2004 Contender 31 Open

The 2004 Contender 31 Open is a center-console sport-fishing boat designed for offshore fishing, tournament use, and fast coastal cruising. It has an overall length of approximately 31–32.5 feet, a beam of about 9 feet 4 inches, a fiberglass deep-V hull, and a dry weight of around 5,200 pounds according to current brokerage specifications.

The design focuses on an open, level deck and practical fishing space rather than enclosed accommodation. Its layout includes a raised livewell, self-bailing cockpit, walk-through transom, large fish boxes, rod storage, and a walk-in console, making it particularly suitable for anglers who need a functional platform for offshore fishing.

Is the 2004 Contender 31 Open for Sale?

Yes, 2004 Contender 31 Open boats continue to appear on the used-boat market. Recent listings have included examples in Florida, South Carolina, Texas, and other U.S. markets, although individual boats can sell quickly or be withdrawn from the market.

Because these boats are more than 20 years old, specifications and equipment can vary significantly between individual examples. Buyers should compare the actual engine package, fuel-tank configuration, electronics, trailer, fishing equipment, maintenance records, and refit history instead of assuming that every 2004 Contender 31 Open has the same setup.

2004 Contender 31 Open Price

Recent asking prices provide a useful indication of the market range. A 2004 Contender 31 Open has been listed around US$109,500–$140,000, with one Sarasota example advertised at US$114,000 and another Georgetown example at US$140,000. These are asking prices and can change depending on the boat's condition and equipment.

Condition has a major influence on the value of an older Contender 31 Open. A boat with newer outboards, updated Garmin or Furuno electronics, well-maintained fuel systems, fresh upholstery, and a quality trailer may command more than an otherwise similar boat requiring an engine replacement or major refit. Buyers should evaluate the complete condition before comparing prices.

Performance and Propulsion

The 2004 Contender 31 Open was designed around twin outboard propulsion, and examples on the brokerage market have been fitted with different engine packages. One documented example uses twin Yamaha F300 engines producing 300 hp each, while other 2004 boats have been equipped with different Yamaha or Mercury outboards.

The deep-V fiberglass hull is intended for offshore operation and handling in challenging conditions. Performance varies considerably with engine selection, propellers, fuel load, and hull condition, so buyers should avoid relying on a generic top-speed figure. A sea trial is the best way to evaluate acceleration, cruising efficiency, steering response, engine synchronization, vibration, and handling at different RPM ranges.

Exterior Design and Construction

The Contender 31 Open uses a fiberglass deep-V hull with a center-console layout and a relatively wide 9-foot 4-inch beam. Its one-piece level deck runs from bow to stern, creating an unobstructed working area that can be useful when moving around the boat during fishing or when fighting a fish offshore.

Fishing equipment is integrated into the exterior layout, including a raised livewell, self-bailing cockpit, walk-through transom, two large forward fish boxes, aft fish boxes, rod holders, and provisions for outriggers. The exact equipment depends on the individual boat, so buyers should inspect pumps, livewells, fish boxes, drains, transom hardware, leaning-post structures, and deck surfaces carefully.

Interior and Accommodation

The 2004 Contender 31 Open is primarily an open center-console fishing boat rather than a yacht with conventional overnight accommodation. The console provides a walk-in area that can offer protected storage and functional space, but buyers should not expect the separate cabins, salon, or heads found on larger cruising yachts.

The open layout instead prioritizes usable deck space for fishing and day cruising. Depending on the individual boat, equipment can include removable rear seating, padded bolsters, console storage, electronics, sound systems, and other practical additions. These features should be evaluated according to the intended use, whether that is tournament fishing, offshore angling, family day trips, or coastal cruising.

What to Check Before Buying a 2004 Contender 31 Open

Before making an offer, a professional marine survey and sea trial are strongly recommended. The inspection should cover the fiberglass hull and deck, stringers, transom, through-hulls, fuel tanks, steering system, trim tabs, bilge pumps, electrical components, livewell plumbing, fish-box drainage, and other systems exposed to years of saltwater use. The hull should also be checked for previous repairs, impact damage, moisture intrusion, and structural modifications.

The outboard engines deserve particular attention because many 2004 examples have since received replacement engines. Each engine should be inspected separately, including engine hours, ECU or diagnostic reports, service records, compression where appropriate, cooling systems, lower units, steering, trim and tilt systems, and propellers. Electronics, trolling motors, outriggers, batteries, chargers, fuel systems, and the trailer should also be tested before completing the purchase.