Bertram33 User Forum

I have a bertram 28 with outboads ( rare model ). recently i have been looking at the bertram 33 sportfish. but i would really like to get it with a lower helm. i looked at all of them on yacht world and none of them have it. did bertram put it with a lower helm in them?

To my knowledge all the 33 SFs were fly-bridge models. David Sumich Bertram33.com Forum Administrator

Initially, a lower helm was optional on both 33's. Occasionally, you will see one or 2 on yachtworld.com that have this option. I am not sure when (if ever) that Bertram stopped offering this option. You should try contacting Dany at http://www.hightidemarine.cc/index.htm I'm sure he could clue you in. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth

thanks alot from both your input

For the record, and since there are not many B33 SF with lower helm out there, ours is a lower helmed version (1982, CAT3208 275HP). We have used the option of driving below quite frequently either during the winter months, with heavy side spray, and travelling with babies under extreme heat. This enables us to forego having a top enclosure, which helps with the vessel's weight distribution as well as the feeling of openess when driving from the flybridge. What are other peoples' opinions on the lower helm (of course not during fishing or mooring)? Those of you who have lower helms, do you use them? Regards from Greece, where the wind is a constant 8BF since June keeping us marina bound! MOT B33SF'82 Greece

When my boat is cruising, all I see out my lower windows is the clear blue sky. The boat rides too bow proud. I couldn't use the lower helm at all over say 12 knots unless I wanted to drive blind, so myself I would pass on it. If I lived somewhere further north and wanted to putt around in icy weather I'd probably feel differently. If you had a nice wide slip it might be nice to dock from below when single-handing the boat, wouldn't have to run up and down those stairs. However my current slip is only 10" wider than my boat, so I need to do it from the top where I can see everything anyway. In my circumstances I'd never use a lower helm at all. Sean Burlingham "Island Time" 1987 Bertram 33 SF Melbourne, FL SBurlingham@cfl.rr.com [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... d_Time.jpg[/img]

I had a Bertram 25 with lower controls and never used it. I had a Hatteras with lower controls and only used them when I was working on the engines so that I didn't have to go up on the flying bridge to start the engines. But I never ran her from below. My father had a 31 Bertram FBC without the lower contols. When I bought my 33 FBC I didn't want or see any need for the lower controls. I like the curtains on the bridge better. I open them up when it's nice and leave them down in the winter or when there is a lot of spray. Buzzk 1988 Bertram 33 FBC Buzz Off Morehead City, NC

Buzz, do you have a full or 3/4 enclosure on the bridge?

What I find interesting is that although I have seen a few lower helms in the first generation 33 SF, I have never seen a lower helm in 1987 models or later, yet they were offered as an option at least in 1988. Anyone ever seen one? John

David, Yes I have a 3 sided enclosure with 1/2 tower. My canvas guy keeps trying to talk me into adding a back curtain to use in the winter. The winter is time for Bluefin Tuna in NC. I have never had a back curtain and I'm not sure I want one. Buzz Buzzk 1988 Bertram 33 FBC Buzz Off Morehead City, NC

Buzz, I'd say you don't need it either. Your climate isn't too bad, and they become a pain when it gets even warm, because you have to get ventilation. I wouldn't let him talk you into it. So when are we going to get a picture of your boat posted in the Images section?

i have a back curtain and i like it to keep out the rain.It rains a lot here in Florida.The whole upper part is a window so i just keep it rolled up when it is not raining

Doesn't rolling the eisenglass a lot cause the material to breakdown? That is what I was told. I don't have a back piece, but the front ones I clip to the hardtop instead of rolling them up. This keeps them straight.

Dave, Up a rear piece is a nice to have as it gets chilly. I clip my front and side glass up, but I roll the back up as its not as important to me to have a picture perfect view aft. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

I would guess if you can clip them up they would last longer.I have now had mine for almost 2 years and always roll them . They still look great.