Yachts for sale / Contender 30 Tournament

2023 Contender 30 Tournament

Emerald Isle, NC, US 30 ft · 9.5 ft' beam
Asking
$289,000
Our Thoughts

The 2023 Contender 30 Tournament is a purpose-built center console fishing platform that delivers serious offshore capability in a manageable 30-foot package. Powered by twin Yamaha 300 hp outboard engines with just 519 hours, this boat combines the reliability of modern four-stroke technology with the shallow-water advantages of outboard propulsion—a proven combination for anglers targeting everything from inshore species to offshore structure.

The 30-foot hull with a 9.5-foot beam is designed for the Atlantic's variable conditions, offering the stability and seaworthiness expected of the Contender name while maintaining the agility that makes center console boats so practical for fishing. The layout prioritizes angler functionality: a leaning post with integrated livewell, dual transom livewells for bait and catch management, three insulated fish boxes for preservation, and dedicated floor dry storage keep tackle and gear organized. A forward console cooler seat and adjustable helm seating address comfort during long days on the water, while the transom rod rack and kingfish-specific rod holders reflect the boat's fishing DNA.

Electronics are tournament-grade across the board. Dual 12-inch Garmin GPS/depth finders provide redundancy and detailed bottom mapping, complemented by a Garmin 18 XHD radar for weather and navigation confidence. Dual Garmin VHF radios ensure communication reliability, and integrated Garmin autopilot handles the helm during longer runs. A Fusion head unit with JL Audio amplification, speakers, and subwoofer brings quality sound to the helm and cabin spaces.

Deck lighting includes a light bar, spreader lights, and underwater lights for night fishing and nighttime visibility. Trim tabs enhance handling across sea states, a washdown system manages salt spray and fish blood, and a spray enclosure provides weather protection without compromising sight lines. Electric reel outlets support modern fishing equipment, and the boat arrives on a 2023 Magic Trail tandem axle trailer for easy transport and storage.

With 519 hours on the engines and Yamaha warranty coverage through June 2028, this Tournament model is well-positioned for immediate use or continued service. Located in Emerald Isle, North Carolina—home waters for serious offshore and nearshore fishing—this 2023 Contender represents the kind of equipped, purpose-driven center console that serious anglers and boaters expect.

Provided listing description Click to read the original broker text

2023 Contender 30 Tournament - TRADES ACCEPTED2023 Yamaha 300s (519 hours)Warranty Through 6/20282023 Magic Trail Tandem Axle Trailer$289,000Accessories:-Dual Garmin 12” GPS/Depth Finders-Garmin Auto Pilot-Garmin 18 XHD Radar-Dual Garmin VHF Radio-JL Amp, Speakers, Subwoofer-Fusion Head Unit-Leaning Post Livewell-Dual Transom Livewell-Electric Reel Outlets-Kingfish Rod Holders-3 Insulated Fish Boxes-2 Floor Dry Storage Boxes-Transom Rod Rack-Fwd Console Cooler Seat-Adjustable Helm Seating-Trim Tabs-Light Bar-Spreader Lights-Underwater Lights-Spray Enclosure-Washdown System-ETC.. Introducing the 2023 Contender 30 Tournament, a remarkable center console boat designed for both performance and versatility. With an overall length of 30 feet, this vessel showcases a robust hull made from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and stability on the water. Powered by twin Yamaha 300 hp outboard engines, this boat delivers an exhilarating experience with impressive power and reliability, having logged 519 hours of operation. The thoughtfully designed layout provides ample space for fishing, cruising, or entertaining guests, making it perfect for any water adventure. Equipped with essential features, this boat is ready for action, offering a seamless blend of functionality and comfort. The Contender 30 Tournament is not just a boat; it’s an invitation to explore the open waters with confidence and style. Experience the thrill of boating with this exceptional model that embodies quality and performance.

