2006 Contender 25fs with Yamaha 150 4 Strokes...experience?

[jtms]

Looking at this boat and I am hearing this boat is underpowered with 150's. The sales rep from a very reputable dealer recommends the 200 HPDIs or 150 4 Strokes. Ran the boat with the 4 Strokes and we got up to 48 mph that day. Rep claims it will go 52 with 3 blade props, we ran the 4 blade that day. My dumb dumb, but I didn't check how much gas we had on test day. Will run it again if I get serious.Anyone own one that can speak to this? Concerned once you load the boat up with gear and 4 guys for fishing it will be a tank. Price is 85k which I think is very attractive...assuming the power is okay.

[capt_matt]

I am interested to hear answers on this question too.

I would also be interested to hear your impression of the boat after running it. What is your assessment of the deck layout? How is the helm layout for operating the boat?

The $85k number is boat and motors, no trailer I assume. Are you in a state with multiple Contender dealers? I am trying to get a sense if that price is due to competition, the overall slow market for new boats or that it is just the standard street price with that power.

[cold beers]

I have no experience with the boat. But I think the reason for the good price is it is under powered. Next time you go to run it take 6 or 8 of your buddy's with you to put a load on it, and see how you like it.
For me the rule of thumb is to power the boat at lest to 75% of the max rated horse power.

Steve

[jtms]

Capt Matt,

I thought the boat ran great....very solid ride. I am down to the Reg 26, Southport 26, and this Contender. The price is w/o a trailer and it is a leftover 2006. Right now the Reg is my favorite, but their is a major price difference....I mean 35-40k difference. Maybe it is b/c this boat is underpowered. If it is not, then for that kind of price difference I REALLY like the Contender.

I have seen several folks with this same boat with the 150 4 strokes, hopefully a couple of them will respond. I know that boat with 250's will run 60+, I cannot ever imagine needing to go that fast.

As far as the layout, I liked it a lot. As far as putting 6-8 guys on the boat, I never fish more than 4 guys on my boat. While cruising I might have 6-8 people of more, but if I am doing that I am not concerned about speed....might spill our beers if we hit a wave.

A lot of the hardcore fishing guys will not like the forward seating, but I fish 50%, cruise 50% so I love the forward seating. The new console or head is a major improvement over the prior 25 version. I thought the layout was great.

[acendhole]

I run a 2007 23T with twin F150's. I just installed a pair of 19 pitch three blade Turbo props one week ago. When testing the boat with these props, I was by myself had 100 gallons of fuel, safety gear, and curtains. My boat ran 54 mph WOT trimmed out. Top of the fuel tank and add another person and fishing gear, I'll be around 50-51 WOT. That was close to what I was running with the black 19 pitch Yamaha props. I can't say that the 25S will be underpowered as I've been impressed with the power and torque of the F150's. I would think the 25S with F150's should top out in the mid to high 40's depending on load.

[dubbs]

I am in need of some real world performance numbers as well. I have a 25 contender hull that needs power. I spoke with the local contender dealer and they quoted me numbers that were close to yours. I would be happy with mid to high 40's.

At 4000 rpms what was your speed and fuel burn ?

[Fluka Brasi]

If it is important to you that the boat planes on one engine, I would test that out for all the boats your looking at. Also, if you think the boats are "equal" and there is a 35-40K difference in price, you could put any power you wanted on there, sell the 150's, and still save a bunch of coin.

[offshore3144]

dubbs - 1/8/2007 9:24 AM

I am in need of some real world performance numbers as well. I have a 25 contender hull that needs power. I spoke with the local contender dealer and they quoted me numbers that were close to yours. I would be happy with mid to high 40's.

At 4000 rpms what was your speed and fuel burn ?

I have the pre 2006 hull and have 200hpdis. As I said before this seems to be the perfect match for this hull.

These are with the boat loaded with fuel gear and three on board. On a average trip of 160miles I get between 1.8-2.0 mpg overall for both motors combined. That is if I cruise at 3500rpms heading out and heading back in.....Mark

3000rpms 32mph
4000rpms 40mph
4500rpms 40mph
5000rpms 50mph

[gulfstream516]

I have the 23T w/150 4's.... love the set up. I think 85K for the 25 with 150's is a great deal. That's like 30K cheaper then the regulator or southport, I would be more then fine with hitting 48 mph with an extra 30K in my pocket. Besides the conditions will dictate how fast you go anyways. Is that price of 85K include the t-top, leaning post and what options? Where area are you buying in?
Good luck

[fishcop]

I have been on that boat with F250's and that hull wants to go fast. I would think f150's would be underpowered.

[Three Vs]

fishcop - 1/8/2007 1:21 PM

I have been on that boat with F250's and that hull wants to go fast. I would think f150's would be underpowered.

I agree with you fishcop...The one at Sealing with twin f250s is a beast...I ran the pre 06 with twin 200hpdis and she had not problem running 57mph...that boat is underpowered...

