CLOSE TO PERFECTION
Text by Barry Thompson
Since released in early 2019, the CSB Huntsman Centurion has become one of the builders most popular and best-selling models. Released to coincide with CSB Huntsman’s 25th anniversary, Barry Thompson revisits the Centurion to see what has changed and why this particular model has been so successful.
When I first reviewed the Centurion back in 2019, I said then that this was destined to be an iconic boat for the company and I have been proven right. Releasing new models is essential if you want to keep your brand at the forefront of the market and CSB Huntsman certainly recognise that. The main update since that first boat three years ago has been the launch of the Centurin HT (hardtop model) in July 2020.
The hardtop was designed to be stylish and functional, while still also allowing plenty of standing room underneath. There is room for a 6 ft person to stand comfortably underneath without having to bend or crouch.
The hardtop still incorporates our famous pull across cabin door with built in stairs, and an opening middle windscreen section, to allow easy and safe access out on to the front of the boat. The side windows also easily slide open and dual window wipers help keep visibility high in poor conditions.
The hardtop roof incorporates upholstered ceiling panels to match the rest of the interior, with stylish recessed downlights to light the cabin. These panels look great but also help to reduce sound resonating in the hardtop.
I have had the privilege of reviewing every model the company has made in the past 25 years, and I am always impressed by how they make every new boat look somewhat unique from everything else on the market. Some of the points of difference are subtle, but each boat is a statement of style from this Christchurch based builder.
The Centurion was not a replacement but an addition to the CSB Huntsman range and slots in between the Series 6000 and the Crusader. It was the first of the new Evolution Series which incorporates a unique split-deck design that allows for a variety of different foredeck styles in the future, while still leaving the aft sections unchanged.
The new Centurion features a deep 23 deg deadrise at the transom, which is 2 deg more than on other CSB Huntsman models such as the Series 6000, Explorer, Crusader and XCalibur. The coamings have also been raised 100mm. To make sure the hull has the stability at rest and while underway, the running surfaces incorporate a wider gullwing chine and wider planning strakes. Apart from these changes, the fundamental dynamics of the hull have been retained, and the result is a great ride that’s also exceptionally dry.
The external beam is the same as the Series 6000 and the Crusader, but the internal beam is wider. This has been achieved by straightening up the sides and being able to compact everything to fit better. Another feature of the Evolution Series, is there is now no timber in the boat and a full inner liner.
A lot of thought went into the position of the internal stringers so that they are strategically placed above the trailer rollers to negate any possible hull deformation from pressure points. This has never been an issue in any boat CSB Huntsman have built in the past 25 years, but it’s just another example of the extra effort they put into the construction of all their boats.
INCREASED CABIN & COCKPIT
The cabin layout is very similar to other comparable sized CSB Huntsman models, although has a little more headroom, with two 1.8m side squabs and an infill to make a larger berth. There is storage in side trays, and under the squabs, there is provision for a portaloo or electric head under the forward berth. A sliding door not only gives privacy and security for the cabin, but it also doubles as steps to the foredeck. It also allows the side decks to be eliminated and gives more internal beam in the cabin. This very practical feature was introduced on the Series 6000 and has been carried through on most of the new models since.
ELITE ANGLER OPTION
ELITE ANGLER OPTION
The cockpit layout is longer and broader than the Series 6000 and the same length as the 7m Crusader. The dash allows for all the necessary controls, instruments and electronics, with our boat fitted with a Lowrance 9″ MFD. A raised eyebrow lends itself to display an array of gauges or as in the test boat a single Yamaha engine management display.
On the port side ahead of the passenger seat, there is a glovebox and space for your VHF or Fusion, a drink holder and below a nicely placed footrest. Seating is a single Softrider pedestal helm seat with a king/queen to port and a couple of bin seats aft. However, there are plenty of options when it comes to seating so you can have whatever suits. I liked the standard layout as you still get seating for five and there is plenty of fishing space still available, especially when you slide the bin seats out of the way under the aft deck. Even if you leave the rear seats in place, there is still access to the transom boarding platform along the port side. This is where you drop in the live bait tank option.
