Matching a modified vee Contender 23 Tournament 2007 against a deep vee Contender 31 Tournament 2008 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Contender 31 Tournament 2008 measures 32,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 7,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Contender 23 Tournament 2007 at 25,0 feet (2007). At 625 lbs and 585 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 700 hp, the Contender 31 Tournament 2008 has a 300-hp advantage over the Contender 23 Tournament 2007's 400-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Contender 23 Tournament 2007 carries 175 gallons versus 31 gallons in the Contender 31 Tournament 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Contender 31 Tournament 2008 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Contender 23 Tournament 2007 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Contender 31 Tournament 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Contender 31 Tournament 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 32,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Contender 23 Tournament 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.