2023 Contender 30 Tournament Center Console: Offshore-Ready Fishing Platform with Twin Yamaha 300s
Overview
The 2023 Contender 30 Tournament represents a purpose-built center console engineered for serious offshore fishing and recreational boating. At 30 feet in length with a 9.5-foot beam, this vessel combines the maneuverability and open-water accessibility of a center console with the fishing-specific systems and accommodations expected of a dedicated tournament platform. Powered by twin Yamaha 300 horsepower outboard engines with only 519 hours of operation, the boat delivers the thrust and reliability required for extended offshore runs while maintaining the fuel efficiency and low-maintenance advantages of modern four-stroke outboard propulsion. The 2023 model year Contender 30 Tournament arrives equipped with a comprehensive suite of Garmin electronics, multiple livewells, insulated fish boxes, and specialized fishing infrastructure that positions it as a turnkey offshore fishing solution. The inclusion of a Magic Trail tandem axle trailer enhances transportability and storage flexibility, while the Yamaha outboard warranty extending through June 2028 reflects the factory-backed confidence in the propulsion system. This configuration appeals to anglers seeking a mid-sized center console with professional-grade fishing systems, weekend cruising comfort, and the ability to handle variable offshore conditions.
Helm and Electronics Integration
The helm station of the 2023 Contender 30 Tournament is anchored by a dual Garmin 12-inch GPS/depth finder setup, providing redundant navigation and sonar capability critical for offshore fishing. The Garmin 18 XHD radar adds weather awareness and target detection at extended range, while dual Garmin VHF radios ensure communication redundancy and compliance with offshore safety protocols. This multi-layer electronics architecture reflects modern best practices in marine navigation and allows the operator to cross-reference position, depth, structure, and weather conditions simultaneously. Garmin autopilot integration streamlines extended offshore transits and allows hands-free operation during fishing or when deploying trolling gear. The adjustable helm seating accommodates extended hours at the controls, while trim tabs provide real-time hull attitude adjustment for optimized fuel economy, ride quality, and stability across varying sea states. The light bar and spreader lights ensure comprehensive illumination of the working deck and forward sightlines during pre-dawn and twilight fishing windows, while underwater lights enhance nighttime appeal and may attract baitfish and larger gamefish species.
Fishing Systems and Deck Layout
The 2023 Contender 30 Tournament is purpose-designed for offshore and inshore fishing with a layered approach to fish handling and rod management. The leaning post livewell provides immediate access to live bait or small gamefish, while dual transom livewells offer higher-capacity storage for tournament-sized catches or extended fishing days. The three insulated fish boxes distributed across the deck preserve catch quality through extended offshore runs, addressing the practical requirement of maintaining cold-chain integrity for competitive fishing or commercial-grade catch documentation. Rod storage is addressed through multiple systems: kingfish rod holders positioned for active trolling setups, a transom rod rack for secondary or backup rigs, and electric reel outlets that support powered equipment for deep-dropping or electric-assist applications. The washdown system allows rapid deck cleaning and fish handling sanitation, essential for both practical fishing operations and maintaining the vessel's finish. Two floor dry storage boxes provide weatherproof stowage for tackle, safety equipment, or personal gear, while the forward console cooler seat combines operator comfort with functional beverage and provisions cooling.
Comfort and Entertainment Features
Beyond fishing-specific infrastructure, the 2023 Contender 30 Tournament incorporates entertainment and comfort systems suitable for family outings and social cruising. The JL Audio amplifier, speakers, and subwoofer system deliver quality sound reinforcement throughout the helm and cockpit areas, supported by a Fusion head unit that integrates smartphone connectivity, streaming audio, and VHF radio functions. This audio integration supports both practical communication and leisure entertainment, allowing the operator to maintain radio monitoring while enjoying music during transit or at-anchor relaxation. The spray enclosure provides weather protection and extends the usable boating season, particularly valuable in North Carolina's variable Atlantic coastal conditions. The helm seating arrangement, including the adjustable operator position and forward console cooler seat, accommodates a captain and multiple passengers in protected, ergonomic positions. The open-water design and 30-foot length provide adequate deck space for fishing activity, guest movement, and safety compliance without the spatial constraints of smaller center consoles.
Power and Propulsion
Twin Yamaha 300 horsepower outboard engines provide 600 total shaft horsepower, positioning the 2023 Contender 30 Tournament in the performance bracket of modern center console fishing boats. At 519 hours of operation, the engines remain well within the typical service life of modern four-stroke outboards, reflecting relatively light use or recent acquisition. The Yamaha warranty extension through June 2028 provides factory-backed coverage on critical drivetrain components, reducing long-term maintenance risk for the new owner. The outboard configuration offers several operational advantages over inboard systems: no through-hull shaft, simpler maintenance access, integrated tilt-and-trim for shallow-water operation, and the ability to trim the engines up for beaching or ultra-shallow-water fishing. Twin outboards provide redundancy; if one engine requires service, the vessel remains operable on single-engine power for return to port or emergency maneuvering. Fuel efficiency at cruising speed and the ability to trim engines independently for optimal efficiency across varying load conditions and sea states are additional practical benefits of this propulsion choice.
