Centurion Fi23 for Sale

Centurion Fi23 Specifications

The Fi23’s spec sheet reveals a boat engineered with a singular focus: displacing water to create the best possible surf wave and wakeboard wake in a 23-foot platform. At approximately 5,300 lbs dry, the Fi23 is lighter than many competitors in this class — and that is by design. The Opti-V hull is engineered to displace more water with less weight, relying on hull geometry rather than sheer mass to generate its wave. When you add up to 5,250 lbs of factory ballast, 89 gallons of fuel, and 14 passengers, the Fi23 can exceed 12,000 lbs in riding configuration — a remarkable water displacement figure for a 23-foot boat.

The 20-degree deadrise at the transom is a distinguishing figure. This is steeper than many competing towboats, which typically run 12–14 degrees. The deeper V provides a noticeably softer ride in chop — something that matters on busy weekend lakes and larger bodies of water — while the Opti-V hull’s flat lifting triangles at each transom corner maintain the level running attitude needed for wave generation. The variable-deadrise design carries 30 degrees at the bow, transitioning to the 20-degree transom through a carefully engineered progression that balances rough-water capability with wake and wave performance. Centurion claims this hull delivers a quieter, more fuel-efficient ride than boats producing comparable waves — a claim that most independent reviewers have validated.

Engine specifications have evolved across model years. Early Fi23 models (2018–2019) were available with the PCM XR7 6.2L producing up to 550 HP, which pushed the boat to a tested top speed of 41.2 mph and delivered a time-to-plane of just over 4 seconds with empty ballast. More recent models standardise the GM Marine L96 6.0L at 409 HP, with higher-output options available. The V-drive transmission with a 1.72:1 gear ratio is the industry-standard layout for surf boats, placing the engine amidships for optimal weight distribution and lowering the propeller angle to direct thrust downward — contributing to both wave generation and low-speed pulling power.

Wake & Wave Performance: Opti-V Hull and QuickSurf Pro

The Opti-V hull: This is the technology that defines the Centurion Fi23 and sets it apart from every competitor. The Opti-V is a proprietary variable-deadrise hull that Centurion engineered specifically for wake and wave generation — not adapted from a skiing hull or a general-purpose V-hull, but designed from the keel up to move water laterally and create a surfable wave. The hull features 20 degrees of deadrise at the transom, with flat triangular lifting surfaces at each corner that extend toward the bow. These surfaces create lift along the rear half of the boat, maintaining a level running attitude side-to-side and front-to-back. The result is a hull that displaces more water with less overall weight than a conventional flat-bottom towboat, while simultaneously providing a significantly better rough-water ride. Where competing brands often require the boat to be heavily laden with ballast before the wave becomes rideable, the Opti-V hull generates a usable wave even at partial ballast — an advantage for small crews and early-morning sessions when you do not want to wait for thousands of pounds of water to fill.

QuickSurf Pro: The QuickSurf Pro system is Centurion’s integrated surf wave management platform. It consists of long stainless-steel blades mounted at the rear corners of the transom, which deploy on the opposite side from the surfer to create lift and redirect water flow into the surfing side. The system enables a wave transfer from port to starboard (or vice versa) in approximately 1.8–2.0 seconds — among the fastest transition times in the industry. When QuickSurf is disengaged, the Opti-V hull produces perfectly symmetrical wakes at wakeboarding speeds, which matters for riders who switch between surfing and wakeboarding during a session. The entire system is controlled from the helm through the PANO Side-by-Side dual 12-inch touchscreens, giving the driver precise adjustment of wave shape, wave size, and side selection without leaving the captain’s chair.

RAMFILL ballast system: The Fi23 offers up to 5,250 lbs of factory-integrated ballast across as many as seven precisely placed compartments — the largest factory ballast capacity in any 23-foot towboat on the market. The RAMFILL² system uses four stainless-steel two-inch valves (two intake, two exhaust) to flood sub-floor tanks that extend from the helm to the transom on each side of the lounge. Full fill takes approximately 90 seconds, eliminating the 3–5-minute wait common with competing systems. The rapid fill time is not a convenience feature; it is a performance advantage. On a busy lake day, the difference between 90-second and 4-minute ballast fill adds up across dozens of rider changes and session restarts. The ballast placement is calculated to create longer waves with consistent push, and the system is calibrated to work in concert with the Opti-V hull geometry and QuickSurf Pro tabs. This is an integrated system, not a collection of independently designed components.

