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Contender 38 Express - Contender 38 Express
by Capt. Armando Eason
A nimble and versatile sportfisher
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This is no run-of-the-mill, stark for-fishing-only boat. The Contender 38 Express is appointed in a manner that most big boat builders incorporate into their designs. Only the finest aluminum and stainless steel is used on the interior and exterior. The interior is beautifully appointed with teak trim, teak grating in the head, and all the “little things” that make it a functional and beautiful yacht. In fact, this test boat was optimized for West Coast angling at its finest, and its features illustrate the unique needs of sportfishers in this region.
A First Look
Starting with from the bottom of the boat, the hull and decks on the 38 Express are hand -aid fiberglass throughout using multi-directional fabric for strength and durability. Vinylester resin is used for reliable construction and easy repair. The foam-cored solid-glass stringer system maintains an integral connection to the outboard motor platform to ensure rigidity and hull integrity in even the roughest sea conditions.
You can’t help but notice the stunning custom-built aluminum tower. The tower’s builder, C-Fab, and the design team at Contender put a great deal of thought, experience and effort into making it a functional, well-built, sturdy and absolutely beautiful structure. The welds and contours of the 2-inch aluminum tubing are perfect. Bottom line, this tower does not look like an add-on or an afterthought. It blends so well that it looks like it was part of the original design.
Three Kickers to Go
Another unique design feature are the three powerful 350 hp Yamaha outboard motors, which have a total maximum rating of 1,400 hp. They are secured to the built-in platform within easy reach of the cockpit. This design allows for ample room in the cockpit for optional bait tanks, baitwells, lazarette space, and a fighting chair if so desired. The boat tested has a 65-gallon bait tank mounted in the cockpit, which still afforded plenty of room for crew, guests and anglers.
The Yamaha 350 hp package allows for the captain to run on one center, two outside or all three engines. This feature is perfect for desired high speeds to and from your secret fishing grounds, or for slow speeds when trawling. The captain has full control when using any of the three options. This feature offers easy close-quarters maneuverability and increased fuel economy.
Engine selection is an easy process. There is a selector button on the engine controls and with one touch of the button, the operator has the desired combination. Also on the port shifter/throttle is a trim switch to trim the boat for perfect balance at high and low speeds. In addition, the recessed Kiekhafer trim tabs fine-tune the trim for added speed, fuel economy and comfort.
These exceptionally quiet motors pushed us easily at 27 knots at 3900 rpm, using the three motors consuming only 38 gph of fuel. At this speed and even at full speed, which is 51 mph, conversation was conducted in a normal voice. The ride at any speed was quiet, steady and solid. I always had a feeling of confidence and safety during the sea trial. The power steering made it a dream to steer.
While at trolling speed and beam-to-sea, the boat was stable, comfortable and easy to get around the deck and cockpit. A full-circumference cockpit pad is just the right height for comfort and stability to keep you securely on board when fighting a big fish.
With a “ready to fish” wet weight of 16,422 pounds, an 11-foot, 8-inch beam, and a 22-degree deadrise, this yacht is stable and comfortable in just about any sea condition. It holds 480 gallons of fuel with an option for an extra built-in 110-gallon fuel tank.
Fisherman-Friendly Features
It is easy to gain access to the Fortress bow anchor by way of the walk-around deck and spacious foredeck. The 1 ¾-inch polished aluminum rails adds to the style and beauty of this stunning yacht. Like the beautiful tower, the welds and construction of the rails are perfect.
There are two 45-gallon bait tanks built into the transom’s fantail. Contender has opted to customize (standard) these bait tanks by pressurizing them. This unique system works by sealing the top of the tank’s lid using a rubber gasket and by locking down the lid. By filling the tank to the brim, the tank becomes slightly pressurized so the bait won’t slosh around while under way. The end result is live, fresh bait when you get to your favorite fishing spot: a real advantage to the angler on longer runs. Either one or both of these bait tanks can be converted to accommodate tuna tubes. If desired, you can mount tuna tubes on the transom and still have two bait tanks. The yacht comes standard with Lee 4-rod holders, two on either side, but with the custom tower, this number jumps to 12.
