1998 1998 Contender 27

Step aboard and you can feel this hull was laid up in the era when Contender overbuilt everything. The 27’s deep-V entry and classic, lean lines give it that soft, dry ride offshore and a nimble feel around the docks. Wide, uncluttered decks and high gunnels make it easy to work a fish 360 degrees, while the forward open layout can flip from bait-slinging duty to sandbar lounging in a heartbeat. Ample in-deck fish boxes, a serious livewell, and smart storage keep gear stowed but always within reach. It’s the kind of platform that’s simple, honest, and purpose-built—no fluff, just a serious fishing machine that’s still easy to own and run.

In these waters, conditions can change from glassy to stacked-up chop in a single tide, and that’s where the 27’s proven hull really shines. The sharp entry and solid construction let you run comfortably on longer offshore hops to reefs and ledges, while the efficient length and beam still keep fuel burn reasonable on daily runs. When afternoon storms roll through, the boat’s predictable handling and responsive steering make quick work of a sprint back inside. Shoal areas and winding channels are easier to navigate with this size class, yet you still have the range and seakeeping to chase pelagics well beyond the inlet and then slide into a shallow anchorage to unwind.