Centurion Elite Boats for Sale

The Centurion Elite name has been a part of Centurion’s lineup since the early 1990s, spanning multiple hulls and layouts over nearly two decades. Its flexibility, reliability, and balanced performance made it one of the company’s best-selling models and a foundation for future Centurion innovations.

Early Years: Direct-Drive Performance (Early–Mid 1990s)
The first Centurion Elite boats were traditional direct-drive ski boats designed for smooth slalom wakes and crisp tracking. Measuring about 21 feet in length, they were powered by PCM or MerCruiser inboard engines producing between 260 and 320 horsepower. The Elite offered tournament-style handling with a deeper entry than many of its competitors, giving it a softer ride in choppy conditions without sacrificing ski performance. These early Elites became popular among families who wanted a true inboard for both skiing and cruising.

The Rise of the V-Drive Era (Late 1990s–2000s)
As wakeboarding gained popularity, Centurion introduced the Elite V-drive and later the Elite C4, which added a rear-mounted engine configuration and wraparound lounge seating. This design improved space and weight distribution, producing larger, cleaner wakes. The V-drive versions retained the Elite name but were tuned for crossover performance, balancing water skiing, wakeboarding, and family recreation.
By the early 2000s, Centurion offered the Air Warrior Elite V trim package, which included factory ballast, a wakeboard tower, upgraded stereo, and custom graphics. These versions appealed to wake riders who wanted Centurion quality and performance at a more accessible price point.

Hull Design and Ride Quality
Throughout its production, the Elite was known for its soft, predictable wakes and solid deep-V ride. While not as aggressive as the Avalanche or Enzo surf hulls that followed, the Elite provided excellent crossover performance—smooth slalom wakes at 30+ mph and fun, rampy wakeboard wakes at lower speeds. It was also one of the easier Centurion boats to trailer and store, with most models under 22 feet in length and a manageable beam width.

End of Production and Legacy
The Centurion Elite line was gradually phased out in the late 2000s as Centurion focused on more wake- and surf-specific designs. However, the Elite remains one of the most respected and widely available used Centurions today. Its combination of durability, straightforward mechanical systems, and multi-sport capability makes it a perfect choice for buyers looking for a versatile inboard that performs well in a variety of conditions.