CENTURION
FALCON
Length:                20' 9"
Beam:                    102"
Draft:                      25" 
Weight:           3,480 lbs.
Seating:           9 People
Capacity:         2,230 lbs.
Displacement:  4,250 lbs.
Max HP:         340 PHP

"Why a Falcon?  There are dozens of great tournament direct-drives out there, so what makes this one any different?"  That may be what you are thinking right now, but step inside one, and it will instantaneously become evident that the Falcon is totally unlike ANY other direct drive out there.
 

As you look at the sleek boat, you think of everything you love about direct-drives - the ski wake (that is probably #1), the handling, the acceleration, and the sports-car like feel.  Oh, and the typically smaller price tag (than a V-drive) is nice too.  As you are climbing in the boat, you think of the things you really DON'T like about direct drives - no storage space, no room for passengers, a bow that is barely large enough for a little kid, and the flat out lack of comfort.  As you step up on the back deck and look inside, you find a pleasant surprise - room, and plenty of it.  
 

As you climb into the boat, you notice the size of rear seat - the largest back seat of any 21' direct drive you've ever seen!  And even the observer's seat is larger than expected.  When you sit in it, though, it does present an odd sensation, though you can't quite put your finger on what it is.  As you admire the hand stitched vinyl, you suddenly notice that the odd sensation you are feeling is room between your knees and chest.  From what you remember, direct drive seats are typically uncomfortable,  but the Falcon gives you something you never expected - leg room.

With the comfort problem somewhat addressed, you look around and notice how large this boat really is.  "This boat has to be nearly a hundred inches wide," you think, just before finding the width on the stat sheet that  

indicates it is 102."  There is a lot more room in here than you expected, but you decide that must mean the bow is tiny.  To test your hypothesis, you go to the front, only to find a bow that actually seats two full-sized adults comfortably.  When you look under the seats, you also find more storage than on most V-Drives you have been in.  "Ok, so what gives?" you think as you plant yourself in the drivers seat.

       You turn the key and start up the engine.  The throttle is smooth as you accelerate, and you are instantly immersed in the feeling of being in a direct drive again.  The turns shift you in your seat as the Falcon gives you all it's got.  "Impressive," you think as your skepticism starts to melt away.

       Ok, so there's one last test.  You strap on the new ski you recently picked up at M&M Watersports (did we mention we have one of the largest pro shops in the country) and hop off the back deck.  Instantly you're up and cutting in and out of the wake.  "Plenty of power, soft lip on the wake, consistent speed" start going through your mind as you swing wide to really cut in with all you've got.  You quickly find yourself on the other side of the wake, amazed at how smoothly you had crossed it.  "That's it.  I'm sold,"  are your thoughts as you start back around for another cut.  Sound too good to be true?  Well, until 2008, it was - this is the year the Falcon landed.