Offshore anglers can dial in a Contender to match their needs and tastes: The Homestead, Florida, company offers several models from 25 to 44 feet, for which a seemingly endless list of options is available.
Each boat is built-to-order for its owner, with choices available from power to fishing appointments to upholstery stitching.
Contender, having launched thousands of boats in its more than 35 years, builds boats on both stepped and deep-V hull designs.
Contender 39FA
The Contender 39 is a hardcore fishing machine that features all the creature comforts you could ever need. “FA” stands for -fish-around, and the cabin -console at its heart boasts a queen berth, microwave, refrigerator, glass-top stove and enclosed head with shower.
Riding on its two-step hull ahead of triple Yamaha F350s, the 39FA races through the 60s and into the 70s toward far-off fish, thanks to its expansive 460-gallon fuel capacity.
The helm accommodates a pair of large displays, its wheel at the centerline. Add a custom fishing tower with second -station to scout fishing prospects while directing boat and crew.
Leave the bow open for -maximum fishing space, or opt for bow seating, which 32 percent of walkaround survey respondents consider important.
A cushion-topped coffin box can be installed forward of the cabin. Other options include teak packages, power-actuated hatches and coolers, and several forward and rear seating arrangements.
Six gunwale-mounted rod holders meet the demands of 68 percent of CC survey respondents (80 percent of walkaround anglers), with more rod holders, racks and rod storage throughout the boat. A large tackle center includes a slide-out Engel cooler.
It’s a tournament boat, but one the whole family can call a winner.
Survey Says: On Target
- Speed and range for offshore adventures
- Plethora of options to create semicustom boat
Owners Say
- Handles offshore conditions very well
- Contender boats are the best on the water
- Easy to handle and economical to run
Brand Says
- Performance through innovation
- Sea-tested, captain-approved
Reader Response
- “100 percent offshore machine!”
Specs
LOA: 39′
Beam: 10′10″
Fuel Capacity: 460 gal.
Dry Weight: 15,000 lb. plus power
Max HP: 1,600
Certifications: NMMA
