Headed down on Saturday morning to check out the subject boats, as I'm trying to make my 'short list'. Targeting 12-24 months to be in the market (depending on how soon I can get the time to be able to use it, and $, and 'permission' - i.e.avoid divorce). In the meantime, it's fun to figure out exactly what suits my needs, while also fulfilling the role of boat show 'dreamer' to get in Wiley's way.
And as far as I know now, my needs include solid laminate bottom, bi/tri-axial long-run cloth, preferably vacuum bagged, maximum storage/fishbox/livewell capacities, hardtop, Al tanks, large cockpit, transom door, Merc power, no-step deck, fast efficient hull, and some creature comforts for the wife and kid. You know, the basics.
Oh yes, and if I can get under 30' LOA and 9,000 lbs loaded, I can also deduct the costs of modifying my dock and upgrading my lift. Forget 'footitis', it doesn't live here.
I will try my best to make this objective and factual. If any reps/dealers/owners see that I've mis-stated anything, please correct me.
First stop was Contender / Boat Center:
27T:
Rear fishbox. Seem to be deeper than on previous models.
The world-famous Contender transom baitwells (27T now has 2 40-gal wells, like it's bigger brothers):
Just below deck inside bilge, looking forward. I'm no expert on stringer/deck joining, but I was surprised to see the gap extending forward of the nearest bulkhead and laterally above the locations I would believe there would be stringers:
Bilge, looking aft:
Console:
Anchor locker:
...and a few other shots. Overall a very nice package:
Contender 31T: Immense storage on this boat and a large cockpit. Very impressive. It appears about half the added length over the 27T is in the cockpit, and half ahead of the console. It also appeared to be quite a bit larger than the 27T (they were side-by-side). With the 27T advertised at 8500 lb dry weight, and the 33T at 13,500 lb loaded, I would guess this one would go close to 12,000 loaded.
Transom door:
Rear view, with some cool LED under-gunnel lighting:
Rear fishbox. Note the 31T rear boxes look to be about 12-18" longer than in the 27T. They really go way back. Seem likethey might bemore difficult to clean, especially with the drains to the bilge (did not see any lines or pump hookups):
And they are surprisingly deep. This shot is taken looking aft from inside the box. Look at the cross-section on the far wall, it's a very large box:
The aft top did not appear to be finished or sealed, and there's a gap between the box and the deck. Here's a closer look:
Center cockpit well:
Bilge:
Note that's the fishboxdrain at lower right, I believe:
Gunnel view:
Helm view:
Foredeck:
Front box:
Console:
Very large cockpit. I huge plus in my book:
Here you can compare the 27T and 31T cockpits (sort of):
Seahunter 29:
After hearing all the buzz about the Seahunter, I had to have a look. I will say this, the pictures on their website DO NOT do this hull justice, and it looks far sweeter in person. I was under the impression the hull bottom was cored, but the rep stated it was solid laminate.
I want to be fair here with a boat that's brand new design and fresh out of the mold, so I'm not going to comment on details as I'm sure they are working them out. I'm talking about things likebilge hardware, tackle station, and finishing touches. All relatively minor stuff, and I only mention them here to give a feel for the level and significance (i.e. easily 'fixed' if you think they need fixing in the first place).
Also the rep I talked to was very helpful and enthusiastic. He appeared proud to be showing the boat, and my impressions are that he had good reason to be.
This boat looks fast just sitting on the trailer!
Now for the storage: It was unbelievable. The front box has swordfish written all over it, and the rear center box (they said could be a livewell but guess that's if you're transporting 10,000 livies somewhere) was immense. I really like a big aft box like this, and this one went something like 30" wide by 18" deep by 60" long! (all guesstimates).
This boat also has a side-entry console, which appears to maximize storage space in front compared to the front-entry design. Hardtop, I was told, is Schedule 80 Al and very beefy. Piping design looks unusual in previous pictures I've seen, but I'd more aptly describe it as 'wild' in person. Still not sure whether I like it or not.
Transom needs a door near the gunnel for me, as I like to dive. That and some creature comforts (may be available - just didn't have time to ask), along with assurance of a solid bottom, would put this on my short list.
Sea Vee:
I focused on the 290b as it looked like a good fit for me, and since the 320b added length is apparently forward of the cockpit. Storage space is arranged differently than on the 27T, with saddle tanks (like the Seahunter 29) and a center livewell that is larger, but lacking the rear fishboxes. Creature comforts far better than the other brands, but less overall storage (boxes and wells). Cockpit size seems comparable. Fit, finish, hardtop, console, and attention to detail all better than the others (my opinion). Vacuum-bagged construction (another plus).
Donny, the salesman (turns out he's also the local SeaVee rep in my area) took the time to show me the boats in detail, even though I told him upfront I wasn't there to buy. He took time tohearandanswer all my questions, and I'd be surprised if that wasn't reflective of the customer service I'd expect from these guys. Appeared to be a very well-run operation. Definitelyon short-list.
290b:
Transom well (45 gal):
Center livewell (90 gal, can also be a fishbox):
To be fair, I took the same upper perimeter shot as on the Contender, but here it appears to be sealed:
Bilge (I forgot to do the forward shot just under the deck, like in the Contender - sensed wife becoming impatient!):
Console:
Front fishbox - maximizes available length:
And a few other shots of the 290b. I noticed the Sea Vee doesn't have the perimeter grabrail that Contender and Seahunter do. Would appreciate any real-world experience whether the rail is a significant plus:
In the end, all I can say is thank God the Sea Vee 290b did not have the center cockpit box of the Seahunter 29, a side-entry console, and the Contender transom wells, or I might well have had trouble explaining my actions to the wife...
Lauderdale Pics/Report, Contender 27T/31T, SeaVee 290b/320b, and Seahunter 29 Only 
