finbuster1

I am the original owner of a 1988 Contender, hull # 74 to be exact. The very last of the low cap design. The boat has been through its share of rum and cokes, rough seas, tournaments, t-tops, electronics, repowers and updates. I am in the process of finishing up a lengthly restoration and I was wondering if anyone out there has one of the pre 1988 boats or pictures of them showing the original CONTENDER 25 logos from the manufacture? I want to replicate the originals as close as possible. As many pictures as I have of mine and still cant find what im looking for. I am friends with a couple of guys at the contender factory and asked for their help but came up with no answers. They changed from the old logo in late 88 to early 89 to what is presently used. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to posting some pics when im finally finished.

littletunny

You telling me you've had the boat for 22 years?

85contender

I owned and restored an 85 Contender hull#25. If I recall correctly the logo was plain like this "CONTENDER25". I will check my photo album to see if i have a before pic. I'll send you and e-mail with some of my restoration pic's.

85Contender

finbuster1

yes i have owned the boat for 22 years. the only reason for restoration was the interior and cap gelcoat were no longer able to wax out. it kept hazing up in a few months and faded out and the non-skid was almost gone completely in certain areas. Hard to imagine especially with a covered to the trailer custom cover. And by the way the hull is still the original gelcoat only the rub rail inward was restored. I get a lot of compliments on the condition considering the year. Now that im almost finished it shows like new. I cant wait to get it back in the water.

finbuster1

85contender, i cant wait to see your pics. there is even a possibility i might have worked on or rigged your boat since thats what i use to do wayyyyyy back in those days.

herm5200

Vintage Contender pic,

85contender

Pic’s sent, Let me know if you did part of the rigging, I know the 2 custom transom live wells were done by Fred Herman.

85Contender

23Dorado

Are you the Hermco guy?

finbuster1

No I am not the HERMCO guy. But I did work for him for a brief period of time many many many years ago.

squirm88

Finbuster1, I would love to see some pictures of your restoration. I have a '96 and would love to get some ideas. Thanks.

finbuster1

herm5200, thanks for the picture. I am 99% sure that is what I was looking for. But hey all these years later who will question if the letter font is correct or not? I really do appreciate your time.

aquaholic2009

Finbuster1 - I'm about a week away from finishing my extensive restoration project on my 1988 CONTENDER 25. In fact, once I charge the hydraulic system I'm more or less done. I converted to the newer style decal in the mid 90's. During the prep work for the Awlgrip paint I sanded down to where you could see the outline of the older decal. The old and new decal over lapped each other. I may have a picture of that the older style was 25% smaller in height and length. I forgot that the 25 was included on the decal. Attached is the restored photographs. I have several of the original photos that I will scan at work tomorrow and forward. Dave

Attachment 121112

First Light

Cool. Lots of Mako owners have been restoring old Mako's for years now, and it's nice to see Contender owners doing the same.

Maybe someone needs to start a "Classic Contender" website?

DanBurdak

Hey guys, dont wanna make you all feel bad but I just parted with my contender, hull #0001, that Joe sold to me in '84 or '85. Let's see that would be 25 or 26 years!
The photo that was posted3below is Joe Neber and his then partner Don Herman (Schaeffer) at the first Miami International Boat Show and it was the "speckle deck" boat!

finbuster1

Aquaholic, looks like a great job on your restoration. Love to see more pictures. I will also be finally putting mine in the water within the next week or two. If you do find the older pictures of the decals please message me and I would love to see them. I had the newer style decals as well but really want to go back to original if possible.

RocknReeln

Awesome job.....I know its no way in the ballpark of what you all have done, but I have totally restored and upgraded mine---so I love the restores! Keep the pics coming. My latest project is re-painting my hatches with a light blue awlgrip.

Rival1

I really like the look with a low cap, Much cleaner look than the newer ones IMO looking forward to the pics.

swat1

You guys need to post more pics. I love those older Contender hulls.

surfishunt funds

Coolest thread I've read in a long time!!!! Post more pics....

finbuster1

As promised here are a few pictures of before and after.