Contender builds semicustom sport-fishing boats, each matched to the individual needs and tastes of its owner.
Homestead, Florida-based Contender Boats says its employees’ extensive experience in boats imparts a companywide respect for ever-changing offshore conditions. The boats are ready for adverse weather but, in the meantime, provide superb platforms for fishing and family boating. Contenders—25 to 44 feet—are built on both stepped and deep-V hulls, and come in the Tournament, Bay and Fisharound models.
Among Contender’s nearly 40-year record of successful tournament fishing, Contender One was the top center-console fishing boat in Bluewater Movements’ 2017 Quest for the Crest. More tournaments, the company says proudly, have been won on Contender boats than any other brand.
Contender 44 CB
Contender’s latest model is the 44 Canyon Berth, inspired by the fishing die-hards of the Northeast for whom far-off canyons seem ever-calling.
Sharing the proven hull used in Contender’s 44 ST (a traditional center-console) and 44 FA (a Fisharound, with a more expansive cabin), the CB splits the difference. The modest console cabin, with a two-person padded berth, offers an escape from the elements—or a place to rest up during overnight trips to the canyons or islands or. A -slide-out marine toilet, plus a sink and freshwater faucet, make the break more pleasant.
On the spacious deck are two 55-gallon transom livewells; you can opt for another belowdecks. A pair of 110-gallon fish lockers are beneath the aft deck, another of 340 gallons is in the bow. Two rod lockers in the bow, by the way, welcome rods up to 10 feet long.
In the front of the cockpit, a console lounge seats two; additional seating options are available throughout the boat. Other options include air conditioning, a Seakeeper gyrostabilizer, and vertical rod holders in the cabin.
The 44 CB is powered by triple or quad Yamaha 425 hp XTO V-8 outboards.
Manufacturer’s Remark
Being a semi-custom builder allows us to craft boats that deliver the ultimate performance, strength, durability and comfort you expect from a Contender.
Performance Data
- Test Power: Triple Yamaha 425 XTO
- Test Props: XTO Offshore, 16 1/8” x 23”
- Test Load: 21,950 lb.
- Test Speed: 66.6 mph @ 6,000 rpm
- Max Range: 491 mi., 0.91 mpg @ 3,500 rpm
Specs
| LOA: | 43’10” |
|---|---|
| Beam: | 12′ |
| Fuel Capacity: | 600 gal. |
| Dry Weight: | 19,600 lb. with power |
| Max HP: | 2,000 |
| Certifications: | NMMA |
Editor Says
Contender’s long standing reputation for hardcore fishability, power boat performance and durable
construction is exemplified in their latest models. – Randy Vance, Editor-at-Large, Boating & Fishing Group