[allcape]

i run a 26 regulator with 150 4 strokes. tops out at 39 knots @5600rpm at 4500rpm 31.8 knots @16 gph at4250 28.8 knots@14gph with approx. 185 gal. fuel 3 people. i have no interest in 50 mph.

[bigtuna]

Boat is underpowered for sure! In rough seas you will be underpowered and have 4 strokes so you will not be able to work the throttles worth a sh!t! You will have no torque and that boat will struggle to get out the hole with gear, ice, full fuel, and 4-5 people. You are also going to work the heck out of those motors trying to achieve a decent cruise speed with a full load. I would not do it...I think resale is going to hurt and I don't think you will be satisfied

[Getn Busy Livn]

200 HPDI's is the best motor combination .... that boat is designed to run on top and in my experience twin 200's is the minimum I'd be comfortable with. As was mentioned above - the resale will be negatively affected because twin 200's is the standard for the hull. Good luck --- there's not a better 25-28' CC on the market!

[Got Salt?]

sounds underpowered. doesnt the 25 and 27 have some issues with getting the bow down? (forgive me if im wrong) the low power would only aggravate this condition.

beers is right on. putting 6 guys in the boat, even with only a half a tank, will better represent a 'fishing load' you cant very well load all your gear, tackle, junk, wifes junk, ice, beer, diet fresca, 15 gallons of stale 'fresh water', spare oil, downrigger balls, shimano butterbutt jigs, 50lbs of rotten squid, 5 lbs of knotted trolling lures and such in a boat to test ride, but you can ask a couple of buddies along to compensate for the weight. and another couple of eyes on board might see some things you might not think of.

where are all these '60 mph 25 contenders'? in two years of running the SKA i havent found one that we couldnt walk around, in any seas. are you guys just pulling my leg?

[offshore3144]

Got Salt? - 1/8/2007 3:18 PM
where are all these '60 mph 25 contenders'? in two years of running the SKA i havent found one that we couldnt walk around, in any seas. are you guys just pulling my leg?

There is no way mine will do 60mph. But I can guarantee you cant walk around this boat in "any seas" with yor McKee. You must be pulling everyones leg. I the Mckee 23te vs. the Contender 23T would be a much better comparison.......Mark

Come to NC and we will make a run together.....

[Got Salt?]

please dont think it a boast, or smak talk. i just havent seen those 60 mph 25 foot contenders that folks talk about. i can only speak about what ive actually seen. and i would never boast about my driving skills. my wife handles the helm, and i just handle the baits.
i know boats and drivers differ, i would never argue someone elses driving capabilies, and i am CERTAINLY not calling out any brand or model (check ALL my previous posts, its not my style at all), but with 2 seasons of SKA, and over 20 events with possibly dozens of the simular hull, i stand by what i said. more than enough folks can bear witness, from those events. i cant speak of opinion, only what i've actually experienced.

the 23T contender sounds like a more fair comparison, i agree. but experience tells a different tale. i'll say no more. i have no desire to step on the toes of 23T contender owners, but suffice to say, we've left several of our tournament circuit friends in disbelief. i dont know why they rig so many with 150 4s. the 200 hpdis are a great combo, and on flat seas they have more top end than we can muster, but in any challenging seas, the 'particulars' become evident. maybe we're just better suited for sporting weather? not that its a dry ride, but what 23/24 footer is?

we're planning on fishing one event in the carolinas this year (havent decided which one yet). no challenge or anything, but if you happen to see us there, give us a shout. if that event happens to have a shotgun or bimini start, i think you'll enjoy the first hand demonstrataion. in any seas.

cheers.
drew

[jtms]

For all of you that are interested. I emailed Contender directly and asked them about the power situation. Here is their response:

Jason, The 25S with F-150's will run in the 47-50 mph range depending on load. If you want four stroke power I believe the 150's are the best package from a power to weight ratio. If you do not mind the 2 stroke technology the 200 HPDI's will give a little stronger performance. Hope this helped, and thanks for your interest.

[fishcop]

Got Salt? - 1/8/2007 4:18 PM

sounds underpowered. doesnt the 25 and 27 have some issues with getting the bow down? (forgive me if im wrong) the low power would only aggravate this condition.

beers is right on. putting 6 guys in the boat, even with only a half a tank, will better represent a 'fishing load' you cant very well load all your gear, tackle, junk, wifes junk, ice, beer, diet fresca, 15 gallons of stale 'fresh water', spare oil, downrigger balls, shimano butterbutt jigs, 50lbs of rotten squid, 5 lbs of knotted trolling lures and such in a boat to test ride, but you can ask a couple of buddies along to compensate for the weight. and another couple of eyes on board might see some things you might not think of.

where are all these '60 mph 25 contenders'? in two years of running the SKA i havent found one that we couldnt walk around, in any seas. are you guys just pulling my leg?

No your right! Its the 27 that had some issues. Definitley not their best hull. However this new 25s is Bad ass! The one i was on went 60+ with twin F250's

[topcontender]

Got Salt...

I know of a 25 Open rigged with Verado 250's that I am pretty sure will do all of 60mph up here in New England...

My 23T only has F150's...