Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
MasterCraft Maristar 280 VLD 2005 vs Mastercraft Xstar 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The MasterCraft Maristar 280 VLD 2005 vs Mastercraft Xstar 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.
The Mastercraft Xstar 2013 tops out at 522 hp. Engine specs for the MasterCraft Maristar 280 VLD 2005 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the MasterCraft Maristar 280 VLD 2005 carries 88 gallons versus 74 gallons in the Mastercraft Xstar 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
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 Xstar 2013 caps at 7. 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 Xstar 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeMasterCraft
Makenot available
ModelMaristar 280 VLD
Modelnot available
Model Year2005
Model Yearnot available
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] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.74
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Inches29
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail5,200 lbs. (2,358.68 kg)
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg2358.68
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.52
Weight - lbs.not available
Width [transom] - DetailWidth amidship: 9 ft. 6 in. (2.90 m)
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
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 - Detail24.00 ft
Length overall - Meters8.61
Length overall - Meters7.32
Length overall - Inches339
Length overall - Inches288
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail88 gal. (333.12 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
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 model7.4
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower522 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Maximum capacity2,300 lbs (1,043 kg)
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people15
Maximum peoplenot available
Boat typenot available
Boat typePower
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over all34 ft. 3 in. (10.44 m)
Trailer - Length over allnot available