The Centurion doesn’t lack for storage with full length lower side trays, top side pockets, a deep and long underfloor wet locker, lockers under the aft deck, plus the rear bins and under the back to backs. The underfloor cabinet with the lid on gas struts is big enough for water-skis, wakeboard or all your dive gear.
However if you are a serious fisho then CSB Huntsman have also developed a special “Elite Angler” interior for those wanting a purpose built fishing setup. This interior includes tough dual colour plastic side panels, quick release rear seating over fish bins to allow for more fishing room and easier clean up. There is also have an Angler seating option which includes a chilli bin and tackle box draw underneath the swivel seat, again helping to maximise space and storage. CSB Huntsman were the first in NZ to develop this popular seating option!
CSB Huntsman owner/operator, Mike Bamber, comments; “Our Ambassador, Flyn Jack, is currently using the Centurion HT as his fishing platform of choice. Flyn has landed everything from Striped Marlin out wide of the North Island, to 20+ pound snapper and monster Kingfish, to Hapūku in the beautiful waters of Fiordland, aboard the Centurion HT Double Trouble.
Double Trouble is a specially rigged out bit of kit, setup specifically for big game fishing with features including outriggers, top of the line Simrad electronics and our “elite angler” interior fitout. These options are available to others wanting a dedicated fishing set up.
POWER OPTIONS
The new Centurion can be fitted with either an outboard or sterndrive, with a range of 150 to 250hp. Interestingly if you do opt for a sterndrive, it will not encroach with an engine box into the cockpit. The inboard engine cowling is all behind the existing rear seats and a good fit for the Mercruiser 3.0 litre diesel or 4.5-litre petrol.
We ran the Yamaha 150, which returned a top speed of 42 knots. Our test venue was the beautiful and historical Akaroa Harbour, where conditions were a moderate swell coming through the heads, a calm harbour and very little wind. On our run to the Heads, we were fortunate to be visited by a couple of Hector’s dolphins. The Hector’s dolphins are only found around the inshore waters of the South Island of New Zealand, with Akaroa Harbour and the Banks Peninsula hosting the highest population in one location.
SUMMARY
The Centurion certainly modernises the CSB Huntsman range and is the forerunner of many more in the Evolution series. The addition of the hardtop model has certainly opened the scope of interest and the majority of Centurion’s sold are the hardtop version. As usual, the company has thought ahead and produced a boat that is not only well built, a great performer and with good looks, it is also extremely practical. It has taken three years from concept to completion, and now three years on the result is a boat close to perfection.
Specifications
- Model & Model: CSB Huntsman Centurion
- Priced from: $NZ110,000
- Type: Cabin / Hardtop
- Construction: GRP
- LOA: 6.40m
- Beam: 2.35m
- Deadrise: 23 degrees
- Height on trailer: 2.30m
- Trailerable weight: 1800kg (incl fuel)
- Test Power: Yamaha 150
- Propeller: Reliance 17″
- Power options: Outboard, sterndrive
- HP Range: 150-250hp
- Fuel Capacity: 165 litres
- Manufacturer: CSB Huntsman Boats. www.csbhuntsmanboats.co.nz
| CSB HUNTSMAN CENTURION | YAMAHA 150 |
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| Fuel capacity: | 165 | litres |
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| RPM | Knots | L/h | L/NM | Range (NM) | |
| 1000 | 4.0 | 3 | 0.750 | 190 | |
| 1500 | 5.0 | 4.8 | 0.960 | 150 | |
| 2000 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 1.100 | 130 | |
| 2500 | 9.0 | 11.6 | 1.300 | 110 | |
| 3000 | 14.0 | 16 | 1.200 | 120 | |
| 3500 | 19.0 | 21.5 | 1.200 | 120 | |
| 4000 | 23.5 | 24.5 | 1.100 | 130 | |
| 4500 | 29.0 | 30 | 1.100 | 130 | |
| 5000 | 33.5 | 37 | 1.200 | 120 | |
| 5500 | 38.0 | 53 | 1.400 | 100 | |
| 6000 | 42.0 | 60 | 1.500 | 99 | |
