The Contender Boat Review: Performance And Features

Contender boats are generally considered to be of high quality, with some users praising their speed, durability, and performance in rough waters. The Contender 25 Bay, for example, is said to combine the fishing attitude of a bay boat with the performance and seakeeping capabilities of an offshore fishing machine. Some owners of Contender boats report that their vessels have lasted for years of hardcore fishing and performed well in rough conditions. However, there are also reports of issues with fuel tanks, corrosion, and structural cracks in some models. Overall, Contender boats are well-regarded for their fishing capabilities and performance, but it is always recommended to conduct a thorough survey before purchasing any boat.

Contender boats are high-quality, top-tier and rock solid

Contender boats are high-quality, top-tier, and rock-solid. The company has built a reputation for manufacturing boats with a deep-V offshore center console, perfect for fishing expeditions. The Contender 25 Bay, for instance, combines the fishing attitude of a bay boat with the performance of an offshore fishing machine. It is a versatile fishing machine, showcasing Contender's focus on delivering exceptional fishing experiences beyond just offshore deep-V center consoles.

The Contender boats are renowned for their sturdy construction and ability to withstand the test of time. Owners and enthusiasts of these boats often highlight the brand's commitment to quality and performance, ensuring a smooth and dry ride even in rough seas. The boats are designed to be fast, stable, and well-equipped for fishing enthusiasts, with ample storage space and efficient fuel consumption.

One of Contender's unique selling points is the extreme 24.5-degree deep-V design commonly found in their hulls, which contributes to a smoother ride. However, for the 25 Bay model, they tweaked this design to a 15.5-degree deadrise, providing the stability needed for casting from elevated decks while still maintaining a good wave-splitting capability. This adjustment demonstrates Contender's attention to detail and their willingness to adapt their designs to suit specific fishing needs.

The brand has also gained recognition in the largest tournament trail in the country, the SKA (formerly known as the Southern Kingfish Association). Contender boats are the preferred choice for many professional anglers, dominating the tournament scene and solidifying their reputation as top-tier fishing vessels.

In addition to their performance and fishing capabilities, Contender boats are also praised for their resale value. Their boats are built to last, and even used models can offer a great experience on the water, making them a good investment for fishing enthusiasts.

Contender boats are good for fishing and have a great layout

Contender boats are well-regarded for fishing and are considered to have a great layout. The company's bread and butter has always been deep-V offshore centre console fishing boats, but they have also designed a bay boat, the Contender 25 Bay, which has been praised for its versatility. The 25 Bay has a twin-stepped hull that posts excellent efficiency, making over four miles to the gallon at 35 mph. It has a fairly steep deadrise for a bay boat, which results in a stable platform with just one foot of hull draft. The boat also has a roomy aft deck with a livewell, stowage compartments, and batteries. The foredeck is dedicated to one very large stowage compartment and an anchor locker, and it is completely snag-free, which fly fishermen appreciate.

Contender boats are considered high-quality, top-tier boats. They are built to last and are constructed to be fast and smooth, with a deep V that cuts through the waves. They are also considered to be solid as a rock, with impeccable wiring and plumbing. Contender boats are more expensive than most other models, but many owners believe that they get what they pay for. One owner says that their Contender is an expensive boat but that it is "worth every penny".

Contender boats are designed with fishing in mind, with features such as large livewells and stowage compartments. They are also known for their speed and performance, with one owner saying that their Contender "will smoke anything out there in a 5-foot sea". Another owner says that their Contender has a very deep V, which provides a very secure feel, and that it cuts through the seas incredibly well. They also have a large cockpit size, which is a selling point for some buyers.

Overall, Contender boats are considered to be good for fishing and have a great layout. They are well-regarded for their quality, performance, and versatility, and are considered a top choice for anglers.

Contender boats are fast, dry and have a smooth ride

Contender boats are fast, dry and offer a smooth ride. The 25 Bay model, for example, is a fishing machine with a twin-stepped hull that achieves excellent efficiency, making over four miles to the gallon at 35 mph. It's not just about speed, though. The Contender 25 Bay also offers stability for casting from elevated decks and has a large footprint that provides ample room for anglers to cast from the bow and aft decks.

