Boat Test: 2026 Centurion Nv243

Overview

As watersports boats have increased in both size and price in recent years, boatbuilders in this competitive market segment have worked hard to find a balance. Centurion’s introduction and expansion of the Nv lineup was designed to meet those needs, delivering high-level performance and functionality that buyers looking to spend less on a waterports boat can take advantage of. For 2026, the Nv243 delivers a 24-foot wake-making machine that offers great performance at a lower price point.

Centurion boats have long been known for two things: bold looks and great waves. The Nv maintains those bold looks, highlighted by unique side angle patterns and a prominent Centurion badge toward the rear. These set the Nv243 apart from not just from the boats of other builders on the water, but from its Centurion siblings the Ri and Fe series models. In true Centurion fashion, the Nv also maintains the kinds of waves enthusiasts have come to expect from the Merced, California boatbuilder.

Ballast

Up to 5,200 pounds of ballast can be pumped into the Nv24 via Fast Mover Ballast pumps, but buyers can opt for Centurion’s Ramfill system, capable of filling 2,600 of the 5,200 pounds in 90 seconds. Combined with a dry weight just under 6,000 pounds and room for 16 people, the Nv243 is capable of displacing a lot of water. The QuickSurf Pro plates are quickly deployed and highly customizable, allowing riders to fine-tune the waves just to their liking. With six ballast zones, the wave shape and size can be tweaked even more. Thanks to a 70-gallon fuel tank, owners of an Nv243 can treat their family and friends to hours and hours of endless waves.

One of the biggest advantages to the Nv243 is that it’s built on Centurion’s acclaimed Opti-V hull, featuring 20 degrees of deadrise. Other refinements incorporated into the Opt-V hull design include triangular pads on the aft corners of the hull bottom. These lift the heaviest part of the boat, which seems counterintuitive considering a wakeboats mission. However, the lift creates a balance across the beam of the boat, reducing weight sensitivity and helping to deliver a symetrical wakeboard wake, as well as a great surf wave, and it can do so quickly on either side of the boat. 

The Opti-V hull design does more than just help create clean, symmetrical waves and wakes. It also provides for a more comfortable ride, especially if the waters get choppier, as they often do when heading back to the dock or boat ramp. Your family and friends will feel even more comfortable and secure with the Nv243’s high gunwales and deep seating. This is great for crews who do their boating on bigger bodies of water and provides extra comfort and security regardless of where you ride. 

Interior and Accessories

Seating throughout the Nv243 is comfortable, in large part because it’s deep, but also because of the luxurious and durable Spradling vinyl and plush padding used in its construction. That padding and vinyl are used in the backrest bolsters as well, and colorways and piping can be customized to make the look of the Nv243 your own. The wraparound seating in the cockpit is hinged, allowing for easy access to the storage compartments underneath, while the rear bench can slide forward and optional backrests on the port and starboard side can flip up to create a rear-facing seat.

Standard on the Nv243 is Roswell’s DropZone Auto tower, which quickly lowers by releasing locks in the base and pushing a button. It is actuated by two smooth, vibration-free electric linear drives. The tower folds down in about 10 seconds and rises in about 14 seconds. 

It’s a great convenience, with a lot of functionality, and it also looks nice with the unique lines of the Nv243. An oversized Bimini can be quickly deployed to provide a lot of shade over the main cockpit. Wet Sounds audio is placed throughout for entertainment, including dual cans mounted to the tower.

At the helm, the Nv243 comes equipped with a widescreen Evo display that allows for easy access to all of the boats functions. This makes setting up wakesurfing a breeze, and favorite settings can be saved to individual user profiles. New for 2026 is a multifunction control knob to the left of the steering wheel, providing the captain with easy control over the Nv243’s audio, as well as surf left/right switching and vitals such as the blower. Behind the steering wheel are Centurion’s signature paddle shifters that allow the captain to instantly change the Nv243’s cruise speed and the center wake-plate’s position to dial in the face of the wave.

For comparison, buyers might check out the Axis A245, another 24-footer with a lot of performance capabilities that is rated to carry 18 of your closest friends and sports a 94-gallon fuel tank. When it comes to buying a bigger watersports boat at a lower price, there are a number of options to choose from. With so much room and so many features packed into it, along with its ease of use and sharp styling, the Nv243 is a boat any buyer in that market should check out. 

Read Next: Centurion Ri245

How We Tested

• Engine: PCM ZZ6 465 hp
• Drive/Prop: V-drive/Acme 16″ x 15″
• Gear Ratio: 2:1 Fuel Load: 47 gal. Crew Weight: 350 lb.

High Points

• Battery isolation and PDM systems are integrated into the glovebox, so you don’t have to crawl into a hatch to find them.
• Transom lockers allow for a convenient spot to put wet ropes and life jackets.
• Deep seating is comfortable and adds security.

Low Point

• Deep seating makes for a large step to get from cabin back to transom.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation