All-new for 2018, and with a total ballast capacity of 4,750 pounds, the Centurion Fi21 is part of the Fi line of wake performers offered at a more budget-friendly price — what Centurion calls “entry premium” pricing — than the boatbuilder’s top-tier offerings. Simply put, the Fi21 represents a smaller watersports boat that should prove to be a big success, based upon our testing. And the huge bow cockpit of this new boat is only one reason.
The Fi line is set up so you can purchase exactly the options you want, and we’ll detail some of those. But first, the true highlight is Centurion’s new Opti-V hull. The design’s intent is to take advantage of a V-hull’s characteristic increased displacement to assist in creating big wakes and waves. Combined with internal ballast and Centurion’s QuickSurfPro system, the wave cleans up perfectly and is way bigger and more powerful than what we have experienced from most 21-foot boats. In fact, with Centurion’s Fi21, we discovered there’s a need to be careful not to overly weigh it down, lest the wave won’t shape up properly. The boat we tested was not equipped with the optional Ramfill system, which can reportedly fill ballast in a blisteringly fast 90 seconds. Notably, we filled the side ballast only to 70 while leaving the bow ballast empty.
With the 409 hp engine and carrying a crew of two and a nearly full tank of fuel, Centurion’s Fi21 reached a top speed of over 39 mph. It achieved plane with empty ballast in 4 seconds, and when carrying the ballast stated above, it still showed good giddyap, planing in less than 9 seconds. It will prove fun to run when heading to the beach or cove when the watersports session is done.
The Fi21 is a slick combo of wide-bow functionality and sporty, aggressive wakeboat looks. The 21-foot size is great for those who don’t need a bigger boat but want to surf a big, clean wave. We definitely recommend adding QuickSurfPro to your boat, which makes the waves awesome and allows you to transfer from one side of the wake to the other. The Fi21 is a lot of bang for less buck, and it just might fit in your garage.
High Points
* Available Ramfill system allows for filling the ballast in as little a 90 seconds. That’s quick.
* Wide-bow design provides awesome seating capacity and great style, and is a feature of larger boats.
* Opti-V hull maximizes surf-wave displacement and ride quality while still creating a symmetrical wakeboard wake with superior handling.
Price: $125,094 (as tested without tax/dealer prep/shipping)
How We Tested
Engine: 409 hp PCM GML96
Drive/ Prop: V-drive/14 1/2″ x 14 14″ 4-blade Nibral
Gear Ratio: 1.72:1
Fuel Load: 40 gal.
Crew Weight: 365 lb.
More Information
Centurion Boats – Merced, California; 209-384-0255; centurionboats.com
