sporte77

Anyone seen how to get to the impeller on an Fi21 or Fi23? I'm buying an Fi21 and looking way down in there at that engine in that deeper hull gives me chills. I've been able to change the oil & filter & impeller on my Malibu VLX - but I can't see how you're going to get to the bottom or back of that engine in an Fi....

I just went through this process. I chose the Fi21. Here’s the summary why... it was not an easy choice. I have a 2012 Malibu VLX (no surf gate). I really like my VLX- it’s a sharp boat. But over the years, I’ve uncovered numerous QC issues that were hidden under - in areas you cannot see. Right after the 5 year warranty expired, the $1000 + touchscreen delaminates (a known issue). In 2012, my VLX was advanced in hull design. Not now. We are ready for an automated surf system. Last year I surfed behind a 2017 Ri217. I loved the space! Big boat for a 21’. The surf wave was great. But this year I surfed behind a 2018 Fi23 and the surf wave was PERFECT. Must be the opti-V hull? Blew me away. Too big for my garage... So, I demoed and surfed behind the 2018 Supra SR and the 2018 Centurion Fi21. I decided not to go Malibu again. Although, I do like the 22VLX - it Just seemed like they slowed down and the other manufacturers have caught them. So, why pay $10-$15k more? Wasn’t as impressed with surf gate as other systems lately. I rode behind a 2015 VLX before- Didn’t wow me. I wakeboarded behind the Fi21- but not the SR. However, surfing is 80% of what we do. Both boats were offered at about $99-100k. I really wanted the Supra because it came fully loaded - the power tower, power seat (wife wanted it), and it fits under an 8’ tall garage door. However, we were looking to advance our surfing and wakeboard enjoyment - and the Fi21 won that test. Our core concern is the ride BEHIND the boat - so bells and whistles didn’t win over wave and wake quality. I have to say that Supra really gives the others a run for the money!! Malibu and Nautique, in my opinion, are now overpriced. Maybe someone could setup the SR differently to help the wave. But it didn’t happen in our demo. In fairness- I should have tried the wakeboard wake of the SR, but we ran out of time. Plus - I got tired of listening to the ballast pumps whining all the time - adjusting the boat’s level ride. If I recall, they both had nice fit and finish overall. 2018 Supra SR vs. Centurion Fi21 2018 Supra SR- Pros: Loaded. Advanced features like power tower, power seat, easy Bimini, active wake system, sliding rear seat/table. Lots of bang for your buck!! Cons: the active wake system (when enabled) is always humming - annoying; surf wave wasn’t as good to me as the Fi surf. That’s about it, but we are very picky about wave and wake. 2018 Centurion Fi21 Pros: Surf wave beat the SR (push, height, length) with only 2 in boat & with only 2 PNP rear bags (+factory ramfill); wakeboard wake was incredible - narrower than my VLX, gradual and easy to customize, big without much ballast - made crossing the wake pretty effortless- which my kids will like. Rear transom trunk. Ramfill is great. Still uses pumps though in PNP bags (they all do). Cons: Bimini is not easy - only slightly easier than my VLX - and it’s a floppy mess when you start deployment. Doesn’t come “loaded” as the SR with advanced stuff (see SR features). No sliding rear seat in the 21- only the 23. Lockers are small because they put in side storage and rear transom storage (it’s a trade off). 8’4” tall with tower folded - won’t fit under my 8’ door(That’s DUMB for a “premium entry level” boat). Rant.....Manufacturers are LOSING sales in the upgrade market, where people don’t want to pay for storage and have an 8’ door. I was going to just install a Go Surf Assist because nothing fit under my garage door. How many other boat owners with an 8’ garage door won’t upgrade? Finally..... So, the wave and wake test sealed the deal and I’ve ordered an Fi21. BUT, that was after I tore a little piece of drywall off above the garage door to see if my beam was down low - or up higher. Turns out I can remove the lower framing (not the beam) - and get 8’9” of clearance. If that hadn’t been the case, I’d have installed the GSA on my VLX. The garage door mod will cost me $1700 - which kind of burns me. I know that Centurion will probably have the sliding seat, power tower and power seat next year ... just like my 2012 VLX didn’t have a surfgate until 2013!! That hurt. But that’s the way it works. At least I’ll have what I consider the best wave and a new warranty. Bottom line: I can say the Fi21, with mostly stock ballast & a couple locker bags had the best surf wave AND the best wakeboard wake I’ve EVER ridden. SOLD.

I've got the grey gatorstep. I think it doesn't show dirt much (obviously keep shoes off) - but it DOES show every spot of beer, sunscreen, etc. Any liquid other than water gets on it and you're cleaning all the time. That said, I'm glad my carpet is gone. It does clean up pretty good. Haven't had any heavy dark grease or dark wine on it yet. Or blood... LOL. yet.

FYI - The Fi21 with 18" wheels on the trailer was 8'4" with tower folded. But the bimini was still above that. So, the Fi21 won't fit under an 8' door.

tower folded - about 8'10". Need a "9 foot garage door". I have an "8 foot garage door" - with 7'10" opening. Length with swim platform removed is about 24'3" (had that ok). But the height was a no-deal. Really bummed that I couldn't trade in my Malibu VLX for an Ri217 today!! It would take some engineering & permits to change the door height.... or a different house/garage. waiting for the Fi21 to come out and I'll measure that.