MasterCraft NXT23 wakeboat test

The pristine waters of Lake Eildon have been a mecca for wakeboarding since the sport’s inception in the 1990s, and MasterCraft’s strong presence here shows that the brand is hitting the right spot with this market.

It therefore seemed the obvious location to put MasterCraft’s new NXT23 through its paces. This big, stylish, extremely well-built and equipped 23-footer sits between three other options in the NXT range – 20, 22 and 24ft boats – and at the more affordable end of MasterCraft’s luxurious XT range and the highly optioned X Series.

Our test boat was owned by Tim Davies who, until recently, was Club Marine’s Advertising Manager. Together with his wife Jane, teenage sons James and Thomas and young daughter Isla, the family has owned several MasterCraft boats, with the NXT23 now rating as their standout favourite.

For Tim, what elevates this model above the rest starts with its roominess and huge range of features, and how quiet the boat is to drive. “The design is perfect for holding up to 16 people, plus a whole lot of gear. It’s a really nice boat to drive, the wake and ballast systems are so quick and easy to use, and the performance of the boat and the wake itself is of very high quality,” he says.

The enhanced wake performance of the NXT23 comes thanks to a revised ballast system that allows for around 1500kg of water to be added in less than five minutes. Even with the ballast fully loaded, the boat is still rated to carry 16 passengers.

This more flexible ballast system, teamed with the NXT23’s slightly deeper freeboard, work together to switch up the boat’s surf capabilities to create first-class waves. And you control it all with the new MasterCraft SurfStar surf system via presets on the dash-mounted screen.

This lets you create all kinds of wake and waves from beginner-friendly, smooth and gentle, to larger, more aggressive rides for experienced wakeboarders. Where previously you might only have been able to select left or right, the NXT23 lets you easily select rider profiles for surfing or foiling on either side of the boat.

The NXT23 is also superb to drive. The boat jumped onto the plane immediately, thanks to the standard MasterCraft Auto Launch, and felt especially light and manoeuvrable considering its overall size and weight.

The test boat was fitted with MasterCraft’s standard 380hp direct-injection 5.3lt GDI HO Ilmor engine, offering strong performance and improved fuel economy. It is backed by a seven- year/1000-hour warranty, which is by far the best in the industry.

With a standard prop, the boat reached a top speed of 34.8 knots (64km/h), the hull cutting very nicely through choppy water and rollers and providing a smooth ride.

For the driver, an adjustable seat provides good support and an excellent view forward and over the NXT23’s new slimline dash. All switches, screens and controls are well positioned and reasonably intuitive.

When it comes to customising your desired wakeboard wake, a great variety of rides are at your fingertips with just a tap on the updated 7in touchscreen. This boasts Zero Off GPS cruise control, which includes rider profiles for wakeboarding, surfing, skiing and even foiling.

As many have come to expect from MasterCraft, passenger space and comfort levels on the NXT23 are first-class. The bow seating area is generous, and the main cabin features plush, deep-cushioned seats all around. Storage is found under all seats and in the large rear lockers beside the engine.

The redesigned tower has storage for up to six boards on the bimini and can also hold surfboards or kneeboards. MasterCraft now offers clamping board racks as standard on all models, which can hold an extra four boards.

The tower is easily folded up or down, assisted by struts, and the boat can be towed with the tower in the down position to reduce wind resistance and squashed bugs. The boat also comes standard with a twin battery system, new stereo set-up with inbuilt amp and sub, and a premium under-seat icebox.

More optional features for the 2026 NXT23 include a fridge under the seats, Cool Feel upholstery designed to stay 30 per cent cooler in direct sunlight, and a foldable swim step on the rear platform to assist kids and oldies alike.