“In Their Own Words” is an InTheBite exclusive that provides perspective and insight from the top minds in the sportfishing industry. In this installment, Contender President Joe Neber details his approach to Contender and all that goes into the creation of one of the industry leaders in big game center console fishing.
Founded in 1984, Contender Boats has been a leading voice in the center console sportfishing scene for more than 30 years. All of Contender’s 25’ and up models are composed of three pieces—the hull, liner and cap. The fiberglass pieces are molded to fit together. Designed for serious sportfishing applications, Contenders feature a toe kick design that allows you to fight a fish from anywhere on the vessel, with your knees and thighs fitting firmly against the rail.
Currently Contender’s Homestead, Florida-based facility produces around 350 boats per year. The company’s specialty features the combination of rapid production times with custom capability. All work is done in house—from welding to electrical to upholstery—everything. Service needs are accommodated by a dealer network of about 30 outlets throughout the United States.
Below is a photo tour of how the boats are manufactured.
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- Hull molds.
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- Hull preparation.
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- Resin strayer.
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- Resin over the top of fiberglass.
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- Transom view.
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- The pieces fitting together.
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- Tank installation.
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- Wiring. In house.
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- Hulls being finished.
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- Custon upholstery shop. In house.
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- Tower manufacturing, welding. In house.
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- Wiring, installation. In house.
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- Detail work on the cabin.
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- Lots of Yamahas…
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- Engine installation.
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- Tower ready. Next stop tournament fishing.
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- Finishing touches on a bay boat.
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- The test pond.
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- Ready for delivery.
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