MasterCraft unveils 2018 model-line improvements
Many of the design elements in 2018 MasterCraft boats are borrowed from luxury automobiles.
Soundings TradeOnlyToday Magazine
The MasterCraft Boat Co. developed functional and cosmetic improvements across its model line for 2018, including digitally controlled driving and entertainment systems and easy-folding towers.
“For the last couple of years MasterCraft engineers have been focused on how our boats function. We set goals, pulled in amazing partners to help us introduce a host of upgrades, ranging from expected to profound, for our customers,” MasterCraft president and CEO Terry McNew said in a statement. “I’m most excited about the industry-leading new technologies on our 2018 boats, as they change the experience on the water like never before.”
To give drivers optimum control, MasterCraft collaborated with BMW, QNX and Murphy to simplify the operator’s experience with technology that tunes the boat to three owner-favorite modes — drive, tow and chill.
This operating software is enabled by MasterCraft’s new proprietary dual-screen dash, which streamlines boat operation and improves helm styling and ergonomics. The dash is an option on new XT and X series boats.
The 10.1-inch touch screen and 12.3-inch non-touch display are customized for each mode. The tow mode has three sub-modes (wake, surf and ski), and in that mode the system enables new Flexible AutoLaunch capability to enable triple-tab or single-tab activation.
For navigation, the dual-screen dash has pre-loaded tutorial videos, navigation and charts of local waterways. The software also integrates with cellphones, allowing drivers to receive text and call notifications on the dash. Cameras are integrated into the screens, including rear-facing units, as well as on-board Go Pros, giving drivers control of the camera functions through Wi-Fi technology.
Lastly, the dash pairs an audio mode of the new Klipsch Audio system with each of the aforementioned driving modes and uses Integrated ICE audio controls, including zone volume, equalizer, media sources and Bluetooth.
MasterCraft said audiophiles will appreciate the Klipsch system, which has been upgraded with new speaker placement and sizes. MasterCraft also partnered with Bongiovi Acoustics to implement its Digital Power Station technology to customize the Klipsch-powered system specifically for MasterCraft’s boats.
The Bongiovi DSP contains a patented digital audio signal processor that adjusts real time to music. The system is available in X, XT and NXT boats.
For easier towing, MasterCraft has introduced new towers that fold with the assistance of gas shocks. The ZFT2 tower has a billet foot, the ZFT4 has been enhanced with new lower-leg color options, and the ZFT7 Power Tower has more color choices, as well.
The ZFT4 and ZFT7 feature new board racks, and each tower can be upgraded with a rear-facing camera as part of the Premium Audio and dual-screen packages.
Additional functional enhancements available for 2018 include MasterCraft’s DockStar Handling System, available on the X26 and X46 models. The ProStar now utilizes turned-down exhaust tips for quiet operation.
Originally published here.