Wave quality: Riders and independent reviewers consistently rate the Fi23’s surf wave among the best in the 23-foot class. At surf speed (10–11.5 mph), the wave is tall, steep, and clean with strong push — the kind of wave where a rider can generate speed, perform aerial manoeuvres, and feel confident riding far back from the transom. The wave face is smooth and free of the whitewater intrusion and lip curl that plague boats with poorly positioned ballast. Centurion’s claim to producing “pro-level” waves is substantiated by the fact that their boats have served as the official towboat of the World Wake Surfing Championship every year since the event’s inception. At wakeboard speed (19–23 mph), the symmetrical wakes are firm, well-defined, and hold their shape at competition rope lengths of 60–85 feet. The dual-purpose capability — world-class surfing and competitive-quality wakeboarding from the same hull — is central to the Fi23’s appeal.

Competition pedigree: Centurion is the title sponsor and official towboat provider of the World Wake Surfing Championship (WWSC), the sport’s premier competitive event. The WWSC has run annually since 1995 — the year Centurion both created the event and introduced the first purpose-built wakesurfing towboat. Recent championships have featured the Ri230 and Ri237 as the official towboat, but the Opti-V hull, RAMFILL ballast, and QuickSurf technology that those models use are shared directly with the Fi23. The competition programme serves as a development pipeline: feedback from professional riders competing at the highest level drives iterative improvements to hull design, ballast calibration, and wave-shaping software that flow into the production Fi23. When you surf behind an Fi23, you are riding behind the same wave-generation technology that World Champions use in competition.

Build Quality & the Centurion Brand Transformation

Understanding the Centurion Fi23 requires understanding one of the most remarkable brand transformations in the marine industry. Through the 1990s and into the early 2000s, Centurion was widely perceived as a budget alternative to MasterCraft and Nautique — boats that offered good performance at a lower price point but could not match the premium brands on fit, finish, or prestige. The transformation began with Centurion’s commitment to wave performance above all else, culminating in the Opti-V hull and the RAMFILL ballast system, and was accelerated by the 2015 Correct Craft acquisition, which brought financial resources, supply-chain depth, and manufacturing expertise to the Merced operation.

Today’s Centurion is a meaningfully different company from the one that built budget ski boats in the 1990s. Fineline Industries operates modern manufacturing facilities where the hull layup process, ballast system integration, and electrical assembly are executed with a precision that reflects Correct Craft’s company-wide quality standards. The construction uses hand-laid fibreglass with a stringer grid — the same fundamental approach as MasterCraft and Nautique. Centurion was also an early adopter of wood-free construction, introducing its UCS (Unitised Construction System) in 1997, which eliminated wood from the boat’s structural components — a decision that improves long-term durability by removing the material most susceptible to moisture damage and rot.

The practical implication for buyers is important: the build quality of a 2018+ Fi23 is genuinely competitive with the premium brands. The hull laminate, stringer system, and structural components are sound. The ballast system plumbing uses quality components. The electrical system is clean and well-routed. Where the Fi23 does still concede ground to the top-tier flagships from MasterCraft and Nautique is in cosmetic refinement — panel fit, upholstery stitching details, and the richness of the interior materials. These are not build-quality deficiencies; they are value-engineering choices that allow Centurion to price the Fi23 $15,000–$30,000 below its most direct competitors. For many buyers, particularly those who spend their time in the water rather than admiring the boat from the dock, this is an entirely acceptable trade-off.

One caveat for used buyers: Centurion boats built before the brand transformation — roughly pre-2012 — are a substantially different product in terms of build quality, fit and finish, and feature content. These older models can still produce good waves and provide reliable service, but they should not be evaluated using the same expectations applied to 2018+ Fi Series boats. The transformation was gradual, but the introduction of the Fi Series in 2018 marked the point where the modern Centurion identity was fully realised.

