Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
MasterCraft Maristar 230 VRS 2005 vs MasterCraft MS280 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The MasterCraft Maristar 230 VRS 2005 vs MasterCraft MS280 2009 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 MS280 2009 measures 28,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 6,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the MasterCraft Maristar 230 VRS 2005 at 22,0 feet (2005). At 33 lbs and 62 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 230 VRS 2005 is rated for 12 passengers, while the MasterCraft MS280 2009 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the MasterCraft Maristar 230 VRS 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the MasterCraft Maristar 230 VRS 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 22,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The MasterCraft MS280 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeMasterCraft
MakeMasterCraft
ModelMaristar 230 VRS
ModelMS28
Model Year2005
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Depth - DetailTransom: 27.5 in. (.70 m) Amidship: 26.5 in. (.67 m)
Depth - DetailTransom: 34 in. Amidship: 37 in
Depth - Centimeters71.12
Depth - Centimeters93.98
Depth - Inches27.5
Depth - Inches37
Draft [max] - Detail22.5 in. (.57 m)
Draft [max] - Detail29 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.58
Draft [max] - Meters0.74
Draft [max] - Inches22.5
Draft [max] - Inches29
Weight - Detail3,300 lbs. (1,496.88 kg)
Weight - Detail6,200 lbs
Weight - kg1496.85
Weight - kg2812.27
Weight - lbs.33
Weight - lbs.62
Width [transom] - DetailWidth amidship: 98 in. (2.49 m)
Width [transom] - DetailAmidship: 9 ft. 6 in
Length - Meters6.91
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet22
Length - Feet28
Length - Inches8
Length - Inches3
Length [over all with swim platform]21 ft. (6.53 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length overall - Detail22 ft. 8 in. (6.91 m)
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 3 in
Length overall - Meters6.91
Length overall - Meters8.61
Length overall - Inches272
Length overall - Inches339
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail61 gal. (230.89 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail100 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters230.91
Fuel tank capacity - Liters378.54
Fuel tank capacity - Gal61
Fuel tank capacity - Gal1
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,840 lbs (835 kg)
Maximum capacityYacht Certified - No Capacity
Maximum people12
Maximum peoplenot available
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over all24 ft. 7 in. (7.49 m) W/Pivot Tongue Folded: 23 ft. (7.01 m)
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Trailer - Width99 in. (2.51 m)
Trailer - Widthnot available
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - WeightTandem-axle: 1,180 lbs
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee