boat review
boat review
CONTENDER 39 ST
There ’ s no confusing your dedication to the sport when you idle up to the docks in this beast . Thirty-nine eager feet of pure adrenaline rush awaits the angler who opts to go this route . She ’ s not for the novice or the timid . Contender ’ s flagship 39 ST is a go-fast , stepped-hull tournament offshore fishing machine designed to do one thing and do it better than anyone else : create tournament winners .
For more than 40 years , Contender has been producing boats recognized the world over as the choice of hardcore fishermen . Known for their durability in hostile fishing conditions and their ability to get anglers to the fish in record time , the Contender brand has become synonymous with getting the job done .
Although the 39 is available with Contender ’ s traditional deep-V hull design , it ’ s the cutting-edge stepped hull of the 39 ST that allows capable captains to ink those last few mph out of this monster . With triple 350 Yamahas , she shoots past the 70 mph mark .
Contender safeguards its hulls from the type of abuse often experienced in high-stakes tournament fishing by meticulously utilizing aerospace-grade composites , meaning biaxial and triaxial cloths , structural core sandwich construction , vinylester resin , and specially formulated gel coats for mirror-like finishes that are famously tough . Polyurethane foam is also injected into strategic locations to insulate ice and further deaden sound for stealth .
This boat is designed inside and out to compete in extreme fishing situations , but after Contender ’ s craftsmen lay the groundwork , you , the buyer , have the option to become quite involved in the rest of the build – personalizing it to your style of fishing . You can count on signature features like an integrated dive platform , full transom and transom door , a self-bailing cockpit , non-skid sole and decking throughout , and a tourney tough rub rail , but beyond that , you have their ear .
A custom tower is a great place to start . Maybe one with a complete second helm to give the captain the best possible view while scanning the water for busting bait or the skies for birds . It also affords the best position for orchestrating the crew . Drift or kite fishermen might ring the gunwales with rod holders , so one is never out of reach . Maybe you like coffin boxes or a totally open bow .
The point is , if you so choose , you can be very “ hands on ” in the customization of your Contender boat . From power options and electronics packages , to livewell riggings or hull and deck gel-coat colors … even the stitching in your upholstery .
So , if you think you have what it takes to play on the big stage and only your boat is holding you back , take a sea trial in the Contender 39 ST and learn what it feels like to be at the top of your game . hookedupdesigns . com MARCH / APRIL 2017 HOOKED UP 29