Deck Design and Layout Functionality
The center console configuration of the 2023 Contender 30 Tournament maximizes usable deck space and sight lines compared to side-console or dual-console alternatives. The helm station occupies the forward center position, providing 360-degree visibility and control authority essential for offshore navigation and fishing maneuver execution. The leaning post aft of the helm creates a natural separation between command and fishing zones while maintaining helm proximity to fishing activity. The transom area is dedicated to fishing infrastructure: livewells, rod racks, electric reel outlets, and fish boxes are integrated into the aft deck layout for efficient catch handling and tournament-grade fish preservation. The forward console cooler seat provides an alternative seating position and functional provisions storage without consuming valuable fishing deck space. The dual transom livewells and distributed fish box placement reflect tournament-fishing logic, where rapid catch documentation and preservation are operational priorities. The 9.5-foot beam provides adequate stability and deck width without creating excessive weight or reducing fuel efficiency. The hull design, while not detailed in available specifications, is built by Contender, a manufacturer with established expertise in center console seaworthiness and offshore capability. The robust hull construction referenced in the broker description suggests solid fiberglass layup and structural engineering appropriate to the vessel's offshore fishing mission.
Equipment Highlights and Condition Context
The 2023 model year represents current-generation Contender 30 Tournament design and manufacturing standards. The comprehensive Garmin electronics package—dual 12-inch displays, 18 XHD radar, dual VHF radios, and autopilot—reflects a six-figure electronics investment and positions the boat for immediate offshore operation without additional electronics integration work. The inclusion of JL Audio amplification and Fusion head unit indicates an owner attentive to entertainment quality and modern connectivity standards. The Magic Trail tandem axle trailer is a significant asset, enabling transport to alternative fishing venues, secure storage, and reduced marina slip fees. The spray enclosure, light bar, and spreader lights are practical upgrades that extend usable boating seasons and improve safety during low-light operations. The trim tabs, washdown system, and dual livewells with forward cooler seat reflect an ownership philosophy aligned with serious fishing and practical deck operations. The 519 hours of engine operation places the Yamaha 300s well within their operational sweet spot—past initial break-in but with substantial remaining service life. The Yamaha warranty through June 2028 provides additional confidence in the propulsion system's condition and manufacturer support.
Why This Vessel Merits Consideration
The 2023 Contender 30 Tournament occupies a practical middle ground in the center console market: large enough for overnight comfort and extended offshore runs, compact enough for single-truck transport and efficient slip or dry-stack storage, and equipped with fishing systems that support both recreational and tournament applications. The twin Yamaha 300 outboards deliver the power required for rapid offshore transits while maintaining the operational simplicity and redundancy that define modern outboard propulsion. The Garmin electronics suite removes guesswork from navigation, fish location, and weather monitoring, while the specialized fishing infrastructure—livewells, fish boxes, rod storage, electric reel outlets—demonstrates that this vessel was configured by someone with practical offshore fishing experience. The location in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, places the boat within
Length
30 ft
Beam
9.5 ft'
Year
2023
Builder
Contender
Model
30 Tournament
What makes the 2023 Contender 30 Tournament a good choice for offshore fishing?
The Contender 30 Tournament is purpose-built for offshore fishing with a center console design that maximizes deck space and sight lines. Twin Yamaha 300 hp outboard engines provide the power needed to reach offshore grounds efficiently, while the 9.5-foot beam offers stability in open water. The boat features dual transom livewells and a leaning post livewell to keep bait and catch fresh, plus three insulated fish boxes for storing your catch. The tower-style leaning post combined with the forward console cooler seat gives anglers multiple vantage points to spot fish, and the kingfish rod holders and transom rod rack accommodate a full spread of tackle for serious offshore work.
What Garmin electronics are included on this Contender 30?
This 2023 Contender 30 Tournament comes equipped with a comprehensive Garmin electronics suite designed for navigation and fish finding. The package includes dual 12-inch Garmin GPS/depth finders for redundancy and detailed mapping, a Garmin 18 XHD radar for weather and navigation in low-visibility conditions, dual Garmin VHF radios for communication, and a Garmin autopilot system for hands-free cruising. This integrated electronics package allows anglers and cruisers to navigate confidently, locate structure and baitfish, and maintain safe communication while on the water.
How is the helm station configured on the Contender 30 Tournament?
The helm features an adjustable helm seating arrangement that allows the operator to customize comfort and visibility for different water conditions and preferences. The forward console includes a cooler seat, providing convenient access to beverages and storage while maintaining helm functionality. The layout integrates the dual Garmin 12-inch displays and autopilot controls for intuitive operation, and the Fusion head unit with JL Audio amplifier and speakers provides entertainment during cruising. The helm design balances fishing functionality with comfortable driving ergonomics for extended time on the water.
