Bertram33 User Forum

gas jockey? the 40k i saved over diesel conversion sure buys alot of gas not to mention i dont have to deal with the smell and smoke Tim Stamm Photo Finish 1981 33' Bertram FBC

1. Tim, lighten up. I am plased your repower has gone so well and I think your motors are quality stuff. Just giving you a tickle there. 2. I have been talked OUT of just changing the shafts from 1 3/8" to 1 1/2" and keeping the 502 gears. The argument is that the issue under orginal consideration was tuning the motors back up to 320 hp to get the power they were designed with and the 502's don't make it since they max out at 270 hp rating. Frankly, the installer I was going to use refused to just add the shafts if I was going to tune the motors back up and not run it WOT (idea was to get 270 hp at say 2500 prm when WOT is 2800). I still can't figure out why Bertram would tune the motors down to 270 hp from the factory 320 hp. Anyone got any idea why they would do that? 3. So, I am back to the original plan (5050A's, 1 3/4" shafts, 21 x 27 three blades, #5 cup, etc. to get 28 knots) and saving my $$'s for it. I will do it later in the year I hope. Too many financial commitments right now. The boat I really want is a 46' Betram with big new sleeveable CAT's in it so as soon as I win the lottery, any lottery, I will get one and do that. 4. Anyone in the Shark Shootout this year at Oak Bluffs?

Peter, I had thought of the shark shootout in the past but I think it costs a bunch to enter. Do you have any info? It would be fun to do if it was reasonably affordable. By the way. You're not listening to what we're telling you about your boat. You cannot get the right answers if you don't ask the right questions. The guys wanting to sell you the gears ands shafts etc. are not addressing the real problem with your boat and niether are you.DO SOME BOTTOM AND PROP MAINTENANCE! You will pick up a bunch of speed. Frank Price

Peter, Let me get this straight: You want to increase your shaft and prop size, change your tranny but leave the motors alone, and pick up 8 knots? It just doesn't add up. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth

Doug, My 270's are turning 2800 WOT with a clean bottom. About 50 less on one side the other day after being in Boston Harbor all winter without a cleaning. Still got 20 - 21 at 2550 and just shy of 25 at WOT (3/4 fuel and water;2 POB, heading to Marina Bay, actually. Peter, Speaking of Marina Bay, there is plenty of marine growth all over Boston Harbor, including Marina Bay so bottom and prop cleaning is still an issue. The harbor is clean. I saw a couple of small harbor porpoises off by stern as I left the boat this morning, that is a clean harbor! As far as why Betram tuned down the 320's I think it is due to the gear requirement. The 320's as you now know, require the 507 gears and I believe they are longer and they just plain won't fit. My 270/502 configuration is right up to the hatch on top and forward there isn't a whole lot either. When shaft angle is considered with the longer gear I think they would not fit under the sole without raising it. The SF has the "luxury" of the engine boxes so that isn't a problem, hence the 320's in the SF. Let's get together this summer for some speed trials between our respective boats. It might be fun. Last one to the Tavern on the Water buys the beers! I'm new to this forum, but this has to be one of the longest threads in history. We are a passionate lot when it comes to Bertram 33's. Ron

good points Ron, i wil try to lighten up Peter.but i am just so excited about my new engines i have to express myself... by the way maybe you have fishing line wrapped around your shaft...........thats your boat shaft hot woman man. Tim Stamm Photo Finish 1981 33' Bertram FBC

Went to see the boat today. Bottom is clean, no rough spots, had it scraped/semi-blasted last year. So, I'm going to put on Michigan 21x23x3 Nibral DJX's, #3 cup per the Florida guy's recommendation and see what happens.

And have the props scanned, too. Probably have H&H of Salem, MA do it.

Ron: Siro's. Marina Bay. Be there or be square. If you need to tie up there anytime let me know. You can tie up to that dock I am lugging around! Hey Frank, am I supposed to pull in that sea anchor when I am underway?

Peter, Good one! I always use my sea anchor just to let Doug think he has the fastest boat. I think you're on the right track with the prop change. No doubt it will be just a step toward where you want to go speed wise but I think you will learn a ton without major work, a necesarry step. Otherwise, in my opinion, you would have spent a bunch of money and gotten the same result. There really isn't a good reason you can't get the same (or close) speed numbers as the other cat powered boats with the same power, shafts and gears you have now.Despite your 800 ft of anchor rode and big couches. Now if you want more.... Frank Price

Frank: "Now, if you want more...????" Huh?

Sorry, I meant speed. I'm terrible at getting thoughts across to others. If you want more speed than everyone else, well that's another story,

Pete, If you go to H&H in Salem, ask for Jimmy Blanchard. I've known him for years. He used to belong to my club. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth

Doug: Thanx. I sure will ask for him. When you say he used to belong to your club you didn't vote him out or anything, right.

No, nothing like that. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth