MasterCraft Introduces the 300 At Miami International Boat Show

WORLD CUP BOAT SPONSOR HITS THE HEADLINES – OFFICIAL NEWS RELEASE

Miami, FL — Raising the bar to unparalleled heights, MasterCraft – the world leader in luxury performance inboards – officially unveiled the MasterCraft 300 at the 2009 Miami International Boat Show.  Several onlookers, including media and industry professionals, were on hand to grab a first look at the industry’s first and only twin-tip day yacht. “It is definitely thrilling to finally show the MasterCraft 300 to the public,” says John Dorton, president and CEO of MasterCraft.  “We believe this to be an important boat for us as we continue to move our brand to a wider market.  The 300, with its incredibly roomy, plush interior and its enormously comfortable cockpit, will not only institute the idea of a day-yacht but it will garner the attention of a buyer that before has not considered the inherent benefits of owning a MasterCraft.”

The twin-tip MC 300 measures in at 33’9” from bow to stern (including the platform) and 11 feet from side to side.  This 14,000 pound beauty is powered by twin engines capable of delivering up to 800 horsepower to the props.  A 200 gallon fuel tank and a 30 gallon freshwater tank ensure a day out on the water can stretch into the night and beyond.  While the sheer size of the MasterCraft 300 is commanding, it is the refined, yacht like luxury that will ultimately cause deep and aspiring admiration.  Up top, the bow area is simply spectacular.  “Deck hands” are welcomed to take the cleverly designed access steps through the unique windshield or walk around the windshield on integrated sidedecks with a custom handrail.  This ensures that whether they are there to help dock the MC 300, use the windlass to anchor the boat in its own personal resort spot or to relax on the bow lounger with tilt mechanism, they can do so safely and comfortably. Back down in the command center, the cockpit boasts of features only found in much larger boats.  At the ergonomically designed helm, the driver is greeted by a technological utopia that includes a beautiful Raymarine C80 or optional E80 display – this lets the driver monitor all the boats systems, including maps, radar and a 3-D reading of the ocean floor.  Luxurious touches, like the lined personal electronics drawer, the hardwood trim and programmable switches make piloting the MasterCraft 300 a dream.  Add the optional Joystick Maneuvering System to the automatic trim tab system and no one will have a problem taking the MC 300 for a spin.   The lounge area surrounding the helm continues the tradition of lavishness found on the MC 300.  For starters, each side has a wetbar comprised of custom, high-gloss hardwood cabinets.  The port wetbar is topped with a Karadon countertop, stainless steel sink and a 25 quart removable cooler.  On the other side, the starboard wetbar also has a Karadon countertop with the option to add an electric grill, stainless steel refrigerator or icemaker and waterproof flat screen TV that lifts up from its hiding spot beneath the countertop.  As guests move further back they will discover transom seating, wrapped in their choice of top-grade well-appointed vinyl or exterior grade Ultra-Leather, that can be adjusted to three different positions for the ultimate in customizable comfort. Revolutionary features abound directly above the cockpit as well.  In addition to the standard sport arch, the MasterCraft 300 also offers a unique glass hardtop.  The hardtop, magnificently framed in top-grade aluminum, has tinted glass to reduce the amount of UV light allowed into the cockpit yet does not limit the view of the sky and the feeling of being out in the open.  The hardtop frame incorporates numerous task lights and a unique misting system designed to spray occupants with a fine, cooling mist.

Of course, the cabin is equally as breathtaking.  After taking a few steps down, guests enter an interior Eden that is standard with customized hardwood cabinets, hardwood flooring and ultra-leather fabrics that can be ordered to taste.  Immediately to the left is the standard stand up shower and head with full size entrance door.  Next to this is the galley with Karadon quartz countertops, microwave, refrigerator/freezer and beautiful sink.  Straight ahead towards the bow is an ornate sleeping area that is laden with yacht grade fabrics and appointments and is as large as what is found on a 34 or 36 foot cruiser.  In front of the bed is the settee with fold out table where people can eat, or relax and watch the standard 26” HD LCD TV.  And if that were not enough, the MC 300 comes standard with Contour Zone, a programmable 12V control system that allows anyone onboard to manage all the boat’s electrical systems including lights, A/C, alarms and more from one device.

Without a doubt, the MC 300 is a breakthrough in boating that will definitely raise eyebrows, but MasterCraft is not a company afraid of innovation and leadership.  In fact, it brought in some of the most credible and highly regarded engineers to head up this and its future projects.  Kurt Bergstrom, lead engineer on the MC 300, came from a long line of great yacht builders including Cobalt and Hatteras. Along with Bergstrom, the company hired Mike Myers who has a deep history building large boats and who hails from both Cobalt and Cruiser Yachts.  And Scott Wood, MasterCraft’s VP of Engineering and New Product Development, has an extensive marine career which includes time at Hinckley Yachts. Suffice to say, MasterCraft’s world-class engineering department is abundantly qualified to move the company to this new market.

But for those still wondering why, Dorton adds this final point.  “It has always been a part of our legendary DNA to dream of ways to revolutionize the industry.  It wasn’t that long ago we saw opportunity in a little known sport called wakeboarding – our response was decisive and as a result we created a new niche with the first full line of wakeboard boats.  Now, 10 years later, every manufacturer is in that game.  It is much the same with the 300 – we see an opportunity in a segment of the industry desperate for new ideas and approaches and in due time, people will not be able to remember a time MasterCraft was not a player in the big boat market.” Specifications: Overall Length:    33’9” / 10.29 m Beam:     11’ / 3.35 m Dry Weight:    14,000 lbs / 6,350 kg Fuel Capacity:    200 gal / 757 L Water Capacity:    30 gal / 114 L www.mastercraft.com/300 For more information and images, please contact Will Furze – MasterCraft International Marketing Manager. [email protected]