Malibu 24 MXZ vs Centurion Ri245 Full Comparison: Surf Wave, Storage, Build Quality, Fit and Finish, Fuel Efficiency, and On-Water Performance
Malibu vs Centurion is one of the biggest conversations in the wake surf boat world for false claims from centurion dealers about Malibu boats performance and fuel efficiency. But its time to set the record straight.
Both brands have loyal owners. Both brands have big claims. Both brands are talked about heavily online. Centurion has built a reputation around deep-V hulls, ballast, and long-wave claims and fuel efficiency . Malibu has built its reputation around Surf Gate, Power Wedge III, premium construction, unmatched versatility, and the biggest, longest, cleanest, pro level and most rider-friendly wake surf waves in the world.
So we decided to stop talking and prove it.
In a full side-by-side comparison, Taylor’s Boats put the Malibu Boats 24 MXZ against the Centurion Boats Ri245 to answer one major question:
Which boat is truly the best wake surf boat?
The comparison was built around the categories that actually matter when buying a premium surf boat: storage, fit and finish, construction quality, ease of use, setup, surf systems, ballast systems, on-water performance, surf wave length, fuel efficiency, and the overall boating experience. The video explains that both boats were compared across features, storage, construction quality, ease of use, setup, and on-water performance so buyers could see the difference clearly.
And after putting them side by side, the result was clear:
Malibu is not one of the best wake surf boats. Malibu is the best wake surf boat.
Malibu won in storage. Malibu won in fit and finish. Malibu won in construction quality. Malibu won in ease of use. Malibu won in surf system technology. Malibu won in ballast design. Malibu won in on-water performance. Malibu won in fuel efficiency. Malibu won in wave length. Malibu won in wave quality.
Malibu proved why it deserves the crown for best wake surf boat
Malibu vs Centurion: The Test
For this comparison, Taylor’s Boats tested the Malibu 24 MXZ with the Malibu Monsoon M6Di engine against the Centurion Ri245 with the PCM ZZ6 engine to help buyers decide which wake surf boat is best for their family.
This was not just a showroom walkaround.
This was a full comparison that included both boats in the showroom and on the water.
The on-water test was especially important because every boat can look good sitting still. Every brand can make claims. Every salesperson has a pitch. But the truth is on the water.
For the lake test, both boats were set up factory-to-factory with factory ballast and factory presets so buyers could see which boat performed better straight from the factory.
That matters because real buyers want to know what the boat actually does when they take delivery. Not what it can do with hidden lead. Not what it can do with a pro rider. Not what it can do with special tuning. What does the boat do in a real-world, factory setup?
That is where Malibu separated itself.
The Best Wake Surf Wave: Malibu 29 Feet vs Centurion 21 Feet
Let’s start with the part that matters most in a wake surf boat:
The wave.
Centurion claims to build long, powerful waves. The internet talks about Centurion waves constantly. But in this side-by-side test, the factory-preset Centurion Ri245 wave measured 21 feet.
The Malibu 24 MXZ wave measured 29 feet.
That is an 8-foot difference.
Eight feet is massive behind a wake surf boat. No extra led, no messing with ballast, just factory settings to factory settings right out of the box to prove the boats equally to each other side by side
That means more pocket. More recovery space. More room to play. More push. More forgiveness. More rideable wave for beginners, intermediates, advanced riders, and serious surfers.
This is one of the clearest proofs in the whole comparison:
Malibu made the longer wave. Malibu made the bigger pocket. Malibu made the easier wave to ride.
And this was not just a tape-measure win. The riders felt the difference. After riding both boats, Taylor Jud explained that the Centurion wave was fun, but he had to work harder to stay in the pocket. Behind the Malibu, he said the difference was noticeable, with more push, more power, and a much bigger pocket.
That is the difference between a good wave and the best wave.
A pro rider can make almost any wave look good. But the best wake surf boat should not only work for pro riders. It should work for families, kids, beginners, intermediate riders, advanced riders, and everyone on the boat.
Malibu does that better than anyone.
Surf Gate vs Trim Tabs: Why Malibu’s Surf System Is Better
This is where the Malibu vs Centurion comparison gets really important.
Centurion uses a trim-tab-based surf system. Trim tabs can help shape a wave, but trim tabs were not originally designed to create the best wake surf wave. They were designed to create lift and control the running attitude of a boat.
