Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Contender Boat Models (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best Contender Boat Models (Ranked)
Contender Boats has built a reputation among serious offshore anglers for deep-V hulls that punch through a chop and keep running when lesser boats turn back to the inlet. Founded in Homestead, Florida, the company hand-laminates every hull with Kevlar-reinforced construction, and that toughness shows up in resale value years later.
This ranking judges the lineup on rough-water performance, fishability, build quality, range, and how each model holds value on the brokerage market. Whether you tournament-fish the canyons, run live bait offshore, or want a fast bay-to-blue-water hybrid, the boats below cover center-consoles, walkarounds, and bay models.
Prices are realistic 2027 estimates for well-equipped, twin- or triple-rigged examples.
Direct Answer
The Contender 39 ST is the best overall pick at roughly $1.05 million rigged with triple outboards, blending true canyon-running range with tournament-grade fishability. For best value, the Contender 25 Bay at about $165,000 delivers Contender's offshore-grade hull in a skinny-water package that a single angler can own and maintain.
Buy on engine hours and a thorough survey, not just model year, because rigging and electronics define the real cost.
How We Ranked
- Rough-water performance — Contender's reputation rests on dry, stable rides offshore, and the deep-V hulls that handle a 4-foot sea earn the top spots.
- Fishability — cockpit space, livewell volume, rod storage, and a clean working deck separate a true fishing platform from a family cruiser.
- Range and capability — fuel capacity, hull efficiency, and how far a boat can safely run to the fish weigh heavily for offshore buyers.
- Build quality and durability — hand-laid construction, hardware, and how the boat ages over 10-plus seasons drive long-term ownership cost.
- Resale and value retention — Contenders hold value strongly, so we reward models with deep brokerage demand and sensible price-to-capability.
1. 2023-2025 Contender 39 ST 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The 39 ST (Step Transom) is the boat that defines modern Contender. At 39 feet with a 11-foot 6-inch beam, the stepped deep-V hull runs efficiently in the high 50-mph range with triple 400-hp outboards and stays composed in seas that stop smaller boats. Anglers running 60-plus miles to the canyons get a boat that arrives fast, dry, and ready to fish rather than beaten up.
Fishability is the headline. The cockpit carries enormous insulated fish boxes, a transom livewell in the 50-plus-gallon range, and a clean working deck. Fuel capacity around 475 gallons delivers the range that tournament crews demand.
Build quality is hand-laid with Kevlar reinforcement, and resale on clean triple-engine examples remains among the strongest in the segment.
- Price: ~$1,050,000 (triple 400-hp, fully rigged)
- Pros: Exceptional rough-water ride, huge range, tournament fishability, strong resale
- Cons: Six-figure rigging cost, big-boat slip and fuel bills
Verdict: The complete offshore tournament weapon and the best Contender money buys.
2. 2018-2022 Contender 25 Bay 💎 BEST VALUE
The 25 Bay brings Contender's offshore DNA into a 25-foot bay boat that runs skinny water yet handles a nasty afternoon chop better than almost any flats-style rival. With a single 300-hp or 350-hp outboard, it cruises in the high 40s and tops out near 60 mph, sipping fuel from a tank around 90 gallons.
For an angler who wants one capable boat without the cost of a triple-engine offshore rig, it is the smart-money buy.
The layout favors casting and live-bait fishing: a roomy bow deck, recessed gunnels, large livewell, and a low-profile console. A 9-foot beam keeps it stable while drifting or fighting fish. On the brokerage market, clean used examples hold value well and sell quickly, which protects your investment.
- Price: ~$165,000 (used, single outboard)
- Pros: Offshore-grade hull, low single-engine cost, skinny-water capable, strong resale
- Cons: Limited true offshore range, tighter for big crews
Verdict: The most boat for the money in the Contender lineup.
3. 2020-2025 Contender 32 ST
The 32 ST is the sweet spot for many offshore buyers who want serious capability without stepping into 39-foot ownership costs. At 32 feet with a stepped hull and twin 300-hp or 350-hp outboards, it cruises in the mid 40s and runs offshore confidently. Fuel capacity around 300 gallons gives genuine canyon range for a mid-size center-console.
