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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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7. Autopilot Upgrade (Vlog #7)

Installing the Garmin Reactor 40, adding a new fuse panel, and bleeding the hydraulic system.

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8. Trim Cylinder Seals Repair (Vlog #8)

Fixing a massive oil leak in the trim system using specialized wrenches to remove seized caps safely.

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9. Trailer Overhaul: Disc Brakes (Vlog #9)

Conversion to disc brakes. We install new hubs, rotors, calipers, and upgrade to heavy-duty tires.

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10. Replacing Thermostats (Vlog #10)

Addressing persistent idle issues by replacing stuck-open thermostats to prevent carbon buildup.

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11. Yamaha 704 Binnacle Rebuild (Vlog #11)

Disassembling the twin binnacle to clean and grease it, making the sticky controls shift like new.

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12. Washdown Pump Replacement (Vlog #12)

Swapping out the corroded pump for a new Jabsco unit to keep the boat clean after fishing.

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13. Bonus: Team & Contender in Action

A highlight reel of the Marine Tech team and the fully restored Contender 31 out on the water.