2004 Contender 31 Open

Step aboard this 31 Open and you feel right away how much flat, usable deck space you’ve got to work with. The wide walkaround, leaner-style helm, and coffin box layout keep the cockpit open so a full crew can move without tangling rods or toes. The boat’s classic Contender sheerline and deep bow flare keep things dry when it gets snotty, and that sharp entry carves through tight chop instead of pounding over it. At the helm, sightlines are excellent whether you’re standing or perched on the bolster, and the controls fall right to hand, making long runs and frequent throttling up and down surprisingly easy on the body.

A 31 Open is right in the sweet spot for local waters where you might jump from shallow bays and inlets out to the edge on a single tide. The hull’s draft and balance let you work nearshore structure, yet it has the range and ride to comfortably chase weed lines and temperature breaks offshore. It’s agile enough to tuck into tighter marinas and ramps, but still carries the beam and fuel capacity you want when the forecast builds during the ride home. For crews who split time between serious fishing and casual sandbar days, this size and layout handle both without compromise.