Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
MasterCraft Maristar 280 VLD 2005 vs MasterCraft PS214 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The MasterCraft Maristar 280 VLD 2005 vs MasterCraft PS214 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 Maristar 280 VLD 2005 measures 28,0 feet overall (2005), giving it roughly 7,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the MasterCraft PS214 2009 at 21,0 feet (2009). At 52 lbs and 31 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 280 VLD 2005 is rated for 15 passengers, while the MasterCraft PS214 2009 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the MasterCraft Maristar 280 VLD 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the MasterCraft Maristar 280 VLD 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 15 passengers and at 28,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The MasterCraft PS214 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 11 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeMasterCraft
MakeMasterCraft
ModelMaristar 280 VLD
ModelPS214
Model Year2005
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Depth - DetailTransom: 34 in. (.86 m) Amidship: 37 in. (.94 m)
Depth - DetailTransom: 22.5 in. Amidship: 35.5 in
Depth - Centimeters93.98
Depth - Centimeters91.44
Depth - Inches37
Depth - Inches35.5
Draft [max] - Detail29 in. (.74 m)
Draft [max] - Detail23 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.74
Draft [max] - Meters0.58
Draft [max] - Inches29
Draft [max] - Inches23
Weight - Detail5,200 lbs. (2,358.68 kg)
Weight - Detail3,100 lbs
Weight - kg2358.68
Weight - kg1406.14
Weight - lbs.52
Weight - lbs.31
Width [transom] - DetailWidth amidship: 9 ft. 6 in. (2.90 m)
Width [transom] - DetailAmidship: 96 in
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet21
Length - Inches3
Length - Inches4
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 3 in. (8.53 m)
Length overall - Detail21 ft. 4 in
Length overall - Meters8.61
Length overall - Meters6.5
Length overall - Inches339
Length overall - Inches256
Height - Detailnot available
Height - DetailTow Bar Height to Waterline: 7 ft. 2 in
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Meters2.18
Height - Inchesnot available
Height - Inches86
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]23 ft. 8 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail88 gal. (333.12 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail40 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters333.12
Fuel tank capacity - Liters151.42
Fuel tank capacity - Gal88
Fuel tank capacity - Gal4
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Maximum capacity2,300 lbs (1,043 kg)
Maximum capacity1,525 lbs
Maximum people15
Maximum people11
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over all34 ft. 3 in. (10.44 m)
Trailer - Length over all23 ft. 4 in. Swing Away Tongue: 22 ft. 2 in
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - WeightSingle-axle: 900 lbs. Tandem-axle: 1,050 lbs
Trailer - Widthnot available
Trailer - WidthSingle-axle: 102 in. Tandem-axle: 102 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee