Pontoons
MasterCrafts Stars and Stripes Boats for Sale
The MasterCraft Stars and Stripes is one of the most iconic ski boats ever built and a defining model in the history of competitive water skiing. Produced from the early 1970s through the late 1980s, it was known for its legendary performance, precise handling, and distinctive patriotic graphics. As one of the first boats designed specifically for tournament skiing, the Stars and Stripes helped establish MasterCraft as a leader in the inboard boat industry. Today, it remains a symbol of classic craftsmanship and timeless ski performance.
The MasterCraft Stars and Stripes story began in 1973 when the company introduced a striking new paint scheme featuring bold red, white, and blue stripes and star patterns along the hull. While the graphics gave the model its name, the real innovation was in the boat’s performance. Built on a direct-drive hull with precise tracking and small, soft wakes, the Stars and Stripes quickly became the choice of professional skiers and tournament organizers throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
The original Stars and Stripes measured around 19 feet in length and was constructed using hand-laid fiberglass with a wood stringer system, which was the standard at the time. Its design emphasized balance, predictability, and efficiency. The hull produced exceptionally clean, low wakes at slalom speeds and provided stable, straight tracking through the course, making it one of the most competitive ski boats of its era.
Power for the early Stars and Stripes models typically came from small-block V8 engines such as the Ford 302 or Chevrolet 350, depending on production year and dealer configuration. Later versions in the 1980s featured Indmar or Pleasurecraft Marine (PCM) inboards producing between 240 and 275 horsepower. These engines provided reliable power and consistent pulls for competitive skiers.
Throughout its production run, the Stars and Stripes underwent several refinements. Hull materials improved, interior layouts were modernized, and MasterCraft continued to fine-tune weight distribution for better performance. Despite these updates, the boat retained its signature profile, centered helm position, and unmistakable graphics.
By the mid to late 1980s, the Stars and Stripes transitioned into what would become the ProStar line, marking a new era of ski-boat evolution. The ProStar 190, which debuted in 1986, was a direct descendant of the Stars and Stripes hull, offering the same performance foundation with updated styling and materials.
The Stars and Stripes remains one of the most recognizable ski boats ever built. Its influence extends far beyond its production years, as many of its design principles—precise hull geometry, balanced weight distribution, and reliable direct-drive power—continue to shape modern ski boat engineering.
Today, well-maintained Stars and Stripes boats are prized by collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts who appreciate their historical importance and classic look. With their timeless styling, solid performance, and lasting construction, these boats remain a true piece of MasterCraft heritage and an enduring symbol of the sport’s golden era.