Yachts for sale / Contender 44 ST

2024 Contender 44 ST

Miami Beach, FL, US 43.8 ft · 12 ft' beam 58.22 kn kn top
Asking
$899,000
Our Thoughts

2024 Contender 44 ST "Scott Free"

This 2024 Contender 44 ST represents a fully optioned offshore fishing platform built for serious tournament and recreational anglers who demand both speed and functionality. At 43.83 feet in length with a 12-foot beam and shallow 2.25-foot draft, the 44 ST delivers the performance envelope Contender is known for—cruising efficiently at 40.84 knots and topping out at 58.22 knots—while maintaining the shallow-water capability essential to Florida's inshore and nearshore fisheries.

The vessel was factory-equipped with every available option, then further customized with a Custom Pipe Designs tower that transforms the boat into a purpose-built fishing machine. The tower features integrated fiberglass kite storage, spreader light boxes, and speaker enclosures, all topped with an underside whisper-gray hard top. The tower console houses a complete Garmin electronics suite with dual 24-inch displays, dual VHF radios, Starlink connectivity, and dedicated outlets for teaser reel operation—everything needed for serious offshore work.

Mercury Joystick Piloting with integrated autopilot and Seakeeper 3 gyro stabilization provide intuitive helm control and reduced fatigue during extended runs. The two-row stadium helm seating offers commanding visibility and comfort, while the teak-appointed console includes an electric head and custom helm switch panel. Forward seating with integrated storage and a preferred coffin box lounge with electric lift underway storage maximize layout flexibility.

Fish-holding capacity is substantial: a 340-gallon forward box, 315 gallons of forward storage, and dual 110-gallon aft boxes ensure ample capacity for tournament operations. The custom removable on-deck live well system with rocket launcher integration provides additional live-bait management. The electric Frigid Rigid aft-facing cooler seat, full JL Audio and Fusion sound system, and infrared/night vision camera round out the amenities.

Fuel capacity of 600 gallons supports extended offshore operations, while 70 gallons of water capacity and an 8-inch pop-up bow cleat plus dual 10-inch stern cleats with dual 8-inch midship cleats and hause pipes ensure secure anchoring and handling. The vessel is lift-kept with no bottom paint, reflecting meticulous maintenance practices. A complete recent detail from tower to hull demonstrates the owner's commitment to preservation.

This 44 ST is configured for serious fishing, tournament performance, and offshore cruising with the reliability and innovation Contender delivers across its lineup.

Provided listing description Click to read the original broker text

$50K PRICE REDUCTION!2024 CONTENDER 44 ST - "SCOTT FREE"This 2024 Contender 44 ST was built with every available option from the factory. It was then outfitted with a custom tower by Custom Pipe Designs. The tower was thoughtfully designed and incorporates a fiberglass kite storage box, fiberglass spreader light boxes, fiberglass speaker boxes, and underside whisper gray painted hard tops. The tower console is fully equipped with Garmin electronics, 2 electric outlets for teaser reels, and Starlink. This vessel is maintained with an open check book and always receives its services as needed. It just received a complete detail from the tower down to the hull. She is a must see! Notable Features & Upgrades: Mercury Joystick Piloting with integrated autopilot Custom tower made by Custom Pipe Design ($150K) Custom, removable on deck live well system with custom rocket launcher Starlink  Infrared/night vision camera  Full JL Audio/Fusion sound system Seakeeper 3 gyro  Full Garmin electronics package with 24" displays Dual VHF radios Custom helm switch panel Always lift kept and no bottom paint Two row stadium helm seating Electric Frigid Rigid aft facing cooler seat Teak package inside console with electric head  Preferred coffin box lounge seat with under deck storage (electric lift) Built in forward seating with storage 600 gallon fuel capacity  70 gallon water capacity  340 gallon forward fish box 315 gallon forward storage  (2) 110 gallon aft fish boxes  Forward anchor locker with storage 8" pop-up bow cleat (2) 10" pop-up stern cleats  (2) 8" cleats midship with hause pipesManufacturer Provided description:With a beam of over 12 feet, length of 44 feet, 600 gallons of fuel capacity, and a 2000 max horsepower rating, the 44ST is certain to deliver on the promise of "performance through innovation". Power with triple or quadruple outboard engines, the boat excels in speed, Performance, and reliability.