That creates a problem for wakesurfing.
Wake surfing needs displacement. You want the boat deeper in the water so it can move more water and create a bigger wave.
Ballast pushes the boat deeper.
Trim tabs create lift.
That means the systems can work against each other.
In the video, Taylor explains it clearly: ballast tanks and ballast bags push the boat deeper in the water to create bigger waves, while trim tabs lift the back of the boat. Ballast sinks the boat. Trim tabs lift the boat. They work in opposition to each other.
That is the core difference between Malibu and Centurion.
Centurion uses trim tabs to help shape the wave. Malibu uses Surf Gate to control the wave.
Surf Gate is not a trim tab. Surf Gate is mounted on the side of the boat. When it deploys, it delays the convergence of water coming off the back of the boat, allowing the wave to grow taller and longer.
That is why Malibu’s wave technology is better.
Trim tabs try to lift, lean, and manipulate the boat into creating a wave.
Surf Gate controls water flow and builds the wave.
That is a better design. That is better technology. That is why Malibu produces the biggest, longest, cleanest, most consistent wake surf waves in the industry.
Learn more about Malibu Boats Surf Gate
Power Wedge III: The Advantage Centurion Does Not Have
Surf Gate is only part of the Malibu advantage.
The other major reason Malibu dominates wake surf performance is Power Wedge III.
No one else has it.
Power Wedge III is Malibu’s exclusive, adjustable hydrofoil system that gives riders instant control over wave size, shape, and power. In the comparison, Taylor explains that Power Wedge III deploys in seconds and adds 1,500 pounds of simulated ballast almost instantly.
That is a massive advantage.
Competitors love to talk about how fast they can fill ballast, but nobody can add or remove ballast effect faster than Malibu with Power Wedge III. In the video, Taylor shows the wedge deploy and retract, calling it the fastest ballast system in the industry.
This is why Malibu is so versatile.
Want a smaller beginner wave? Malibu can do that.
Want a longer, more mellow wave? Malibu can do that.
Want a steep, powerful, advanced wave? Malibu can do that.
Want a massive wave with a huge pocket? Malibu can do that.
The Power Wedge III gives Malibu a greater range of adjustability than a trim tab system, allowing riders to customize the wake more than a trim-tab-based setup.
That is why Malibu is the best wake surf boat for families and serious riders.
It is not just big.
It is adjustable.
It is repeatable.
It is customizable.
It is easy.
It is Malibu.
Learn more about Malibu Boats Power Wedge III
Malibu Has the Better Ballast System
Ballast is one of the biggest differences between Malibu and Centurion.
The Centurion Ri245 uses ramfill cavities, but it also relies heavily on ballast bags in the bow, rear compartments, and across the back of the transom.
Ballast bags can add weight, but they come with compromises.
They take up storage. They can puncture. They can leak. They can rub against hardware. They can rely on timers instead of accurate senders. They can make the inside of the boat feel less clean and less premium.
In the video, Taylor points out that Centurion’s ballast bags do not have senders. Instead, the system uses timers and guesses how full or empty the bags are.
Malibu’s ballast system is better.
Malibu uses high-quality hard tank ballast with senders, so the driver knows exactly how much water is in the tank. Taylor compares it to the fuel sender in a vehicle: just like you know how much fuel is in your gas tank, Malibu hard tanks with senders let you know how much water is in your ballast tank.
That is a better system.
Better accuracy.
Better reliability.
Better storage.
Better user experience.
Better quality.
Malibu wins the ballast category.
Learn more about Malibu Boats Ballast System
Malibu Has More Usable Storage
Storage is a huge deal in a real family surf boat.
You need room for boards, ropes, anchors, life jackets, towels, coolers, camera bags, kids’ gear, snacks, tools, and everything else that comes with a full day on the lake.
In the Centurion Ri245, much of the potential storage is taken up by ballast bags and equipment. In the bow, the side compartments house ballast bags, and once those bags are full, that storage space is gone.
In the rear of the boat, the same issue shows up again. The ballast bags fill the compartments and consume the available space.
Malibu is different.
The Malibu 24 MXZ uses subfloor hard tank ballast, which leaves more usable storage above the ballast system. Taylor describes the storage in the Malibu as “cavernous” and shows large storage compartments finished with gel coat and soft grip.
