Top 10 Contender Boat Models 2027

Direct Answer

The Best Overall model in Contender's 2027 lineup is the Contender 39 FA, starting around $1,095,000, a true big-water center console that pairs a 39-foot hull, quad-engine power up to 1,800 hp, and a fishing layout serious offshore crews trust on long canyon runs.

The Best Value pick is the Contender 25 Bay, starting near $159,900, which brings Contender's deep-V offshore pedigree to a skinny-water bay boat for less than a fifth of the flagship's price. This list is built for offshore anglers, tournament crews, and serious center-console owners who want bluewater capability over watersports or cruising — whether the budget sits near $160,000 or stretches past $1.1 million.

Every pick below uses real model-year specs and MSRPs for Contender's current builds.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each Contender against what offshore buyers and tournament teams actually prioritize on the water. We leaned on published data from Boating Magazine, BoatTEST, boats.com, Salt Water Sportsman, Discover Boating, and Contender's own build sheets. The weighting:

• Build quality and reliability — 25%
• On-water performance and seakeeping — 20%
• Value and price — 15%
• Comfort and layout — 15%
• Fishing features and tech — 15%
• Resale value — 10%

A model that runs hard offshore but flunks on fishability, or wins on price but gives up rough-water capability, drops fast. The winners balance all six.

1. Contender 39 FA 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $1,095,000 | Best for: Hardcore offshore crews running long canyon and tournament miles

The Contender 39 FA (Fish Around) is the most complete big-water center console the builder makes. It carries a 39-foot LOA, an 11-foot 6-inch beam, and a deep stepped-V hull that knifes through a head sea, with max rigging up to quad 450-hp outboards for 1,800 hp total.

It holds 535 gallons of fuel for serious range, seats up to 12 for day runs, and draws roughly 2 feet 4 inches. The wraparound Fish Around bow design opens 360-degree fighting room, and the helm carries triple multifunction displays, a hardtop with rocket launchers, and a transom livewell package built for live-bait tournaments.

Pros:

• Quad-engine capability up to 1,800 hp for true offshore range
• 535-gallon fuel capacity for long canyon and tournament runs
• 360-degree Fish Around cockpit for unmatched fishability
• Deep stepped-V hull with proven rough-water seakeeping

Cons:

• Seven-figure entry price puts it out of reach for most buyers
• Quad-engine fuel burn and dock fees are substantial

Verdict: The 39 FA wins on balance — range, seakeeping, fishability, and rigging headroom with no real weakness offshore.

2. Contender 35 ST

Starting MSRP: $695,000 | Best for: Tournament teams who want a fast, fishy mid-large center console

The Contender 35 ST (Step Tunnel) is a tournament-bred center console with a 35-foot LOA and a 10-foot beam riding on a stepped hull that delivers top speeds well past 60 mph with triple 300-hp outboards. It carries 400 gallons of fuel, seats up to 10, and draws about 2 feet.

The layout puts a wide bow casting platform forward, an insulated fish box system below, and twin transom livewells aft, while the helm supports dual large-format MFDs under a fishing hardtop. It is the sweet spot between the flagship 39 and the trailerable models.

Pros:

• 60-plus-mph top speeds with triple 300-hp rigging
• 400-gallon fuel capacity for offshore range
• Tournament-grade livewell and fish-box layout
• Balanced size that runs hard yet stays manageable

Cons:

• Still a high-six-figure buy-in
• Triple-engine maintenance adds ownership cost

Verdict: A tournament weapon — the model to beat for crews who want flagship capability in a tighter package.

3. Contender 32 ST

Starting MSRP: $439,000 | Best for: Serious anglers wanting offshore reach in a 32-foot hull

The Contender 32 ST is one of the builder's most respected hulls, a 32-foot LOA, 9-foot 6-inch beam stepped center console that has earned a reputation for slicing through chop. Rigged with twin or triple 300-hp outboards, it pushes past 55 mph while carrying 300 gallons of fuel.

It seats up to 9, draws about 1 foot 10 inches, and offers a console with an enclosed head compartment. The cockpit features a transom livewell, in-deck fish boxes, and a hardtop with rod storage, making it a do-it-all bluewater fishing machine.

Pros:

• Legendary stepped 32-foot hull with sharp seakeeping
• 300-gallon fuel for genuine offshore range
• Enclosed console head for longer days
• Twin or triple rigging flexibility

Cons:

• Tighter bow seating than larger models
• Triple-engine option pushes price quickly

Verdict: A proven offshore all-rounder — arguably the most respected hull in the Contender catalog.

4. Contender 30 ST

Starting MSRP: $319,000 | Best for: Anglers wanting a fast, fishable 30-footer for nearshore and offshore

The Contender 30 ST brings the stepped-hull formula to a 30-foot LOA, 9-foot beam package that balances offshore capability with easier ownership. Twin 300-hp outboards push it past 55 mph, and it carries 252 gallons of fuel. It seats up to 8, draws roughly 1 foot 9 inches, and offers a clean fishing deck with a transom livewell, in-deck fish storage, and a hardtop with rocket launchers.

