Centurion Fi23 vs. Nautique GS22

Centurion Fi23 vs Nautique GS22: Is the Crossover Boat a Myth?

We recently put that question to the test by pitting two heavyweights against each other: the Nautique GS22 (a flat-hull crossover) and the Centurion Fi23 (a deep-V surf boat).

Most people assume you need a flat bottom to ski and a deep V to surf. To see if that holds true, we tested both boats in three disciplines: Slalom Skiing, Wakeboarding, and Wakesurfing.

What You'll See in This Video

  • Hull Theory Tested: We analyze how Nautique uses a surf system to create a wave on a flat hull vs. how Centurion uses a trim plate to flatten a surf hull.
  • The Ski Surprise: While the GS22 had a slightly softer ski wake, the Fi23 tracked significantly better, refusing to be pulled off course by the skier.
  • Wake Differences: We compare the "pop" and transition of both wakes, showing why the Centurion's extra ballast capacity gave it a distinct edge for advanced riders.

If you've ever wondered if you can trade your crossover for a surf boat without losing your morning ski run, you need to watch this.

The Test

Test Configuration

Both boats were tested with stock settings and three people – two in the boat while towing one behind. After running the boats back to back, the differences were clear.

Wakesurfing Results

Not only was the Centurion surf wave noticeably longer and more massive, but it was also infinitely more adjustable. The Nautique dishes out a surfable wave, but it was a bit underwhelming.

Slalom Skiing Results

As for skiing, the Nautique wake was superior to the Centurion, though not as much as we expected. The combination of the hull and drive system improved the ski wake on the GS22, but caused it to easily slide from side to side when a skier pulled on the boat. The Centurion Fi23 on the other hand, was unaffected by the skiers pull and the only difference in the wake was a slightly deeper trough on the sides of the wake. Once the center Stinger Plate was positioned properly, the deeper part of the Centurion hull was lifted out of the water and created a very flat ski wake.

Wakeboarding Results

The wakeboard wake was as drastically different between the two boats as the surf wave. The Centurion Fi23 does pack twice as much ballast and produced a wakeboard wake that was not only more adjustable and poppy, but it was on par with the highest end wakeboard boats on the market. The Centurion Fi23 clearly had a better wakeboard wake because it comes stock with the ability to make a pro level rider happy, and the ability to adjust the wake to give a beginner an easy time learning. The Nautique GS22 wake was small, soft and only adequate for a beginner to intermediate rider even when fully ballasted.

Questions or Want to Test Both Boats Yourself?

Reach out to us with any questions or to schedule demos comparing crossover and surf-focused hull designs.

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