Boat Test: 2023 Centurion Fi23
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Overview
For 2023, Centurion’s high-performing Fi23 boasts a complete redesign, including a new look, updated running surface, fresh interior styling and more.
The 6,900-pound Fi23 can load up with 5,250 pounds of ballast, displacing serious amounts of water. Its patented Ramfill system adds that weight in less than two minutes. Turn that displaced water into clean, rideable wakes and waves using Centurion’s QuickSurf Pro system (two stern-mounted plates that work with the running surface). The waves offer tons of push and a large sweet spot, and each QuickSurf Pro plate can be micro-adjusted, allowing riders to customize wave characteristics. Combined with the center-mounted Silent Stinger Wake Plate, which makes the wave longer and mellower or steeper and shorter, QuickSurf allows the Fi23 to cater to beginner riders and top-level pros.
Interior and Accessories
Control these systems and settings using steering-wheel paddles and Centurion’s Pano Side-by-Side 12-inch touchscreens. With just a couple of finger taps, you can set up the Fi23 for riding in minutes. A favorite feature of ours is Centurion’s inclusion of fuel flow and estimated range at the helm. As wakeboats grow larger and find use on bigger bodies of water, having access to this data is vital for a captain.
The Fi23’s higher gunwales offer a deeper, drier ride. Centurion’s Opti-V hull, with 30 degrees of deadrise at the bow, rides smooth and makes clean, symmetrical wakes and waves. There’s seating for 14 and storage throughout, and the ultra-wide bow is great for facing forward or aft. Customizable seating with a sliding rear bench makes it easy to watch the action. At the transom, new pop-up seatbacks create comfortable lounging for a midday break.
The optional Roswell DropZone power tower quickly lowers and raises with the push of a button, which is great for clearing low bridges or storing in a garage. It also adds a bold look to complement the lines of the Fi23. When combined with the integrated board racks and Bimini top, the tower adds storage, convenience and comfort.
The Fi23 is well worth considering if you are shopping for an ultra-competitive 23-foot watersports boat.
How We Tested
- Engine: 409 hp/409 lb.-ft of torque, Centurion Power by GM Marine L96 6.0L
- Drive/Prop: V-drive/Acme 16″ x 15″ 4-blade nibral
- Gear Ratio: 1.72:1 Fuel Load: 63 gal. Crew Weight: 540 lb.
High Points
- Upholstery is comfortable and durable; all-new interior design and stitching patterns look great.
- Silent Stinger Wake Plate reduces overall boat noise by using water flowing under the boat to reduce exhaust noise.
- Wakes and waves are world-class and infinitely adjustable.
Low Points
- Stern thruster is not as powerful as systems found on other V-drive wakeboats.
Toughest Competitor
Supra’s 23-foot-5-inch SL (starting at $186,000) is rated for 17 and features Supra’s patented AutoWake technology.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $262,214 (as tested MSRP) |
| LOA: | 23’0″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft: | 3’0″ |
| Displacement: | 6,900 lb. |
| Transom Deadrise: | NA |
| Bridge Clearance: | NA |
| Ballast: | 5,250 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 14/2,650 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 89 gal. |
| Max Horsepower: | 505 |
| Available Power: | Single Centurion Power by GM Marine inboard to 505 hp/500 lb.-ft. of torque |
Speed, Efficiency, Operation
Centurion Boats – Merced, California; centurionboats.com
The post Boat Test: 2023 Centurion Fi23 appeared first on Boating Mag.
Source: https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/2023-centurion-fi23-boat-test/
