Contender 31 Restoration Project
Follow the Marine Tech Tools team as they restore and upgrade a 2004 Contender 31 Open. From engine troubleshooting to full electronics overhauls, watch the complete journey.
1. We Bought a Boat (Vlog #1)
The adventure begins! The team picks up the Contender 31 and runs it 220 miles home, discovering motor issues along the way.
2. Restoration Plans (Vlog #2)
A walk-around of the new project boat. We inspect the hull and trailer and outline our plans for upgrades and repairs.
3. Troubleshooting Yamaha F225 (Vlog #3)
Diagnosing the starboard motor's issues: rough idle and no water flow. We dig into the fuel cooler and voltage rectifier.
4. 200-Hour Service & Inspection (Vlog #4)
Full service on the twin Yamahas. We discover water in the gear case and check for exhaust corrosion.
5. $10K Electronics Upgrade (Vlog #5)
Out with the old Furuno and in with a modern Garmin suite, including dual 12-inch displays and new radar.
6. Garmin Thru-Hull Transducer (Vlog #6)
Installing the massive Garmin GT51M. Watch as we drill through the hull and fish wires through rigging tubes.
7. Autopilot Upgrade (Vlog #7)
Installing the Garmin Reactor 40, adding a new fuse panel, and bleeding the hydraulic system.
8. Trim Cylinder Seals Repair (Vlog #8)
Fixing a massive oil leak in the trim system using specialized wrenches to remove seized caps safely.
9. Trailer Overhaul: Disc Brakes (Vlog #9)
Conversion to disc brakes. We install new hubs, rotors, calipers, and upgrade to heavy-duty tires.
10. Replacing Thermostats (Vlog #10)
Addressing persistent idle issues by replacing stuck-open thermostats to prevent carbon buildup.
11. Yamaha 704 Binnacle Rebuild (Vlog #11)
Disassembling the twin binnacle to clean and grease it, making the sticky controls shift like new.
12. Washdown Pump Replacement (Vlog #12)
Swapping out the corroded pump for a new Jabsco unit to keep the boat clean after fishing.
13. Bonus: Team & Contender in Action
A highlight reel of the Marine Tech team and the fully restored Contender 31 out on the water.