The cockpit is purpose-built for fishing with large fish boxes, a transom livewell, and ample rod storage. The step-transom hull keeps the ride dry and the boat on plane at lower speeds in a following sea. Resale demand is consistently high, making this one of the easier Contenders to sell when you upgrade.
- Price: ~$425,000 (twin engines, rigged)
- Pros: Ideal size-to-capability balance, dry ride, strong fish layout
- Cons: Twin-engine fuel cost, electronics quickly add to the price
Verdict: The do-everything offshore Contender for buyers who want range without 39-foot bills.
4. 2015-2021 Contender 35 ST
The 35 ST has been a tournament mainstay for years, and used examples now offer a lot of offshore boat for the budget. The 35-foot hull with twin or triple outboards runs in the 50s and handles big offshore seas with the dry, stable ride Contender is known for. Fuel capacity near 400 gallons delivers strong range.
Buyers should scrutinize engine hours and rigging on older boats, since repowers and electronics upgrades define the real value. A clean, well-maintained 35 ST with recent outboards is a proven, capable platform that holds value because the hull design has aged so gracefully.
- Price: ~$295,000 (used, twin engines)
- Pros: Proven offshore hull, real canyon range, deep used inventory
- Cons: Older examples may need repower; check rigging closely
Verdict: A tournament-proven 35-footer that delivers offshore capability at used-market value.
5. 2021-2025 Contender 44 FA
The 44 FA (Fast Adventure) is Contender's big-water flagship for crews that run the farthest and fish the longest. At 44 feet with quad outboards totaling well over 1,600 hp, it cruises in the high 40s to low 50s and crosses to distant grounds with authority.
Fuel capacity above 600 gallons supports multi-day, long-range trips.
This is a boat for serious money and serious fishing, with a forward cabin, head, and accommodations alongside a tournament cockpit. Build quality and rough-water composure are exceptional, and resale on quad-engine flagships stays strong among well-heeled offshore buyers.
- Price: ~$1,400,000 (quad engines, fully equipped)
- Pros: Maximum range and capability, cabin comfort, flagship build quality
- Cons: Very high purchase and running costs, big-slip requirements
Verdict: The longest-range Contender for crews who refuse to turn back early.
6. 2017-2023 Contender 28 Tournament
The 28 Tournament packs Contender's offshore ride into a trailerable 28-foot package that a single owner can manage. With twin 200-hp or 250-hp outboards, it cruises comfortably in the 40s and handles offshore seas far better than its size suggests, thanks to the deep-V hull.
Fuel capacity around 216 gallons gives respectable range for nearshore and reef fishing.
The open cockpit, transom livewell, and clean deck make it a focused fishing machine without family-boat compromises. Because it can be trailered to different inlets and ramps, it appeals to anglers who chase the bite. Resale is steady on clean twin-engine examples.
- Price: ~$185,000 (used, twin engines)
- Pros: Trailerable, surprisingly capable offshore, single-owner friendly
- Cons: Limited cockpit room for big crews, modest range vs. Larger models
Verdict: The trailerable Contender that fishes well above its 28-foot size.
7. 2019-2024 Contender 30 ST
The 30 ST slots between the 28 and 32 as an efficient stepped-hull center-console for buyers who want offshore range in a manageable footprint. At 30 feet with twin 300-hp outboards, it cruises in the mid 40s and runs efficiently thanks to the step transom. Fuel capacity near 270 gallons supports solid offshore range.
A well-organized cockpit with large fish boxes, a transom livewell, and ample rod holders keeps it focused on fishing. The 30 ST is a strong choice for anglers stepping up from a 28 who are not ready for 32-foot operating costs. Used examples sell quickly given the popular size class.
- Price: ~$265,000 (used, twin engines)
- Pros: Efficient stepped hull, good range, popular resale size
- Cons: Newer model means thinner used inventory, twin-engine costs
Verdict: An efficient mid-size stepped Contender that bridges the 28 and 32.
8. 2014-2020 Contender 31 Tournament
The 31 Tournament is a classic Contender deep-V that has put countless fish in the box and now represents excellent value on the used market. The 31-foot hull with twin outboards runs in the 40s and handles offshore seas with the dry ride that built the brand's name. Fuel capacity around 300 gallons delivers real range.
Buyers should check for repowered engines and updated electronics, since many of these boats have seen hard offshore use. A well-kept example with fresh outboards is a proven, capable fishing platform that costs far less than a comparable new boat while keeping Contender's resale strength.
