Bertram33 User Forum

quote:Originally posted by IRGuy We did find some things that were not operating.. the fresh water tank "leaked so we removed it". It was never replaced. How about the water heater? Without fresh water, were you somehow able to confirm that it still works? I replaced my rusted out Raritan last year. FYI, the 'new and improved' models are essentially rust free.

Very well said, Tom. Clip that statement and send to the editors of the Boat Rags out there. I would love to see if it would pop up anywhere. I think we all know the answer to that. When you think about the way boats are made today, I am even more impressed with the quality and design of the boats we own, and what a value they really are. Sometimes I think they should cost more then they do. Hopefully with sites like this we are all increasing the value of our investments, you can not spend time on this site and not want to own a Bertram! Bill Dunlop "Rebecca Rose" 1988 FBC Ipswich, Massachusetts

I appreciate the comments about the paint and water heater. I don't think the painting was done to hide anything, rather I think the owner saw badly oxidized gel coat (I doubt it he ever compounded or polished the boat) and felt it was not possible to restore it, so he had his father paint it by roller. I am not sure if it is worth trying to remove it, or just live with it, or have the topsides repainted (at a cost of around $20,000-$25,000 I am told). The water heater is probably so old even if there was fresh water (the tank was removed about 2 years ago) I suspect it would be on it's last legs anyway. Again, the price I am paying was based on my expectation that there would be lots of things that either were not working, or were going to fail after a year or so of usage. Frank B - IRGuy@aol.com Somewhere between having made an offer and passing papers