Homestead, Florida-based Contender Boats, Inc. celebrated their 35th anniversary, and has launched several thousand boats spanning the three and a half decades. The boats are recognized world wide as tournament winners, and are known to keep captain and crew “Always in the Game” when they are on the hunt for big fish.
Contender builds boats from 24-44 feet for fisherman and their families to explore the blue water, or just enjoy a day cruising around the bay to the sandbar.
Each boat is custom-built featuring different options for engine power, electronics, and upholstery. The list of options seems nearly endless with a variety of fishing, convenience, and other options available to every model. Front and rear seating are available on all models, but standard options traditionally keep the cockpit minimal and clean.
Contender Boats’ founder, president and owner Joe Neber is an avid saltwater angler who has been very active in marine-resource conservation, particularly the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA).
The company proudly proclaims, “When adverse weather prevails without notice, people are confident in our product to get them home safely and comfortably.”
Contender 28T
That’s “T”, for “Tournament,” and this Contender is always ready for action. One of the original Contender models, the 28 returns with a new more aesthetically pleasing rounded cap, and other small modifications to the re-launched classic. You can have it loaded, with forward and rear seating, or without the seating for and more spacious deck and room to fish. The standard forward seating has removable backrests, and features substantial storage underneath.
With the standard forward seating, three storage compartments are beneath forward seating, which has removable backrests.
Up front is a fully lined and insulated 140-gallon fish box; aft you’ll find another pair, port and starboard, 76 gallons each. Bait flourishes in a 40-gallon transom livewell with standard 1100GPH pump
The pair of under deck rod lockers will please our offshore CC survey respondents, who say they carry an average of eight rods with them per trip.
The 28T comes standard with 4 gunwale flush mounted rod holders; five more rod holders line the back of the leaning post.
At the helm, an oversized panel welcomes room for plenty of electronics from the multi brand options installed by the Contender factory.
Survey Says: On Target
⋅Spacious fish boxes
⋅Two livewells to keep separate bait species lively
Owners Say
⋅Looks sharp
⋅A great fishing boat
⋅Handles very well in heavy seas
⋅Fast, spacious, reliable
⋅Built like a tank
Brand Says
⋅Built to fish
⋅Unparalleled fishability, comfort, range and speed
⋅Boats born from passion
More Info: contenderboats.com
