View Full Version : Contender 30ST


bassballer
07-06-2016, 03:07 PM
Im really digging this boat. Performance numbers and economy are crazy. Any of you guys fished on one?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKUL-M90hKc

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKUL-M90hKc

Sea Dangles
07-06-2016, 08:14 PM
Buy that
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Guppy
07-07-2016, 05:18 AM
Buy that
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And take me fishing

bassballer
07-07-2016, 06:30 AM
Buy that
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Wish i could afford it. Maybe in a few years. But tis the season for window shopping.

Nebe
07-07-2016, 07:11 AM
Bassballer is exhibit A for the argument of not having kids. ;)
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Sea Dangles
07-07-2016, 02:40 PM
Would you trade your kid for a boat?
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RickBomba
07-07-2016, 10:05 PM
How many kids do I have to trade for the boat? I can get going on more if one is not enough. He's a boy, is housebroken, and is polite. He goes by Jack, but that can be changed, depending on the options on the boat.

Just let me know Contender God,
Your Thankful Servant,
Rick

fish raptor
07-08-2016, 12:37 AM
I would love to go for a ride to actually feel what the twin step hull feels like.
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big jay
07-08-2016, 06:34 AM
My contender is just a little baby compared to that one.
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beamie
07-08-2016, 06:56 AM
I don't know.

From a fishing standpoint I just don't see it except for the speed and economy.

IMHO for a 30 footer there is not much deck space. I don't see where your going to put a large BFT on the deck. I think I'd have to squeeze by the rail and console walking to the bow, yeah I'm a big guy but its a 30 footer.

I hope the boat comes with a supply of 9 foot trolling rods so when that trophy swims around the transom your not getting cut off from the props.

Fun boat to take a ride on, but that is about it. I'd take a DE boat any day over that for fishing.

Nebe
07-08-2016, 07:01 AM
Would you trade your kid for a boat?
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Never. But when the decision was made to have a kid, I remember weighing the sacrifices I would have to make vs a future life of freedom and the ability to not think about the fact that I could buy a boat and not have it effect another person.
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blondterror
07-08-2016, 07:13 AM
How does the Contender 30 hull compare to the Reg 28. Does the double step make it use less fuel and have a higher top end?

I have done some fishing on my BIL's Reg 28 and it is a sweet boat to fish from. Have not done on Tuna fishing on it though...

RIROCKHOUND
07-08-2016, 01:53 PM
Would you trade your kid for a boat?
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Depends. Which boat and which kid. :tooth::tooth:

Nebe
07-08-2016, 02:24 PM
Depends. Which boat and which kid. :tooth::tooth:

I'm telling Julie :rtfm:
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tysdad115
07-08-2016, 04:34 PM
Would you trade your kid for a boat?
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Absolutely not!! But I'd be easily swayed into spending his college money on the right boat!
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Sea Dangles
07-09-2016, 07:51 AM
What is the right boat?
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GattaFish
07-09-2016, 02:49 PM
I picked up a new/used boat this year. I looked for a year and Contender was on the list. Eventually I settled on a Non-stepped hull. I feel I got the right boat for the rough water in the north east. I would have bought a stepped hull contender if the right one came along but I am glad it didn't. After having the Sea Vee 60 south of block there is no question I made the right choice. At some point a stepped hull will be in the cards but it will not be a contender. The things I found looking at used boats and the way they held up made me change my mind throughout the process. I can not say enough about the durability of the fit and Finish on the Sea Vee.
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RIROCKHOUND
07-10-2016, 07:26 AM
What is the right boat?
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Upper 30's DE with twin diesels....

Poncho
07-10-2016, 10:53 AM
Steiger craft Dv Miami would be my pick.
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bassballer
07-11-2016, 09:40 AM
What is the right boat?
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maybe a 27 onslow bay

Nebe
07-11-2016, 10:15 AM
For me ... A freedom 44 ketch and a million bucks in travelers checks. See y'all.
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riff_raff
07-14-2016, 10:59 PM
I don't know.

From a fishing standpoint I just don't see it except for the speed and economy.

IMHO for a 30 footer there is not much deck space. I don't see where your going to put a large BFT on the deck. I think I'd have to squeeze by the rail and console walking to the bow, yeah I'm a big guy but its a 30 footer.

I hope the boat comes with a supply of 9 foot trolling rods so when that trophy swims around the transom your not getting cut off from the props.

Fun boat to take a ride on, but that is about it. I'd take a DE boat any day over that for fishing.

Old thread but that's always been my feeling on center consoles - when they are simple, which is really only in theory, they are great if you can deal with the wind/spray/sun, you get tons of deck and a good light fast fishing boat.

In reality though by the time you put a big console in there, all sorts of molded in garbage, nevermind a head or forward cabin, hard top/frame etc.. etc.. You've got a 30 ft with the fuel bill of a 35 ft sportfish with the deck space and amenities of a 22 ft cuddy cabin, but they do look cool, ride nice, and go really good.

If you want a head and some amenities the layout of a cabin forward and open deck in the stern makes a much better fishing platform, whether that's a walkaround cabin, express, pilot house, or whatever. Simple center consoles are great for fishing if you can deal with the elements, probably a layout better suited for small boats that you don't spend 20 hours at a time in though.

Jon

Piscator
07-15-2016, 12:53 PM
One thing I'm 100% certain about is that there is no perfect boat. Although there are some that are a lot better than most.

bassballer
07-17-2016, 03:54 PM
For me a center console is a must. I fish light tackle, plugging for bass. Usually tight to structure, and usually by myself. A 30-35 express is to much boat for me to run out to the grounds and be back at the dock for work.
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RickBomba
07-17-2016, 05:15 PM
For me a center console is a must. I fish light tackle, plugging for bass. Usually tight to structure, and usually by myself. A 30-35 express is to much boat for me to run out to the grounds and be back at the dock for work.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

That's right, BB. The less you prepare, the less that you need to take down.