new guy here.

[sammi]

OK guys I am close to getting into a search for a new boat. I have narrowed it down to a few selections. Bertram 30 or 33 SF, Blackfin 29, tiara 31, 33. I am 41 years old and have admired Bertrams since I was 10 years old so naturally, now that I may be able to afford one, I want one. Can a 33 SF be trucked without removing the bridge? I have to admit I am a spoiled being a great lakes boater. Finding a fresh water Bertram is difficult to begin with and if I find one it is almost twice the price as a salt water boat. Is a fresh water 33 worth 25,000-30,000 more?

[franklyprice]

Sammi, The question of over the road shipping has come up before and the answer is: Yes you can truck the SF if you have a good guy. It all depends on the height of the trailer and how far you need to go. You may need to remove the props and rudders to get the overall height to 14' on the trailer. As far as if a fresh water boat is worht it? It may be. I would hate to have an old salt water boat on one of the lakes, it would look a bit older than fresh water one I would think. Little stuff like the rubrail and window channels , props and rudders all would look better without having been in salt water.

[schultz]

Hello Sammi, I just took delivery of a 1983 SF from Lake Erie and moved to to Lake Of The Ozarks, Missouri. The trailer had a road clearance of 5 inches. They had a transport height clearance of 13' 6", the boat on the trailer it was 14' 2". If they had applied for a transport clearance of 14' 2" nothing would have to have been removed. Since the paper work stated 13' 6" the trucking company did what they needed to be legal and had the following removed to bring the total height to 13' 6". 1. The boat has a Bimini (not a half tower), lower the Bimini to the rear hand railing. 2. Remove the windscreen and package for shiping. 3. Remove the compass and pack for shipping. 4. Remove the stearing wheel and pack for shipping. 5. Remove the helm seats and pack for shipping. 6. Disconnect the VHF and other atenas from mounts and package tape to bridge. 7. Remove 3 of the 4 bolts on the hand rail to the foward bridge seat, swing the rail down, tape in place. 8. Remove the props, leave the rudders/shafts on. 9. Shrink wrap the boat. 10. When it arrives at the destination reverse the process, it can be done alone. If the boat has towers, outriggers, davitts, radar arches plan for more work. To move the boat around 700 miles by pro's it's going to be about $6,000. It will be another $400 to launch (you will be doing the re-install on the equipment). The boat CAN BE MOVED without removing any equipment as long as the transport company does all the research and applies for the correct permits. The bridge will not need to be removed in the worst case. (SF ONLY). As for as buying a fresh water boat vs a salt water boat, yes if at all possible. You must be realistic about prices. You will not have to pay twice the price but you will not find or negotiate a purchase below $50,000 for gas, $85,000 for diesel (lots of variables), I looked at a gas 79 in TN now up for less than $40,000, spent many years in NJ so not a true fresh water boat and after the wild goose chase from the broker discovered that the updates were from HOME DEPOT (buyer beware) (you have to hate brokers). Hear is the rule, except to pay a fair price for a good boat. I spent 2 years looking for the boat I just took delivery of (1983 33' SF, original owner, 810 hours 275 HP Cummins Diesles, 7.5 Ownan diesel gen with 40 hours, owner with 6 Cummins Great Lake Dealerships, ALL ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT/no add on's. When the boat arrived the yard thought it was a NEW BOAT! I have been a boat owner for over 30 years, a 100 ton CC Captain, last boat a 40' Pacemaker SF with 27' full tower (took it to Cabo San Lucas from LA). If at all possible buy the 33' Bertram SF (the search and wait will be worth it, you are still young and the search is half the journey) forget all the rest, save your money to get what you really want! It is true "Bertram built Legends". Cliff Schultz 1983 33' SF "Final Approach"

[sharkyfhb]

Sammi, I work for a logistics company/shipowner in Houston and there is a trucking company that we work with very often that does boat transport. The name of the trucker is Big Boat Transport and they are located in Lufkin, Texas (quite landlocked for a boat transporter!). The last time I visited them they had several boats in their yard, including an older 55 Hatteras Sportfish. Imagine seeing a 55 Hatteras in Lufkin. They have a specialized low boy trailer that they use for boat transports. I can put you in touch with them if you like. Just let me know. Good luck with the "33" search. I hope to be starting one in the next 2 years myself. Billfished in the Tx Gulf for years on my uncle's 31 Bahia Mar and then his 1983 33 Sportfish. John -future Bertram 33 owner-

[Rissa]

We did not go see this boat, but we did talk to the owners and the broker. Since it was inland in Alabama, it meant to long haul for us. I know it is a fresh water boat. It is reported to be in excellent condition, those words should always be taken with a grain of salt. It is listed on the "boats for sale" on this website. There is a hauler in Michigan that is reported to be good. I know they make regular trips to Fl. It is costly to have one hauled though. 33' Bertram 33' Sportfish Year: 1979 Current Price: US$ 34,900 Located in Guntersville, AL Hull Material: Fiberglass Engine/Fuel Type: Twin Gas YW# 2747-1750608 Marissa DeWitt Ocala, FL