The Contender 35ST

The Contender 35ST is one of the best and most affordable blue-water fishing center consoles. The 35ST is a boat built for high-speed runs far offshore, capable of covering 500-600 miles in ideal conditions, and looks phenomenal.
The 35ST measures approximately 35 feet in length, placing it in the sweet spot between the stability of big boats and easy handling. What makes it special is its dual-stepped hull design, a feature that helps the boat glide faster and smoothly by reducing drag. The unique hull design enables better gas mileage and allows for handling moderate chop exceptionally well.
Power is another highlight. The 35ST can handle up to 1,200 horsepower, often from triple or quad outboards. Depending on the setup, the boat has a top speed of around 70 mph, which is incredibly fast for a fishing center console. With a 400-gallon fuel tank, the boat can easily and safely go out hundreds of miles on either long fishing trips or weekends in the Bahamas.
If you’re into fishing, the 35ST is loaded with features. There are multiple livewells for bait, huge fish boxes for your catch, and plenty of rod holders throughout the deck. But it’s not all about work — the boat also has comfortable seating, a stylish helm, and even an optional cabin inside the console with a small sink and toilet for longer days on the water.
Of course, all that performance comes at a price. Depending on options and engines, the Contender 35ST can cost anywhere from $350,000 to $500,000. The boat, considering what you get, is incredibly reasonably priced, and the used market is quite large.
Overall, the Contender 35ST strikes the perfect balance between speed, power, and precision. Whether you’re chasing fish offshore or just want to cruise in style, this boat proves why Contender is one of the biggest names in performance boating.