Buying my first Bertram
Buying my first Bertram
Good evening everyone my name is mike I am in the process of buying a really clean 1987 33 sportfish in Connecticut having the survey done tomorrow what things should I look for on these boat as far as areas of rot and soft spots the boat is powered by two 3208 260 hp cats that where rebuilt around 2100 hours the starboard was rebuilt not sure on port side. I think the engine or engines may have had a exhaust elbow issue they now have two stainless exhaust elbows. 300 hours since rebuilt Boat original came from Maryland. Has a 8 kw Onan generator. Soft top. No radar arch but plan to install one. I appreciate any help Information I can get. Thanks Mike
Re: Buying my first Bertram
Hi Mike,
My '88 needed the cockpit floor replaced due to water intrusion from the ladder bolts. It's balsa cored and does not like water at all. Next area of concern are the rudder shelves and bearings. If they are original, they will need replacing. While you're back there put a clean rag on the steering ram and check that for leaks. I also just noticed that I have to replace the flooring just ahead of my batteries between the engines. This is completely rotted out.....Winter project. The rest is all cosmetic and normal wear & tear for a 30 year old boat. You'll find that the wiring is still 100% and the hardware is built to last. Good luck with the survey.
My '88 needed the cockpit floor replaced due to water intrusion from the ladder bolts. It's balsa cored and does not like water at all. Next area of concern are the rudder shelves and bearings. If they are original, they will need replacing. While you're back there put a clean rag on the steering ram and check that for leaks. I also just noticed that I have to replace the flooring just ahead of my batteries between the engines. This is completely rotted out.....Winter project. The rest is all cosmetic and normal wear & tear for a 30 year old boat. You'll find that the wiring is still 100% and the hardware is built to last. Good luck with the survey.
Joe Tomaini
1988 Sportfish
Attitude Adjustment II
Bath, NC
1988 Sportfish
Attitude Adjustment II
Bath, NC
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Re: Buying my first Bertram
I purchased a 1982 SF with 3208 CATS 270 hp. When I purchased my boat, from the original owner, the engines had @1750 hrs and ran well. I have been told by several very competent diesel mechanics that these engines should be good for at least 5000 hrs. if well maintained and not abused. I rarely run mine past 2400 (cruising speed) they are rated for 2850.
How is access to the forward end of the engines in the '88 with only half engine boxes on the outside? I have been on Joe's boat with gas engines and they look lost in the engine room. I wish that I had that much space with full boxes.
I also had to remove and recore the aft deck. Be sure to have the main oil lines to the filters checked as well as other hoses, etc. I also had to change the heat sensors, which were original to the boat. They kept making the engine room alarm go off to to deterioration.
How is access to the forward end of the engines in the '88 with only half engine boxes on the outside? I have been on Joe's boat with gas engines and they look lost in the engine room. I wish that I had that much space with full boxes.
I also had to remove and recore the aft deck. Be sure to have the main oil lines to the filters checked as well as other hoses, etc. I also had to change the heat sensors, which were original to the boat. They kept making the engine room alarm go off to to deterioration.
Jack Van Deman
"Why Knot?" '82 33SF 3208CATS
Little River, SC
"Why Knot?" '82 33SF 3208CATS
Little River, SC
Re: Buying my first Bertram
Good morning. The out of water survey went well. Now the boat owner wants to back out of deal after having survey done Not too happy write now really pissed off