Bertram33 User Forum

Bob, Any updates? Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA

I splashed today. FINALLY!! Now I have to complete the engine alignment process, install my new control cables and pigtails to the bridge and good to go. Sorry I can't post the photos. THe job was bigger than I expected but I quess thats because I decided to replace everything I touched. Also for those of you who plan to do this, be prepared to disasemble the motors to get them into the engine room. I think the FBC must be an easier install because you go straight in and then down. The sportfish has a horizontal engine box opening of 32 inches. The new motors with gear and other goodies removed is 38". Next time (RIGHT) I will remove the aft bulkhead and galley so it would go easier. It really is amazing how the cost adds up. New battery cables, new exhaust and fb fittings (1 custom wye per side from centek. It is still worth it because everthing is new. I will post performance figures soon and maybe try the photos again.

Bob, Glad to hear you're finally in the water. Keep the updates coming. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA

Engine are running and sea trial went well. I have not established any performance figures yet and will try to update asap. One small issue has to do with Mercruiser alarms and what they mean. The computer apparantly stores the code for alarms and you can download with the proper software, which is on the way. I will keep you all updated. One mistake I made was when I installed the shaft couplings I damaged the shoulder and had to remove them again a make repairs while in the water which causes the dripless to fill the boat as I worked. Interesting to say the least. I had to push the dripless back every once in a while and pump the work again. Next time I wont damge the couplings.

bummer about the couplings..i did not know they could get damaged..i know mine got sent off for reconditioning before they were put on. i am happy for you i am sure you wil be as happy as i am with performance.it will jump up and fly...it will be fun to compare flowscan figures between the mercs and crusaders ...of course there will be some differrence since you have a sportfish and i have a fbc. Tim Stamm Photo Finish 1981 33' Bertram FBC

What kind of manifolds do you have with your new mecruisers? They have a new dry joint design that eliminates the problem of manifold to riser leakage and the associated engine damage. Are you fresh water cooled as well?

That is one of the reasons I'm interested in seeing how Bill's application works out. It seems like Merc has changed their designs 3 or 4 times over the last several years while Crusader has stuck with what works. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA

Yes the manifolds are dry type, but the exhaust is raw water cooled. Lateset date is as follows; engines are great! smooth as can be, start up is imediate, torque is significantly better out of the hole. IO am still under breakin so I have not run them hard. THe alarm that I mentioned is a neutral overspeed alarm. I bought a Merc scan tool which gives the codes. Somehow the engine is not recognizing a shift into forward or reverse and thinks the gear is still in neutral. The neutral safety switch works fine as you can not start in gear, only in neutral. I am preatty sure it is somewher in the connection from the Merc harness to the Bertram harness bu not sure yet. As it is I can not run over about 3200 rpm because the gaurdian system automatically slows down the engine once it goes into alarm. I will continue to track it down and post again when I get it fixed, meanwhile I am putting hours on the boat below 3000 and it runs fantastic. More later.

Bob, Any luck with the alarm problem yet? Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA

Yes I found the problem. It took alot of trial and error but I got it. It was the auqualarm system (bell)that Bertram originally installed. I have now disconnected it from the engine entirely. It still alarms on high water or engine room fire but the engine alarms are the Mercruiser buzzer. Every thing is now OK. I plan to establish my performance figures this weekend. But I can tell you this, these babies are Fantastic!! The feel of the boat is completely different and it seems more lively. I will check on fuel consumption and speed /rpm and post as soon as I can. I still would love to try and post some photos but I am not sure what I am doing wrong with that.

Great job Bob, now we can race merc vs. crusader...[:)] Tim Stamm Photo Finish 1981 33' Bertram FBC

Bob, Any updates on speed and/or fuel burn yet? Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA

Just got back from a week in Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. Overall I burned 21.5 gals/hour on the run over and back. I do not have flow scans so I had to go through several fill ups to verify, but Nantucket run is good indicator because it about 5 hours of solid cruise. Numbers are as follows. 3000=20 knots, 3200=22 knots, 3500=23 knots 4500(wot)= 31 knots. My set up is new Merc 8.1, ZF/Huth 2.5-1, props=23x26. I am very happy with the new set up.

Glad to hear that you're happy. It must be like a brand new boat. I'm guessing you're running 3 bladed props. How was the trip? Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA

Can someone with diesels post how those numbers stack up vs the same boat with diesels. I am quite seriously considering a re-do but would not stay with gas as it just makes no sense to me to spend this kind of money to almost have what I want. I can't see us moving to the 37 which is my only choice for moving up so i am thinking of making the commitment. Any recomendations to do a diesel conversion? Spoke to a guy in RI that did a 33 FBC in Yanny's and he sounded like he knew the boat and the project very well. He also offered free winter storage. I'm figuring I will save some serious coin not having to winterize, spring commission or pay to store for the witnter. If I can get a few bucks for the gassers, I think I can get there. I am considering lots of options but the Cummins folks make that reman 330 diamond sound like a great deal.