The Malibu also has large storage under the consoles, under the rear sun deck, and throughout the boat.
Taylor’s conclusion was direct:
There is substantially more storage in the Malibu than in the Centurion.
That matters.
The best wake surf boat should not make you choose between ballast and storage.
Malibu gives you both.
Malibu Has Better Fit and Finish
Fit and finish is where a premium boat proves what it really is.
Not just on the outside. Not just where the cameras usually point. The truth is under the cushions, inside the compartments, around the hinges, behind the panels, and in the areas most buyers do not think to inspect until after they own the boat.
In the Centurion Ri245, Taylor points out that the storage compartments are finished with a sprayed-in rubber liner, like a truck bed liner.
He also shows exposed hoses, wires, nuts, bolts, screws, and unfinished pieces of equipment under the boat. Some wires are hanging down where they could catch on gear.
In the rear compartment, Taylor shows exposed bolts, screws, hoses, plumbing, and a large aluminum plate, saying he would not want those rubbing against a ballast bag.
That is not what we believe premium should look like.
Now compare that to Malibu.
Inside the Malibu, Taylor shows finished fiberglass, gel coat, soft grip, clean compartments, tucked-away wiring, and storage areas designed to protect gear.
That is what premium fit and finish should be.
Clean.
Finished.
Protected.
Thoughtful.
Built right.
Malibu does not just look premium from the outside. Malibu is finished like a premium boat where it matters.
Malibu Has Better Build Quality and Construction
Wake surf boats live hard lives.
They run loaded with ballast. They handle rough water. They carry crews, boards, coolers, kids, towels, and gear. People grab the windshield. Towers shake. Hinges get used constantly. Boats get docked, trailered, loaded, unloaded, and pushed hard all summer long.
Build quality matters.
In the Centurion Ri245, Taylor points out flex in the armrests, fiberglass, windshield supports, and tower area.
Then he compares that to Malibu.
Taylor explains that many Malibu parts are built by Malibu, in the Malibu factory, to Malibu specifications. That allows Malibu to control quality, durability, reliability, and price.
He demonstrates the strength of Malibu’s billet aluminum windshield supports and says he can shake the entire boat by pulling on them.
Then he tests the Malibu tower and deck. The tower does not budge, and the deck does not flex.
That is Malibu quality.
That is construction built to last.
That is one more reason Malibu is the best wake surf boat in the industry.
Malibu Has the Better User Experience
The best wake surf boat should not feel complicated.
You should not need to dig through screens, tabs, menus, trim settings, ballast timers, stereo controls, and multiple pages just to go surfing.
Boating should be simple.
Surfing should be simple.
The driver should feel confident.
The rider should feel in control.
The family should be having fun, not fighting the technology.
In the Centurion, Taylor shows multiple screens, multiple pages, ballast controls, trim tab controls, surf settings, stereo controls, and different functions spread across the helm. He describes it as complicated and not very intuitive.
Malibu makes it easier.
The Malibu Command Center integrates engine information, accessories, lighting, music, depth, cruise control, wedge settings, surf side, and ballast information into a simple, intuitive control layout.
To set up surfing, Taylor explains that you select the surf side, push activate, and the boat takes over.
That is how modern boating should feel.
Simple. Fast. Integrated. Intuitive.
Malibu also gives riders Surf Band, which allows the rider to control key surf functions from behind the boat. In the video, Malibu’s transfer system gives a signal through the speakers so the rider knows exactly when the transfer will happen.
That is a better experience for the driver.
That is a better experience for the rider.
That is a better experience for the whole crew.
Malibu wins the user experience category.
Malibu Handles Better on the Water
A wake surf boat does not just need to make a wave.
It needs to drive well.
It needs to handle around the dock. It needs to turn around confidently to pick up riders. It needs to load and unload from the trailer. It needs to feel responsive when fully loaded. It needs to give the driver confidence.
In the comparison, Taylor explains that when the Centurion was fully loaded with ballast for surfing, it felt sluggish and not very responsive. He also says it was especially hard to turn around, maneuver around the surfer, and pick the surfer up.
Malibu handled differently.
Taylor describes Malibu as handling like a sports car: quick, nimble, and responsive. He points to Malibu’s larger rudder and two large tracking fins as major reasons the boat handles well at surf speeds, cruising speeds, around the dock, and on and off the trailer.
