Contender 35 Side Console

The Contender 35 Side Console (or 35 Express) is a versatile crossover boat with a split personality—her large cockpit is great for fishing and an offset console with lounge seating to port is well suited for cruising. The 35 Side Console is a semicustom boat with a long list of factory-installed options. Overnight trips are no problem on this boat; her well-appointed cabin can sleep four and includes a full-service galley with refrigerator, an enclosed head with shower, and a removable dining table. With a generous 10-foot beam, the clutter-free cockpit is perfect for fishing and with 340 gallons of fuel range is excellent. Standard features include an integrated dive platform, 38-gallon transom livewell, lift-out fish box, bait prep station, cockpit bolsters, raw-water washdown, trim tabs, cockpit lights, and a transom door. The helm deck lifts for access to a huge storage compartment below. On the downside, there’s not much space at the helm for flush-mounting electronics and bow access is a matter of climbing over the windshield, not an easy task. A good fishing platform with family-friendly amenities, twin Yamaha 250s top out around 45 knots.