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My 21 Contender has the same interior space as the 23, weighs 400 pounds less, uses less fuel and costs approx. $12K less. So why am I so drawn to the 23 Open?
Here is a good comparison posted by REH:
Quote:
"Both the 21 and 23 ride great, very dry in most conditions. 23 a little easier to keep the bow down. Both like to run fast and have a smooth re-entry in most sea conditions. The 23 is more stable at rest due to the flat underside of the eurotransom.
23 advantages:
Two insulated aft fishboxes in addition to the large insulated front box. The front fish box is tall enough to hold 5 gal buckets.
Large Console option on the 23 is a big advantage. Easy access to wiring, oil tank, and dry storage. Large console allows T-Top through bolting to console.
Livewell on the 23 is the same size but doesn't over flow.(21 with a heavy load in back of boat will sometimes overflow).
Water doesn't come in scuppers on a 23 (with heavy load in ******
23 fuel tank is accessable with out cutting the deck.
23 larger fuel tank (150 gallons)
23 has great bilge access (8" pie plate access only on the 21)
23 has front under gunwale rod holders.
Bow of the 23 is fishing friendly, interior walls are nearly vertical. This allows you to lean against the sides while fighting a fish.
23 has a storage area under anchor locker big enough to hold anchor ball and a couple marker jugs (long line floats).
23 has a full transom with door.
23 has more cockpit space.
21 advantages:
Bow sits higher at rest and trolling (Less spray in rough conditions then the 23, anchored or trolling)
Lower cost
Requires less HP
21 has more space in front of console
Will the 23 really out perform the 21 offshore? Not in the ride. Both almost the same in my opinion.
I fished a 1999 21' for a couple years and owned a 2001 23' for 3 years. Both great boats, good luck with your decision. "
littletunny - 5/22/2007 3:54 PM
................
Is the large console and 2 fish boxes worth it?
YESS!!
I fish a lot on my friends 21 and that console is a POS! The tournament console
is vastly superior. THe 21 is storage challenged. A 23 with the 2 extra boxes
and big console is a order of magnitude better.
>>>23 has great bilge access (8" pie plate access only on the 21)
Dont underestimate this one. My buddy said it is a MAJOR PITA to work in the 21 bilge.
>>> 23 larger fuel tank (150 gallons)
This one too, If you plan to go to the islands ($5+ a gallon)
littletunny - 5/22/2007 3:54 PM
................
Is the large console and 2 fish boxes worth it?
YESS!!
I fish a lot on my friends 21 and that console is a POS! The tournament console
is vastly superior. THe 21 is storage challenged. A 23 with the 2 extra boxes
and big console is a order of magnitude better.
>>>23 has great bilge access (8" pie plate access only on the 21)
Dont underestimate this one. My buddy said it is a MAJOR PITA to work in the 21 bilge.
>>> 23 larger fuel tank (150 gallons)
This one too, If you plan to go to the islands ($5+ a gallon)
JP
Your buddy is right!!! You ought to see my knuckles. I hate my bilge.
so the 23 open is not any bigger than the 21? Im considering buying a 23 open with single engine as this fits into my budget also...
It is 2 feet longer than the 21.
Little Tunny - I really do like my 23 - but there will be advantages that you will see of the bigger boats after a couple years with the 23 (3 piece construction and the transom livewell). I've only walked on the 21 Contender and seen them in the water, so I have no first hand experience about a difference in ride, but the comparison you cited makes sense with the flat area under the transom and the 23 being a bit more stable.
From what I remember, the cockpit (area between the leaning post and transom) of the 23 had a bit more space than the 21. The two aft boxes are very useful for storage, and I'm sure it must be a bear to figure out where to put all the extra stuff. And one extra perk - the 23 can hold twins.
littletunny - 5/25/2007 8:19 PM So why in the hell am I so drawn the 23?? I cant get it out of my head.
Because bigger is better, and it doesn't stop at the23. Don't know where you are, but in the Gulf here, we don't get much in the way of swell, mostly chop. A few more feet makes a difference in the ride. Don't know how much 2' would do, but it won't be any worse. I think the 25 might be a significant difference. Good luck with your dilemma.
__________________
"Destination"
2005 Contender 27 Yamaha F225's
Actually, You DON'T disagree with me. You THINK you disagree with me, but you're mistaken. You're simply experiencing an illusion caused by the limits of your comprehension. -Dilbert
I have a 23 open and my good friend has a 21. I have fished on both.
this is gonna sound like a repeat of whats already been said.
The room behind the leaning post is better on the 23.
The bow is easier to fish from.
Bilge access is better.
The two rear fish boxes are nice for storage.
I have 600' of rope, with 15' of chain and anchor in my anchor locker. still room for more.
I have four type one pfd's and three type two pfd's and a throw cushion in the compartment under the anchor storage.
In the gulf chop that we have the extra two feet is definately noticeable.
At least between mine and his because
he had a 200 carbed yamaha on his. The motor blowed and he put a new 250 suzuki fourstroke on it. He says its too heavy, the ride ain't as good, he can' get the bow down like he used to could.
We ran together about 32 miles out of orange beach one day in three to four foot nasty chop, I would have to stop and wait on him. this was after he repowered though.
There are some things I like better about the 21'.
Easier to tow with a half ton truck.
His boat is faster.
And burns less fuel.
Now i'm not at all knocking the 21 contender because its a fine boat.
I would be proud to own one.
I'm just stating the differences as I see it after fishing both of these two particular boats.
I was actually shopping for a 21 when I ran across the 2002 23 that I have.
We just got back from a boat vacation with both of these boats.
We launched at Dauphin Island Alabama and ran to Ft. Walton VIA Icw.
It was a 90 mile run each way. Two people on each boat.
We cruised about 32 mph on the trip down there.
We both have flow scans that are very accurate.
My 23 burnt 38 gallons and his 21 burnt 30 gallons.
I'm running a yamaha ox66 250.
I have the small console in my boat. With a single engine.
I would like to have a 23 open with twin 150's and the larger console.
If it was to do over again thats what i would look for.
littletunny if you mostly fish just two people, then i would stay with the 21'.
if you like to fish four people alot then i would consider moving up and having more storage, and fish boxes, and more comfortable for fishing two off the bow and two off the stern.
I have a 26 Reg but a good friend had a 21 Contender with a 200 Yamaha 2 stroke and let me run it one day. What a great 21' boat. I just loved the way it rode and handled. I did not care that much for the console, storage or bilge access but man it would run through some chop.
I have seen the 23 Contender Open on only one occasion but did not get to run it. However for my money I would try to step up to the 23 Tournament Contender if I were going to step up for the following reasons.
Better ride, better storage, better balanced for twin or single 4 stroke engines, better console. I'll bet it will burn a little more fuel than the 23 open but I just think you are getting a heck of a lot more boat, whereas going from the 21 to the 23 open you don't gain that much. If you go from the 21 to the 23 open I bet in a couple more years you will want something bigger. Just get it from the get go with the 23 T.........or even better the 25...
Why do I want a Contender 23 Open?? 
