Contender 35 side console

Bryan A. · #1 03-16-2006, 10:29 AM

I am considering a 35 Contender for my next boat and came across this specific boat. Does anyone have any comments about Contenders in general or specifically this model. This one is a 91 but I have found plenty of others on-line in various price ranges. Just looking for opinions right now. Thanks in advance.

Bryan A. · #2 03-17-2006, 09:36 PM

Any opinions at all on Contender, I have drooled over them for years but no first hand experience.

BA17 · #3 03-17-2006, 10:20 PM

I have fished a lot on the 21, 23, 27, 31, and 36' Contenders, all center consoles. They are great boats. They will go in some real nasty weather. Never been on the 35' side console but I am sure it would be a very nice rig.

Good luck,

BA

Trayder · #4 03-17-2006, 11:53 PM

I owned a 1999 25 for 4 years, great boat never an issue it was built like a tank laid out well but the company would never return phone calls and although you are not buying new I think there are better boats out there if you were.

buying used I think they represent tremendous value and are a great boat.

Bryan A. · #5 03-18-2006, 10:03 AM

Quote:

you are not buying new I think there are better boats out there if you were.

Just curious. Like what? You probably know my specs already, I need to go under a bridge, and accomodate the family and FISH.

Need outboards, what would you consider? Thanks again.

Trayder · #6 03-18-2006, 10:37 AM

Well, I forgot about the bridge...... but if that were not a concern

I suggest:

SeaVee
Whitewater ( as you know )
Revenge
Yellowfin
Conch
Intrepid check this one out remove the T-top and you are good to go

Bryan A. · #7 03-18-2006, 12:42 PM

Yeah, I looked at an Intrepid like that that was a little newer. The problem is the cabin, Intrepids in that class sleep two comfortable. What sold me on the Contender 35 is the cabin has a full V birth and two more bunks that fold up on either side when the dinette is converted. I have two children right now maybe a third later. I have not looked physically at a Contender yet but am trying to find a 35 side console locally that I can peek at. The Intrepid is a solid boat and pricey even for used. Thanks for the reply Trayder.

Finster · #8 03-20-2006, 09:42 PM

Bryan, I always go threw them pretty thoroughly at the boat shows and I've never been real impressed with their finish work and hardware.
I'm thinking you should go with a 32 Albemarle. Now thats a flawless rig IMO.

Finster · #9 03-20-2006, 09:57 PM

Quote:

I need to go under a bridge, and accomodate the family and FISH. Need outboards, what would you consider? Thanks again.

I missed that the first time.

OK, so blow up the bridge, have the canal dredged and go with the Albi.

Bryan A. · #10 03-21-2006, 09:29 AM

Got any explosives.

I would love the Albemarle, drooled over them for many years. The boat itself is just to high for my needs and I have never seen any in that size with outboards. All boat are a compromise I guess. I would think the Contender would be an improvment over my Whitewater any way, maybe not ride wise but fit and finish wise. Plus I have a classis seacraft so I can fix anything

Finster - Got any more pics of the seavette. I am interested in the interior, especially where the potti is mounted. It looks like the center of the v-birth fold up somehow. I would love to duplicate something like that in the Whitewater. Pics or description would be appreciated.