I finally bit the bullet...

Capt. Ed · Post by **Capt. Ed** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 3:20 pm

Frank, You are armed with all the information from here, you have two professionals and your common sense, you will do well, relax and good luck. 1979 Bertram 33' FBC ALEXANDRA Port Richey, Florida

IRGuy · Post by **IRGuy** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 3:21 am

Ed... Thanks! I feel confident that when all the survey results are in that I will have as good an assessment of this boat as possible. I told both surveyors to be as picky as they would be if they were buying the boat to take their grandchildren out on, which is what I plan on doing. Doug... I have been able to look at several non-engine things on my own that I was warned about here and in phone conversations with a couple of owners.. although not with the ability to open everything up since I did not want to distrub someone else's boat.. I was warned to look for delamination of tha aft cabin bulkhead.. there is some on both sides of the door extending from the bottom edge up toward each window. I did check as much as possible the stringer to hull connections.. especially at the transom and bow.. saw no delams or seperations anywhere. I went over the whole fwd deck and cockpit sole tapping with my heels and knuckles looking for soft spots.. I did not find any. I have not checked out any systems.. instruments are older and suspect, I believe the AC works, the reefer works (but looks terrible). I assume the generator (Mase 2003) works as well. I did see lots of rusty elbows on the hydraulic steering hoses.. need to look closely at these. I have not checked the hot/cold water systems or the head. The cabinetry in the salon has been messed up and needs a full rebuild, there are at least two water leaks from the flybridge into the salon on both sides near the aft bulkhead, and a major water leak at the lower aft corner of the stbd salon window. (I believe I know the cause of this.) The whole boat has been neglected since the owner put it up for sale 20 months or so ago.. and was probably neglected before that.. so my offer was essentially based on my buying two good engines (Cummins B 315HP 1999's with 500 hours) and a sound Bertram hull. In general I realize at the price we agreed on I am buying a boat which needs a lot of cosmetic work, has older systems, and may need lots of things replaced. I believe the engines are OK but will be looking over the shoulders of both surveyors to learn, ask questions, and get their suggestions for maintenance and repairs. I am pretty much retired, am a reasonably good cabinetmaker/finish carpenter, and a hands on mechanic as long as I can learn about the systems I am working on. I am not afraid to either get my hands dirty or pay for qualified help if I think I might get over my head somewhere. So.. now you all know where I am and how I am approaching this deal. Stay tuned.. After Thursday evening I will be able to tell more. Frank B - IRGuy@aol.com Somewhere between having made an offer and passing papers

richcatch22 · Post by **richcatch22** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 2:26 pm

In case you have not already found this article "What you can learn from a sea trail", it is well written and addresses the Cummins 6B. The camera and notepad are a must! I suggest bring to bring a knowledgeable honest friend who will supplement what you see and see things you simply won't. http://boatdiesel.com/index.cfm?CFIDC=APP1B Capt Rich Catch 22 1989 33 FBC

IRGuy · Post by **IRGuy** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 10:06 am

Thanks Rich.. I read the article a while ago but forgot it was there.. have read it again and it has some great suggestions. Now.. just to keep everyone informed.. I finally have everyone scheduled. The sea trial will be this Thursday afternoon.. the engine surveys will be on Wednesday, Feb 1st, and the hull/systems survey will be on Monday, Feb 6. (the last two allow the engine surveyor to have a couple of days to prepare his report and get it into the hull surveyor's hands before he begins his work). BTW: It is not going to be a surprise to any of you, but when I spoke earlier today with the hull surveyor he made the following comment... "You probably won't find any problems with the hull, being that it is a Bertram. They don't wear out, they just seem to go from owner to owner and get brought back to good condition and get repowered". Frank B - IRGuy@aol.com Somewhere between having made an offer and passing papers

buzzk · Post by **buzzk** » Fri Jan 27, 2006 1:01 pm

Frank How did the sea trial go? Buzz K 1988 Bertram 33 FBC Buzz Off Morehead City, N.C.

Capt. Ed · Post by **Capt. Ed** » Fri Jan 27, 2006 2:10 pm

It most have gone well, and he is still out at the Strip Club... checking out the lighting I am sure. [;)] 1979 Bertram 33' FBC ALEXANDRA Port Richey, Florida