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I have never posted because I know how to use "search this forum," button - but today I just have to share this with you guys. I finally got a call back from a Contender dealer after emailing them on Monday. I was inquiring on a new 21' Contender - & yes I know there are very nice used ones available but I am picky & have found some incredible information about the 21' Contender by reading the posts. I would just like to share what the dealer told me about some irregularities between him & you guys.
1. 200HPDI will push the boat mid 50's with no problem
2. E-Tec's are ticking time bombs (I really like E-Tec too)
3. People are ALL going to 4-strokes on the 21' Contenders because the weight difference is minimal & they are much more effecient. He actually recommeneded the 275 Verado which is over 100lbs heavier than the comparable Opti.
4. I shared some info that I had aquired from the board and he basically called me (& you guys) liars and that we were full of crap.
Just irritated that he kinda flamed the info I found on board - but what do I do - they next Contender dealer is over 300 miles away.....
my dad always tells me "you cant easily replace experience with knowledge, but you can replace knowledge with eperience" I think that is what applies here, that dealer is going by what the reps tell him, and know the factory projections, but realistically no body knows anyting till they learn it first hand (like everyone on the board here, and other forums etc) I would say research and go with your gut instinct,even if you are going against the recomendation of the dealer, he will have to honor the warranty of what you buy, whether its what he tells you to or not. Good luck, let us know how it turns out.
I don't own a 21 and never even been in one but I would think a 200 would push that at least in the upper 40's.
Etec? All a matter of opinion and his is no beter than anyone else's... bet he doesn't sell BRP products and had no real experience with them.
When you think about it, the weight penalty for a 4 stroke in a single application isn't all that bad. It's when you double or triple the weight diff with twins or trips that it get's out of hand. 100 extra lbs on the back of a 21' boat isn't going to be the end of the world... but 200 lbs extra will damn near sink it!
As for the e-tec the boat will be a repower or hull only deal because Contender does not rig evirudes factory direct atleast .If you do not like the salesman or dealer contact contender them selves and I am sure they will help you.When I was a dealer for them in the north east they were very helpful.I am no longer a dealer and I now know Marty Bistrong the factory rep has not been with them since this past febuary .So I how they still provide the good service they did for all their customers good luck if can help pm me?
Thanks
Location: Norfolk VA (home) Kitty Hawk NC, Tucker's Town Bermuda, Sarasota FL, Tuscaloosa AL (School)
Posts: 607
Well at least you're bright enough to realize he was full of sht. More power to ya. I love that boat too, but a dealer like that would turn me off on a purchase as well.
Thanks guys - he just rubbed me the wrong way - I did have an individual call me directly from Contender to follow up on my request - of course I am still waiting the "hour -hour in a half" for the dealer to check inventory
Very nice boat Blue_Moon - you are kinda out of my way geographically - I will be in Atlanta in a few weeks (if its still for sale) how far are you from there?
I have a 250 E-Tec on a 23 Contender... Opinions on motors are just that. You cant go wrong with either one of them, I love mine and you are making a great choice on a boat.. Good luck to you.. You can call Buckshot at Hickory Bluff Marine in Brunswick Georgia, Just tell him what you want, he will rig it the way you want and get it over to you in Texas.
__________________ Team Ha'wire
23 Contender w/ 250 E-tec
C-Quarters Marina "Carrabelle Florida"
Nijem Investments
Voigt's sheet metal and crane rental
Gary Minchew real estate
That would be enough for me not to deal with that dealer. The 21 is a great boat. If speed is your thing go for the F250 but it runs great and efficient with the 200HPDI. If you look on Craigslist there is a nice 2008 fully rigged with a trailer. Its located in Alabama. I think he is asking 45k
I have a 250 E-Tec on a 23 Contender... Opinions on motors are just that. You cant go wrong with either one of them, I love mine and you are making a great choice on a boat.. Good luck to you.. You can call Buckshot at Hickory Bluff Marine in Brunswick Georgia, Just tell him what you want, he will rig it the way you want and get it over to you in Texas.
what kind of numbers are you getting with your e-tec? i have a 23 with a 2002 250 ox66 that i am think about putting a 250 e-tec on.
i am lucky to hit 46-47 with 2 guys. 100 gal of gas & 150 lbs of ice.
contact contender direct. talk to Billy Cordas, 305-230-1600 he will give you the facts. they will put the boat together (minus e-tec) and ship to your dealer. you will pay a small comish to dealer. I would stick with a yamaha second verado. I am in miami etec repairs are very hard here. Yamaha is the best sec by verado and suzuki. Good luck, the 21 is a cool boat!!
contact contender direct. talk to Billy Cordas, 305-230-1600 he will give you the facts. they will put the boat together (minus e-tec) and ship to your dealer. you will pay a small comish to dealer. I would stick with a yamaha second verado. I am in miami etec repairs are very hard here. Yamaha is the best sec by verado and suzuki. Good luck, the 21 is a cool boat!!
Yes, you can get a Contender w/o engine, or rigging. But my experience in doing this is that it is a LOT cheaper to buy one rigged with a Yamaha, then de-rig it and sell the gauges, shifter, engine, etc., - and then install your engine of choice.
I know it's not "apple to apples", but my 21, with a Yam 250 4 stroke will run 53mph with 2 persons and fishing load. Cruises at 35-38mph and burns 3.0-3.5gph. At WOT burn is about 21-24gph. Boat is rated for 300hp. I would not get less than 250.
david
Thanks guys - he just rubbed me the wrong way - I did have an individual call me directly from Contender to follow up on my request - of course I am still waiting the "hour -hour in a half" for the dealer to check inventory
Very nice boat Blue_Moon - you are kinda out of my way geographically - I will be in Atlanta in a few weeks (if its still for sale) how far are you from there?
Atlanta, I'd say 7 hrs. Maybe we could meet half way.
Take a look at my 21 Contender pics and let me know if you have any questions. It has about every available option, and then some (troll ' n trim, casting platform, etc...?.
Exactly what was he saying we were full of crap on? I owned a 21 Contender for 10 years. I got mine new in 98 and it had a yamaha 200 carbed saltwater series. With 1/4 tank of gas and no top with two adults and no other gear it would run 55mph. Fill the gas tank and it dropped to 52. I then had a fiberglass ttop made for it with front and side curtains and the top speed dropped to 50 but when it was close to empty gas wise with the motor trimmed way out it would often hit 52.
I don't know what else you all talked about as you really did not mention what he was saying was not true for the info you discussed. I ran mine in about every kind of condition you could with as many as 5 adults on board, fished inshore and offshore. I'm sure all of us 21 owners would be glad to give you addtl feedback.
One thing to keep in mind. Many dealers are full of crap. Many of them have never even been in the boats they sell or only some of them and may will just flat out lie to you to make the sale. I know that might be hard for some folks to believe but that's just the way it is.
Contender Dealer 
(I really like E-Tec too) 
IGFA Certified Observer
