MasterCraft Boats UK has confirmed that the new X26 Saltwater Series, the latest addition to MasterCraft’s 2016 boat line, will be available as a bespoke watersports tender with a Yanmar inboard diesel engine package. At 7.29 metres it is the largest boat in the range.

Designed with entertaining in mind, the X26’s roomy interior offers a highly adaptable layout that quickly morphs from an intimate setting to a spacious lounge capable of accommodating a guest list of eighteen. With a wet bar, refrigerator and head, built-in-sink, multiple coolers, and extensive storage options, all-day excursions become an easy option.

The X26, handcrafted in MasterCraft’s US manufacturing facility in Tennessee is being customised by MasterCraft Boats UK at their bespoke watersports tender division. The UK division was announced in June. It offers specific options for the superyacht industry, in particular, the conversion to a Yanmar diesel inboard engine. Yanmar was chosen as the engine partner for the bespoke tenders because the EPA Tier 3-compliant 8LV engine is exceptionally quiet, smooth and compact. It has a wide power band (320-370) with adjustable idle speeds as low as 550 rpm for trolling in marinas and tops out at 3,800 rpm. With a 992 pound dry weight, it offers an excellent power-to-weight ratio.

Michael Hardicker, MD of MasterCraft Boats UK, explained, ‘We’re able to show that diesel power is every bit as good as petrol for sports boats. It gives all the advantages of economy, durability and reliability, with no loss of power. Our engineers spent several months perfecting the custom-instal, a procedure that requires a very specific skill set to ensure that performance is not compromised in any way.’ The UK operation is responsible for international sales of MasterCraft bespoke tenders and deals with the particular needs and requests of superyacht owners, captains and industry professionals.

The bespoke service includes a number of lifting options tailored to meet the widest possible range of requirements. Single or multi point lifting, spreader bars and keel line lifts are among the solutions offered to ensure that the best option is found in line with a ship’s crane positions and storage location on board. Other bespoke options include GoPro-ready camera mounts, colour matched upholstery, bespoke windscreen height, quick release wakeboard tower and quick release platform, depending on the needs of owners.

The luxury performance sports boats range from 6.10 metres to 7.92 metres and for watersports enthusiasts the new X26 debuts a completely redesigned hull shape including an unprecedented draft height and dead rise that enables it to easily outmanoeuvre similarly sized boats. Its 1,270 kilos (2,800 pounds) built-in rotocast ballast tank capacity helps create world-class wakeboarding conditions while the award-winning Gen 2 Surf System and new hull design kicks up endless surf waves. The X26 responds to nearly every need with an intuitive touch screen that controls everything from the size and shape of the wave to the premium light and sound systems. It offers GPS-assisted Zero Off cruise control and the proprietary bow thruster allows for effortless docking and manoeuvring. ‘

The inboard diesel option means that we can now offer a real alternative to superyacht owners wanting to enjoy the full MasterCraft watersports experience,’ said Hardicker. ‘The new X26 is a particularly attractive option for charter operators wanting to offer the ultimate in wakeboarding and waterskiing.’ MasterCraft Boats UK will exhibit at Monaco Yacht Show (Berth A7) for the first time (23-26 September 2015) to introduce the bespoke watersports tenders to the superyacht community. X26 Specifications: Length: 7.92M / 26’ 0” Width Amidship: 2.59 M / 102” Boat Weight: 3039 KG/6,700 LBS Fuel Capacity: 333 L/88 G Seating: 18 people Certification: Yacht certified Weight Capacity: 908 KG / 2003 LBS Draft: 0.74M / 29” Hull: Vector Drive Color Options: Infinite

ENDS

MasterCraft Boat Company was established in the US in 1968. It is one of the world's leading luxury performance inboard boat manufacturers and has achieved global ISO 9001:2008, 14001, and OHSAS 18001 certification. MasterCraft Boats has been established in the UK since 1978. The Bespoke Watersports Tender Division was set up in 2015.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES Chris Sams Rafferty (Sam) at Pomegranate PR e: sam@pomegranatepr.com w: www.pomegranatepr.com m: +356 9978 4040 m: +44 7624 200064

WORLDWIDE ENQUIRIES MasterCraft Boats UK Head Office & UK Showroom, Imperium House, 72 Roman Way, Longridge Road, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 5BB, United Kingdom t: +44 845 676 7876 or +44 1772 851133 m: +44 7786 833710 e: michael@mastercraft.co.uk e: info@mastercraft-superyachts.com w: www.mastercraft-superyachts.com