That is a real-world advantage.
The best wake surf boat should be better every second you use it — not just when someone is riding behind it.
Malibu wins on-water handling.
Malibu Has Better Fuel Efficiency in This Test
Fuel efficiency is one of the biggest concerns for wake surf boat buyers.
And for years, Malibu competitors have tried to use fuel burn as an attack against Power Wedge III. They claim the wedge burns too much fuel. They claim their systems are dramatically more efficient.
But in this comparison, the data did not back up those claims.
Fuel burn was measured with diagnostic equipment plugged directly into the engine computer.
For the Centurion Ri245, the video shows about 12 GPH at 20 MPH, about 13 GPH at 25 MPH, and about 16 GPH at 30 MPH. At surf speeds, the Centurion burned about 13 to 13.5 GPH.
The Malibu 24 MXZ showed strong fuel efficiency even with Power Wedge III active. At wedge one, Malibu was still under 10 GPH. At wedge two, it was around 11 GPH. At wedge three, it was about 12 GPH. At wedge five, with a massive wave, it was just over 13 GPH.
At cruising speeds, Malibu showed about 10 GPH at 20 MPH, just over 12 GPH at 25 MPH, and about 13 GPH at 30 MPH.
In the factory preset fuel chart from the comparison, Malibu was more fuel-efficient in every tested category:
Factory Preset Surf Fuel Burn
Centurion Ri245:
- Surf Right: 13.5 GPH
- Surf Left: 13.5 GPH
Malibu 24 MXZ:
- Surf Right: 12.2 GPH
- Surf Left: 12.2 GPH
Factory Preset Cruising Fuel Burn
Centurion Ri245:
- 20 MPH: 11.1 GPH
- 25 MPH: 12.7 GPH
- 30 MPH: 16.3 GPH
Malibu 24 MXZ:
- 20 MPH: 9.7 GPH
- 25 MPH: 12.3 GPH
- 30 MPH: 13.1 GPH
That means Malibu used less fuel in surf mode and less fuel at 20, 25, and 30 MPH cruising speeds in this factory preset comparison.
So let’s say it clearly:
The claim that Malibu’s Power Wedge III makes Malibu less efficient did not hold up in this test.
Malibu created the longer, bigger, cleaner, more powerful wave and still delivered better fuel efficiency.
That is how you win and you only win with Malibu boats.
Malibu Boats Beats Centurion Boats in Every Major Category
At the end of the comparison, Taylor gives the final verdict:
Quality of construction, quality of finish work, fuel efficiency, storage, and wave creation — Malibu wins every category hands down.
That is the story.
Not one category.
Not one feature.
Not one marketing claim.
Every major category that matters to real boat buyers.
- Storage: Malibu wins.
- Fit and finish: Malibu wins.
- Construction quality: Malibu wins.
- Ease of use: Malibu wins.
- Surf system: Malibu wins.
- Ballast system: Malibu wins.
- On-water handling: Malibu wins.
- Fuel efficiency: Malibu wins.
- Wave length: Malibu wins.
- Wave quality: Malibu wins.
- Overall family surf experience: Malibu wins.
- Best wake surf boat: Malibu wins every time
This is why Malibu is the best wake surf boat in the industry.
Why Malibu Boats Are Better Than Centurion Boats
Centurion makes a nice surf boat. But the internet hype around Centurion does not tell the full story. Videos can be skewed, riders get paid to represent the brand with the most money and make any boat look good, led and mods can be added to get different results online to not show a tru factory to factory set up.
In this comparison, once the boats were opened up, inspected, driven, surfed, measured, and tested, the difference was obvious.
Centurion’s wave was shorter in this factory test.
Centurion’s storage was more limited.
Centurion relied heavily on ballast bags.
Centurion’s system used timers instead of accurate senders for ballast bags.
Centurion’s compartments showed exposed hoses, wires, bolts, hardware, and truck-bed-liner-style finish.
Centurion’s helm experience was more complicated.
Centurion’s fully loaded handling felt less responsive.
Centurion’s fuel burn was higher in the factory preset comparison.
Malibu was better where it mattered.
Malibu had the longer wave.
Malibu had more usable storage.
Malibu had cleaner fit and finish.
Malibu had stronger construction.
Malibu had better surf technology.
