Intro and Contender question

[Duma Key]

I've been lurking on this forum for almost a year, trying to learn something about boating and fishing. Fortunately, there are a lot of knowledgeable individuals who post on THT, and as well as a few who think that they are , so I have learned a lot.

I live in the middle of Michigan, 2 hours from Lake Michigan (Salmon) and an hour and a half from Lake Huron (Walleye). I am planning to retire next year, and I have been looking for a boat to use in Michigan, from May through September, and in the Keys, from December through March. I am thinking new or almost new, with a budget of $50,000. What I need has to be comfortable in 2-3 footers, have enough room for three or four people, have the potential to go 20 miles offshore on nice days, and has to be small enough to trailer around Michigan and to Florida and back, every year, with a (5.3 liter) 1500 Crew Cab Silverado. My wife will be spending at least some time in the boat in Florida, so we won't always be fishing, and it would be nice if I could throw a fly from the boat.

I have looked at several boats, been stiffed by a couple of dealers, and have fallen in love with a Regulator 24FS. However, I cannot afford the Regulator, and I am bright enough to realize that it is too much boat for all of the trailering that I will have to do. I am now thinking of either a large (22-23 foot) bay boat (e.g., Scout 221, Cape Bay) or a smaller (21-22 foot) deep V. On Friday I am going to look at a (very slightly used) 2009 Contender 21, with a T-Top and an F250 Yamaha. On paper it seems to fit the bill, but.....

I'm looking for some opinions about this particular Contender, given what I am looking for in a boat, and would also be happy to receive any suggestions regarding any other boats which you think might work for me. Thanks in advance for your help.

[wardmarine]

I have a 21 ' contender ( which is for sale only due to buying a 31) , i have owned all the name brand in this size, i feel that it is the best ridding boat in its class ( 21') period...

[tangent70]

Have you considered the contender 23?

[gb]

Look at the storage in the 23 open or 23T compared to the 21. They are all good boats. The 23 Open is easy to trailer with a 1/2 ton and will do everything you want it to. The 23 T would be more difficult. Reg 23 is also another good option. Will be hard to find a new boat in this size range that fits your price.

[Duma Key]

tangent and gb:

Thanks for the input.
The Contender I am looking at on Friday has an asking price of $49,900, and it really is almost new.

[nausetlight]

Take a look at the Regulator 21 CC, no longer in production but a nice used one can be found...

[gf]

If I could spend $50K, I sure wouldn't settle for a 21' boat.

Pretty nice Regulator 24FS here:

http://www.thehulltruth.com/boats-sa...tor-24-fs.html

[FreeByrd]

Looking forward to meeting you and your wife on Friday Ron.
Steve