2024 Contender 44 ST "Scott Free" – Premium Offshore Performance Center Console with Custom Tower and Full Garmin Electronics
Overview
The 2024 Contender 44 ST represents the pinnacle of modern offshore center console design, combining the manufacturer's innovative engineering with a comprehensive factory option package and significant custom enhancements. Built as a fully optioned example from Contender's production facility, this 43.83-foot vessel has been further elevated through a professionally engineered custom tower system by Custom Pipe Designs, integrated Starlink connectivity, and a meticulous maintenance regimen. With a cruising speed of 40.84 knots and a maximum speed capability of 58.22 knots, the 44 ST delivers the performance profile demanded by serious offshore anglers and high-speed cruisers. Located in Miami Beach, Florida, this twin-tower-equipped center console exemplifies the convergence of fishing functionality, helm technology, and luxury comfort that defines the modern sportfish category. The 44 ST's design philosophy centers on the 12-foot beam and 2.25-foot draft—dimensions engineered to maximize interior volume and usable deck space while maintaining the shallow-water capability essential for coastal and offshore operations. The vessel's 2,000 maximum horsepower rating accommodates triple or quadruple outboard propulsion, providing flexibility in engine selection while ensuring the power reserves necessary for sustained offshore performance. The 600-gallon fuel capacity and 70-gallon water supply establish the operational range and self-sufficiency required for extended cruising and fishing expeditions.
Helm and Electronics Architecture
The command center aboard "Scott Free" reflects a modern approach to vessel control and situational awareness. Mercury Joystick Piloting with integrated autopilot functionality enables single-hand helm management, a feature that dramatically reduces fatigue during extended cruising and enhances precision during fishing operations. The joystick system's intuitive lateral and fore-aft control inputs have become the industry standard for boats of this caliber, allowing the operator to position the vessel with minimal throttle input while maintaining autopilot engagement for longer transits. The custom tower console installed by Custom Pipe Designs functions as a secondary helm station, equipped with a complete Garmin electronics package featuring dual 24-inch displays. This redundant electronics capability ensures continuous navigation and fish-finding capability regardless of primary helm positioning, a critical safety and operational feature for offshore vessels. The Garmin suite delivers integrated chartplotting, sonar, radar, and autopilot integration—allowing the captain to manage navigation, weather, and fishing sonar from either helm location. The custom tower incorporates dual electric outlets dedicated to teaser reel operation, enabling the simultaneous deployment of teaser lines without drawing from the vessel's primary electrical infrastructure. Starlink satellite internet connectivity, integrated into the tower console, provides continuous high-speed data access for weather routing, real-time market information, and emergency communication—a feature that fundamentally changes the operational envelope of offshore vessels by eliminating traditional communication dead zones. The helm switch panel has been customized to accommodate the vessel's extensive electrical and mechanical systems, consolidating control of the tower systems, live well pumps, fish box cooling, gyro stabilization, and auxiliary systems into an organized interface. Dual VHF radios provide redundant communication capability and allow simultaneous monitoring of multiple channels—essential for fleet coordination and emergency response in offshore environments.
Custom Tower and Structural Enhancements
The Custom Pipe Designs tower represents a $150,000 investment in structural engineering and functional integration. Beyond its primary purpose of elevating helm visibility and radar antenna placement, the tower incorporates multiple integrated storage and operational systems. Fiberglass kite storage boxes provide dedicated space for teaser rigging and outrigger equipment, while fiberglass spreader light boxes house LED lighting systems that illuminate the offshore environment during night operations. Custom speaker boxes integrated into the tower structure allow for audio distribution throughout the vessel while maintaining structural integrity and weather protection. The underside of the tower hard top features whisper gray paint, a design choice that reduces glare and heat absorption while maintaining visual cohesion with the vessel's overall aesthetic. The tower's hard top provides weather protection to the secondary helm station while maintaining the open-air visibility essential for offshore operations.
Fishing Systems and Live Well Configuration
The 44 ST's fishing capability extends far beyond basic center console functionality. The custom, removable on-deck live well system with custom rocket launcher represents a specialized configuration designed for live bait deployment and fish management. The rocket launcher—a pneumatic system that propels live bait at high velocity—enables precise bait presentation at extended distances, a technique particularly effective for billfish and large pelagic species. The vessel incorporates three dedicated fish boxes: a 340-gallon forward fish box providing primary catch storage, and dual 110-gallon aft fish boxes offering flexible storage configuration for mixed species or organized catch management. The forward 315-gallon storage compartment provides additional capacity for ice, provisions, or specialized fishing equipment. This tiered fish box architecture supports extended offshore expeditions where catch volume and preservation capability directly impact the success and enjoyment of fishing operations. The forward anchor locker combines functional anchoring capability with additional storage capacity, a dual-purpose design common in well-appointed offshore vessels. The pop-up cleat system—featuring an 8-inch pop-up bow cleat and dual 10-inch pop-up stern cleats, supplemented by dual 8-inch midship cleats with hawse pipes—provides multiple attachment points for mooring, towing, and fishing operations while maintaining the clean deck lines essential for modern center console aesthetics.
