2004 Contender 36 Open

Step aboard and you’ll notice how the 36 Open feels bigger than the numbers suggest. High gunwales and a deep cockpit let you lean into a bite without feeling exposed, while the wide walkaround bow keeps anglers clear of each other when the troll turns into a fire drill. The console has just enough protection for long runs, with room to tuck gear and escape the wind. Under the forward seating you’ll find real storage, not just token compartments, so tackle, dive bags, and extra lines all have a home. The hull’s dry ride and predictable attitude at speed are what Contender owners brag about—tracking true in a quartering sea and carving cleanly through slop without pounding the crew.

In this region, conditions can swing from calm mornings to stacked afternoon chop, and the 36 Open’s proven offshore hull is built for exactly that kind of variability. Its length and beam give it the reach to work distant rips, reefs, and ledges while still being manageable for a small crew. Triple outboards provide the speed to take advantage of short weather windows and the redundancy offshore anglers appreciate. The open layout keeps the deck clear for kite spreads, bottom rigs, or trolling multiple lines without tangles. With substantial fuel capacity and a hull that likes to run efficiently at cruise, it’s well suited for long days that start before sunrise and end after the last fillet is bagged.