There are two 110-gallon fishboxes to port and starboard in the cockpit. In the center line aft in the cockpit is a large lazarette, which allows easy access to the labeled bait tank manifolds, thru-hulls for the bait tanks, and the two 2,000 gpm bilge pumps. Here you will find the fuel filters for the three powerful outboard motors mounted in a spot to facilitate easy service. There is still ample room for storage.
Forward are the captain’s chair, co-pilot seat and passenger seats manufactured by Lee. These beautifully crafted seats offer plenty of comfort and durability. The Lee seats make a beautiful addition with their chrome hardware and white upholstery. An optional cooler/refrigerator is conveniently located under the passenger’s seat. If you don’t need this option, it can be another storage area or icebox.
Under the captain’s seat is a barbecue and a sink with hot/cold running water. Just below the barbecue is a two-drawer tackle station. This station also holds three plastic compartmentalized boxes. The tackle drawers and cabinet are made from durable Marine Lumber material. There is a Sony stereo with six speakers for perfect sound in the cockpit and salon areas.
In the operator’s station, the captain has instant system information with easy-to-read instruments. There is room for a 12-inch GPS/Plotter, autopilot (the boat tested has a TR-1 autopilot), a complete array of engine gauges, a magnetic compass, trim tab controls, a VHF with remote and bow thruster control. A complete 360-degree view from the captain’s station ensures safety and easy close-quarters handling.
A hydraulic system lifts the seating area, which opens to easy access to the 7kw Kohler genset. There is plenty of room to perform scheduled maintenance on the generator. Also in this area are the house and starting batteries. A row of waterproof circuit breakers and switches that regulate the ship’s electrical systems is located in this convenient space. The area is large enough to get in and out for easy maintenance and servicing.
A Spacious Interior
Just forward of the operator’s station is a spacious seating area. This huge seating area seats seven comfortably. The high-low teak table raises and lowers hydraulically for easy use and adjustment. Storage under the seats offers easy access to safety equipment or food stores.
The cabin is well appointed with a two-burner electric Contoure stove, a stainless steel Isotherm refrigerator and a stainless steel sink with pressurized hot and cold water. The heating/air-conditioning system provides comfort for you and your guests even in the most extreme climates. A microwave oven is just above the beautiful Corian countertop.
Just forward is a comfortable high-low dinette table that lowers to make a double berth. The bulkheads and overhead are lined with a leather-like material, which is very pleasant to the touch and easy on the eye. A flat-screen TV/DVD is at your fingertips. There is ample storage under both seats.
Just aft and located slightly to starboard is the quest stateroom. This comfortable area has twin bunks and another flat-screen TV/DVD. Storage is abundant in this area with lockers inboard and outboard above the bunks under the bunks, and in the nightstand. A roomy hanging locker offers you and your guests the option to keep your evening clothes clean, dry and unwrinkled.
The functional head has a Corian countertop, a stainless steel sink with storage underneath, VacuFlush toilet and a mirrored cabinet. This also doubles as the shower area. There is a teak grated sole for easy drainage that adds a look of quality and craftsmanship to the compartment. There is a 30-gallon holding tank for blackwater.
Customize Your Contender
A real plus for the owner is that Contender Yachts offers a great deal of flexibility in factory options and customizing. The manufacturer will not change the tried and proven hull and deck configuration, but will accommodate the buyer’s wishes for custom features. Almost any request is put on the table and, discussed and if possible, built into the boat. This includes the hull color to any and all the distinctive details the buyer desires. The buyer can truly customize this boat to make it their own.
The Contender 38 Express is truly in the league of spacious, muscular and finely crafted sportfishing boats. The unique design, quality craftsmanship and attention to detail are the benchmarks of the entire Contender line. The Contender 38 is no exception and is the flagship of this versatile fleet of yachts.
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This article first appeared in the December 2008 issue of Sea Magazine. All or parts of the information contained in this article might be outdated. |
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