Introduction new member

justintime2 · Post by **justintime2** » Tue Jan 15, 2019 1:39 pm

Hello, New to the site , and wanted to signin so to speak. I have a 1987 Bertram 33 454's . This boat has never really been fished, ( Good thing ). I bought her at a great price, and will be using it for extended stays in the Bahamas each year. Starting in 2019, 4-5 months at a time. I have a pile of questions, one being for the most part ( where can I buy original parts for her.) Running lights anchor ect. For now I will stick with the Gas, but would really like to know what the cost is to go diesel? General idea round numbers. I am in Virginia. Thanks in advance.

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Wed Jan 16, 2019 7:21 am

Welcome aboard Justin, High Tide marine in Florida has a bunch of original parts, but I'd advise you to check eBay, Amazon, Defender, emarine.....and for engine parts marineengine.com and NAPA. We're kind of in the same boat. I have gas engines too, they're multi port fuel injected and that helps but nothing like a diesel for these boats, they eat 'em up. I have priced out the conversion and came up with the following breakdown: 1. Cummins remanned 330's = $22K Each (no gears but that is with the harness) 2. Gears = $5K each 3. New Stuffing Boxes ( I currently have 1 3/8" shafts, we really need 1 1/2" for diesel but some guys have got away with 1 3/8") = $5K for both (I might be light here) 4. New Props = $5K for both 5. New Shafts = $10K for both (You may be able to fit 1 1/2" shafts into the current struts with a thinner liner) 6: Extra's (Oil pump out, motor mounts, fuel lines, extra stuff) = $10K That should equal $84K which I think is worst case, you could possibly shave that down to $65 - $70K especially if you have 1 1/2" shafts already. I concluded that if I want a diesel boat, to just go buy a diesel boat. But for now, we have a great Summer every year with what we have and our usable time on the boat is only about 5 to 6 months max. Besides it's much more economical to work on and repair gas engines. If you replace a diesel fuel pump, it will probably run close to $4K. With gas engines, $4K buys a whole new long block. My 2 cents ! Rick Ticket 85 SF Merc 454 MPI's Falmouth, MA

davem251 · Post by **davem251** » Wed Jan 16, 2019 12:55 pm

Hi, congrats on the purchase. Saw that you just picked this boat up. I have also been looking at a mid 80's gas 33 and was sort of wondering what you consider a "good price" to be today? Sorry if its too personal a question but even a range would be helpful. I would buy a diesel boat if I was allowed, honestly the family just does not like diesel smell!

Capn Tony · Post by **Capn Tony** » Thu Jan 17, 2019 4:44 am

Welcome Justin, I too was in a similar situation. I owned a B31’ for almost 20 years;it was diesel (504 cummins). The engines had seen their days. Cost to re-power with a pair of new cummins would have approached 60-65K.It was way cheaper to buy our ‘86 B33’.

h2ojst · Post by **h2ojst** » Thu Jan 17, 2019 8:07 am

Hi there. Welcome aboard. Where in Virginia are you? I also have a gas boat and have made the journey to the Bahamas many times in the past from Florida. I assume you will be heading pretty far South before you make the crossing? Personally, I'd get rid of all the original lights and put LED's up on the bridge. They are brighter and way more reliable. Everyone here will have plenty of other suggestions. Just keep asking. Take care & good luck.

justintime2 · Post by **justintime2** » Thu Jan 17, 2019 2:16 pm

Thank you everyone, Yes I was told the same thing about changing over to diesel.(To just buy a diesel boat). Like I was saying I will just enjoy what I have. This Bertram is super clean, and I will be adding some nice features to it as the weather breaks. I lived in Fort Lauderdale for 12 years and ran several dive boats , one that I personally owned. As a captain and Dive instructor , it was pretty good life. So going to the Bahamas was something I did pretty regularly. Davim- I was around 25,000 and I feel like I got a great deal, considering the shape of the boat. Depending on the area you live the average price I find is 35,000 plus. Gas not diesel. h2ojst- yes I may head to the Dry Tortugas for a few weeks and then head North/East letting the Gulf do some of the work, then again I may make the jump in Jupiter. Thanks again everyone

h2ojetga · Post by **h2ojetga** » Thu Jan 24, 2019 6:15 am

I just bought an '89. shoot me an email at darthur@sewaterjet.com and I might be able to help out with some things. I'm in the process of refitting and customizing mine as well. I'm in Ft Pierce, FL.

justintime2 · Post by **justintime2** » Thu Jan 24, 2019 7:35 am

Email sent, will be interesting to see what you have going on on your refit.