Matching a modified vee Contender 23 Open 2007 against a deep vee Contender 25 Tournament 2013 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Contender 23 Open 2007 at 23,0 ft versus Contender 25 Tournament 2013 at 25,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Contender 25 Tournament 2013 tips the scales at 625 lbs — 601 lbs less than the Contender 23 Open 2007 at 24 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 400 hp for the Contender 23 Open 2007 and 400 hp for the Contender 25 Tournament 2013. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Contender 25 Tournament 2013 carries 175 gallons versus 15 gallons in the Contender 23 Open 2007. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 7 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.