MasterCraft X22: Power, Luxury, and Tech Redefine the 22-Foot Towboat

VONORE, TN – January 08, 2026 – MasterCraft Boat Company today pulled the wraps off its most ambitious project in the 22-foot class, the all-new X22. More than a simple model-year update, the 2026 X22 is a ground-up redesign, meticulously engineered to distill the DNA of its larger, celebrated siblings into a more agile and aggressive package. With this launch, the best-selling towboat brand isn't just introducing a new boat; it's making a definitive statement, aiming to reshape performance and luxury expectations in one of the market's most competitive segments.

The new model arrives with a clear mission: to dominate its size class through sharper performance, smarter technology, and a level of craftsmanship typically reserved for larger vessels. It inherits the legacy of the brand's premium X Series while carving out its own identity as a purpose-built machine for the discerning enthusiast.

“For years, the X Family has set the standard where premium performance and luxury intersect in towboats,” said Krista Schipner, MasterCraft’s Vice President of Marketing. “With the X22, we’ve distilled that DNA into a 22-foot package that is sharper, smarter, and more purposeful. Every inch was reimagined, every line sharpened, and every detail dialed in to deliver a boat that elevates the experience both onboard and behind the boat.”

Engineering the Perfect Wave

At the heart of the X22's performance credentials is a potent combination of hull design, ballast, and advanced wave-shaping technology. The boat is equipped with a massive 3,800 pounds of ballast, a substantial capacity for its size that provides the foundation for creating pro-level wakes and waves. This is harnessed by MasterCraft’s sophisticated SurfStar system, a technology designed to deliver unparalleled control over the water.

Unlike simpler systems, SurfStar employs a complex array of computer-controlled actuators and specially shaped paddles to sculpt the wake with precision. A key innovation is its use of asymmetrical tabs, which are specifically engineered to counteract the natural turbulence from the propeller's rotation. This allows the system to produce clean, powerful, and remarkably symmetrical waves on both the port and starboard sides—a challenge that has long vexed towboat engineers. A third, central paddle further refines the wave by managing propeller interference and shaping the trough, giving riders a long, clean face to carve.

The system is accessible through two distinct interfaces. “Rapid Surf” provides a simple 1-7 scale, allowing beginners to instantly dial in a wave from mellow to steep. For advanced riders, “Custom Surf” opens up granular control over ballast, speed, and tab positions, with the ability to save up to 30 unique profiles. The result is a wave that is not only bigger and cleaner but also more adjustable than anything previously seen in the 22-foot category.

Providing the thrust for this on-water performance is a lineup of Ilmor engines, MasterCraft’s exclusive partner. The standard offering is the robust Ilmor 6.2L GDI engine, which provides 430 horsepower and 479 ft-lb of torque. For those who demand the ultimate in power, an optional supercharged 6.2L engine unleashes a staggering 630 horsepower and 665 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful tow sports engine on the market. This ensures the X22 can get on plane quickly and hold speed effortlessly, even when fully loaded with ballast and passengers.

A New Standard in Helm Control

MasterCraft extended its focus on innovation to the captain's chair, creating a helm experience that blends sophisticated technology with intuitive control. The X22 inherits the dual-display layout from its larger sibling, the X24, creating a command center that is both powerful and user-friendly. A panoramic center screen delivers critical driving information with crystal clarity, while a right-hand touchscreen provides access to the boat’s extensive features, including the SurfStar system, navigation, audio, and lighting.

While competitors also feature advanced touchscreen interfaces, MasterCraft sets the X22 apart with the inclusion of its MyDrive system. This tactile rotary encoder, flanked by five physical hotkeys, provides immediate, dial-based control over the most frequently used functions like speed, wave adjustments, and presets. This design is a direct response to the practicalities of driving a boat; it allows the captain to make quick, precise adjustments without taking their eyes off the water or fumbling with a touchscreen in choppy conditions. It’s a thoughtful fusion of digital power and analog simplicity that significantly reduces the learning curve and enhances safety.

Furthering the focus on effortless control, the X22 is available with an optional stern thruster for precise, low-speed maneuvering in tight quarters, and an observer display that allows the crew to assist with managing navigation and media.

A Fusion of Aggressive Design and Onboard Luxury

While its performance technology is formidable, the X22's visual and tactile appeal is equally compelling. The all-new exterior features aggressive, automotive-inspired lines and sculpted side strakes that give the boat a bold, dynamic presence on the water. The fit and finish are executed to an automotive level, underscoring the brand’s commitment to premium craftsmanship.

This design philosophy extends to the transom, which is scaled from the X24 to offer oversized loungers and a host of convenience features. Dual rear storage compartments are equipped with padded, removable bags on integrated tracks, capable of holding up to four boards. Additional compartments, integrated cupholders, and flip-down swimsteps transform the rear of the boat into a functional and comfortable social zone.

Inside, the cabin feels remarkably spacious. Engineers pushed the gunwales outward and deepened the seating to maximize interior volume. The upholstery features elevated detailing, while floating alcoves with backlit accents add a touch of modern sophistication. Practical needs are met with integrated cubbies, wireless charging pads, and subtle speaker placement that maintains the clean, sculpted lines of the interior. The Z9 tower, which is fully powered and available in seven powder-coat colors, defines the boat’s silhouette and integrates board racks and optional SoundPods seamlessly.

The onboard audio experience is delivered by a SoundStage Audio system developed in partnership with the high-end audio experts at Meridian, ensuring rich, immersive sound throughout the cabin. For a truly next-level experience, the optional MAAX transom system turns the rear of the boat into a dedicated sound stage for riders behind the boat. Finally, built-in telematics via MasterCraft Connect offer owners peace of mind with remote diagnostics, battery management, and system monitoring directly from their smartphone.

A Strategic Strike in the Premium Towboat Arena

The launch of the X22 is a calculated move in the fiercely competitive premium towboat market. By packing flagship features into a 22-foot hull, MasterCraft is directly challenging rivals like Malibu, Nautique, and Supra, who all vie for dominance in this popular size class. The X22’s combination of class-leading engine power, a highly sophisticated surf system, and a genuinely luxurious interior gives it a formidable position.

Its 3,800-pound ballast capacity is highly competitive, and the claimed advantages of the SurfStar system—particularly its ability to create symmetrical, clean waves—will be a significant draw for serious riders. The optional 630-horsepower Ilmor engine provides a clear power advantage that competitors will find difficult to match. The introduction of the MyDrive control system also provides a unique selling proposition focused on driver experience and ease of use, a key factor for family buyers.

The X22 aligns perfectly with the broader market trend toward feature-rich, versatile, and luxurious boats that can do everything well, from providing a pro-level pull to offering a comfortable platform for a day on the lake. As the all-new MasterCraft X22 makes its public debut at the Atlanta Boat Show, the industry will be watching closely to see how this ambitious blend of power and refinement reshapes the expectations of buyers and the strategies of competitors.