1999 Contessa 2858 worth fixing?-gctid815675

[Guest]

I have an opportunity to get a 1999 2858 Contessa Command Bridge with dual engines for free. I just need to get it hauled to my property to work on it. Right now money is pretty tight in house, so I need to do everything as cheap as possible. I have done a floor complete replacement in a 1986 Capri Bowrider and the 2858 is mainly in need of major cleaning. I am posting some pics of boat too.


Attached files

[Guest]

Some interior pictures


Attached files

[yachtman]

My opinion and have done few of these is if the hull is good then it's probably a good project.

Being of tight finances if it needs stringer or transom work I would stay away from it. Even then it's not going be a cheap venture. It really depends on how much you can do your self. Even still it's going to be a lot of washing scrubbing and polishing

[Jeffw]

First, welcome to the BOC! I'm quite sure that's not a 1999, maybe 1989. I'm also pretty sure that the model number would be 2958, as I don't think the 2858 ever came with twins.

[Norton_Rider]

That appears to be a 1988/89, rather than 1999. These are great boats, with tons of space for their size. They are larger than the later 2858s, with a LOA close to 32'. They also handle quite well. The 1986 and later boats had the same hull as the earlier Contessa Command Bridge with a number of interior changes.

Twin engine 2858s of this vintage are not that common. Most had a single King Cobra 7.5 ( Ford 460) the early ones (1986) had a single Volvo/Chevy Small Block. If the boat is stock it will have dual Cobra 5.0 or 5.7 ( Chevy Small Block). The downside to the twin engines is the very limited space in the engine compartment. You will also have the OMC Cobra issues x2. Having said that, parts for Cobras are more readily available than those for King Cobras.

I would check the prices of these boats online (1986 through 1989) before deciding whether to proceed or not. You could easily sink more into it than it's worth, especially if the engines and drives need work.

My wife and I owned a 1989, 2858 for 7+ years and we loved it.

Good luck!

[Norton_Rider]

"Jeffw" post=815679 wrote:
First, welcome to the BOC! I'm quite sure that's not a 1999, maybe 1989. I'm also pretty sure that the model number would be 2958, as I don't think the 2858 ever came with twins.

They did come with twins but they are rare. There's a regular poster here with one.

BTW, by 1989 they were no longer called Contessa. They were called a 2858 Ciera.

[Jeffw]

IF it's a 1989, NADA lists 2858 Ciera, single only. Also 2958 Avanti, twins only.

[Norton_Rider]

"Jeffw" post=815682 wrote:
IF it's a 1989, NADA lists 2858 Ciera, single only. Also 2958 Avanti, twins only.

Nada means "nothing" in Spanish. Maybe that's the problem

[Guest]

Its at the latest a 87 contessa 2850.

not a 2958 Avanti.

would pass if money is tight, my 2958 was free, in fairly decent shape & will be in the $5-6k range with me doing all the work. Twin engines mean you need 2 of everthing, also with OMC cobras, (which also helps date the boat), you will need to get very educated on setting them up because few people know how.

also it looks like your missing a outdrive?

If you decide to, there is plenty of good info here.

[bushwood]

I think I would ask myself; "Do I want to completely rebuild this boat?" which is going to nickel and dime you or do I want to stretch myself for a boat that I can I use but needs a good buff out? Based solely on your pics, you have your work cut out in time and money. I see new upholstery, carpet, not to mention, mechanicals. This all adds up.

My two cents......

[SKUA_28_Contessa]

Judging by the bridge cap, (lack of wooden "wings"), side windows, the orientation of the engine vents, and interior colors, I think It's an 88. HIN would certainly lock it down though. I would look at the stringers and gas tank before doing anything. Contessas are know for rotting the stringers and cofferdam for the gastank, and the then the tank itself due to the wet wood, right under the rear cabin entrance bulkhead. And by the look of it, this one was not weather protected for several years.

[SKUA_28_Contessa]

And I can assure you, that a tank and floor job in the Contessa, is nothing like a Capri, except in name only.

[Guest]

Thanks everyone, I don't use a keyboard much so it was a typo and it is a 1989. outdrive missing and a carb on same engine. I am leaning to staying away unless the current owner pays to deliver it to me, about 35 miles away.

The Afton Boat Storage folks will move it for me at $200 per hour plus permits, I estimate 4 to 5 hours, so that is out of my price range.

Has anyone every put a boat that is on blocks onto a trailer? The Marina will for $6 per foot of boat, plus the $200 per hour to get it to the marina, just down the road from storage lot. So even if I had a trailer it would cost close to $400 or more just to get it on the trailer. Not to mention the $4k to $5k for a trailer. And I am pretty sure a 10' wide boat needs a wide load permit when towed on a road.

[aspen1880]

not looking like a "free boat". IMHO run. regroup. research (BOC++ smart move). re-engage later.

[Guest]

I am letting it sit for now, maybe later this fall the current owner might deliver her to me.

Working on my Capri Bowrider now instead. Hoping to find a boat that is in Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands in the next few years.