The Contender 31 Open 2007 is a modified-V design and the Contender 32 Tournament 2011 is a deep-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably 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 31 Open 2007 at 32,0 ft versus Contender 32 Tournament 2011 at 32,7 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Contender 32 Tournament 2011 tips the scales at 11 560 lbs - 8 060 lbs less than the Contender 31 Open 2007 at 3 500 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 700 hp, the Contender 32 Tournament 2011 has a 200-hp advantage over the Contender 31 Open 2007's 500-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 32 Tournament 2011 carries 310 gallons versus 240 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.

Both boats are rated for 9 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.