Contender 25T: 2026 Boat Buyers Guide

Contender Boats has proudly built semi-custom sportfishing boats for more than 40 years. The company says each vessel is “carefully engineered and meticulously handcrafted – not because it is the easy way, but because we have a reputation to uphold.”

That reputation is all about building fishing-focused boats that outperform and outlast others, from its first Contender 25 Classic in 1984 to its latest models. 

The brand was launched by free diver, spearfisherman, conservationist and still-company-owner and president Joe Neber. Contender supports several fisheries conservation organizations. The company has two Florida manufacturing facilities—Homestead and Fort Pierce. The Homestead location serves as the company’s headquarters, and it is here where the larger custom Contender boats are built. The Fort Pierce facility produces boats in lengths ranging from 32 feet and under.  

No two anglers are alike, nor are two Contenders, since every boat is semi-custom built to each buyer’s specifications. The company offers 14 base models, 24 to 44 feet, on either step or deep-V hulls, and in tournament, bay and fish-around models. 

From power to electronics to upholstery to rigging, owners match boat features to their needs as anglers and families, as well as commercial applications, all while maintaining simple, clean and balanced performance to “get you in the fish, and safely back home,” as Contender likes to say.

Speed, fishability and utility are brand hallmarks. The company says more tournaments are won aboard Contender boats than on any other brand. Today, there are more than 10,000 Contender boats on the water.

Contender 25T

The Contender 25T is the newest iteration of the company’s original 25 Classic. It is tournament-focused and owners can fine-tune the boat for his or her tastes through semi-custom specification when ordering a Contender.

The 25T is one of the smallest three-piece boats (hull, liner, cap) on the market and that technique, combined with a 24.5-degree deadrise, represents big-boat construction in a small-boat package. The 25T is a trailerable boat that’s also big and spacious enough for a smooth ride and a sizeable crew.

Some call it an entry-level boat within Contender’s Tournament Series, but they’re quick to add it’s a great way to acquire a fishing platform with everything necessary to compete offshore, a rugged build just like the other Contender Tournament boats, including the same stout stringer grid design for which Contender is famous.

Clean, uncluttered around-the-boat fish-fighting space is a key feature. A laceless soft T-top with lighting and four rod holders is all business. At the bow is a 140-gallon fish box, with two more 76-gallon boxes aft. There are under-deck rod lockers on each side, and under gunwale racks for three sticks each. The transom features a supersized 40-gallon livewell.

Other standard features include an anchor locker, built-in console front seat with cushions and cooler, a console with cupholders, side entry door to the console interior, and a clear acrylic windshield. A fixed-back aluminum leaning post with backrest has a tray, four rod holders and footrest. Aft is an oversize in-deck, cockpit-center bilge access, and the full transom features a dive door and integral swim platform. 

Then come the many options: Yamha Helm Master EX Full Maneuverability package, upgraded fiberglass hardtop, rod holders and second station, electric head, clear-vinyl enclosures, leaning post upgrades, rear bench seat, cockpit coaming pads, outriggers, electric reel outlets, forward seating and upgraded upholstery and stitching. 

Performance Data

• Test Power: Twin Yamaha F150 outboards
• Test Props: Yamaha Reliance 19″ pitch
• Test Load: 73 gal. of fuel, two people
• Test Speed: 26.4 MPH @ 3,500 RPM
• Max Range: 322 mi. (with 10 percent fuel reserve)

Specifications

Contender Boats – Homestead, Florida; contenderboats.com