Miami, FL – MasterCraft unveiled its latest innovation this weekend at the Miami International Boat Show – the MariStar 280 STS – a twin-engine version of the MariStar 280 VLD.
Previously dubbed Boating magazine’s “Boat of the Year”, MasterCraft’s STS version now offers twice the power with a choice of two 310hp 5.7L EFI TBI V-8 engines or two 350hp 5.7L EFI multi-port V-8 engines.
With up to 700hp, the new MariStar 280 STS can out-accelerate MasterCraft’s premier ski boat (the ProStar 197) in a head-to-head dual from 0 to 36 mph. The STS can go from 0 to 36 mph in 164 feet -- or less than 6 seconds! By the American Water Ski Association’s (AWSA) standards, that would make this 28-footer “World Record Capable”.
MasterCraft’s new STS not only offers twice the power, but also twice the maneuverability. The twin-engine version allows drivers to spin the boat 360 degrees within its length and move in forward or reverse with ease. Each engine is controlled by Teleflex’s MY 4-handle performance controls and has its own tachometer, water temperature, battery voltage and oil pressure gauges.
Twin engines, the likes of which have never been seen before in the inboard water sports market, also make MasterCraft’s MariStar 280 STS big water capable in the ocean, intercoastals or Great Lakes. Traditionally known for their world-class water ski and wakeboard boats, MasterCraft is gaining increased credibility in the runabout market offering consumers an alternative to I/O’s. MasterCraft’s VectorDriveä inboard engines offer quicker acceleration, more low end torque for towing skiers, increased safety (the propeller is tucked under the hull) and lower bowrise for increased visibility when coming to plane.
“Winning ‘Boat of the Year’ was a great honor for our company, our dealers and our employees,” said MasterCraft’s president & CEO, John Dorton. “It signified that we do more than just build great ski and wakeboard boats. But that’s not enough. We’ve got to continually innovate to reach new customers and stay one step ahead of the competition. I think the STS, as well as our entire product line, demonstrates our thirst for innovation.”
MasterCraft’s new STS version of the MariStar 280 VLD will also be offered as the MasterCraft X-80 STS. The X-80 includes a 500lb PureVert ballast system with gauges and a ZeroFlex Flyer tower with built-in wakeboard racks.
MasterCraft strives to deliver consumers the ultimate water sports experience by designing and building the world’s highest quality, best performing sports luxury boats in every significant inboard niche. For more information, model specifications, high- and low-res digital images or 35mm running and detail shots, please contact Casey Quilter at 423-884-2221, ext. 1205 or visit the MasterCraft Press Room at http://press.mastercraft.com.
