TBOATINGCertified Test ResultsSCAN
ME!MasterCraft NXT20 Global Edition
PHOTO: COURTESY MASTERCRAFT BOAT COMPANYout to a decent ski wake that no deep-V runabout can match.
The bummer with outboards is there’s no surfing allowed.
Like other MasterCraft boats, the hull layup is solid glass,
but the NXT stringers are premanufactured foam and, thus,
time and cost savers. We were told molded stringers persist
in other MasterCraft boats only for cosmetic reasons — they
look better in the engine bay.
Here’s another example of “MasterCrafting”: To create
a perfectly symmetrical wake, the running surface is not
symmetrical — the starboard chine has 5 degrees more angle
to counter the prop torque of an inboard and the weight of
the helmsperson. For this reason, the NXT20 Global Edition
is rigged with a counter-rotating outboard that matches the
left-hand prop rotation of an inboard. That motor hangs
from a compact aluminum bracket through-bolted to a
transom reinforced with fiberglass-impregnated Coosa.
The NXT20 Global is rigged with a 25-inch four-cylinder
Mercury Verado, but the six-cylinder Verado is a 20-inch
motor (the difference in shaft length is equivalent to the
extra two cylinders), so the top of the cowl is at the same
height, and one rope guard can be used with either motor.
Base power is the 175 hp Verado, and the only upgrade
is the Verado 225 — at $7,450, the most expensive single
option on our test boat. But the fat, fun midrange power
of the big six-cylinder 225 will always put a smile on your
face and is perfect for towing. Other options on the test
boat include a Wake Convenience Package ($10,400) that
combines the tower and triple ballast tanks with a Bimini
top, rope guard (not shown on our test boat), mooring cover,
cleats, depth finder and Fusion audio system with four
JL speakers; four additional tower speakers ($2,570); and
carpet, dual batteries and a walk-through door (about
$1,700 combined).
MasterCraft selected Mercury power because it’s the only
outboard offered with a tow-sports speed-control system.
The GPS-driven Merc Smart Tow is controlled through
the SmartCraft VesselView screen that also displays the
instrumentation on this boat. The driving experience is
about flawless. The boat planes in a snap with no bow rise, is
responsive to trim, and carves surprisingly tight turns with
the motor trimmed out. Modest top speed reflects the lack
of lift in this hull design. With the entire powertrain isolatedout on the transom, the boat is also incredibly quiet and
vibration-free, especially compared to an inboard.
The NXT20 Global cockpit is configured to maximize
seating space. Ballast tanks port and starboard consume
some underseat stowage, but there’s a 25-quart cooler below
the starboard bench, and the aft-facing observer seat to
port lifts to access huge stowage that extends below the bow
seat. There’s great access to batteries and ballast pumps
below rear seat cushions. Throughout the boat, from the tidy
watertight wiring to clever drainage under every cover to the
smooth surface on every edge, fit and finish are impeccable.
Ultimately the NXT20 Global Edition offers the
essential MasterCraft experience with the benefits — and
disadvantages — of outboard power. It’s a towing machine
less tightly focused on that mission than an inboard boat
would be, yet it’s more versatile as an all-around day
boat. — Charles PlueddemanXLOA: 20'0" XBeam: 7'7" XDraft (max): 2'6" XDisplacement (approx.): 3,550 lb.
XTransom Deadrise: 8.5 degrees XBridge Clearance: 4'2" XFuel Capacity: 45 gal.
XMax Horsepower: 225 XAvailable Power: Single Mercury Verado outboard up to 225 hpPrice: $69,540 (base with test power)HOW WE TESTED
ENGINE: 225 hp Mercury Verado gasoline outboard DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/15" x 19"
4-blade stainless-steel Mercury Revolution 4 GEAR RATIO: 1.75:1 FUEL LOAD: 45 gal.
CREW WEIGHT: 600 lb.High Points
XOutboard power is quieter, faster, trimmable and beachable, and provides
more room in the cockpit and easy winterization.
XWeighs 500 pounds less than the same boat with an inboard engine.
XWake shapes are outstanding.
XBallast system is available.Low Points
XSurfing is not allowed.
XMercury power-steering helm makes a squeaky-rubber sound.
XOutboard bisects the boarding platform.MasterCraft Boat Company Vonore, Tennessee; 423-884-2221 ; mastercraft.comSPEED EFFICIENCY OPERATION
naut. stat. n. mi. s. mi. sound
rpm knots mph gph mpg mpg range range angle level
1000 4.95 5.70 1.20 4.13 4.75 167 192 1 64
1500 6.43 7.40 2.00 3.22 3.70 130 150 3 68
2000 7.82 9.00 3.70 2.11 2.43 86 99 5 73
2500 12.17 14.00 5.50 2.21 2.55 90 103 7 83
3000 18.25 21.00 6.80 2.68 3.09 109 125 5 77
3500 23.46 27.00 9.90 2.37 2.73 96 110 5 80
4000 29.55 34.00 10.80 2.74 3.15 111 128 4 76
4500 33.89 39.00 15.00 2.26 2.60 92 105 3 78
5000 37.37 43.00 21.80 1.71 1.97 69 80 3 81
5300 40.10 47.00 23.00 1.74 2.04 71 83 3 82
MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEEDTo view more photos of the
MasterCraft NXT20 Global Edition,
scan this tag or visit
boatingmag.com/2953.AVAILABLE POWER:
OUTBOARD58 BOATINGMAG.COM JUNE 2016