Boat Test: 2024 Centurion Ri265

Overview

Let’s get this out of the way now: The Predator Power Tower is not only ingenious, but it makes the 2024 Centurion Ri265 more versatile and comfortable in a multitude of ways. Utilizing a scissor-hinge design and four Linak electric linear actuators (rated at 2,400 pounds each), the PPT folds down while keeping the 9-foot Bimini top perfectly flat. Want more shade or need protection from a sudden rain shower? The PPT can lower in less than 20 seconds. Even at its lowest position, there is still plenty of headroom for the captain to drive and passengers to sit underneath comfortably. Plus, the Ri265 can operate at any speed with the tower in any position—fully raised, lowered, or at any point in between. It can also tow while in any ­position. So, if you’ve got a wakesurfer who wants to ride and passengers who want more shade, no problem. And back to that ­Bimini; at 9 feet long, it offers plenty of coverage. Add in the optional extension and you can cover the whole lounge. What’s really unique is that the entire exoskeleton structure is rigid and sturdy, so it’s always in the deployed position, which means no more folding and unfolding your Bimini structure. The PPT’s Bimini is designed to be driven and towed while deployed. If you’re a fan of a little ­extra sun, though, the Bimini top has convertible forward sections. ­Simply unzip the port and starboard sides, and the section rolls back on itself thanks to functionality similar to what you might find in a child’s slap bracelet. With all of its design, functionality and versatility, it’s easy to see why the Roswell-designed PPT is the most revolutionary tower brought to the tow-boat market.

When it comes to performance, the Ri265 comes up big as well. With 5,850 pounds of available ballast, combined with Centurion’s QuickSurf system and the acclaimed ­Opti-V hull, the Ri265 is designed to create optimal wakesurfing waves. The ballast system is split into seven zones, allowing riders to customize the wave’s shape and size. Further customization comes via the QuickSurf plates on the transom, as well as the center-mounted Stinger Wake Plate. Adjusting the Stinger Wake Plate will make the wave longer and mellower or shorter and steeper. The QuickSurf plates can also be tweaked for even more wave optimization. Should you find a combination of ballast, plate positions and speed that really hits the mark, you can save it as a rider profile for use at any time in the future.

Interior and Accessories

You control the boat’s systems via dual 12-inch Revo Side-by-Side touchscreens at the helm. Quickly move through menus with the tap of a finger to control everything from ballast systems and speed control to interior lighting options and GPS mapping. Make on-the-fly adjustments to the Ri265’s speed and Stinger Wake Plate using paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. We truly appreciated the integrated fuel-monitoring data. For a boat with a 92-gallon fuel tank that owners will likely utilize on larger bodies of water, access to fuel-consumption rates and estimated range is vital. Integrated cameras in the bow and stern provide views of what’s going on in the water; the bow camera is especially useful for putting the big Ri265 on the trailer.

Of course, the Ri265 offers much more than a cool tower and world-class wakes and waves. With its Yacht Certified rating, the Ri265 can hold all your friends and family, along with all the gear you need for a day on the water. Storage is abundant behind and under almost every seat, as well as in a giant in-floor locker that can also act as a cooler. With deep gunwales, supple padding and Spradling vinyl interior, the Ri265 is comfortable from bow to stern for all passengers. Seating is customizable via the convertible rear bench sliding into the cockpit, as well as pop-up backrests on the port and starboard sides of the wraparound seating. The model we tested was equipped with Centurion’s Warrior Package, which offers upgrades to the audio system, soft-touch flooring designs, and a cool topography-inspired stitching pattern throughout. This look sets the Ri265 apart from anything else on the water. The lounge factor goes up at the transom as well, with pop-up backrests integrated into the engine compartment and storage-bay hatches.

Read Next: 2024 Centurion Ri230

For 2024, the Ri265 isn’t just one of the largest tow boats in the ever-expanding ­watersports market; it’s one of the most well-thought-out and versatile, even with its extra-large size. Shoppers might consider the Malibu Wakesetter 26 LSV (price not available at press time) when shopping. Families looking to accommodate everybody and do it all in style and comfort while enjoying killer wakesurfing action and an unbelievably cool tower will find the Ri265 a safe bet.

How We Tested

• Engine: PCM ZZ6 6.2L 390 hp/465 ft.-lb.
• Drive/Prop: V-drive/Acme 3077 17″ x 15.5″
• Gear Ratio: 2.00:1 Fuel Load: 92 gal. Crew Weight: 360 lb.

High Points

• We’ve sang the praises of the Predator Power Tower, but we didn’t mention its permanent-mold-cast construction, which ensures near-perfect quality and strength.
• QuickLaunch utilizes the transom-mounted plates to get the big Ri265 on plane with minimal bow rise, even with a full ballast and crew.
• All-new windshield not only stylishly complements the lines of the boat, but also features integrated vents for additional airflow.

Low Points

• Unlike most of its competitors, the Ri265’s convertible rear bench does not have integrated backrests; they insert manually, which is an added step.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation