Contender boats
Contender builds offshore center consoles for tournament fishing and serious anglers, with 174 registered US hulls typically in the 30 to 35 foot range. The brand's strongest representation comes from 1998 to 2005 model years, particularly the 35 ST. These are gasoline powered performance fishing platforms built for rough water and competitive fishing.
Contender used price range
From 56 live listings in BoatVerdict's market data (10th, 50th, 90th percentile).
See Contender values by model year →Are Contender boats reliable?
Contender has zero USCG recalls on record across all models, and the brand's focus on simple, proven construction keeps owner costs centered on outboard maintenance and gelcoat care. With most hulls now 20 to 25 years old, expect routine marine wear like transom coring inspection, fuel system refresh, and deck hardware corrosion on older examples.
Common problems to inspect on a used Contender
- Transom core integrity around outboard mounting area
- Fuel tank condition and sender accuracy on 1990s models
- Deck and hatch core delamination from standing water
- Rub rail separation and stanchion base corrosion
Registry footprint
Sample = US state open-data vessel registries (currently Texas + New York, ~875k vessels). Treat as a representative slice of recreational US inventory.
Models we cover in depth (1)
Recalls (0)
No USCG recalls on file for Contender.
USCG MIC entries (4)
Frequently asked questions
Are Contender boats good quality?
Contender builds solid offshore platforms with zero USCG recalls, but most available hulls are 20 to 25 years old and quality depends heavily on previous owner maintenance and storage.
What is the resale value of Contender boats?
Current used listings range from $36,500 to $89,900 with a median of $62,000, reflecting center consoles from the late 1990s and early 2000s.
How much does a Contender boat cost?
Used Contender boats start around $36,500 for older models, with median pricing near $62,000 for maintained examples from the early 2000s.
What size Contender is best for offshore fishing?
The 35 ST is the most common model in the used market, offering the beam, freeboard, and fuel capacity needed for extended offshore runs.
Looking at a specific Contender?
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