Refit cost questons for newbie

colbach · Post by **colbach** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 7:06 pm

I am looking at two 35' Bertrams and I am trying to figure out what is the best way to go, a boat that is totally done (I am leaning this way) or a boat that needs some work but is $30K cheaper. Both are gas boats with similar engines. The refit boat has a new AL tank, glass tech cockpit, salon doors, and bow pulpit, as well as all new electronics. The salon is totally redone and has teak flooring. The only thing it would need is outriggers and a flybridge enclousure. The second boat had an above average survey, but needs a new tank and cockpit deck and maybe salon doors. The salon is pretty dated and would need to be redone (teak floors and new cabinets). It has decent electronics and a new hardtop and flybridge enclosure. I would not be doing any of the work myself. Can anyone give me some ballpark figures on what it would cost to do the cockpit decking (I have called and e-mailed glass tech, with zero response), tank, salon doors and salon. Also, any ballpark figures on outriggers and a hardtop with enclosures. Thanks, Mike C

Mike_Lenz · Post by **Mike_Lenz** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 11:50 pm

Mike, The deck is about $4600 plus installation, the sliding door bulkhead is about 6,000 to refresh the interior could be what ever you want to spend. I’m having a tank put in my B35 right now and the estimate is 8,000 — 10,000. If it were me I would seriously look at the B35 that is all ready done, I refurbished my B25 when I was all done my actual cost was double of what I estimated due to unforeseen issues when you start removing and changing things. A hardtop enclosure will run between 8,000 — 20,000 depending on what you want, I think when I checked on the outriggers in the Bertram style that were in the 5,000 — 7,000 range Are the two boats you are currently looking at on the web now? I hope this helps. Good luck, Mike……

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 1:22 am

Welcome Mike!!! The B35 is a very nice ride. Based on what you've presented, and Mike's estimates which I think are in the right neighborhood here's what it looks like Cheaper boat upgrades $6600 new deck installed (2k install) $8000 new sliding door bulkhead (2k install) $5000 new gas tank, an aluminum tank shouldn't be more than $3k and its only worth about $2k to install expecially if your ding the cockpit deck at the same time. $8000 Hardtop (my estimate from looking into it last year) $4000 4-sided strataglass/stamoid enclosure $7000 New Lee SR. outriggers mount/poles/rigged/installed. ------- $38,600 Total So, if you subtract out the $12k for the hardtop/enclosure you're looking at saving about $4k by going with the boat that needs the work. Also, having the work done on the cheaper boat can be spread over several seasons If it were my choice to make I would look at some other things on the 2 boats. 1) Rudder shelves, they weren't encapsulated and my need to be replaced. 2) Wiring, the more original the better. When electronics are removed/replaced or upgraded, the installers are just concerned with the new gear working. It cost me more than $12k to get the wiring on my boat straigntened out. 3) Though interior's are dated by todays standards. Bertram cabnitry is tops and most likely any replacements would be inferior. 4) Take a look at the gelcoat, you don't whan to have to paint the boat. If it's been painted, make sure it's by a reputable yard. Painting is not a plus unless done absolutely right. Good Luck, John D "Lady D" Bertram 35 Pasadena MD

photo finish · Post by **photo finish** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 2:24 am

I agree with John. Unless you are in a big hurry to have a complete ready to go boat,You can then outfit it the way you want for the same cost. What about the engines ? Are you going to repower? if so then it does not matter but if you plan on running what is in there then that is the main concern.The other thing that most of us here would look for is how well everything is maintained.

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 4:04 am

Mike, All above sounds about right. You may want to ask a lot of questions about the re-fit boat's new tank relative to how it is fastened into the boat. If you're going to re-power, then do it the same time as the salon doors. Rick Ticket 85 SF Falmouth, MA

colbach · Post by **colbach** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 1:20 pm

Thanks for all the info guys. I think I am going to go for the refit boat. I just don't want to take a chance on bigger problems and bigger bills doing a refit myself. Mike C