Charmed Life.

The MariStar 280 is the golden child of the MasterCraft line. Winning Boating Magazine’s undisputed “Boat of the Year” award put it in the spotlight, but its encore presentation has kept it there. Since the showering praise of the boating press, the MariStar 280 has shown true staying power, having spawned a saltwater version, along with a wakeboard edition. But it is the classic, American industrial chic concept, sharp lines and smart design -- the true embodiment of 280 style -- that continues to set it apart from both inboards and stern-drives alike.

It begins with the signature, gargantuan SuperFly front, a pickle-fork inspired bow which can seat up to five adults comfortably. It continues behind the windshield as two seating configurations can meld into one with the conversion of a drop-down passenger lounger, for the full wrap-around seating experience. The cockpit crowd gets treated to a full Corian countertop and freshwater-supplied sink. Add in an optional on-board refrigerator, and turn a cruise into a cocktail party.

Yet, it is under the sundeck where the 280 sets itself apart from the pack. Powered by two 350-cubic-inch Vortec V-8s, mashing the twin throttles accelerates the 280 as quickly as MasterCraft’s tournament-designed ProStar 190 – 0-60 in under six seconds. Deliberate fingertips can also tame the beast, using the counter-rotating props to twist this 28-footer into any marina slip.