Interior Layout, Seating & Technology

Cockpit design: The Fi23’s interior is designed for a watersports day — riders rotating in and out, wet bodies dropping onto seats, ropes and boards stacked in every available space, and a captain who needs clear sightlines to the rider behind the boat and the instruments ahead. The cockpit runs deep with high gunwales, and the 14-person seating capacity is accommodated through a wraparound bench layout with bow seating. The aft lounge can be configured for rear-facing observation, which is the preferred orientation for spotters and spectators watching a surfer or wakeboarder. All seating surfaces use marine-grade vinyl with UV-resistant treatments — essential in a boat that spends most of its life exposed to direct sunlight and water splash.

The PANO Side-by-Side display: Centurion’s dual 12-inch touchscreen system is a significant technology feature that rivals the helm displays of any boat in this class. The PANO system controls virtually every onboard system: RAMFILL ballast fill and drain levels, QuickSurf Pro wave configuration, ZeroOff GPS speed control, Silent Stinger wake plate position, audio, lighting, and engine diagnostics. The dual-screen layout allows the driver to view multiple data streams simultaneously — engine data and speed on one screen, ballast levels and surf configuration on the other. Rider profiles can be stored, recalling a specific rider’s preferred speed, ballast configuration, and wave shape with a single tap. For a captain managing multiple riders through a long session, the profile recall feature eliminates the guesswork and delay of manually re-configuring the boat between sets.

Tower: The standard Battle Advance Tower by Roswell is a welded-aluminium tower that provides board racks, an elevated tow point for wakeboarding, and mounting positions for speakers and lights. The optional DropZone Auto Tower by Roswell adds power-assisted folding via floating linear actuators — the tower folds with the push of a button, which matters for owners who garage or trailer their boats and need to reduce overall height quickly and frequently. Tower-mounted speakers are standard on most configurations, and the audio system is designed to project sound rearward to reach the rider at rope length.

Storage: The Fi23 provides dedicated storage for watersports equipment: the in-floor ski locker accommodates boards, skis, and surfboards; gunwale compartments along both sides hold ropes, vests, and accessories; and under-seat storage captures the smaller items that accumulate during a day on the water. The swim platform is a full-width design with non-skid surface and integrated boarding access, making the transition from water to cockpit efficient for riders between sets.

Additional technology: The Fi23 is available with Centurion’s ROV (Range of View) camera system, which provides live video of the rider on the helm display alongside fuel usage and estimated range data. The RECON telematics system enables off-boat monitoring of key systems remotely. The ZeroOff GPS speed control is standard, maintaining precise speed regardless of ballast changes and wind conditions. For buyers considering the step up to the Ri Series, the primary differences are interior-focused — upgraded upholstery, more elaborate colour options, and additional standard features. The hull, ballast system, QuickSurf Pro, and PANO touchscreens are shared between the series. The wave behind an Fi23 and an Ri237 of the same model year is produced by the same technology — a fact that makes the Fi Series the rational choice for buyers willing to accept a simpler interior in exchange for meaningful cost savings.

Centurion Fi23 Running Costs & Ownership Considerations

Owning a wakesport towboat is a more predictable financial proposition than many marine segments. The Fi23 has a single inboard engine, no saildrives, no rigging, and no bottom paint if the boat is trailered. The GM Marine and PCM engine platforms that power the Fi23 are based on proven General Motors architecture with broad parts availability and a large service network. The principal ongoing costs are as follows:

