I own a 2002WA hardtop, and it is a very functional boat. Some of the things you pointed out are true... I could have easily engineered a better boat, and always wish they would have thought things out.

I am not sure if the 2052 has the same self bailing deck as the 2002 model... but the scupper on mine (and most I've seen) are absolutely completely useless. The drain holes are below the waterline when standing still or trolling and the drains just let water INTO the boat. This wouldn't be a HUGE issue, as the deck itself is sealed, and water wouldn't accumulate more than a half inch at most in the back corner in usual circumstances, but there is a huge BUT. Bayliner put the fish boxes all the way to the back, so when the scuppers allow water in, they just fill both fish boxes full.... its a huge PITA.. I use rubber plugs and plug my scupps from the inside, as do many people with the same issue.

I really do enjoy my boat a lot, and use it for all sorts of different things. Spend a TON of time in the islands, and straits with it. She is very seaworthy, and a good ride. The cockpit is designed right, and it back far enough you don't slam too bad, and it is up high enough that (1) you can see and (2) even in moderate/heavy chop its a fairly dry ride. Completely dry until you get to about 3 footers I'd say (or if the wind is right in your face and blows the spray back on you).

The box(es) are plenty big for storing fish. I have had 4 kings to 20+ lbs in one side at a given time. As well as 4 lings, and 4 nice cabezon. 6-12 Coho can fit with ease, WITH ice. I haven't had trouble with ice melting, I use block ice in mine mainly. Anymore I usually throw my fish in a cooler on the bow though... cleaning a cooler is just way easier to me rather than cleaning our the boxes.

One huge beef with the fish box design I have is that the boxes are on a pump-out system rather than a drain system (draining to the outside of the vessel) which would be ideal... The big problem is both boxes are hooked in series to just 1 pump... so if you have fish in one side and some sea-water/melted ice the bloody water from 1 side will slosh over into the other box.... so you're cleaning BOTH boxes every time regardless if you only put fish in just 1 side. This is the primary reason I usually use an ice box in the summer. In the winter I usually just throw fish in the floor boxes with no ice and call it good. Easy clean up.

All that being said, I am happy with my boat for the price I paid. I got my boat used for around 7,500$.... so making less out of more when you don't have money coming out of your ass can be pretty tough for some. I love my boat, and plan to fish her many more years proudly.