The new MasterCraft 300 immediately distinguishes itself in the crowded sport-cruiser market with a metallic-flake gelcoat finish, a blue-tint glass hardtop and joystick steering. These features combine eye-catching aesthetics with modern handling technology, making the 300 a notable offering from a company best known for ski and wake boats.
MasterCraft, which produces 43 models across five brand names, has stepped into the cruiser segment with this 30-foot design. The 300 represents the company’s first dedicated move into cruising craft, yet it retains the performance-first DNA of a builder experienced in tow sports. That background is evident in the boat’s hull design and on-water behavior.
The hull is a modified-V with 16 degrees of deadrise at the transom and 20 degrees amidships, a geometry that balances efficient cruising with a comfortable motion in chop. “We ran outside yesterday in 5- to 6-foot rollers with a 1- to 2-foot chop and were cruising comfortably at 28 mph,” says MasterCraft senior design engineer Kurt Bergstrom, after a sea trial off West Palm Beach, Fla. That kind of performance demonstrates the 300’s ability to handle typical coastal conditions while delivering a steady, confidence-inspiring ride.
Power and propulsion choices are tailored to different owner priorities. The standard propulsion package consists of twin 6.0-liter, 350-hp Indmar gas inboard engines. For those who prefer diesel and advanced maneuvering technology, the 300 is also available with twin 350-hp Cummins MerCruiser Diesel (CMD) engines paired with ZF Marine’s Joystick Maneuvering System. During the sea trials, the boat reached a top speed of 40.7 mph, and typical cruise speeds are reported between 30 and 35 mph. Fuel capacity is 200 gallons and the freshwater tank holds 30 gallons—sufficient for weekend cruising and short coastal trips.
On deck, ergonomics and practical access were priorities in the design. A port-side windshield walkthrough with oversized steps provides an easy, safe route from cockpit to bow, and a large bow platform simplifies anchor work and line handling. Attention to serviceability is visible in the “equipment bay” located under the helm deck: this dedicated space allows owners and technicians to access pumps, seacocks and fuel system controls without dismantling cabinetry or climbing into tight compartments. “We were able to achieve a space not typically found on a 30-foot boat,” Bergstrom notes, underscoring the advantage of purposeful systems layout.
Interior accommodations take advantage of a twin-tip bow that increases usable forward space. The cabin offers 6 feet, 1 inch of headroom and includes a double berth, a compact galley and a head with an enclosed shower—amenities designed to make overnighting comfortable while keeping the layout compact and efficient. With its integrated swim platform, the MasterCraft 300 measures 33 feet, 9 inches overall and has an 11-foot beam, dimensions that provide stable downrange performance and a roomy cockpit for on-water activities.
Styling cues such as the metallic flake gelcoat and blue-tint glass hardtop give the 300 a contemporary, upscale look that complements its functional features. The joystick option enhances low-speed control, making docking and close-quarters maneuvering far easier than traditional throttle-and-wheel handling alone—an attractive benefit for owners who cruise in marinas or tight anchorages.
Pricing reflects the different propulsion and equipment choices: the base price for the MasterCraft 300 with the standard Indmar gas engines is $289,000, while the diesel option with Cummins MerCruiser Diesel engines and the ZF joystick system is priced at $370,000. These options allow buyers to prioritize either traditional gas performance or diesel efficiency combined with advanced handling technology.
Ultimately, the MasterCraft 300 positions the brand as more than a ski-boat builder by delivering a cruiser that emphasizes ride quality, service access and modern amenities. It targets boaters who want a contemporary, well-appointed weekend cruiser that performs confidently in coastal conditions while offering the convenience and style MasterCraft is known for.
This article originally appeared in the May 2009 edition.