• Insurance: Watersports towboats carry a slight premium over general recreational boats due to the towing activity. Expect 1.5–2.5% of hull value annually. On a boat insured at $130,000, that translates to approximately $1,950–$3,250 per year. Agreed-value policies are strongly recommended.
• Engine service (GM Marine / PCM): The GM Marine and PCM engines in the Fi23 are marinised General Motors LS-based powerplants — among the most widely supported engine platforms in the marine industry. Annual service (oil change, impeller, belts, fluid check) runs $400–$800 at a dealer, or $200–$400 DIY. The 100-hour service is more comprehensive at $800–$1,500. These engines are known for reliability and longevity — 1,000+ hours is common with proper maintenance, and many reach 1,500–2,000 hours before requiring major work.
• Fuel consumption: Expect approximately 5–10 gallons per hour depending on speed, ballast loading, and crew weight. The 81–89-gallon tank provides adequate range for a full day, with real-time fuel flow data on the PANO display.
• Winterisation and storage: Essential in northern climates. Professional winterisation (engine fogging, coolant flush, RAMFILL system purge, fuel stabilisation) costs $400–$800. Shrink-wrapping adds $300–$600. Indoor heated storage runs $1,500–$3,500 per season. Marina slips for a 23-foot boat run $1,500–$5,000 per season in US lake markets.
• Trailer and towing: Most Fi23 owners trailer their boats. The combined towing weight of approximately 6,800–6,900 lbs requires a full-size pickup or heavy-duty SUV. Trailer maintenance adds $300–$600 per year.
• Ballast system maintenance: The RAMFILL system requires annual pump inspection, hose checks, and a complete flush at winterisation. Budget $200–$500 per year, with potential pump replacement at $300–$800 per pump.
• Approximate total: $5,000–$12,000 per year for a trailered boat depending on usage, region, and DIY vs dealer maintenance. Slip-kept boats in premium lake markets trend higher at $8,000–$16,000.

The GM-based engine platform is an ownership advantage — parts are available through both marine dealers and general automotive suppliers, keeping maintenance costs competitive. Centurion’s dealer network has expanded significantly under Correct Craft ownership, though it remains smaller than MasterCraft’s or Malibu’s. In major wakesport markets — California, Texas, the Pacific Northwest, the Southeast, and the Great Lakes region — dealer coverage is strong. In more rural markets, buyers should confirm dealer proximity before purchasing, as warranty service and specialised towboat expertise are best handled by authorised Centurion dealers familiar with the RAMFILL, QuickSurf, and PANO systems.

Used Market Analysis & Pricing Guidance

New pricing: A new Centurion Fi23 starts at approximately $170,000–$175,000 at the base specification level, though most buyers add engine upgrades, audio packages, tower options, and cosmetic personalisation that push the out-the-door price to $180,000–$200,000 for a well-equipped boat. A fully loaded Fi23 with the top engine option, premium audio, the DropZone Auto Tower, and a full colour and upholstery package can approach $210,000. This is meaningfully below an equivalently specified MasterCraft X24 or Nautique Super Air G23, where $210,000–$250,000+ is the norm for a well-optioned example.

Used pricing (2018–2023 models): The used Fi23 market reflects the model’s growing popularity and strong owner loyalty. Based on current market data, pricing falls into the following approximate ranges:

• 2022–2023 models (low hours): $110,000–$150,000 depending on specification, engine option, and hours. The highest-spec examples with premium engine upgrades and full options packages sit near the top of this range.
• 2020–2021 models: $75,000–$120,000. This is the sweet spot for many buyers — the Opti-V hull and RAMFILL system are fully developed, the boat has the majority of its service life ahead of it, and the first owner has absorbed the steepest depreciation.
• 2018–2019 models: $75,000–$100,000. These are the first-generation Fi23 models, which introduced the Fi Series and carried the PCM XR7 6.2L engine option with up to 550 HP. Wave performance is excellent — the hull and ballast technology are essentially the same platform refined in later years.

Pre-transformation vs post-transformation pricing: An important distinction for used buyers: Centurion models built before approximately 2012–2015 represent the older brand identity and are priced accordingly — often $25,000–$60,000 for models from 2005–2014. These boats can still produce good waves and provide reliable service, but they lack the Opti-V hull, RAMFILL² system, and QuickSurf Pro technology that define the modern Centurion experience. The 2018+ Fi Series represents a fundamentally different product, and used pricing reflects that distinction clearly.

