Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
MasterCraft 280 STS 2006 vs MasterCraft X-35 2010 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The MasterCraft 280 STS 2006 vs MasterCraft X-35 2010 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 280 STS 2006 measures 28,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 4,6 additional feet of deck space compared to the MasterCraft X-35 2010 at 23,4 feet (2010). At 62 lbs and 49 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 X-35 2010 is rated for 16 passengers, while the MasterCraft 280 STS 2006 caps at 15. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the MasterCraft X-35 2010 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the MasterCraft X-35 2010 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 16 passengers and at 23,4 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The MasterCraft 280 STS 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 15 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeMasterCraft
MakeMasterCraft
Model Year2006
Model Year201
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 6 in
Beamnot available
Beam - Meters2.9
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Inches114
Beam - Inchesnot available
Depth - DetailTransom: 34 in. Amidship: 37 in
Depth - DetailTransom: 34 in. Amidship: 27 in
Depth - Centimeters93.98
Depth - Centimeters86.36
Depth - Inches37
Depth - Inches34
Draft [max] - Detail29 in
Draft [max] - Detail27 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.74
Draft [max] - Meters0.69
Draft [max] - Inches29
Draft [max] - Inches27
Weight - Detail6,200 lbs
Weight - Detail4,900 lbs
Weight - kg2812.27
Weight - kg2222.6
Weight - lbs.62
Weight - lbs.49
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet23.42
Length - Inches3
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 3 in
Length overall - Detail23.42 in
Length overall - Meters8.61
Length overall - Meters0.58
Length overall - Inches339
Length overall - Inches23.42
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - DetailAmidship: 102 in
Height - Detailnot available
Height - DetailTow Bar Height to Waterline: 41 in
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Meters1.04
Height - Inchesnot available
Height - Inches41
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]25 ft. 1 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail103 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters389.9
Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12
Fuel tank capacity - Gal103
Fuel tank capacity - Gal6
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Maximum capacity2,300 lbs
Maximum capacity2,400 lbs
Maximum people15
Maximum people16
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Length over all26 ft. Swing Away Tongue: 23 ft. 6 in
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - WeightTandem-axle: 1,250 lbs