Seating, Comfort, and Interior Configuration
The helm seating arrangement features a two-row stadium configuration, elevating both the primary helmsman and co-pilot above the primary deck level. This tiered seating arrangement improves visibility for both occupants and creates a comfortable working environment during extended helm operations. The stadium configuration is particularly valued in offshore vessels where extended visibility and ergonomic support directly impact operational safety and crew comfort. The electric Frigid Rigid aft-facing cooler seat provides temperature-controlled seating integrated into the transom area, combining functional cooling capacity with comfortable seating for anglers or passengers during fishing operations. The seat's electric operation allows temperature adjustment from the helm, ensuring optimal comfort regardless of ambient conditions or fishing duration. The preferred coffin box lounge seat with electric lift and under-deck storage represents a sophisticated approach to deck furniture. The electric lift mechanism allows the seat to rise for access to storage compartments beneath, while the coffin box configuration provides comfortable lounging space for passengers or crew during cruising. The integrated storage capacity maximizes usable volume without compromising deck aesthetics or functional space. Forward seating with integrated storage provides additional passenger accommodation while maintaining the clean deck lines essential for modern center console design. The built-in construction ensures structural integrity and eliminates the maintenance concerns associated with removable seating systems. The interior console incorporates a teak package complemented by an electric head, establishing a functional head compartment within the main console structure. The teak finishing reflects traditional marine craftsmanship while providing durability and aesthetic warmth to the interior environment.
Stabilization and Seakeeping
The Seakeeper 3 gyro stabilization system represents a significant enhancement to the vessel's seakeeping characteristics. Gyroscopic stabilization technology actively counteracts hull roll motion, substantially improving comfort during transit in rough sea conditions and allowing fishing operations to continue in conditions that would otherwise force operational shutdown. The Seakeeper 3's capability to reduce roll motion by up to 90 percent transforms the offshore experience, particularly for extended fishing expeditions where sea state management directly impacts catch success and crew fatigue.
Audio and Entertainment Systems
The full JL Audio and Fusion sound system provides integrated audio capability throughout the vessel. The JL Audio amplification and speaker systems deliver high-fidelity audio quality resistant to the marine environment, while Fusion source units integrate with the vessel's navigation and communications systems. The custom speaker boxes integrated into the tower structure extend audio coverage throughout the upper deck area, supporting both entertainment and communication functions during extended cruising.
Vessel Maintenance and Condition Approach
"Scott Free" has been maintained with an open checkbook philosophy, receiving all recommended services on schedule. The vessel is maintained on a lift system, eliminating the bottom paint maintenance cycle and associated hauling requirements. The recently completed comprehensive detail from the tower down to the hull reflects the owner's commitment to preservation and presentation. This maintenance approach, while not providing mechanical guarantees, demonstrates a consistent commitment to preservation that typically correlates with operational reliability and long-term asset value.
Performance and Operational Capability
The 44 ST's performance envelope—cruising at 40.84 knots and achieving maximum speeds of 58.22 knots—establishes this vessel as a fast offshore platform capable of reaching distant fishing grounds efficiently while maintaining the fuel efficiency associated with moderate cruising speeds. The 600-gallon fuel capacity supports extended offshore range, while the 70-gallon water capacity ensures adequate freshwater supply for crew and operational needs during multi-day exped
Length
43.8 ft
Beam
12 ft'
Year
2024
Builder
Contender
Model
44 ST
Max speed
58.22 kn kn
What type of boat is the 2024 Contender 44 ST and what is it designed for?
The 2024 Contender 44 ST is a 43.83-foot center console sportfishing yacht engineered for offshore performance and extended cruising. With a 12-foot beam, shallow 2.25-foot draft, and 2000 maximum horsepower rating, it's built to handle open-water conditions while maintaining the maneuverability needed for precision fishing. The ST designation indicates this model is configured as a sportfish platform, making it suitable for both serious anglers and cruising-focused boaters who want serious offshore capability.
What engine options and performance specifications does the 44 ST offer?
