The all-new Contender 22 Sport was introduced this year to round out Contender’s small boat lineup and is the smallest boat offered in the fleet. The 22 Sport (22’6″ LOA, 8’6″ beam) offers the tournament-class fishability that Contender is known for while including features and options that allow for family and entertainment activities. Built in Homestead, Florida, the 22 Sport not only comes standard with forward and aft seating but also has a step-down side-entry console with an optional head. For anglers, there’s a 26-gallon transom livewell, three large insulated fish boxes and plenty of other insulated storage.
Power options range from a single Yamaha 250-hp or 300-hp outboard engine to twin-engine configurations from 115 to 150 horsepower. With a single Yamaha F250 outboard engine, the 22 Sport runs to a top speed of 55.5 mph at 5900 rpm. The aft deck provides ample room for fishing, and the use of covering boards and bolster pads along the gunwales protect your knees while fighting a fish. Recessed cleats and bow rails around the boat help ensure snag-free fishing while providing a yacht-like finish. Options include a hardtop instead of the standard T-top, freshwater and saltwater washdowns, and an optional cooler for under the leaning post. (305) 230-600; contenderoffshore.com
By Doug Thompson, Southern Boating Magazine, July 2015