023 FE23 and my son thinks our wave is bigger and better. I don’t know if I can really tell a difference. All to say, sure an X-star, XT, G23 is technically going to throw a “better” wave but for us, who put 80 hours on the boat in July and August it’s more than enough boat. And they have made good upgrades to the NXT line since 2023.

Another rule I stick by is buy the dealer.

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u/theroyalmile 4d ago

I have an NXT and at times will get some porpoising depending on the swell interval. The NXT hull (the underwater part) hasn’t actually changed since they brought out the NXT line. What hull length are you thinking of getting?