MasterCraft Unveils 2027 Boat Lineup with New Technology, Comfort and Customization
MasterCraft Boat Company has introduced its 2027 model-year lineup, bringing a series of technology, comfort, functionality and design updates across its range of performance towboats. The new lineup covers the NXT, XT, X and XStar families, with each model range continuing to target a different boating lifestyle while adding features intended to make time on the water more convenient and enjoyable.
The 2027 lineup represents another step in MasterCraft’s approach to refining its towboats through practical improvements rather than simply adding new features. Updates throughout the range focus on everyday usability, including easier launching and maneuvering, improved audio management, additional storage, enhanced helm controls and broader personalization options.
Among the major introductions for 2027 is Progressive AutoLaunch, a new technology available on the XStar and X models. The system automatically manages trim tabs and ballast distribution during acceleration to help the boat reach plane more quickly and reduce bow rise. MasterCraft describes the technology as the first of its kind in the towboat segment.
The company has also introduced an all-new built-in inflator across the XStar, X, XT and NXT lineups. The onboard system is designed to provide a convenient way to inflate tubes, floats, paddleboards and other recreational equipment without requiring owners to carry a separate pump.Together, these developments are designed to simplify the boating experience while preserving the performance characteristics associated with MasterCraft’s towboat portfolio.
Four Model Families for Different Boating Experiences
MasterCraft’s 2027 range continues to span four principal families: NXT, XT, X and XStar. Although they share the MasterCraft brand and performance-oriented foundation, each family is positioned around a different combination of performance, comfort, technology and functionality.The NXT family emphasizes versatility and value, providing an accessible entry point into MasterCraft’s performance towboat range. The XT models focus more heavily on surf-oriented performance and functionality, making them suitable for boaters who prioritize watersports capabilities.
The X family combines performance with a higher level of comfort and technology. At the top of the range, XStar models represent MasterCraft’s emphasis on premium performance, luxury and innovation.The company says this broader lineup allows customers to select a boat based on how they intend to spend their time on the water, while maintaining a consistent focus on craftsmanship, reliability and performance.
Progressive AutoLaunch Brings Smarter Acceleration
One of the most notable additions for 2027 is Progressive AutoLaunch, offered on XStar and X models.The system automatically coordinates the boat’s trim tabs and ballast distribution as it accelerates. By managing these elements during the transition, the technology is designed to help the boat reach plane faster while limiting bow rise.
For the driver, the technology can make the transition onto plane more seamless and reduce the need to manually adjust multiple settings during acceleration. MasterCraft says the feature is the first of its kind in the towboat segment.The technology reflects a wider trend across recreational marine products toward greater automation, with onboard systems increasingly handling adjustments that previously required direct driver input.
Built-In Inflator Adds Everyday Convenience
A new built-in inflator is now available throughout the 2027 MasterCraft lineup, including XStar, X, XT and NXT models.Inflatable equipment is a common part of recreational boating, with owners frequently carrying tubes, floats, paddleboards and similar equipment. Traditionally, these items may require a portable pump that must be stored somewhere onboard.
MasterCraft’s integrated inflator provides an onboard alternative. By incorporating the equipment into the boat, the system is designed to reduce the need for additional gear while making it easier to prepare inflatables for use.The feature is an example of MasterCraft’s focus on practical improvements that can affect the everyday boating experience rather than only performance-oriented specifications.
Smarter Helm Technology for XStar and X
Technology improvements also extend to the helm of the XStar and X models.Updated software provides drivers with additional information and controls through the helm interface. A reverse-camera overlay improves visibility behind the boat, while an updated rudder-position display provides clearer information about steering position.
The Forward-Neutral-Reverse indicator has also been redesigned to provide more intuitive cues for the driver. In addition, audio-zone controls can be added to Favorites, allowing frequently used audio functions to be accessed more quickly.These changes are intended to make information easier to interpret while reducing the amount of time drivers need to spend navigating through different controls.
Updated Bimini and Expanded Shade Coverage
MasterCraft is also making changes to the XStar and X models’ shade and storage functionality.A redesigned Heritage Bimini comes standard on these models and features a revised profile intended to complement the current styling of the boats. The updated design also increases overhead storage capacity for foils and other boards.
An available aft sunshade provides additional coverage behind the tower. Unlike some conventional shade solutions, the new system does not require vertical poles positioned on the swim platform and can remain deployed while the boat is underway.The changes provide additional flexibility for boaters looking for protection from the sun while maintaining the boat’s functionality during operation.
SoundStage Audio Gets Expanded Automation
Audio is another area receiving significant attention across the 2027 range.The MasterCraft SoundStage system has been updated on XStar, X and XT models with additional audio automation. The system responds to both the selected activity and the way the boat is being operated.
Audio zones can automatically adjust depending on whether the boat is in Drive, Tow or Surf mode. Interior and tower speaker volumes can also adapt to help maintain a more balanced listening experience inside the boat and behind it.Rather than requiring users to repeatedly adjust individual audio settings, the updated system is designed to make these changes automatically based on the boating activity.
