Matching a deep vee Contender 25 Open 2009 against a modified vee Contender 31 Open 2007 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 Open 2007 measures 32,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Contender 25 Open 2009 at 28,0 feet (2009). At 47 lbs and 35 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 500 hp for the Contender 25 Open 2009 and 500 hp for the Contender 31 Open 2007. 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 Open 2009 carries 185 gallons versus 24 gallons in the Contender 31 Open 2007. 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 Open 2007 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Contender 25 Open 2009 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Contender 31 Open 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Contender 31 Open 2007 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 25 Open 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.