Bertram33 User Forum

quote:Originally posted by franklyprice Frank, ...In my gas engines I run mercruiser 25w 40 which seems to be a good quality oil and when I was inside the engines a couple seasons ago after 1200 hours, they looked virtually new inside. Frank, I have gas as well and currently use Castrol 40W Assuron ...

quote:Originally posted by franklyprice Don, I had the same rust colored particles last season, before the ethanol.Some of those are just floating around the tank. I have been operating on the assumption that the first thing I'll notice is the fuel turning darker as it cleans whatever varnish off th...

quote:Originally posted by franklyprice ...As an aside on the ethanol issue, I have been running my stock mercruiser fuel filters and spun new ones on this spring, as always and haven't looked at them yet. I will check them at the end of the season(Like in a couple of weeks) but have not tried anyth...

Frank, Thanks for contacting Ashland to get additional info that will help us to better understand how ethanol / gas might effect our tanks. I have a gas powered '94 Moppie with a 250g tank and was pretty much taking Bertram's word that, since my tank was made after the switchover to another (vinyle...

Doug, Thanks for the helpful tip. I'll check both coolers for any signs of corrosion. I never knew there was a separate cooler for the transmission. My previous boat was a B28 with 1400 hrs on 350 blocks but I was fortunate in that I never had any issues with those coolers. My current 454s are low h...

What is the recommended replacement cycle (engine hours/years) for these coolers, given a typical operating environment (e.g., mid Atlantic region)? Thanks.

quote:Originally posted by a300mike Anyone have a better insurance company that will insure a 1988 Bertram. Thanks Mike Like Brian, I have Allstate. I've only filed one claim with them (long ago, prior boat) but they were responsive and cooperative so I've stuck with them. Rates seem reasonable to m...

quote:Originally posted by IRGuy We did find some things that were not operating.. the fresh water tank "leaked so we removed it". It was never replaced. How about the water heater? Without fresh water, were you somehow able to confirm that it still works? I replaced my rusted out Raritan ...

Jose, That's a beautiful installation! What product do you use to protect the aluminum frame, ladder rails, hardtop, etc? Don

quote:Originally posted by IRGuy ...The hull surveyor has recommended we do the engine survey first, and if all is OK in that regard we can do the hull survey. He says several times he has been involved in joint hull/engine surveys where the engines were found to have major problems and the prospect...

quote:Originally posted by captgene ...If you change your oil at reasonable intervals and keep you maint. up has to be the key. So that is my .02 worth. Gene Dugan Agree. Frequent changes are probably more important than using any particular brand of oil. I sure miss that built in Reverso oil pump. ...

quote:Originally posted by franklyprice Ed, ...I'm getting no oil usage and good oil pressure from the recommended mercruiser oil, so am sticking to that. I don't think I'd gain any longevity at this point by switching oils on these older engines with about 1300 hours on them. Frank Price I've alway...

quote:Originally posted by CB35 ...Coring above is a good pratcice. I would always perfer a cored above the water line boat. They are quiter and better insulated. Charlie FYI....from Bertram's website: "Above the waterlines, the hull sides of a Bertram are fully cored utilizing a state of the a...

Re manufacturer specific issues, if you plan to buy a Bert with any damage to the rub rails, suggest you check out this thread: The rub rails can get scratched and dented fairly easily. I keep fenders at the ready.

Agree with Capt Ed that, with grandchildren, you may want to lean toward the FBC since most of them will have two staterooms. Howsever, Bertram enlarged the cabin in the Sport Fish model in 1986 and this provided a spacious layout that's also cruiser friendly. Pre-1986 SF's are designed more toward ...