90 Bertram 33 Fly Bridge Cruiser

amedina · Post by **amedina** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 3:16 am

Thanks for all the feedback! I went over and took a good look at her and I was not very impressed with that said the owner would have to let her go for 60-65k max.. I think I'm going to shop a little more for one that has diesels. The name on her is Bertram II One other thing, my neighbor down the street has a 35 Bertram... any pros or cons in regards to that model?

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 12:02 am

Hi Al, From my experience I'd cast a vote for finding a diesel boat treated well that's in your range, be it a B33 or B35. So unless a repower is just something you want to do, I don't see a reason to buy a boat that needs repowering. As for the B35, I've got a B35 which is gas and may soon be going to diesel. Generally I'm happy with the boat, the only things I would change is to have a 2nd stateroom and a larger flybridge (mine's an early model). Comparing the B35 to the B33's, the B33 sportfish in that it only has 1 cabin and a salon. The B33 flybridge has 2 cabins, but a much smaller deck. Other than that, the B35 has a small keel which adds some stability from what I understand. The B35's have a huge cocpit and there were 2 different configurations over the years. The early models had the single statroom, smaller galley and smaller flybridge (no seating in front). The later models, around 1979 and newer, had a little bit smaller V-birth but added a day single bunk across from the head. Also, the later models had a galley the full length of the port side of the salon, as well as, a lager flybridge with seating in front of the helm. Take a hard look at the way you'll use the boat and what you need to meet that use so you only have to buy it one time. The boat market is pretty depressed right now and if you're in a position to buy without having to sell an existing boat, your in a great spot. Heck, I've seen prices of B37's (the one I would buy if I bought another) come down from around 200k to less than $150k. Also, there are plenty of B33/B35 diesel boats available for less than $100k this wasn't the case when I bought 5yrs ago. Good Luck on your search, br, JohnD John D "Lady D" Bertram 35 Pasadena MD

Capt. Ed · Post by **Capt. Ed** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:13 am

Amedina, Try calling Tom Jenkins at Allied Richard Bertram in Port St. Lucie. Tom is really good at finding nice clean Bertrams, and will work hard for you to get it at a good price. His cell is 772-201-1800 and you will impressed with Tom. Good luck. Ed

amedina · Post by **amedina** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:29 am

Thanks for the reply John! I'm looking into the 33's and 35's because spinning a 37 behind my house might get tight... I currently have a 34ft Pro-line center console bimini cuddy w/2-250 mercs (Donzi F-33) which is nice but the forward cabin is very small and the wife doesn't like going to Marquesas or Tortugas for more than 1 night. I would also feel a lot safer knowing that i'm in a Bertram if the weather gets rough, which happens fast here in the summer. Ok so I've seen Detroits, Cats, Yanmar, etc... What is considered to be the best fit for a Bertram?

amedina · Post by **amedina** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:33 am

Thanks Ed I will do that! -Al I think he had one listed before last hurricane season, Snarlin Marlin but it was lost during Wilma last year.

Post by **dougl33** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:45 am

Al, In the size range you're looking at (33-35) you'll see boats that came from the factory with Cummins (555) and Cats (3208). Those that have been re-powered have been with mostly Yanmars and Cummins with an occaisional Cat or Volvo thrown in. No Detroits. They didn't make anything small enough. While I am in the process of re-powering my 86 33 FBC with 5.9 300hp Cummins, I would lean towards whichever manufacturer is most easily serviced in your area. The one thing you need to realize is that most factory diesel 33's will be on the slow side (18-20 knot cruise depending on conditions). It wasn't until near the end of the production run that Bertram started using the 320hp 3208's to boost the cruising and WOT speeds considerably. The 35's with the 300hp 3208's seem to give a cruise in the 21-23 knot range. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

amedina · Post by **amedina** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:58 am

Thanks for the info Doug i will keep the service availability in mind!

BECCA ROSE · Post by **BECCA ROSE** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 4:11 am

Service in your area is the number one choice in choosing your power. Bill 1988 33 FBC Ipswich, Ma. > ~------- [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... a_Rose.jpg[/img]

Capt. Ed · Post by **Capt. Ed** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 6:51 am

Price is everything... reliable and knowledge service is!

amedina · Post by **amedina** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 1:15 pm

What do you think of this one? It's about my limit in size and money but it looks nice. http://www.yachtworld.com/privatelabel/ ... m=pp219174&

BECCA ROSE · Post by **BECCA ROSE** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 1:36 pm

Every boat is going to look good by looking at the pics, the reality is that when you look at it in person you will probably be a little disappointed. They all need work, they all have issues, and the more boats you look at, the easier it is to accept their shortcomings. Look at everything that is near you and then start to look outward. Buying a boat 2,000 miles away can be very expensive and time consuming. I think others will have info for you on those engines. This boat is not selling and it's one of the least expensive 37's out there. Bill 1988 33 FBC Ipswich, Ma. > ~------- [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... a_Rose.jpg[/img]

Post by **dougl33** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 2:15 pm

Al, That boat has been on the market for about a year and half at that price. While I haven't seen it in person, that tells me its probably in pretty rough shape. That doesn't mean its not worth looking at, just that you're probably looking at time and more importantly money to get it ready to go. I thought you said the 37 was too big for your canal? Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

amedina · Post by **amedina** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 4:48 pm

I hear every word all of you are telling me and i appreciate it! 37 is pushing it, my boat is a 34 but 37'02" LOA with pulpit and engine bracket and I can turn it but its tight.. I'm going to the Miami Boat show to have a look at whats available... Anyone else planning on going?

Miss B · Post by **Miss B** » Wed Jan 31, 2007 8:56 pm

I have seen that 37 and it looks okay from the dock. The engines are rebuilt, but those are not the most popular engines for this model. I was told by a broker that in some cases Bertram actually changed out these engines as a warranty item for owners when the boats were new. She needs some redecoration inside, things are a bit dated, but it is set up for off shore fishing. I wonder myself why it is still on the market for so long, it appears to be a good value. But there are other 37's in the mid 150 range on the market, with Cat's or 6V92's which are better motors. You gotta shop around!

amedina · Post by **amedina** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 3:01 am

Thanks for the info Tom!