Put it all together, and the ability to run a massive spread off the side of your boat makes the Contender 33 one of the best out there for drift fishing. Whether you’re chunking for tuna, live-baiting for sails, or deep dropping for tilefish, you could easily line a half-dozen anglers along one side of the boat and push it to eight, if you like. They’ll be comfy leaning up against those gunwales, too, thanks to the coaming bolsters lining the entire boat. Handholds are provided via a low-profile grab rail running from the console forward, all the way up to the bow, which is as wide-open as the rest of the cockpit. That makes for gobs of deck space, but no elevated casting deck.
The boat’s livewell system is another high point. With two wells in the transom (42 and 48 gallons) and a small swimming pool in the deck (115 gallons) you can haul all the goggle eyes, live crabs, and bunker that you like. They’re fed by a pump box which holds three 1500 GPH Rules, so keeping those baits healthy should be no problem. When you poke your head belowdecks to check the system out, be sure to take note of the fact that every seacock has a cut-off valve and every hose has a pair of clamps on it.
Once you’ve set the hook a time or two, the gigantic forward fish stowage box will come in handy. It’s so darn big I would have had no problem crawling in and taking a nap down there. Surprise: the hatch is easy to swing open, not only because of the gas-assist strut but also because it’s RTM molded. That ensures minimal weight, with maximum strength.
So, is this boat the king? That’ll depend on your personal preferences, of course. Do you want those wide gunwales, and the gobs of rodholders that comes with them? Does the gigantic forward cockpit appeal to you more then a casting deck? They’re personal choices, but if you’re looking for a 30-something center console, don’t make a pick until you get a ride on this boat—because for some guys, it’ll take the crown.
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| Gunwales are lined with holders, and preference is given to deck space over casting decks. |
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