Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
MasterCraft 280 STS 2007 vs MasterCraft CSX265 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The MasterCraft 280 STS 2007 vs MasterCraft CSX265 2011 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — MasterCraft 280 STS 2007 at 28,0 ft versus MasterCraft CSX265 2011 at 26,4 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the MasterCraft CSX265 2011 tips the scales at 775 lbs — 713 lbs less than the MasterCraft 280 STS 2007 at 62 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: The MasterCraft 280 STS 2007 and MasterCraft CSX265 2011 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeMasterCraft
MakeMasterCraft
Model Year2007
Model Year2011
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 - Detail32 in. (0.81 m) transom 25 in. (0.64 m) amidship
Depth - Centimeters93.98
Depth - Centimeters81.28
Depth - Inches37
Depth - Inches32
Draft [max] - Detail29 in
Draft [max] - Detail32 in. (0.81 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.74
Draft [max] - Meters0.81
Draft [max] - Inches29
Draft [max] - Inches32
Weight - Detail6,200 lbs
Weight - Detail7,750 lbs. (3,515 kg)
Weight - kg2812.27
Weight - kg3515.34
Weight - lbs.62
Weight - lbs.775
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet26.42
Length - Inches3
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 3 in
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 5 in. (8.05 m)
Length overall - Meters8.61
Length overall - Meters8.05
Length overall - Inches339
Length overall - Inches317
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail114 in. (2.89 m) amidship
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Detail123 in. (3.12 m) T-top
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Meters3.12
Height - Inchesnot available
Height - Inches123
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]29 ft. 2 in. (8.89 m)
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail110 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail125 gal. (473 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters416.4
Fuel tank capacity - Liters473.18
Fuel tank capacity - Gal11
Fuel tank capacity - Gal125
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Engine makenot available
Engine makeIndmar
Engine modelnot available
Engine modelMCX 5.7 l 350 CID V-8, 312 hp (230 kW) L96 6.0 l V-8, 386 hp (284 kW)
Operational Info
HeadEnclosed
Headnot available
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacityYacht Certified; no capacity rating
Trailer Info
Trailer - WeightTandem-axle: 1,180 lbs
Trailer - Weight1,250 lbs. (567 kg)
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Length over all32 ft. 2 in. (9.8 m)
Trailer - Widthnot available
Trailer - Width114 in. (2.89 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee