Cobalt 226 vs MasterCraft X-Star
The MasterCraft X-Star asks $10,000 more at the median ($29,000 against $19,000), measured across 65 listings we track. Below is every difference we can evidence, and the ones we cannot.
Side by side
| Cobalt 226 | MasterCraft X-Star | |
|---|---|---|
| Median asking priceLower is cheaper to buy, not necessarily better value. | $19,000 | $29,000 |
| Typical low (25th pct) | $14,500 | $23,000 |
| Typical high (75th pct) | $23,000 | $35,000 |
| Length (median listed) | 22.0 ft | 22.0 ft |
| Listings we trackMore listings means an easier boat to find and to resell. | 27 | 38 |
| States with listings | 13 | 15 |
| Engines we see most | MerCruiser sterndrive (gas, 4.5L–6.2L) | Mercury Verado / V8 FourStroke (250–400), PCM / Indmar ski-wake inboard (GM-based) |
| Known problems on file | 0 | 2 |
| Federal recall campaigns (builder) | 10 | 4 |
| Model years traded | 1999–2005 | 2000–2020 |
Method: Both columns come from the same pipeline on the same day, so the comparison is like-for-like. Asking prices, de-duplicated, quartiles rounded to $500.
Sources: BoatVerdict market observations · USCG / CPSC recall records
Which one suits which buyer
Take the Cobalt 226 if…
- Budget is the binding constraint: it asks $10,000 less at the median.
Take the MasterCraft X-Star if…
- You want choice: we track 38 of these against 27.
- You would rather not travel: listings in 15 states against 13.
- Flagship wakeboarding boat; premium wake boats hold value remarkably well when ballast/electronics are documented.
Every line above is derived from a number in the table, not from an opinion about the brands. What we cannot tell you from listing data is how they ride, how they are built, or which dealer network is better near you — so we do not pretend to.
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