Model 855/895 - What You Don’t Get

[boatrunner]

I’m considering the 855/895 for the wife and I to do some Chesapeake cruising. Something from 2014-2017 model years to keep the purchase cost in our budget range. It’s seems like a great boat for our needs - would want dual engines too. After reading various postings across the web and on this forum I wanted to make sure I understood what I’m NOT getting:

Remember- considering 2014-17 models, not newer ones! 
- No heating system
- AC is shore power only UNLESS a lithium battery system and solar panels have been added.
- Factory AC good in the lower cabin & barely adequate in bridge area
- No generator - I’ve yet to come across any used boats equipped with generator, was it ever an option 2014-2017?
- Head is cold water only
- Bilge pump is operator run only - no float switch.
- Not microwave oven equipped from the factory (not a big deal, can add one)
- Some windows may leak when it rains - hopefully fixed on a used boat?
- May experience fueling up issues due to EPA vapor canister venting  (hopefully also fixed on a used boat?)
- 2 AC outlets equipped

Anything else worth pointing out?

BTW - I’m not negative on this boat, just wanted to be sure I understood what it doesn’t do too!

[stuwright]

Hi Boatrunner,

Exciting times looking for a new boat regardless of age.

Your list sounds correct, although I am surprised you don't get hot water by 2017. There are a couple of 855s near me, one with a single 300 and the other has twin 150s.

Have you worked out the differences between an 855 and a 895? I'm no expert but the side door seems an improvement having glass full height. There was an 895 being polished on a rack when I was at the marina last week and the lower door seemed like a different colour to the grp. Maybe it is an age thing if the grp has changed colour.

I look forward to seeing what you end up getting.

Regards

Stu

[darbyjsthompson]

We just bought a 2016 855 many many many thousands cheaper than an 895. With respect to your list:

Heater / AC - it had factory reverse cycle AC & heat but (as you point out) only useful on shorepower. Former owners actually ran a small Honda generator strapped to the port swim platform which is essentially inaccessible and not otherwise used. We're in Vancouver and have no need of the AC so have pulled the AC unit and installed a Webasto diesel furnace. Having spent some time on the Chesapeake, I understand an AC unit may come in handy much of the time. The portable generator may work for you. 

(on a related note, if anyone is interested in a lightly used reverse-cycle AC/Heater unit perfectly suited to an 855, for a very good price, let me know!)


Generator - correct. With single mid-hull fuel tank, there is literally nowhere to put a generator. As above, the port side swim platform can be used temporarily when necessary. I think generators were reserved for later models with two out-board fuel tanks ... only 895s methinks.

Hot water - we have a factor installed 25 L (6.6 US Gallon) water heater with hot and cold running water in the galley and in the head sink/shower.

Bilge Pump - correct. Easy enough to swap out or install float switch.

No Microwave - correct. Stove and rod-holder mounted gas grill are perfect for us.

Leaks - ours is solid no leaks (we're in Vancouver ... it's been tested). One water ingress spot was the helm door. It didn't leak per se, but the drains in the door rails became obstructed with debris and water overflowed into the step just inside the door. Luckily it just pooled there and didn't go anywhere else (like mid cabin). 

Vent issues - I read about these extensively before we bought our 855. The vent on ours appears to be positioned/designed differently than many that had issues - it is almost at the rub rail, and includes an anti-siphon vent. I think ours is a very late 855 where they rectified some design issues pre-895.

Outlets - this is a problem. The two outlets are not in great places. One is in the far back corner in the under-stove cupboards. The other is behind the water heater/pump access panel next to the battery charger in the mid cabin. We may change this. Also, there is only a single 12V outlet on the entire boat. I had USB outlets added to the dinette, mid and forward berths. Considering putting another 12v Outlet in the battery switch cabinet/area (for cockpit use) and relocating the AC switches to more accessible locations.

We have the Offshore version of the 855 with twin 200s. Love the on-water performance - decent fast cruise and good get up and go for a 30' family cruiser.

[kazinvan]

Mar 29, 2023 22:46:40 GMT darbyjsthompson said:

We just bought a 2016 855 many many many thousands cheaper than an 895. With respect to your list:

Heater / AC - it had factory reverse cycle AC & heat but (as you point out) only useful on shorepower. Former owners actually ran a small Honda generator strapped to the port swim platform which is essentially inaccessible and not otherwise used. We're in Vancouver and have no need of the AC so have pulled the AC unit and installed a Webasto diesel furnace. Having spent some time on the Chesapeake, I understand an AC unit may come in handy much of the time. The portable generator may work for you. 

(on a related note, if anyone is interested in a lightly used reverse-cycle AC/Heater unit perfectly suited to an 855, for a very good price, let me know!)


Generator - correct. With single mid-hull fuel tank, there is literally nowhere to put a generator. As above, the port side swim platform can be used temporarily when necessary. I think generators were reserved for later models with two out-board fuel tanks ... only 895s methinks.

Hot water - we have a factor installed 25 L (6.6 US Gallon) water heater with hot and cold running water in the galley and in the head sink/shower.

Bilge Pump - correct. Easy enough to swap out or install float switch.

No Microwave - correct. Stove and rod-holder mounted gas grill are perfect for us.

Leaks - ours is solid no leaks (we're in Vancouver ... it's been tested). One water ingress spot was the helm door. It didn't leak per se, but the drains in the door rails became obstructed with debris and water overflowed into the step just inside the door. Luckily it just pooled there and didn't go anywhere else (like mid cabin). 

Vent issues - I read about these extensively before we bought our 855. The vent on ours appears to be positioned/designed differently than many that had issues - it is almost at the rub rail, and includes an anti-siphon vent. I think ours is a very late 855 where they rectified some design issues pre-895.

Outlets - this is a problem. The two outlets are not in great places. One is in the far back corner in the under-stove cupboards. The other is behind the water heater/pump access panel next to the battery charger in the mid cabin. We may change this. Also, there is only a single 12V outlet on the entire boat. I had USB outlets added to the dinette, mid and forward berths. Considering putting another 12v Outlet in the battery switch cabinet/area (for cockpit use) and relocating the AC switches to more accessible locations.

We have the Offshore version of the 855 with twin 200s. Love the on-water performance - decent fast cruise and good get up and go for a 30' family cruiser.

Hey, nice to see a local with a boat that I'm considering.  I'm in Vancouver, and have shortlisted the 895 (weekender or sport).  Was the 855 the predecessor? If you are willing to share, can you DM me what you paid for it used?  Would be helpful in planning my upgrade in the next two years or so.

[racerxxx]

Hi, did you get a boat? If yes can you offer some tips and things to look for on the 855 (or any other boat model)? And what price you paid? Where are you on the Chesapeake? We go out of Middle River. Thanks