I always look forward to climbing aboard a fleet of shiny, new Contender boats during the Miami International Boat Show. Tucked away at Miami Beach Marina, Contender's in-water display provides a brief respite from the crowds and confusion. However, I received no respite from excitement during our sea trial of the new 31T. Renowned naval architect Michael Peters, through a direct collaboration with Contender, redesigned the running surface of each T-series vessel. The result is a completely new 31 that boasts incredible handling through a range of speeds and sea conditions, plus heart-stopping performance provided by twin 350 hp Yamahas.

Performance
"What makes the new 31T hull so incredible is the meticulous balance and proportionality in its design," explains Joe Neber, president of Contender. The only things that remain from the old 31 are the boat's length and the 24.5-degree  transom deadrise in the deep-V hull. A wider running surface, less variation in the forward deadrise and very specific placement of chines make the boat very predictable and generate superb running characteristics. "Contender stays away from the stepped-hull form because there's much more to tournament fishing than running straight  at full speed. While still being a competitive race shape, this new hull can carve   graceful turns and handle disturbed seas without having a veteran helmsman versed in race-boat handling jockeying the trim and throttles," adds Neber.
 
Racing around in the ocean adjacent to South Beach proved a testament to this design. Throwing the 31 through a series of high-speed turns, spins and twisty maneuvers, it gripped, banked slightly and rounded each corner with precision. Never once did it lay over hard or bleed excessive speed. Turning up-sea, the 31 assertively cleaved each oncoming wave, tossing a cloud of whitewater out and behind us with no spray blowing back aboard. Abeam, the roll was quite gentle for such a deep V, a beneficial feature for those planning to drift- or kite-fish.
 
The pair of big 350 hp Yamahas yielded a solid amount of torque and very deliberate acceleration. I might not be a full-bore speed guy — but I love the assertive feel. The 31 won't fall behind after a shotgun start either: We hit 65.6 mph at 6,000 rpm. A more reasonable 4,500 rpm provides 49.5 mph, burning 35.2 gallons for both engines. I also got a chance to drive the 31T with twin 250s. In my personal opinion, the ever-so-slight increase in fuel burn with the 350s is    definitely worth the extra muscle.

Fishing
One thing I respect about the crew at Contender is they really fish — competitively, and not just in their local Miami waters, either. Recently they expanded their efforts to include numerous Pacific Coast tournaments, and they have done quite well. In my eyes, there is no substitution for serious time on the water when developing and building a tournament  fish boat.
 
Pacing the big open bow, I appreciated the comfortable height of the gunwales and the safety provided by ample toe room. In fact, everything has toe kicks, including the edges of the center console. In the heat of the battle, the single-level deck features deep troughs at its edges to quickly drain water away from shuffling feet. A small recessed handrail running the length of the bow provides an unobtrusive hold right where you need it.
 
As electronics become an increasingly important tool for tournament success, we demand more mounting space, and a much-larger electronics area represents a significant difference from the old 31. In fact, Contender changed the whole console layout to a more ergonomic design. I also loved the extra handhold at the console with its comfortable molded grip.
 
The molded transom isn't overly intrusive — a big complaint of mine with many outboard boats. It provides ample room for the outboards to tilt forward but doesn't rob precious space from the cockpit. A pair of    blue-interior transom livewells holds plenty of bait, and numerous in-deck storage compartments provide fish stowage. Contender is willing to add more bait or fish holds, custom-izing each boat to its owner's specific needs.

Design and Construction
Additional changes from the old 31 include a cushioned seat molded in front of the console and a new direction for the door, which now swings straight up instead of to the side to grant interior access. I have always appreciated how Contender overbuilds its T-tops, both from a strength and an aesthetic viewpoint.
 
Utilizing vinylester resins to prevent water intruding into the laminate plus bi and triaxial glass for strength, Contender subscribes to a simple concept in building a stronger boat: Use more fiberglass. This also helps create ballast and adds stability. Coring above the waterline reduces weight in the upper regions. And considering Contender's laminate schedule, you'll probably break yourself before you break one of their boats; the new 31 is no exception.
 
 
 
LOA......32 ft. 7 in.
BEAM......9 ft. 8 in.
HULL DRAFT......1 ft. 11 in.
DEADRISE......24.5 deg.
WEIGHT......5,850 lb. (w/o power)
FUEL......310 gal.
MAX HP......Twin 350 hp OB
MSRP......Price on request

Contender Boats / Homestead, Florida / 843-821-0068 / www.contender.com