Boat Test: 2023 Centurion Fi23

The Fi23 is an ultra-competitive watersports boat.

Overview

For 2023, Centurion’s high-­performing Fi23 boasts a complete redesign, including a new look, updated running surface, fresh interior styling and more.

Centurion Fi23 running
QuickLaunch utilizes QuickSurf plates to get on plane with minimal bow rise. Garrett Cortese

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. 

Centurion Fi23 helm
Easily control the boat’s systems via the Pano side-by-side touchscreens at the helm. Garrett Cortese

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.

Centurion Fi23 cockpit
An optional sliding rear bench with multiple positions and removable backrests provides more variety in seating. Garrett Cortese

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.

Centurion Fi23 wakesurfing
The wakesurf waves can be adjusted for all riding levels and styles. Garrett Cortese

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 Fi23 performance data
Centurion Fi23 Certified Test Results Boating Magazine

Centurion Boats – Merced, California; centurionboats.com