Contender 31 Open: A Practical Center-Console Fishing Boat Built for Offshore Work
In the early 1990s, boatbuilder and deep-water angler Joe Neber turned his experience into the design of two center-console fishing boats that would become defining models for Contender Boats. Among them, the Contender 31 Open earned a reputation for blending offshore capability with a practical, angler-focused layout. Built to handle serious fishing trips farther from shore, the 31 Open highlighted a forward-looking acceptance of large four-stroke outboard engines and a hull designed for rough-water performance.
Hull and Performance
Neber’s design gave the 31 Open a deep-V hull with a 24.5-degree deadrise at the transom. The hull features two pairs of full-length lifting strakes that help the boat get on plane quickly, as well as wide reversed chines aft to reduce rolling when trolling at slow speeds. A sharp entry and generous bow flare were incorporated to cut through spray and provide a drier ride when running in rough conditions. These hull characteristics prioritize stability and seakeeping—key attributes for offshore fishing and blue-water passages.
Layout and Fishing Utility
The 31 Open’s 9-foot, 4-inch beam allows for a substantial helm console with a T-top and a step-down head compartment below. A robust double-wide bench seat/leaning post sits at the helm, and wide side decks flank the console for easy movement. The design emphasizes a single-level cockpit that stretches from the anchor locker to the transom, giving anglers room to move while fighting fish or managing gear. With no dedicated forward casting deck or seating on the console face, the foredeck could accept an optional coffin-style fishbox, preserving a continuous working surface.
Fishing-oriented features are abundant and practical: twin livewells built into the transom, a starboard transom door for easier boarding and handling, and four insulated fish boxes beneath the sole. Cockpit depth is above the knee, with thick bolsters around the cockpit coaming and a recessed stainless-steel handrail inside the coaming for added safety and comfort. These features reflect a focus on durability and the needs of anglers who spend long days on the water.
Engines, Range and Practical Considerations
When new, many 31 Open models were equipped with twin Yamaha 250 outboards. An owner of a boat with twin Yamaha 250 two-stroke engines reported wide-open speeds approaching 52 mph and typical cruising speeds in the high 20s to 30 mph range at moderate rpm. Moving to Yamaha 250 four-stroke engines added weight and modestly reduced top-end performance, but offered improved fuel efficiency and longer range—advantages for extended offshore trips. The standard fuel capacity for the model was 240 gallons, supporting longer runs between refueling stops.
Production and Legacy
The Contender 31 Open enjoyed a production run from 1995 to 2007. It remains a notable chapter in Contender Boats’ history for its combination of seaworthy hull design and angler-centric features. Contender continues to build center-console boats ranging from 25 to 44 feet at its Homestead, Florida factory, and the 31 Open stands as an example of the company’s early evolution toward larger, more capable offshore fishing boats.
The Contender 31 Open is prized by fishermen who value a clean, single-level cockpit, thoughtful fish-handling arrangements, and a hull designed to handle offshore conditions. Whether paired with two-stroke power for lighter weight and speed or four-stroke engines for economy and range, the 31 Open remains a practical choice for anglers who need a rugged, capable center-console for serious offshore work.
—John Wooldridge
This article was originally published in the September 2022 issue.