The console houses storage and an optional head, making it a versatile choice for crews that fish a mix of nearshore reefs and offshore structure.

Pros:

• Stepped hull delivers 55-plus mph on twin power
• 252-gallon fuel for solid offshore range
• Clean, open fishing deck with transom livewell
• More affordable entry to the stepped-ST line

Cons:

• No triple-engine option for top-end speed seekers
• Cabin amenities are minimal by design

Verdict: The value sweet spot of the offshore line — plenty of capability without flagship pricing.

5. Contender 28 Sport

Starting MSRP: $229,000 | Best for: Versatile anglers who want a 28-foot center console for mixed water

The Contender 28 Sport is a 28-foot LOA, 8-foot 6-inch beam deep-V center console built for anglers who run a range of conditions. Twin 250-hp or 300-hp outboards deliver speeds near 50 mph, and it carries 200 gallons of fuel. It seats up to 7, draws about 1 foot 6 inches, and offers a transom livewell, in-floor fish boxes, and bow casting room.

The console provides dry storage and an optional portable head. It is a practical size for trailering, inlet running, and chasing offshore structure on calmer days.

Pros:

• Trailerable 28-foot deep-V hull
• 200-gallon fuel capacity for the size
• Transom livewell and in-floor fish storage
• Smooth ride in moderate offshore chop

Cons:

• Smaller fuel tank limits the longest runs
• Bow seating is tighter than larger Contenders

Verdict: A flexible mid-size pick — ideal for anglers who trailer and fish varied water.

6. Contender 25 Bay 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $159,900 | Best for: Inshore and skinny-water anglers wanting Contender quality on a budget

The Contender 25 Bay is the smartest-value entry in the lineup, bringing the builder's offshore DNA to a 25-foot LOA, 8-foot 6-inch beam bay hull that still handles a chop better than most flats boats. A single or twin 300-hp outboard setup pushes it near 55 mph, it carries 96 gallons of fuel, and it draws a skinny 1 foot 1 inch for poling shallow flats.

It seats up to 6, with fore and aft casting platforms, a recessed transom livewell, and elevated console storage. It does double duty — flats in the morning, nearshore reefs by afternoon.

Pros:

• Lowest entry price of any pick at $159,900
• Skinny 1-foot-1-inch draft for shallow flats
• Fore and aft casting platforms for sight fishing
• Contender hull quality in a bay-boat package

Cons:

• Small 96-gallon tank limits offshore reach
• Not built for serious bluewater runs

Verdict: The value champion — offshore-grade build quality in an inshore boat for a fraction of the flagship price.

7. Contender 44 FA

Starting MSRP: $1,495,000 | Best for: Big-money crews wanting the largest, longest-range center console Contender builds

The Contender 44 FA is the builder's largest center console, a 44-foot LOA, 12-foot 6-inch beam offshore platform rigged with quad 450-hp outboards for 1,800 hp and capable of crossing serious water. It carries a massive 620 gallons of fuel, seats up to 14, and draws about 2 feet 6 inches.

The wraparound Fish Around cockpit, expanded console with a full head and berth, triple MFD helm, and oversized transom livewell system make it a marlin-class tournament rig and a long-range cruiser in one.

Pros:

• Largest 44-foot hull with 620-gallon fuel for extreme range
• Quad 450-hp rigging for big-water crossings
• Console berth and full head for overnight capability
• Fish Around cockpit scaled up for marlin-class crews

Cons:

• Highest price in the lineup at $1.495 million
• Size demands a large slip and crew to run

Verdict: The ultimate big-water Contender — pick it when range and outright size top every other priority.

8. Contender 38 ST

Starting MSRP: $795,000 | Best for: Tournament crews wanting a fast 38-foot stepped center console

The Contender 38 ST slots between the 35 and the 39 as a 38-foot LOA, 11-foot beam stepped center console built for speed and offshore range. Triple 350-hp or 400-hp outboards push it past 60 mph, it carries 475 gallons of fuel, and it seats up to 11.

Drawing about 2 feet 2 inches, it offers a deep, dry cockpit with twin transom livewells, insulated fish boxes, and a fishing hardtop carrying dual large MFDs. It is a serious bluewater fishing platform for crews who want flagship pace without the 39's full price.

Pros:

• 60-plus-mph top speed on triple power
• 475-gallon fuel for long offshore runs
• Deep, dry stepped hull for rough water
• Twin transom livewells for live-bait fishing

Cons:

• High-six-figure price point
• Triple-engine ownership costs are significant

Verdict: A flagship-grade fishing machine — the speed-and-range pick just below the 39 FA.

9. Contender 24 Sport

Starting MSRP: $139,900 | Best for: Anglers wanting a trailerable, fishable deep-V on a tighter budget

The Contender 24 Sport is the most trailerable offshore-style pick, a 24-foot LOA, 8-foot 6-inch beam deep-V center console that handles nearshore chop well above its size. A single or twin outboard setup up to 300 hp delivers speeds near 50 mph, with 130 gallons of fuel aboard.

