Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
MasterCraft Maristar 280 VLD 2005 vs MasterCraft X-Star 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The MasterCraft Maristar 280 VLD 2005 vs MasterCraft X-Star 2013 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 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the MasterCraft X-Star 2013 at 24,0 feet (2013). At 52 lbs and 54 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 X-Star 2013 caps at 14. 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 X-Star 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 14 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeMasterCraft
MakeMasterCraft
ModelMaristar 280 VLD
ModelX-Star
Model Year2005
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Depth - DetailTransom: 34 in. (.86 m) Amidship: 37 in. (.94 m)
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Centimeters93.98
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Inches37
Depth - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail29 in. (.74 m)
Draft [max] - Detail28 in. (0.71 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.74
Draft [max] - Meters0.71
Draft [max] - Inches29
Draft [max] - Inches28
Weight - Detail5,200 lbs. (2,358.68 kg)
Weight - Detail5,400 lbs. (2,449 kg)
Weight - kg2358.68
Weight - kg2449.4
Weight - lbs.52
Weight - lbs.54
Width [transom] - DetailWidth amidship: 9 ft. 6 in. (2.90 m)
Width [transom] - Detail102 in. (2.57 m) amidship
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet24
Length - Inches3
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 3 in. (8.53 m)
Length overall - Detail24 ft. (7.32 m)
Length overall - Meters8.61
Length overall - Meters7.32
Length overall - Inches339
Length overall - Inches288
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Detail107 in. (2.7 m) standard tower to lowest point on keel
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Meters2.72
Height - Inchesnot available
Height - Inches107
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail88 gal. (333.12 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail74 gal. (280 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters333.12
Fuel tank capacity - Liters280.12
Fuel tank capacity - Gal88
Fuel tank capacity - Gal74
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Engine makenot available
Engine makeIlmor
Engine modelnot available
Engine modelSee Options
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Maximum capacity2,300 lbs (1,043 kg)
Maximum capacity1,946 lbs. (883 kg)
Maximum people15
Maximum people14
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over all34 ft. 3 in. (10.44 m)
Trailer - Length over allnot available
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee