Contender made its reputation building hard-core fishing boats, but in answer to requests from many customers to combine serious inshore and nearshore fishing with family activities, the company has brought out its new 24 Sport. This center-console blends a deep-V running bottom, fishboxes, a livewell designed for tournament fishing, and plenty of dedicated storage for rods and tackle with an in-console head, a T-top, forward seating (that converts to a casting deck), a cockpit shower, and a removable ski pylon. With an F300 Yamaha, the 24 Sport reaches a top speed in the 50s, but more to the point, it cruises efficiently and comfortably at 25–35 mph. Base price is $85,000 with a tandem trailer.
Year: 2016
LOA:Â 24′ 6″Â Â Â
Beam:Â 8′ 6″
Draft:Â 18″Â
Weight:Â 5,250 lb
Deadrise: 22.5º  Â
Fuel:Â 130 gal
www.contenderoffshore.com
—John Page Williams
