New to Group, considering '77 Conv

ginmax · Post by **ginmax** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 5:18 pm

New to group. After spending many years aboard friends '65 31' and more recent FL to Annapolis, MD treak aboard his recent addition '71 38' re-due, may need one for self. Considering purchase of '77 33' Convertible, looking at a few this weekend. Any do's, don't's, look for's.

Capt. Ed · Post by **Capt. Ed** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 5:58 pm

Welcome aboard Jeff, glad you joined us. Start by reading these post: http://www.bertram33.com/forum/topic.as ... s=surveyor http://www.bertram33.com/forum/topic.as ... =983&which http://www.bertram33.com/forum/topic.as ... s=surveyor http://www.bertram33.com/forum/topic.as ... s=surveyor http://www.bertram33.com/forum/topic.as ... s=surveyor http://www.bertram33.com/forum/topic.as ... s=surveyor http://www.bertram33.com/forum/topic.as ... s=surveyor Then do some searches on this site for the subjects of interest, or if you read most of the post on this site you will be full of great information. The key is just ask questions and you will find many replies in a short time with some great advice. Good luck and look forward to you hearing about your search for a Bertram. Tightlines, Ed

BECCA ROSE · Post by **BECCA ROSE** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 2:59 am

Welcome aboard Jeff! Good luck on your search, it's a great time to buy. Keep us posted. Bill 1988 33 FBC Ipswich, Ma. > ~------- [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... a_Rose.jpg[/img]

inspector · Post by **inspector** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 6:20 am

Welcome to the group. I recently bought a '77 33fbc. This does seem like it is a buyers market now(not for long. Mine is gas, so the fuel tank issue really held my purchase price down. If you're thinking of a gas boat; as long as you change the tank right away, and the price is right go for it! The tank swap is really not all that difficult. Mine will total out around 2,000$ with myself doing the install. Atlantic Coastal Welding in NJ did my tank with 1/4" aluminum which is thicker and more expensive than required, but then again, it's a Bertram. Compared to other boats I've owned----well there is no comparison.

Post by **dougl33** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 8:04 am

Jeff, Welcome aboard. Cheap and dirty items to look for off the top of my head: 1. Obviously the fuel tank if its a gas boat. 2. The rear bulkhead of the cabin usually has some rot at the bottom as the bulkhead itself sits in a gutter that is great place for water to collect. 3. The cockpit coring can have some rot, especially around the ladder leading to the bridge. Also, the cockpit hatches are prone to rotting around the lifting rings. 4. The rudder table can rot, and the rudder stuffing boxes usually need to be re-packed as people often forget they're there. 5. If the boat was fished hard and has a gennie, its probably a ball of rust. What do you plan on using the boat for? Do you have children or do you plan on having frequent over-night guests? The reason I ask is that the FBC was changed in 1980 to incorporate a second stateroom. It makes the boat very flexible. Along with a pull out couch or futon, it allows to sleep 6 comfortably. Also, in 1982, the helm was changed to a pedastal/tournament style as opposed to being directly behind the windshield. I know some have different opnions, but in my mind this is the preferred setup. What is your price range? Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

ginmax · Post by **ginmax** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 2:28 pm

Guys, This great! What a resource. Thanks for all the response and imput. Will advise

IRGuy · Post by **IRGuy** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 3:33 pm

Ginmax... Also check where the stringers are bonded to the hull in the bow and stern.. especially the bow. If it is a sportfish and has been fished a lot (ie: seen many long high speed runs offshore) I have been warned to look for possible seperation caused by hull flex against the rigid stringer system. Look carefully at the rudder bearings on top of the shelves as well.. often they are left without grease and can get corroded. Not a big deal to replace, but an awkward job unless you are 3 feet tall. My boat ('83 Flybridge Cruiser, ie: Convertable) had cracks on both sides of the lateral frame under the v berth.. my surveyor said this is a common occurance.. and not serious.. but still a good negotiation point. I fixed this by grinding them out and filling with thickened epoxy. If they crack again I will sister them as well. Also look at the hydraulic steering hoses.. some of mine had been replaced with steel ends, if you can believe that, and were badly rusted. I ripped all my steering hoses out and replaced with brass ends. The generator compartment suffers from water intrusion.. the hatch over it in the floor of the cockpit has gutters with drain hoses leading into the bilge.. supposedly. But the hoses either fall off or plug up, and water from the cockpit floor finds it way over the gutters and drips on top of the genny. I would beware of the original Cat 3208 diesel powered boats, most should have enough hours on them today that a rebuild could be needed.. and if they are 260 HP they might be slower than you would like. Most of the repowered diesel 33s have 300-370 HP (Cummins and Yanmar) and can cruise in the 23-30 knot range at that HP range. This being said, the Cat 3208 was a real workhorse of an engine, and are well known, so parts and service should be available in areas where boating is popular. Most mechanics seem to feel above 3,000 hours is about time for the usual recreational owner to think of a rebuild. By and large the hulls are bullet proof.. it is mostly the systems that degrade. Good luck.. and ask more questions here.. before I bought my boat a year ago I asked lots of questions here and got great info, which was extremely helpful while I was looking. If you find a boat you are really interested in ask about it here.. often someone else here has some info about it if it has been advertised on Yachtworld or has been for sale for a while. PS: After adding my 2 cents above, I read the posts Ed suggested, and found they contain almost all the posts I made while I was searching for my boat, and then addressed what I found after the purchase. I think they would be useful and interesting to you. In addition.. feel free to send me a direct email and we can talk.. be happy to help! BTW: Where are you located? Frank B - IRGuy@aol.com "Phoenix" 1983 FBC Wilmington, NC

ginmax · Post by **ginmax** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 2:38 pm

All, please be patient with this newcomer. Important part is I know I want in, that is I want a 33 FBC. Understand that spend, or I should say initial spend, has all to do with year, do I want project or turn key etc. Understand and apperciate that part, just need to drawl on the experience and insights this group has to offer. OK, next candidate.... '85 FBC. Any issue specific. This is gasser with original tanks, what might be a good gestamate as to replacement. Looks to be a well cared for piece, ref yatch world, vessel "SNACKER" if anyone knows of.