Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
MasterCraft 197 2008 vs MasterCraft Maristar 245 VRS 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The MasterCraft 197 2008 vs MasterCraft Maristar 245 VRS 2005 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The MasterCraft Maristar 245 VRS 2005 measures 24,0 feet overall (2005), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the MasterCraft 197 2008 at 19,0 feet (2008). At 28 lbs and 46 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The MasterCraft Maristar 245 VRS 2005 is rated for 18 passengers, while the MasterCraft 197 2008 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the MasterCraft Maristar 245 VRS 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the MasterCraft Maristar 245 VRS 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 18 passengers and at 24,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The MasterCraft 197 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeMasterCraft
MakeMasterCraft
Model197
ModelMaristar 245 VRS
Model Year2008
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam91 in
Beamnot available
Beam - Meters2.31
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Inches91
Beam - Inchesnot available
Depth - DetailTransom: 20 in. Amidship: 22.5 in
Depth - DetailTransom: 28 in. (.71 m) Amidship: 30 in. (.76 m)
Depth - Centimeters58.42
Depth - Centimeters76.2
Depth - Inches22.5
Depth - Inches3
Draft [max] - Detail22 in
Draft [max] - Detail28 in. (.71 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.56
Draft [max] - Meters0.71
Draft [max] - Inches22
Draft [max] - Inches28
Weight - Detail2,800 lbs
Weight - Detail4,600 lbs. (2,086 kg)
Weight - kg1270.06
Weight - kg2086.52
Weight - lbs.28
Weight - lbs.46
Height - DetailTow Bar Height to Waterline: 29 in
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters0.74
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches29
Height - Inchesnot available
Length - Feet19
Length - Feet24
Length - Inches8
Length - Inches2
Length [over all with swim platform]21 ft. 6 in
Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 4 in. (8.03 m)
Length overall - Detail19 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Detail24 ft. 2 in. (7.37 m)
Length overall - Meters5.99
Length overall - Meters7.37
Length overall - Inches236
Length overall - Inches29
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - DetailWidth amidship: 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters7.37
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail28 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail90 gal. (341 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters105.99
Fuel tank capacity - Liters340.69
Fuel tank capacity - Gal28
Fuel tank capacity - Gal9
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Operational Info
Maximum capacity978 lbs
Maximum capacity2,928 lbs (1,328 kg)
Maximum people7
Maximum people18
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 5 in. w/ Swing Away Tongue Folded: 20 ft. 7 in
Trailer - Length over all27 ft. 5 in. (8.36 m) W/Pivot Tongue Folded: 24 ft. 11 in. (7.59 m)
Trailer - WeightSingle-axle: 860 lbs. Tandem-axle: 1,040 lbs
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - WidthSingle-axle: 99 in. Tandem-axle: 100 in
Trailer - Widthnot available