Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
MasterCraft Prostar 197 2005 vs MasterCraft X-35 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The MasterCraft Prostar 197 2005 vs MasterCraft X-35 2012 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 X-35 2012 measures 23,4 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 4,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the MasterCraft Prostar 197 2005 at 19,0 feet (2005). At 28 lbs and 49 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 X-35 2012 is rated for 16 passengers, while the MasterCraft Prostar 197 2005 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the MasterCraft X-35 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the MasterCraft X-35 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 16 passengers and at 23,4 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The MasterCraft Prostar 197 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeMasterCraft
MakeMasterCraft
ModelProstar 197
ModelX-35
Model Year2005
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Depth - DetailTransom: 20 in. (.51 m) Amidship: 23.5 in. (.57 m)
Depth - Detail34 in. (0.86 m) transom 27 in. (0.69 m) amidship
Depth - Centimeters60.96
Depth - Centimeters86.36
Depth - Inches23.5
Depth - Inches34
Draft [max] - Detail22 in. (.56 m)
Draft [max] - Detail27 in. (0.69 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.56
Draft [max] - Meters0.69
Draft [max] - Inches22
Draft [max] - Inches27
Weight - Detail2,800 lbs. (1,270.06 kg)
Weight - Detail4,900 lbs. (2,223 kg)
Weight - kg1270.06
Weight - kg2222.6
Weight - lbs.28
Weight - lbs.49
Width [transom] - DetailWidth amidship: 91 in. (2.31 m)
Width [transom] - Detail102 in. (2.59 m) amidship
Length - Meters5.99
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet19
Length - Feet23.42
Length - Inches8
Length - Inchesnot available
Length [over all with swim platform]22 ft. (56 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]25 ft. 1 in. (7.654 m)
Length overall - Detail19 ft. 8 in. (5.99 m)
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 5 in. (7.14 m)
Length overall - Meters5.99
Length overall - Meters7.14
Length overall - Inches236
Length overall - Inches281
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Detail113 in. (2.87 m) standard tower to lowest point on keel 41 in. tow bar height to waterline
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Meters2.87
Height - Inchesnot available
Height - Inches113
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail28 gal. (105.96 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal. (227 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters105.99
Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12
Fuel tank capacity - Gal28
Fuel tank capacity - Gal6
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Engine makenot available
Engine makeIlmor
Engine modelnot available
Engine model5.7 l V-8, 320 hp (239 kW) 6.0 l V-8, 382 hp (285 kW) 6.2 l V-8, 430 hp (321 kW) 7.4 l V-8, 523 hp (390 kW)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Maximum capacity900 lbs (408 kg)
Maximum capacity2,400 lbs. (1,089 kg)
Maximum people6
Maximum people16
Trailer Info
Trailer - Length over all22 ft. 10 in. (6.96 m) W/Pivot Tongue Folded: 21 ft. 1 in. (6.43 m)
Trailer - Length over all26 ft. (7.9 m) 23 ft. 6 in. (7.16 m) swing away tongue
Trailer - WidthSingle-axle: 99 in. (2.51 m) Tandem-axle: 100 in. (2.54 m)
Trailer - Widthnot available
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - Weight1,250 lbs. (567 kg)
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee