Both the Contender 35 Side 2013 and the Contender 35 ST 2013 are deep-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Contender 35 Side 2013 at 35,2 ft versus Contender 35 ST 2013 at 34,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Contender 35 ST 2013 tips the scales at 13 500 lbs - 6 000 lbs less than the Contender 35 Side 2013 at 7 500 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 1 050 hp, the Contender 35 ST 2013 has a 300-hp advantage over the Contender 35 Side 2013's 750-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 35 ST 2013 carries 400 gallons versus 340 gallons in the Contender 35 Side 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 10 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.