Contender 24 Bay Review: Fishing Without Compromise

For the anglers who believe that every inch of deck space should serve a purpose, the Contender 24 Bay delivers exactly what its name promises. Rather than focusing on luxury amenities or unnecessary extras, this bay boat is designed around one priority: serious fishing. From its elevated casting decks to its performance-driven hull, the Contender 24 Bay provides everything dedicated inshore anglers need to spend more time chasing fish and less time working around the boat.

The first thing you’ll notice aboard the Contender 24 Bay is its expansive elevated casting deck. Unlike many bay boats that sacrifice valuable fishing space for bow seating, the 24 Bay maximizes every inch of usable deck. The flush casting platform provides anglers with unrestricted movement while also creating additional storage opportunities beneath the deck.

Long rod lockers built into both sides of the bow allow fishermen to safely store multiple rods while keeping the deck uncluttered. With fewer obstacles and more room to cast, the layout is perfectly suited for targeting redfish, speckled trout, snook, tarpon, and other shallow-water gamefish.

Everything aboard the Contender 24 Bay is engineered with fishability in mind.

A removable 70-quart cooler provides flexible seating when needed but can easily be removed to maximize cockpit space during tournament fishing. A large 70-gallon insulated fishbox keeps your catch fresh throughout the day, while the aft deck features a centrally located 35-gallon livewell designed for easy bait access.

Oversized bilge compartments make maintenance simple, and premium construction details—including finished hatch interiors, guttered and gasketed hatches, friction hinges, and gas-assisted struts—reflect the craftsmanship Contender owners have come to expect.

At the helm, a clean and uncluttered console provides room for a 12-inch multifunction display, intuitive push-button controls, and convenient storage, allowing anglers to focus on navigating and locating fish.

Beyond the fishing features, the Contender 24 Bay showcases the company’s commitment to quality construction.

Both the hull and deck utilize resin-infused construction to reduce weight while increasing strength and durability. Stainless-steel rod holders and cup holders, premium hardware, and meticulous fit and finish create a boat that’s built to withstand years of hard fishing in demanding conditions.

Like other Contender models, the 24 Bay offers a level of customization that allows owners to tailor the boat to their specific style of fishing without sacrificing performance.

Performance has long been one of Contender’s strongest selling points, and the 24 Bay is no exception.

Its double-stepped hull provides an efficient, responsive ride while delivering impressive speed for a bay boat. Powered by a 300-horsepower outboard, the Contender 24 Bay is capable of speeds exceeding 60 mph while maintaining comfortable cruising speeds in the 40 mph range. For those seeking maximum performance, a 350-horsepower engine pushes top speeds into the upper 60 mph range.

Whether crossing large bays, running coastal flats, or making long runs between fishing spots, the 24 Bay offers the speed and handling serious anglers demand.

Contender 24 Bay Specs

• LOA: 23’10”
• Beam: 8’4″
• Displacement: 4500 lbs.
• Draft (min.): 1’0″
• Transom Deadrise: 15.5 degrees
• Fuel Capacity: 80 gal.
• Water Capacity: 15 gal.
• Max. Power: 350 hp

The Contender 24 Bay isn’t designed to be everything for everyone, and that’s exactly why it stand out. Every feature, from the expansive casting decks and oversized livewell to the premium construction and high-performance hull, is centered around creating one of the most capable bay fishing boats available today.

If your priority is spending more time fishing with fewer compromises, the Contender 24 Bay delivers the performance, durability, and fishability that have made Contender one of the most respected names in the boating industry.