Contender 32ST 2017 boat specs
Contender
Contender 32ST 2017
2017
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VS
Contender 36 Open 2008 boat specs
Contender
Contender 36 Open 2008
2008
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Contender 32ST 2017 vs Contender 36 Open 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Contender 32ST 2017 vs Contender 36 Open 2008 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

The Contender 36 Open 2008 tops out at 1 050 hp. Engine specs for the Contender 32ST 2017 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Contender 32ST 2017 carries 35 gallons versus 4 gallons in the Contender 36 Open 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 36 Open 2008 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Contender 32ST 2017 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Contender 36 Open 2008 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Contender 36 Open 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 11 passengers and at 36,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Contender 32ST 2017 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.
Measurements / Dimensions
Length overall - Detail32.00 ft
Length overall - Detail36 ft. 3 in
Length - Feet32
Length - Feet36
Length overall - Meters9.75
Length overall - Meters11.05
Length overall - Inches384
Length overall - Inches435
Beamnot available
Beam10 ft. 0 in
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Meters3.05
Beam - Inchesnot available
Beam - Inches12
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail24 in
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.61
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches24
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail6,000 lbs
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg2721.55
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.6
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches3
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Gal35
Fuel tank capacity - Gal4
Fuel tank capacity - Liters1324.89
Fuel tank capacity - Liters1514.16
Engine makeYamaha
Engine makenot available
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeoutboard
Drive typeOutboard - Triple
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail400 gal
Engine maxnot available
Engine max1,050 hp
Operational Info
Boat typePower
Boat typenot available
General Boat Info
Makenot available
MakeContender
Modelnot available
Model36 Open
Model Yearnot available
Model Year2008
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee

Contender 32ST 2017 vs Contender 36 Open 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Contender 32ST 2017 or the Contender 36 Open 2008?
The Contender 36 Open 2008 is the longer of the two at 36,0 feet overall. The Contender 32ST 2017 comes in at 32,0 feet, making it roughly 4,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The Contender 36 Open 2008 has a documented max rating of 1 050 hp. Engine specifications for the Contender 32ST 2017 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Contender 32ST 2017 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Contender 36 Open 2008 is certified for 11. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Contender 32ST 2017 or the Contender 36 Open 2008?
The Contender 32ST 2017 has the bigger tank at 35 gallons, versus 4 gallons on the Contender 36 Open 2008. That 31-gallon difference translates to roughly 93–155 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Contender 32ST 2017 and Contender 36 Open 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Contender 32ST 2017 and the Contender 36 Open 2008 are built by Contender. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.