When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the MasterCraft X-35 2012 and the MasterCraft X-Star 2011 are modified vee designs with fiberglass construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — MasterCraft X-35 2012 at 23,4 ft versus MasterCraft X-Star 2011 at 22,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the MasterCraft X-Star 2011 tips the scales at 425 lbs — 376 lbs less than the MasterCraft X-35 2012 at 49 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

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 X-Star 2011 caps at 12. 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.