Contender 30ST
 

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

Buy that
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And take me fishing

Wish i could afford it. Maybe in a few years. But tis the season for window shopping.

Bassballer is exhibit A for the argument of not having kids. ;)
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Would you trade your kid for a boat?
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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

I would love to go for a ride to actually feel what the twin step hull feels like.
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My contender is just a little baby compared to that one.
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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.

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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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...

Depends. Which boat and which kid. :tooth::tooth:

I'm telling Julie :rtfm:
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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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What is the right boat?
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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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Upper 30's DE with twin diesels....

Steiger craft Dv Miami would be my pick.
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maybe a 27 onslow bay

For me ... A freedom 44 ketch and a million bucks in travelers checks. See y'all.
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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

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.

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