The secret to the Contender's smooth ride lies in its deep-V hull design. The 25 Bay, for instance, features a 15.5-degree deadrise, which is considered steep by bay boat standards. This steeper deadrise allows the boat to cut through waves smoothly without slamming or throwing spray, even at fast cruising speeds. This makes for a more comfortable and drier ride for passengers.

The deep-V design is a signature of Contender boats and sets them apart from other bay boats, which typically have a shallower deadrise. While a deeper V provides a smoother ride, it also increases the boat's draft, which can be a trade-off when trying to access shallower waters. However, with careful design and attention to detail, Contender boats strike the perfect balance between performance and stability, ensuring a fast, dry, and smooth ride for anglers and enthusiasts alike.

The performance of Contender boats is further enhanced by their efficient hull designs, which allow for impressive speed and fuel efficiency. The 25 Bay, for instance, can easily cruise at 45 mph and even reach speeds of up to 60 mph while maintaining its smooth ride and stability. This combination of speed and stability is a testament to the quality and design expertise that goes into each Contender boat, making them a top choice for fishing enthusiasts and professionals alike.

In addition to their speed and smooth ride, Contender boats are also known for their quality and durability. Many Contender boats have lasted for years of hardcore fishing, with some owners reporting having their boats for over a decade without any major issues. The brand has a reputation for building solid, high-quality boats that can withstand the test of time, making them a worthwhile investment for anyone looking for a reliable and performance-oriented boat.

Contender boats are expensive but hold their value

Contender boats are high-quality, deep-V offshore center console fishing boats. They are expensive but hold their value. One user on a boating forum described Contender as a "privilege to own" among the "plethora of average built boats out there". Another user agreed, saying that Contender is a top-tier boat and that they would not hesitate to buy another one.

The Contender 25 Bay, for example, has the "fishing attitude" of a bay boat with the "performance and seakeeping attitude" of a Contender offshore fishing machine. It has a twin-stepped hull that posts excellent efficiency, making over four miles to the gallon at 35 mph. Its high quality and performance are reflected in its price tag: one user on a boating forum described it as a "$160,000 boat".

However, Contender boats are not without their faults. One user on a boating forum noted that the way the boat is finished and the detail work are "not quite on par with the price". They also mentioned that Contender boats are built more to go fast and can get many stress cracks, which is a "show of a somewhat faulty design". Another user agreed, saying that the fact that forms of wood are still used in areas like the deck and transom is concerning.

Despite these drawbacks, Contender boats are still considered a good investment by many users on boating forums. One user said that a Contender boat is "worth putting money into" since it will hold its value. Another user agreed, saying that Contender boats are "expensive for a reason".

Contender boats are good for both inshore and offshore fishing

Contender boats are well-regarded for offshore fishing, with some describing them as the "ultimate centre console sportfishing boat". They are said to offer a fast, dry and smooth ride, with top-notch quality and performance. Notably, Contender boats have dominated the largest tournament trail in the country, the SKA (formerly known as the Southern Kingfish Association).

While Contender is known for its offshore capabilities, the company has also designed bay boats suited for inshore fishing. The Contender 25 Bay, for example, combines the fishing attitude of a bay boat with the performance and seakeeping capabilities of a Contender offshore fishing machine. This model features a shallower transom deadrise of 15.5 degrees, providing greater stability for casting and allowing the boat to venture into shallower waters. The Contender 25 Bay offers ample casting platforms, both at the bow and aft, accommodating up to four anglers casting simultaneously. Additionally, the boat delivers efficient performance, achieving over four miles to the gallon at 35 MPH, and can reach speeds of up to 60 MPH.

In summary, Contender boats are versatile vessels capable of accommodating both inshore and offshore fishing needs. The brand has established a strong reputation for its offshore fishing machines, and its expansion into bay boats showcases their commitment to catering to a range of fishing styles and environments.

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