More Practical Storage and Onboard Features
MasterCraft has added several storage and convenience improvements to the XStar, X and XT models.A new storage net beneath the observer seat provides a dedicated location for smaller items, helping keep frequently used belongings organized. A new standard cooler also provides additional beverage storage.
For customers who bring pets aboard, an available dog bowl can be integrated into the valuables drawer. The feature is designed to provide a dedicated space for dogs while keeping the bowl incorporated into the boat’s existing layout.These smaller changes demonstrate the company’s focus on adding functionality throughout the boat rather than concentrating all improvements around major technology systems.
NXT Receives a Redesigned Helm
The NXT family receives a number of significant updates of its own for the 2027 model year.The helm has been redesigned with custom backlit panels that incorporate the NXT signature pattern into the dashboard. The result is intended to create a more cohesive appearance while updating the driver’s environment.A seven-inch touchscreen now integrates SurfStar controls directly into the interface. The helm also features a dedicated volume knob, giving drivers a physical control for making quick audio adjustments.
Standard wireless phone charging adds another convenience feature, while keyless ignition provides an updated approach to starting the boat.Together, the changes give the NXT family a more technology-focused helm while retaining the practical characteristics expected from the range.
Additional Storage and Lighting for NXT Models
Storage functionality has also been revised on NXT models.A redesigned under-observer-seat storage area provides a more intentional solution for keeping equipment and belongings onboard. On NXT22 models and larger boats, a hinged, shock-supported underseat cooler location provides easier access to stored beverages and other items.
Lighting has also been expanded. RGB cupholders join 11 controllable lighting zones throughout the boat. These zones include floor lighting, helm accents and bow lighting.The additional lighting controls give owners greater flexibility to customize the atmosphere onboard, particularly when using the boat after sunset.
Stern Thruster Option Improves Dock Maneuvering
NXT models will also be available with an optional stern thruster designed to assist with low-speed maneuvering.Docking, launching, loading onto lifts and navigating within marinas can require precise boat control, particularly in confined spaces. The optional stern thruster is designed specifically for NXT models to make these situations easier to manage.The system brings a similar type of maneuvering assistance to the NXT range as the thruster systems already available on MasterCraft’s XStar, X and XT families.
Broader Customization Choices
Beyond technology and functionality, MasterCraft is expanding personalization options across its 2027 lineup.Customers will have access to a wider selection of colors, finishes and design combinations. New tower and accent colors include Torch Red and Cypress, expanding the choices available for exterior styling.The gelcoat palette has also been expanded with finishes including Torch Red Flake, Starlight White Flake and Rosé Flake.
NXT customers receive additional customization possibilities as well. Expanded upholstery and powder-coat selections allow owners to create different interior and exterior combinations. Optional white or black windshield frames provide another way to alter the boat’s appearance.Additional designator colors and bow SeaDek configurations further expand the personalization options.These changes allow owners to create more individualized combinations, whether they prefer a subtle appearance or a more distinctive design.
A Continued Focus on the Boating Experience
MasterCraft’s 2027 lineup builds on the company’s established performance towboat portfolio while placing greater emphasis on technology, convenience and personalization.From Progressive AutoLaunch and updated helm software to integrated inflation, enhanced audio automation and improved storage, many of the new features are designed around activities that take place before, during and after time on the water.The XStar and X families receive some of the most technology-focused updates, while XT models gain enhancements in areas such as audio, storage and convenience. The NXT family receives its own extensive package of helm, storage, lighting and maneuverability improvements.
The expanded color and finish selections across the lineup also give customers more opportunities to tailor their boats to individual preferences.According to MasterCraft, the objective behind the 2027 lineup is to refine the details that owners interact with every time they use their boats. Rather than changing the fundamental identity of its towboat families, the company is using the new model year to build on established performance, craftsmanship and reliability while introducing features intended to make boating more seamless.
With the 2027 lineup spanning the NXT, XT, X and XStar families, MasterCraft continues to offer a range of performance towboats designed for different boating lifestyles. The combination of updated technology, practical features, enhanced comfort and broader design choices gives the new model year a strong focus on improving the overall on-water experience.
About MasterCraft:
MasterCraft is a world-renowned innovator, designer, manufacturer, and marketer of premium performance sport boats. Founded in 1968, MasterCraft has cultivated its iconic brand image through a rich history of industry-leading innovation, and more than five decades after the original MasterCraft made its debut, the company’s goal remains the same – to continue building the world’s best ski, wakeboard, wake surf, and luxury performance powerboats.Headquartered in Vonore, TN, MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MCFT) is a leading innovator, designer, manufacturer and marketer of recreational powerboats through its five brands, MasterCraft, Crest, Balise, Chaparral, and Robalo. For more information about MasterCraft Boat Holdings, and its five brands,