Looking for a boat

[ldub]

I am pretty sure I have found my first boat - a centurion fx22 - I feel like I am getting a great deal as it is a 2014 with a full 5 year warrantee still (demo). It is fully loaded and looks pretty sexy. As mentioned, this is my first boat purchase...I have been dreaming of a Nautique for about a year, they just seem to have nicer finishes, but just cant seem to find one that fits my budget...I want to surf, my wife will ski, my bro will wakeboard and the little ones will tube...likely have 6-8 people in there at all times, long days out and need a boat that can handle rough water and offer a smooth ride for cruzing...so I am thinking 22' boat should be my min. I have a Tahoe, so I cant haul anything too heavy.

thought i would check with this group to see if its worth streching my budget for a Nautique - or since its just my first boat, roll with the steal of a deal? My only concerns with the fx22 is storage, how low it seems to sit in the water, ease of use and lesser finishes - probably nit picky and not worth the extra money, right?

appreciate the feedback - and if anyone is eager to get out of their Nautique - let me know!

[jjackkrash]

Don't be afraid to look used to get what you want in something that meets your budget. Also, if it is a "first boat," there is nothing wrong with getting one that has a few miles/hours on it so you don't feel so bad when you make a few inevitable rookie mistakes.

That said, Centurion has been making tow boats for a long time. If the boat has the features you want and meets your needs, you are buying a boat from a reputable manufacturer. Make sure you water demo and take your time with the decision.

[Evening Shade]

Centurion makes a really solid boat. May not b as flashy as a Nautique or MC, but they are good boats.

[Sailfun]

Make sure you understand the warranty you are getting. Even though a boat is a demo usually it starts when the boat was placed into demo service. Dealers in a effort to sell a demo may place a aftermarket warranty on the boat however it is rarely as good as the manufacturers. In addition Centurian does not warranty the engine. I believe back then the engine was a 3 year warranty so make sure you know exactly what is covered.

[swatguy]

Centurion builds a rock solid boat . Construction wise it's just as solid as any Nautique. Finished product and accessory wise there is an obvious difference.


The FX-22 is a great all around boat for multisport use. Not the best ski wake due to its deeper v hull entry , but it's not awful. While it may look a little
low to water I can assure you all the passengers will stay high and dry. Even in fully weighted surf mode. It's not something I would worry about at all . The way the boat handles chop and rides it's a non issue. Centurion makes some of the smoothest riding boats on the water due to their hull shapes . While you may aspire for that Nautique , I don't think the FX-22 will disappoint your needs at all. It's a quality well built boat .

Unless something has changed recently with Centurion , as long as the boat was never registered and was a "true demo boat " from the dealer then the 5 yr Centurion warranty shouldn't kick in til the first registration tags are put on.

[Jakehere]

Have you shopped remaining 2016 G21's? You could get one for under $100k.(not including tax) My opinion is that it would have better resale value down the road, thus actually costing you less in the long run. If you finance for 20 years what difference would it make, like $80/month more than the Centurion?

My first boat purchase ever was a 2016 G21 too, and I tow it with a Yukon (Tahoe) tows pretty good, I estimate around 7000 lbs total weight with some stuff loaded in it and some gas. Current body style Tahoe is rated at 8300/8500 Ibs towing (4WD/2WD) assuming you have the current body style, but make sure you have the tow package that includes the automatic rear leveling air suspension. That rear air suspension is a must have with the tahoe since the fold away tongue trailers on G21's make it difficult/impossible to install a weight distributing hitch (WDH). With that being said, I am thinking of changing my tow rig out to a truck, just for more towing authority for the 1 hr plus tows I have to do.

The freeboard height, overall look, storage, build quality, resale value, seating comfort, performance, prestige, warranty, dealer support, you already know all these nautique G advantages, and once you know there's no going back! You can't "unsee" these things! This forum is pretty cool too. (ask yourself why are you posting on a nautique forum seeking validation for a centurion?) Nothing beats the G boats. Saving $20-30k didn't make emotional or financial sense to me.

Also the G21 is actually 21.5' long and has great comfortable, multi configurable, seating options all around for a party of 8. It's only 18" shorter than a G23, 12" in the middle and 6" at the bow.

[hondaprlud]

I'm not that familiar with Centurion, but if it fits your needs and in the budget you want go for it. But I'm not very brand loyal and feel there isn't much prestige in owning a Nautique over any other tow boat. The whole class is fairly privileged as far as most people are concerned.


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[Schwiiing]

fx22 for first boat........ awesome! My first boat was a 16' larson with a 50hp outboard. Had to run in circles around the skier to get them up.... We skied the fiberglass off that boat. Then a 17.5' baja sunsport with 205 I/O.....thought I had won the loto 1st time out with that one. Then another and another....... have never regretted any of them! Each one was perfect for me at the time.