The Contender 35 Side 2013 vs Contender 38 Express 2007 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Contender 38 Express 2007 measures 39,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 3,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Contender 35 Side 2013 at 35,2 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Contender 38 Express 2007 tips the scales at 16 422 lbs — 16 347 lbs less than the Contender 35 Side 2013 at 75 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 1 100 hp, the Contender 38 Express 2007 has a 350-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 38 Express 2007 carries 48 gallons versus 34 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Contender 38 Express 2007 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Contender 35 Side 2013 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Contender 38 Express 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Contender 38 Express 2007 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 39,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Contender 35 Side 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 10 that costs less to run day-to-day.