What to Inspect on a Used Fi23

• Engine hours and service records: Confirm regular oil changes (every 50–100 hours), impeller replacement, and coolant service. A compression test on engines over 500 hours provides peace of mind.
• RAMFILL ballast system: Run every compartment through a full fill-and-drain cycle. Listen for pump strain, check for leaks, and verify fill times near the 90-second specification. Inspect sub-floor tanks for mildew or odour indicating inadequate winterisation.
• QuickSurf Pro tabs: Operate the system through both port and starboard deployment. Tabs should move smoothly. Check for corrosion on tabs and mounting hardware, particularly on saltwater-used boats.
• Tower, gel coat, and upholstery: Inspect Roswell tower base mounts for looseness or stress cracks. Check gel coat for spider cracks, chips, or oxidation. UV damage on vinyl surfaces (cracking, fading) is the primary cosmetic concern — boats stored covered or indoors show less wear.
• PANO touchscreens: Power up the PANO system and test every function: ballast, QuickSurf, ZeroOff, audio, and lighting. Both screens should be responsive with no dead spots.

Value proposition summary: The Centurion Fi23 offers a wave and wake performance level that competes with or exceeds boats costing $15,000–$30,000 more at purchase. The used market amplifies this value advantage further — a three-year-old Fi23 can cost $40,000–$60,000 less than an equivalently aged MasterCraft X24 or Nautique G23, while delivering comparable or superior wave quality. For buyers who prioritise on-water performance over brand prestige, the Fi23 is one of the strongest value propositions in the premium towboat segment.

Centurion Fi23 vs Competitors

The 23–24-foot premium towboat segment is contested by a small group of American manufacturers that have each invested decades into refining their wake and wave platforms. The Centurion Fi23 enters this arena as the surf-first challenger — a boat built by the company that invented competitive wake surfing and that competes on wave quality and value rather than brand cachet. Every serious towboat buyer should demo behind each of these boats before committing; wave preference is personal, and the best boat is the one whose wave matches your riding style.

Centurion Fi23 vs MasterCraft X24

The MasterCraft X24 is the most direct competitor to the Fi23 and the boat that many cross-shoppers compare first. The X24 features the Gen 2 SurfStar system with approximately 4,400 lbs of integrated ballast and wave-shaping tabs, an Ilmor 6.2L V8 engine platform, and MasterCraft’s signature build quality from their vertically integrated Vonore, Tennessee facility. The X24 offers a slightly larger platform (24 feet vs 23) with greater passenger capacity (16+ vs 14), a more refined interior finish, and the MasterCraft brand prestige that commands stronger resale values at the marina and in the used market. Where the Centurion differentiates is in wave quality per dollar: the Opti-V hull with its 20-degree transom deadrise and 5,250 lbs of factory ballast produces a surf wave that many riders rate as the equal of or superior to the X24’s, at a new price that is typically $15,000–$30,000 lower. The X24 counters with broader dealer coverage, stronger documented resale values, and a fit-and-finish standard that is difficult to match. Choose the Fi23 if wave quality and value are your primary criteria; choose the X24 if brand confidence, dealer network, and interior refinement weigh heavily in your decision.

Centurion Fi23 vs Nautique Super Air G23

The Nautique Super Air G23, built by Correct Craft in Orlando, Florida, is perhaps the most decorated towboat in the industry. It features the NCRS (Nautique Configurable Running Surface) and NSS (Nautique Surf System), producing a wave renowned for its cleanliness and consistency. Centurion and Nautique now share a parent company in Correct Craft, yet operate as independent brands with distinct engineering teams. The G23 offers interior quality widely regarded as the pinnacle of the segment, with well-specified examples routinely exceeding $250,000 new. The Fi23 undercuts the G23 by $30,000–$50,000 on comparable specification, while delivering wave performance that competitive riders consider to be in the same tier. The G23’s wave is often described as longer and more gradual; the Fi23’s Opti-V hull produces a steeper wave with more push. For buyers who demand ultimate interior refinement, the G23 is the benchmark. For riders who prioritise wave performance at a more accessible price, the Fi23 offers exceptional value.