Malibu had better ballast accuracy.
Malibu had easier controls.
Malibu had better handling.
Malibu had better fuel efficiency in this test.
Malibu had the better complete boating experience.
That is not hype.
That is what the comparison showed.
Malibu Is the Best Wake Surf Boat in the Industry
The best wake surf boat is not decided by one feature.
It is not decided by internet comments.
It is not decided by brand loyalty.
It is not decided by sponsored riders.
It is decided by how the boat performs as a complete system.
And that is where Malibu dominates.
Surf Gate controls the wave.
Power Wedge III shapes the wave.
Hard tank ballast creates displacement.
The Malibu hull is engineered for performance.
The Command Center makes the boat easy to use.
Surf Band gives the rider control.
The storage is more usable.
The fit and finish is cleaner.
The construction is stronger.
The handling is more responsive.
The fuel efficiency proved itself.
The wave is longer, cleaner, bigger, more powerful, and easier to ride.
That is why Malibu is the best wake surf boat in the industry.
Not one of the best.
Malibu is the best.
Why Malibu Parts Supports the Best Wake Surf Boats in the World
At Malibu Parts, we support Malibu owners because Malibu owners expect the best.
They own boats built around elite surf technology, premium engineering, and high-performance systems. They care about keeping Surf Gate working properly. They care about keeping Power Wedge III dialed in. They care about ballast pumps, senders, actuators, hardware, filters, fluids, covers, accessories, and genuine Malibu replacement parts.
When you own the best wake surf boat, you maintain it with the right parts.
Malibu performance is not an accident.
It is engineered.
And the best wake surf boat deserves the best parts, service, and support.
That is why Malibu Parts exists.
To help Malibu owners keep their boats performing the way Malibu designed them to perform.
Malibu vs Centurion Final Verdict
The Malibu 24 MXZ and Centurion Ri245 are both premium wake surf boats.
But in this side-by-side comparison, Malibu proved why it belongs on top.
The Malibu wave measured 29 feet.
The Centurion wave measured 21 feet.
Malibu had more usable storage.
Malibu had better fit and finish.
Malibu had stronger construction quality.
Malibu had a better surf system.
Malibu had a better ballast system.
Malibu had easier controls.
Malibu had better on-water handling.
Malibu had better fuel efficiency in the factory preset comparison.
Malibu delivered the better complete wake surf experience.
So we are saying it boldly:
Malibu is the best wake surf boat in the industry.
Malibu has the best wake surf wave.
Malibu builds the best surf system.
Malibu is the king of wake surfing.
The crown belongs to Malibu.
And we are not backing down.
FAQ: Malibu vs Centurion Wake Surf Boat Comparison
Is Malibu better than Centurion?
Based on this Malibu 24 MXZ vs Centurion Ri245 comparison, Malibu was better in the major categories tested: storage, fit and finish, construction quality, ease of use, surf system, ballast system, on-water handling, fuel efficiency, and wave performance.
Which boat had the longer wake surf wave, Malibu or Centurion?
In this factory preset comparison, the Centurion Ri245 wave measured 21 feet, while the Malibu 24 MXZ wave measured 29 feet. That gave Malibu an 8-foot advantage in wave length.
Why is Malibu Surf Gate better than Centurion’s trim-tab surf system?
Malibu Surf Gate controls water flow from the side of the boat and delays wave convergence, helping the wave grow taller and longer. Trim tabs create lift from the back/bottom of the boat, which can work against ballast that is trying to push the boat deeper into the water.
Does Malibu have better fuel efficiency than Centurion?
In this factory preset comparison, Malibu was more fuel-efficient in every tested category shown: surf left, surf right, 20 MPH cruise, 25 MPH cruise, and 30 MPH cruise.
Which wake surf boat is best for families?
Malibu is the best wake surf boat for families because it combines a massive adjustable wave, easy controls, Surf Gate, Power Wedge III, hard tank ballast, better storage, cleaner fit and finish, strong construction quality, and a more intuitive user experience.
Why should Malibu owners use genuine Malibu parts?
Malibu boats are engineered as complete systems. Genuine Malibu parts help protect the performance of Surf Gate, Power Wedge III, ballast systems, pumps, sensors, actuators, hardware, filters, fluids, and other key components so the boat continues to perform the way Malibu designed it.
