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WATERSKI MagazineOf all the inboard builders in the market, none push the design envelope in more directions than Ski Centurion's Rick Lee.
In years past, our test team has witnessed unexpected innovations, such as a counter-steering midship rudder for slalom boats (CATS), an electronic timing system and driving coach (Exactimer), and some of the first V-drive ski boats (Tru Trac IV and Falcon).
This year, Lee once again surprised our test team with a new model that stretches the definition of a ski boat. Sitting on a triple-axle trailer and measuring more than 30 feet in length, the Centurion Tsunami was obviously no tournament tow craft. Unlike ocean-going speed boats, however, this boat sported a towing tower, a ski pylon and an oversize ski platform.
To understand the Tsunami, you need to live or boat on a big lake. Since Lee lives on Lake Tahoe, he understands the limitations of the traditional ski boats. On most summer days, the beautiful blue waters of his favorite lake are far too rough for most tournament craft, and only the big ocean racers and cabin cruisers come out to play.
The Tsunami can claim both ski-boat and race-boat heritage. That 30-foot hull incorporates a double-step bottom design common to offshore speed boats, and it's driven by a 454-cubic-inch V-8 coupled to an I/O drive. The topsides, however, resemble a stretched-out, beefed-up ski machine, with wraparound cockpit seating under the tow tower and a mini-pylon forward of the sun pad and ski platform.
Obviously, the Tsunami is not your average ski boat, and towing activities will probably be limited to water toys, parasails and, for the brave and gonzo, big-wave wakeboarding and wake surfing. Lee has already sold a number of Tsunamis to clients looking for a reasonably priced big-water day boat, and this may well be its best market.
Another small but dedicated market that will find the Tsunami appealing is longboard and distance skiers, especially those who enjoy the challenges of rougher water. If you're in that category, then you will appreciate a 60-mph boat that is passenger-friendly and far less expensive than the traditional offshore racer.
