While some might say bigger isn’t always better, it’s likely they haven’t been in Centurion’s newest flagship model, the Ri265. At 26 feet, 6 inches, it’s not only Centurion’s biggest boat ever, it’s also one of the biggest V-drive tow boats on the market.
Built on Centurion’s acclaimed Opti-V hull, which features 20 degrees of deadrise, the Ri265 has been optimized for creating some of the biggest wakes and waves. With seven ballast positions throughout the boat, capable of holding a combined 5,850 pounds, the Ri265 can displace serious amounts of water. Add in the transom-mounted QuickSurf Pro plates, which have also been tweaked to complement the new running surface, along with the Stinger Wake Plate in the center, and the wakes and waves can be fine-tuned and adjusted in seemingly infinite ways.
All of the Ri265′s wake-shaping tech is easily controlled via Centurion’s new side-by-side 12-inch touchscreen displays. Simply fill ballast where needed or preferred, engage the surf system, and off you go. Of course, everything else can be controlled with a couple of finger taps as well, but what is most notable about the new displays is the info never before seen in tow boats: fuel flow and range data. Tap the menu and the Ri265′s fuel economy is displayed in real time, including range estimates. For big-lake boaters, this is an invaluable tool.
With room for 18, everybody can come along and enjoy the endless waves, and do so with ample space throughout the cabin. Seating is customizable and comfortable, and all of it is hinged for easier access to storage areas underneath. For upgraded lounging, Centurion has added pop-up backrests to the sun-pad area over the engine compartment—a nice, luxurious touch for this big boat.
The lines of the new Ri265 are bold but not overly aggressive—the boat looks beautiful both on the trailer and in the water. Roswell’s Drop Zone auto tower complements the boat seamlessly, and the Wet Sounds Warrior speaker package, featuring two tower-mounted boxes—each housing two Rev 10 speakers and an 8-inch mid—is something you have to hear to believe.
High Points
- Cabin can be equipped with two sliding benches.
- Fuel-flow data at the helm is something we wish every other manufacturer would provide.
- Thanks to QuickLaunch, bow rise on the Ri265 is minimal, and the boat gets on plane easily.
Specs
LOA: 26′6″
Beam: 8′6″
Draft: 3′0″
Dry Weight: 6,400 lb.
Ballast: 5,850 lb.
Seat/Weight Capacity: 18/2,700 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 92 gal.
Price: $241,582 (as tested)
How We Tested
Engine: GM Marine ZZ6 450 hp
Drive/Prop: V-drive/Acme 2829 16″ x 15″
Gear Ratio: 1.72:1
Fuel Load: 92 gal.
Crew Weight: 665 lb.
More Information
Centurion Boats – Merced, California; 209-384-0255; centurionboats.com
