Posted: December 01 2006 at 23:03 | IP Logged

hey all, i'm new here and a fairly new boat owner, just seeing if there is anyone else on here with a 2858, just looking to chat about it, thank you all very much

chopperguy234

Posted: December 02 2006 at 09:25 | IP Logged

Good Morning from Harwich Port, (Cape Cod) MA.

I purchased a new 2002 Bayliner 2858 Commannd Bridge four years ago and I'm very pleased with the boat. I made several major customization changes: Bow thruster, extended radar extension, fully enclosed flybridge,  outside shower & washdown near the swim platform, GPS plotter, VHF & radar below & top side, Spot light, windlass (pre wired) PA horn, second (larger) boat horns, engine clock, wine celler (lower birth), Color TV, addition galley cabinets ( for dishes etc on wall of head, and a second layer of wall to wall carpets. I'm in the process of taking out the combination electric/alcohol stove and replacing it with a drop in two burner propane cooker (Marine 304 stainless steel made by Dickerson Marine). The one objection I had for the boat was the command chair top side.  It was too low and too far forward for comfort and good visability, plus your legs remained extended under the console. In rough weather you lost the ability to stabilize yourself with your feet, plus it is impossible to stand up and move quickly, so I made a base that attached where the previous seat was fastened to the deck that was about two feet long and ten inches wide. I purchased a larger command chair and swivel base that is about 18" higher than the previous seat, then I attached the new seat to the rear of the new base. I was able to accomplish this without drilling a single hole in the boat. Now I sit up higher in a more comfortable seat with my feet flat on the deck. I also added a white hand hold on the left of the console top side and a stainless steel handle near the swim platform ladder, next to the transom door and on the back of the galley seat as you enter the lower cabin. I removed the previous swim platform ladder ( it really gets in the way during docking) and installed a new one that folds up under the swim platform. Top side I moved the wet compass to the left drink holder and put a digital compass and fish finder on the console where the compass had been. The Raytheon Radar and the Lowrance GPS plotter (top side) are both in white bubble enclosures for security, appearance and visable access.

I purchased the boat with the 7.4 litre, with fuel injection and the Bravo III outdrive. In normal weather the boat cruises at 22 to 24 mph like a dream,  and at that speed the fuel consumption is very low. There is some difficulty steering at 2 -5 mph, the boat slips back and forth cauing an over-steering requirement, so we added a pair of stainless steel fins near the stern. On smooth water I have a top speed of 40 mph; the boat is fast, dry and easy to pilot and dock. The only other complaint I have is that about a third of the stainless fasteners are low quality and have to be replaced because they began to rust during the first two months. Other than that the boat is a beautiful show stopper, if you send me your email I sent you a picture Mhart2@comcast.net.

Have a great boating season and Merry Christmas.

Matt Hart

Posted: December 14 2006 at 14:00 | IP Logged

Hi Matt,

I just purchased a 2004 Bayliner 288 (previously 2858)  I found your article on line at Boat US very interesting.  I am 6’1” and also have a hard time straddling the bridge chair.  I don’t quite understand what you did to modify the seat, but would really appreciate a more detailed explanation.

 I also would like a picture of your boat emailed to me, as you offered…………… Thanks, John “The Amity 4,” New Smyrna Beach, FL