It seats up to 6, draws about 1 foot 4 inches, and offers a transom livewell, in-floor fish boxes, and a simple, fishing-first deck. The console provides dry storage and an optional portable head, keeping it light and easy to tow.

Pros:

• Highly trailerable 24-foot deep-V hull
• 130-gallon fuel that punches above the size
• Transom livewell and in-floor fish storage
• Low entry price for a Contender offshore hull

Cons:

• Limited range for serious offshore work
• Spartan amenities at the base level

Verdict: A practical entry-level offshore Contender — easy to tow and genuinely fishable nearshore.

10. Contender 33 Tournament

Starting MSRP: $469,000 | Best for: Live-bait tournament anglers wanting a dedicated competition layout

The Contender 33 Tournament is a fishing-purpose center console with a 33-foot LOA, 9-foot 8-inch beam stepped hull tuned for tournament work. Triple 300-hp outboards push it past 55 mph, it carries 320 gallons of fuel, and it seats up to 9. Drawing about 1 foot 11 inches, the Tournament layout emphasizes oversized transom livewells, pressurized bait systems, in-deck fish boxes, and a clean wraparound cockpit for fighting fish.

The hardtop carries rocket launchers and dual MFDs, with the console housing an enclosed head for full days offshore.

Pros:

• Oversized pressurized livewell and bait system
• 320-gallon fuel for full tournament days
• Stepped hull running past 55 mph on triple power
• Enclosed console head for long offshore outings

Cons:

• Single-purpose layout sacrifices day-cruising comfort
• Triple-engine rigging raises ownership cost

Verdict: The dedicated tournament tool — buy it for live-bait competition over family versatility.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a Contender Center Console

• Hull design and seakeeping — Contender's deep and stepped vee hulls define the brand. A stepped hull like the 32 ST or 35 ST runs faster and drier offshore; a bay hull like the 25 Bay trades that for shallow draft.
• Engine rigging and range — Match outboard count and fuel capacity to your runs. The 39 FA and 44 FA carry 535 and 620 gallons for canyon trips; the 24 Sport's 130 gallons suits nearshore days.
• Fishing systems — Check livewell volume, pressurization, and fish-box insulation. Tournament-focused models like the 33 Tournament prioritize bait systems over comfort.
• Layout and seating — Fish Around bow models open 360-degree fighting room; ST models favor a wide casting bow. Confirm the cockpit suits your crew size.
• Resale and reliability — Contender hulls hold value strongly in the offshore market. Hand-laid construction and a focused dealer network support long-term ownership.

What matters less than marketing implies: headline top speeds and engine-count bragging rights. For most offshore crews, fuel range, livewell capacity, and a dry, soft ride in a head sea affect real fishing success far more than a few extra miles per hour.

FAQ

Which Contender model is the best overall for 2027? The Contender 39 FA earns our top spot, balancing offshore range, quad-engine power up to 1,800 hp, a 535-gallon fuel capacity, and a 360-degree Fish Around cockpit with no real weakness on big water.

What is the best value Contender? The Contender 25 Bay, starting near $159,900, brings Contender's offshore-grade hull quality to a shallow-draft bay boat for less than a fifth of the flagship's price.

Which Contender is best for tournament fishing? The Contender 33 Tournament is purpose-built for live-bait competition with oversized pressurized livewells, while the 35 ST and 38 ST add speed and range for traveling tournament crews.

Which Contender has the longest range? The Contender 44 FA carries 620 gallons of fuel with quad 450-hp outboards, giving it the longest offshore reach in the lineup, followed by the 39 FA at 535 gallons.

Are Contender boats good in rough water? Yes. Contender's deep and stepped-V hulls are widely respected for slicing through a head sea, with the 32 ST in particular earning a reputation for sharp rough-water seakeeping.

Which Contender is easiest to trailer? The Contender 24 Sport at 24 feet and the 25 Bay at 25 feet are the most trailerable, while the 28 Sport remains towable for buyers with the right rig.

Bottom Line

For 2027, the Contender 39 FA is our Best Overall pick — starting around $1,095,000, it wins on offshore range, quad-engine power, and a 360-degree fishing cockpit with no weakness on big water. The Contender 25 Bay, from about $159,900, is our Best Value, delivering Contender's hull quality in a shallow-draft inshore package for a fraction of the price.

If your priorities lean toward maximum size, tournament bait systems, or trailerable convenience, use the decision tree above to route yourself to the 44 FA, 33 Tournament, 28 Sport, or 24 Sport instead. Buy on hull design, fuel range, and fishing systems — not headline speed — and you will run hard for years.

Sources

• Boating Magazine — center console reviews and tests
• BoatTEST — Contender boat tests and specs
• boats.com — Contender listings and reviews
• Salt Water Sportsman — offshore fishing boat reviews
• Discover Boating — boat buying guides
• Yachting — performance and offshore boat coverage
• Power & Motoryacht — offshore boat reviews
• Sport Fishing Magazine — center console fishing tests
• Contender Boats — official model lineup and specs

*Contender boat review — best Contender boats 2027, reviews, ratings, prices, and a review of the top center console models for offshore buyers.*