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WATERSKI MagazineCenturion Cyclone C4
OVERVIEW
Smaller can be better. That sentiment may not be the most popular right now with oversized V-drives all the rage. But spend some time with the Cyclone C4, and you'll quickly realize how a narrower, shorter, lighter boat can be so user-friendly when it comes to trailering and stowing in your garage. Plus, a smaller boat is easier to fit into a family's budget.
Yet on the Cyclone, Centurion's designers tried not to make any sacrifices in adapting this model from the larger Avalanche. They were still able to incorporate a full wraparound lounge. The rear bench doesn't extend just to the port-side gunwale; it turns and continues all the way to the back of the swiveling driver's chair. Legroom and storage space are as much as you could hope for, while the ride through choppy water exceeds expectations with the deep-V-style hull entry. The Cyclone isn't about being ostentatious, it's about getting the family out on the lake and diving into water sports.
SKIING
Taking a set behind the Cyclone is all about recreational skiing. While the table of the Cyclone is moderately flat for slalom, the wakes are pretty firm, so laid-back skiing at slower speeds and longer rope lengths is where it shines for a V-drive.
WAKEBOARDING
The Cyclone aims to provide wakeboarding performance that is on par with the Avalanche. Our test team of pro-level riders said the Cyclone produces fairly big, steep wakes that boot you straight up. Riding can easily give way to a little wake surfing when the Cyclone is outfitted with the optional Sideswipe system, which vents exhaust to the side opposite of a wake surfer.
LOWDOWN
• This unusually small V-drive may be just the ticket if your tow vehicle and garage are also small.
• Packs in a wraparound lounge from the observer's seat through to the driver's console.
• Handles rough water well with a deep-V hull design.
• The C4 has a full sun pad with storage trunks on either side of the MerCruiser engine.
• Tower, center ballast tank and adjustable wake plate are among the wakeboarding features in the standard Storm 1 package.
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 44.6 mph 5,200 rpm
Accel. to 30 mph 5.3 sec. 130.7 ft.
Accel. to 36 mph 6.9 sec. 211.5 ft.
Noise Levels (db) Neutral 66 D 66 R, 36 mph 92 D 91 R
SPECS
Length 20 ft. 6 in. Beam 93 in.
Seating Capacity 10
Fuel Capacity 36 gal.
Test Prop Acme 13 x 17.5 4-blade
Test Engine MerCruiser Black Scorpion 5.7L, 330 HP
