Boat of the month: Contender 21 Open Offshore Fishing Boat
If this centre-console Contender 21 seems familiar, it dominated the front cover of issue #276 (Nov 23 – Dec 20, 2011). Built in the US by one of the most respected offshore boat manufacturers in the business, this is a tournament-grade thoroughbred fishing weapon in every sense, and is quite possibly the most detailed fishing machine to ever grace our pages. It doesn’t just have all the bells and whistles, this thing’s crammed with the whole freakin’ orchestra.
With three Simrad head units (2x12in for the console, an 8in on the bow), it packs 32in of fish-finding and navigational firepower that could detect a pilchard farting in 500 fathoms.
There’s everything here, including the kitchen sink. Actually, that’s a lie because Riley has crammed so much electronics into the boat, there wasn’t any space to fit one (but he reckons he gave it a real crack). Best of all, the units are networked and all on-board systems communicate with each other.
Conceived to cover most facets of the fishing spectrum, the deep centre-console layout provides 360° fishability when casting at bust-ups or wrangling a big ’un around the boat. However, deploy the outriggers, fine tune your troll speed and lay out your spread of lures and teasers and she instantly morphs into a consummate game-fishing machine.
Twin 90hp E-TECS provide loads of economical grunt and peace of mind, while 360L of fuel allows the Contender to prowl the canyons without ever concerning itself with boring stuff like fuel consumption (although such data — along with next week’s Powerball numbers — is at your fingertips).
Want the ultimate offshore fishing rig? This one’s a keeper.
Options fitted: Tandem alloy trailer with electric brakes; T-top; outriggers; anchor windlass; cover; bimini; forward sun lounger; removable rear seats; trim tabs; live well; deck wash; bait board; tackle storage seat.
Electronics: Two Simrad NSE 12in and one NSS 8in; 3G radar; StructureScan; 1kW Airmar in-hull transducer; Simrad VHF radio; Fusion DVD / iPod surround sound,
amp and sub woofer; I-Command Digital fly-by wire
instrument system.
Contact: Riley Tolmay
Email: Riley.tolmay@brp.com
Mob: 0419 177 622