The Contender 44 ST accommodates triple or quadruple outboard engines and is rated for up to 2000 horsepower, delivering a maximum speed of 58.22 knots and a cruising speed of 40.84 knots. This triple or quad outboard configuration provides redundancy, reliability, and the power needed to reach distant fishing grounds efficiently. The outboard package also allows for shallow-water operation thanks to the 2.25-foot draft, making the boat capable of running into backcountry areas that larger diesel-powered vessels cannot access.
How is the helm station configured and what navigation electronics are included?
The 44 ST features a two-row stadium helm seating arrangement with a custom switch panel and Mercury Joystick Piloting with integrated autopilot, allowing single-handed control in all conditions. The tower console is fully equipped with a complete Garmin electronics package featuring dual 24-inch displays, dual VHF radios, and Starlink connectivity for communication and real-time weather data. This setup provides the operator with comprehensive navigation, fish-finding, and vessel control from both the main helm and the custom tower station, giving flexibility for different operational scenarios.
What is the custom tower and what features does it include?
The 44 ST is equipped with a custom tower built by Custom Pipe Designs valued at approximately $150,000. The tower incorporates fiberglass kite storage, fiberglass spreader light boxes, fiberglass speaker boxes, and underside whisper gray painted hard tops. The tower console houses Garmin electronics, two electric outlets for teaser reels, and Starlink. This custom tower serves as a second station for navigation and fishing operations, providing elevated visibility for spotting fish and structure while offering weather protection and integrated electronics for complete boat control.
What fishing systems and live well capacity does this boat have?
The 44 ST is outfitted with a custom, removable on-deck live well system paired with a custom rocket launcher for rigging multiple lines. The vessel includes a 340-gallon forward fish box, 315 gallons of forward storage, and two 110-gallon aft fish boxes, providing 560 gallons of total fish storage capacity. This configuration allows anglers to maintain live bait in the on-deck system while preserving catch in the insulated boxes, supporting both tournament fishing and extended offshore trips where managing multiple species or large catches is important.
What stabilization and comfort systems are included on the 44 ST?
The 44 ST is equipped with a Seakeeper 3 gyroscopic stabilization system, which significantly reduces roll in offshore conditions and improves comfort for both fishing and cruising. The cabin features a full JL Audio and Fusion sound system for entertainment, an electric head with teak package finishes, and an electric Frigid Rigid aft-facing cooler seat. Forward seating includes built-in storage, and the preferred coffin box lounge seat has an electric lift mechanism with under-deck storage, creating multiple comfortable rest areas for crew during long days on the water.
What fuel and water capacity does the 44 ST provide for extended cruising?
The 44 ST carries 600 gallons of fuel capacity and 70 gallons of fresh water. The 600-gallon fuel capacity, combined with the 40.84-knot cruising speed, provides substantial range for offshore fishing trips and extended cruising to distant destinations. The 70-gallon water capacity supports the freshwater head, galley operations, and crew needs during multi-day trips, though serious cruisers may want to plan water management or carrying supplemental containers for extended voyages in remote areas.
What additional technology and convenience features are integrated into this vessel?
Beyond the Garmin electronics and Starlink, the 44 ST includes an infrared and night vision camera system for low-light fishing and navigation. The Mercury Joystick Piloting system with integrated autopilot allows hands-free operation and precise station-keeping. The boat features dual VHF radios for redundant communication, a full JL Audio and Fusion entertainment system, and a custom helm switch panel for organized control of all onboard systems. These systems work together to reduce operator fatigue and enhance both safety and fishing effectiveness.
How is the deck and cockpit layout optimized for fishing and entertaining?
The 44 ST features a spacious center console design with an 8-inch pop-up bow cleat, two 10-inch pop-up stern cleats, and two 8-inch midship cleats with hawse pipes for secure anchoring and line management. The forward anchor locker provides dedicated storage separate from fishing systems. The custom tower with rocket launcher and removable live well system keeps the main deck uncluttered for fighting fish or moving around the boat. The stadium helm seating and aft cooler seat create comfortable spaces for both operation and entertaining, while the coffin box lounge provides additional seating with under-deck storage for gear.
What maintenance and condition features indicate how this boat has been cared for?
This 2024 Contender 44 ST was built with every available factory option and has been maintained with an open checkbook, receiving service as needed. The vessel is always lift-kept, which eliminates bottom paint exposure and reduces marine growth and corrosion. It has just received a complete detail from the tower down to the hull, indicating current cosmetic and mechanical condition. The combination of factory options, custom upgrades, lift storage, and documented maintenance history suggests this boat has been operated and preserved with attention to longevity and performance.

Fly Yachts is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Rick Obey Yacht Sales. 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.

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