What fishing amenities and storage does the boat offer?
The Contender 30 Tournament is equipped with serious fishing infrastructure including three insulated fish boxes for preserving catch quality, dual transom livewells and a leaning post livewell to maintain bait viability, and electric reel outlets for powered fishing equipment. Rod storage includes kingfish rod holders and a transom rod rack to organize tackle. Beyond fishing-specific features, the boat includes two floor dry storage boxes for gear, equipment, and personal items, plus the forward console cooler seat for additional storage and convenience during fishing trips.
What lighting and visibility features does this center console have?
The 2023 Contender 30 comes equipped with multiple lighting systems to enhance safety and functionality. A light bar provides forward illumination for night operation and docking, while spreader lights mounted on the leaning post or tower illuminate the deck for fishing and working around the boat. Underwater lights add ambiance and can attract baitfish during night fishing. These lighting options combined with the open center console design and elevated leaning post position create excellent visibility for both day and night operations.
How does the engine package perform, and what is the service history?
The boat is powered by twin Yamaha 300 hp outboard engines, a proven combination that delivers strong acceleration and cruising capability in a 30-foot center console. With 519 hours of operation logged, the engines remain well within typical service intervals for recreational use. Yamaha outboards are known for reliability and fuel efficiency, and the twin-engine setup provides redundancy for safety and power for reaching offshore destinations. The engines carry warranty coverage through June 2028, providing extended peace of mind on the powerplant.
What comfort and entertainment features are included?
Beyond fishing and navigation, the Contender 30 Tournament includes comfort-focused amenities such as a Fusion audio system with JL Audio amplification, speakers, and subwoofer for entertainment during cruising and dockside relaxation. Adjustable helm seating and the forward console cooler seat provide ergonomic support during long days on the water. A spray enclosure offers weather protection during rough conditions or unexpected weather, and a washdown system allows easy cleaning of the deck and fishing gear after a day on the water.
What is included with the boat regarding the trailer?
The 2023 Contender 30 Tournament is sold with a 2023 Magic Trail tandem axle trailer, which is designed to safely transport the 30-foot center console. A tandem axle trailer provides load distribution and stability for highway towing, and the newer model year ensures the trailer is in current condition with modern braking and lighting systems. The trailer allows for convenient storage and transport between fishing locations or seasonal relocation.
What type of buyer is the Contender 30 Tournament designed for?
The Contender 30 Tournament is ideal for serious anglers who want a dedicated offshore fishing platform with the capability to reach distant fishing grounds and the amenities to spend full days or overnight trips on the water. The center console layout and fishing-specific equipment make it suitable for tournament fishing, charter operations, or private fishing adventures. The boat is also versatile enough for family boating and entertaining, with comfortable seating, audio entertainment, and a manageable size that doesn't require a large crew. Buyers seeking a boat that balances fishing performance with cruising comfort and modern electronics will find this model well-suited to their needs.
Does the boat have features for rough water or extended offshore use?
The Contender 30 Tournament is designed with offshore capability in mind. The center console hull provides good stability and sea-keeping characteristics typical of the model, while trim tabs offer dynamic control to optimize the boat's running attitude in different sea conditions. The leaning post and elevated helm position provide excellent visibility for navigating in rough conditions, and the spray enclosure offers weather protection. The dual Yamaha 300 engines deliver the power needed to push through sea state, and the comprehensive Garmin electronics suite including radar ensures navigation capability in challenging weather. The multiple livewells and insulated fish boxes support extended fishing trips where maintaining catch quality is important.
What is the overall condition and service status of this 2023 model?
This 2023 Contender 30 Tournament represents a recent model year with 519 hours of engine operation, indicating light to moderate use typical of recreational fishing boats. The boat is equipped with a full suite of modern Garmin electronics and fishing amenities that suggest it has been well-maintained and actively used for its intended purpose. The Yamaha engines carry manufacturer warranty through June 2028, and the included 2023 Magic Trail tandem axle trailer is current model year. The comprehensive equipment list and functional systems indicate the boat is ready for immediate use on the water.

Fly Yachts is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Doc's Yacht Brokerage. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a particular vessel.

Similar yachts

More Contender yachts

See all Contender listings →

Editorial on Contender

Watch this boat

Not ready to talk yet? Leave your number — we'll personally alert you the moment the price moves or her status changes.

$289,000 Request a call
¿Habla español? (traducción automática)

Hablamos español

Déjenos su número y un broker de Fly Yachts le llamará — en español.