Centurion Fi23 vs Malibu 23 MXZ

The Malibu 23 MXZ is the flagship of Malibu Boats (NASDAQ: MBUU), the industry’s largest towboat manufacturer by volume. The MXZ features Malibu’s Surf Gate system — deployable transom gates that redirect the wake to create a surfable wave on either side. Malibu offers the largest dealer network and strong brand recognition. The wave comparison comes down to style: Surf Gate produces a clean, accessible wave well-suited to intermediate riders; the Centurion’s Opti-V and RAMFILL produce a wave that many advanced riders consider more powerful and shapeable, with significantly more factory ballast (5,250 lbs vs approximately 4,100 lbs). Pricing on similarly specified boats is comparable, making this a genuine performance decision. Malibu’s advantage lies in dealer accessibility; Centurion’s lies in raw wave performance and ballast capacity.

Centurion Fi23 vs Tige 23 RZX

The Tige 23 RZX, built in Abilene, Texas, occupies a similar market position — a performance-focused alternative to MasterCraft and Nautique at a competitive price. The 23 RZX features the TAPS 3T (Tige Adjustable Pitch System) for precise wave tuning, with bolder interior styling and a loyal following. The Centurion’s 5,250-lb factory ballast capacity gives it a measurable advantage in raw wave size, and the Opti-V hull’s 20-degree transom deadrise provides a better ride in chop. Tige counters with extensive customisation options and strong brand loyalty in Texas and the southern US. Pricing is comparable, making the decision primarily about wave quality, ride comfort, and brand affinity.

For a full interactive pricing comparison between the Centurion Fi23 and competing models, visit the Hulls.io Market Intelligence tool.

Who Should Buy the Centurion Fi23 — and Who Should Look Elsewhere

The Fi23 is an excellent choice if:

• Wakesurfing is your primary activity. The Fi23 was designed surf-first. The Opti-V hull, 5,250 lbs of RAMFILL ballast, and QuickSurf Pro produce a wave that competes with or exceeds boats costing significantly more.
• You value performance over prestige. If you spend your time behind the boat rather than admiring it at the dock, the Fi23’s performance-per-dollar ratio is the best in the segment.
• You want competitive pricing on a premium platform. The Fi23 is typically $15,000–$30,000 less than an equivalently specified X24 or G23 new, and the gap widens further in the used market.
• You ride in rough water or chop. The Opti-V hull’s 20-degree transom deadrise delivers a noticeably softer, quieter ride in choppy conditions than the flatter-bottomed hulls of most competitors.
• You appreciate the brand’s heritage. Centurion created the first purpose-built surf boat and founded the World Wake Surfing Championship. No other brand can match that pedigree.

You should look elsewhere if:

• Interior refinement and brand prestige are top priorities. The MasterCraft X24 and Nautique Super Air G23 offer a step up in materials, detailing, and brand recognition that justify their premium.
• You need maximum seating capacity. The Fi23’s 14-person capacity is adequate for most crews, but 24-foot competitors offer 16+ seats and more cockpit space for consistently large groups.
• Dealer proximity is critical. Centurion’s dealer network, while expanding, is smaller than MasterCraft’s or Malibu’s. Confirm coverage in your area before purchasing.
• Resale value certainty is paramount. MasterCraft and Nautique consistently command higher resale values. Buyers who view their boat as a financial asset should factor this into cost-of-ownership calculations.
• You primarily waterski. The Fi23 is optimised for wakesurfing and wakeboarding. While it can pull a slalom skier, competitive skiers should look at dedicated ski platforms.

The Centurion Fi23 occupies a unique position in the premium towboat market: the surf-performance leader from a company that literally invented the sport, priced below the established premium brands but delivering wave quality that matches or exceeds them. For wakesport enthusiasts who evaluate a boat by what it does on the water rather than what it looks like at the dock, the Fi23 is one of the most compelling towboats available today. Browse all available Centurion listings on Hulls.io to compare pricing, specifications, and condition across the current market.