Pontoons
Centurion Eclipse Boats for Sale
The Centurion Eclipse was one of Centurion’s most versatile boats, designed to bridge the gap between tournament-level skiing and wake sports. Produced mainly through the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Eclipse offered the quality and performance Centurion was known for in a family-friendly, mid-size package. Available in both direct-drive and V-drive configurations depending on year, the Eclipse delivered a smooth ride, strong wakes, and reliable inboard power that made it a standout among crossover towboats of its era.
The Centurion Eclipse name appeared across several configurations during its production run, making it one of Centurion’s most flexible and long-lived model lines. Whether built as a direct-drive for slalom performance or as a V-drive for wakeboarding, the Eclipse combined Centurion’s craftsmanship with a deep-V hull that handled rougher water better than many of its competitors.
Origins and Early Models (Late 1990s)
The Eclipse first appeared in the Centurion lineup in the late 1990s as a traditional direct-drive ski and family towboat. These early models measured around 21 feet in length and were powered by PCM or MerCruiser inboard engines ranging from 260 to 320 horsepower. The hull design emphasized balance and clean wakes at ski speeds, while still offering enough displacement to produce solid wakeboard wakes when weighted. The Eclipse quickly gained a reputation for being a reliable all-around performer that could serve both recreational skiers and emerging wakeboarders.
Transition to V-Drive Performance (Early 2000s)
As wakeboarding gained popularity in the early 2000s, Centurion reconfigured the Eclipse into a V-drive layout, enhancing interior space and creating better wakes for board sports. The Eclipse V-drive models maintained roughly the same 21-foot length but included factory ballast systems, upgraded interiors, and options for towers and stereo packages. The boat’s deep-V entry and moderate deadrise made it one of the smoother-riding boats in its class, ideal for choppier conditions or large lakes. The Air Warrior package, available on some Eclipse V-drives, added performance options for riders who wanted a ready-to-ride setup from the factory.
Performance and Ride Quality
The Eclipse’s deep-V hull was one of its defining features, setting it apart from flatter-bottom ski boats of the time. It cut through rough water easily while still delivering crisp wake shapes for both skiing and wakeboarding. When properly weighted, the Eclipse produced clean, rampy wakes with a soft landing zone—ideal for intermediate to advanced riders. For families, its balanced handling, comfortable seating for up to 10 passengers, and straightforward layout made it a dependable and enjoyable all-around boat.
End of Production and Legacy
By the mid-2000s, Centurion phased out the Eclipse as newer designs like the Lightning, Avalanche, and Enzo took over the lineup with more wake-specific hulls and integrated surf technology. Even so, the Eclipse remains a respected and affordable entry point for buyers looking for a classic Centurion that can handle multiple water sports. Its deep-V design, strong construction, and dual-purpose capability continue to make it a standout in the used boat market.