- Price: ~$155,000 (used, twin engines)
- Pros: Proven offshore hull, strong value, deep used inventory
- Cons: Older rigging and engines; survey is essential
Verdict: A battle-tested 31-footer offering Contender capability at a value price.
9. 2018-2024 Contender 23 Bay
The 23 Bay is the entry point into Contender ownership and a genuinely capable inshore boat. At 23 feet with a single 250-hp or 300-hp outboard, it runs in the high 40s and handles open-bay chop better than typical flats boats thanks to the deeper hull. Fuel capacity around 70 gallons keeps running costs reasonable.
The casting deck, recessed gunnels, livewell, and low-profile console make it ideal for inshore live-bait and artificial fishing. It is the most affordable way into the brand and a great pick for a single angler or small crew. Resale stays firm because Contender bay boats are in demand.
- Price: ~$135,000 (used, single outboard)
- Pros: Lowest entry price, capable inshore hull, low running cost
- Cons: Inshore-focused, not for offshore runs, smaller crew capacity
Verdict: The most affordable entry into the Contender family without giving up build quality.
10. 2010-2016 Contender 33 Tournament
The 33 Tournament is an older offshore workhorse that delivers big-boat capability for well under the price of newer models. The 33-foot deep-V with twin outboards runs in the 40s and handles offshore seas reliably. Fuel capacity around 330 gallons supports genuine canyon-edge range, making it a lot of boat for the money.
These boats have typically seen years of offshore service, so a careful survey and engine-hours review are critical. A clean example with recent repower and updated electronics is a proven, affordable path into serious offshore fishing, and Contender's resale strength means you can recover your investment later.
- Price: ~$125,000 (used, twin engines, may need repower)
- Pros: Big offshore boat at low cost, proven hull, real range
- Cons: Age means likely repower and electronics updates needed
Verdict: A high-value older offshore Contender for buyers willing to invest in updates.
How to Choose
What to Look For
- Engine hours and repower history — outboards define the real cost; a fresh repower can add or subtract tens of thousands of dollars in value.
- Hull and stringer survey — hire a marine surveyor to check the hand-laid hull, stringers, and transom for moisture or stress, especially on older offshore boats.
- Rigging and electronics — verify the wiring, fuel system, livewell plumbing, and helm electronics, since a clean install matters as much as the engines.
- Trailer and storage — confirm a matching trailer for the bay and 28 models, and budget for slip or dry-stack storage on the larger offshore boats.
FAQ
What is the best Contender boat for offshore fishing? The Contender 39 ST is the best overall offshore choice, combining long range, a dry stepped-hull ride, and tournament-grade fishability. For a smaller budget, the 35 ST and 32 ST deliver similar capability in a more manageable package.
Which Contender is the best value? The Contender 25 Bay is the best value, offering Contender's offshore-grade hull and strong resale in an affordable single-engine bay boat. On the used offshore side, the 31 Tournament and 33 Tournament deliver a lot of boat for the money.
Are Contender boats good in rough water? Yes. Contender's deep-V and stepped hulls are specifically engineered for rough offshore seas, with hand-laid Kevlar-reinforced construction that keeps the ride dry and stable when smaller boats struggle.
Do Contender boats hold their value? Contender boats are among the strongest in the center-console market for resale, because demand on the brokerage market stays high and the hulls age gracefully. Clean, well-maintained examples with documented engine history sell quickly.
Bottom Line
The Contender 39 ST earns best overall for blending canyon-running range, a dry rough-water ride, and tournament fishability, though it demands six-figure rigging and big-boat operating costs. For buyers focused on value, the Contender 25 Bay delivers Contender's offshore-grade hull and strong resale in an affordable, single-engine package.
Match the model to your fishing grounds and budget, then buy on a thorough survey and verified engine history.
Sources
- Contender Boats (manufacturer specifications)
- Boat Trader (brokerage listings and pricing)
- Discover Boating
- BoatUS (ownership and survey guidance)
- Boating Magazine (performance reviews)
- NADA Guides (used boat valuation)
- Yamaha and Mercury Marine (outboard horsepower data)
*Keywords: Best Contender Boat Models (Ranked) — review, reviews, rating, comparison, best of 2027.*