Looking to purchase a 33' or 35

BillChaser · Post by **BillChaser** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 1:18 pm

I am doing the preliminaries on selecting a new offshore ride. I a mvery seriously considering a 33' SF. Can you all give me some ideas on what to look for. I don't care abpout cosmetics, but I do care about mechanical and structural. I would also like to know what kind of mpg you guys are getting at cruise. My offshore run is typically 40nm from Beaufort inlet. Any input on the 33 sf or FBC would be great. I do like the salon on the FBC, but I feel the Sf layout is more suitable to my family[?]

buzzk · Post by **buzzk** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 1:42 pm

I have a 33 FBC with 315/330 Cummins. I have never exactly checked my mpg and I don't have a floscan. When I take my boat out we run a while and go slow for a while so I'm not sure, but at cruise I feel like I'm getting between 1 to 1.5 MPG. Some of these guy know their exact burn. Buzz buzzk 1988 Bertram 33 FBC Buzz Off Morehead City, NC

BillChaser · Post by **BillChaser** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 6:50 pm

Buzz, I would love to get a chance to speak with you sometime about your Bertram and how it owrks for you here. I own the Wind Tide stores in Beaufort and Emerald Isle.

buzzk · Post by **buzzk** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 10:08 pm

Bill, I'll be glad to talk to you. If you want you can come over and look at my boat and talk. I'll send you an email. Buzz buzzk 1988 Bertram 33 FBC Buzz Off Morehead City, NC

CB35 · Post by **CB35** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:09 am

If you get a chance to visit the Mid-Atlantic Rendezvous will many fine examples of both 33B's and 35B's plus lots of other sizes. There are lots of buys out their right now; but be aware gas and the fiberglass fuel tanks could be a problem. If you are looking to do a repower the Rendezvous is a must visit. This year we will have several engine distributors with repowered boats in the show. They will be there Friday and Saturday to discuss options and $$$. You do not need a boat in the Show to be a part of the fun and fellowship. You will be welcome to hangout. You can also buy tickets to the Saturday Night Pig Roast. Atlantic City has lots of hotel rooms. We have even had guys sleep on the dock; but I think they were passed out. Charlie

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:28 am

Bill, Welcome aboard and we hope that you're an owner soon. The SF works for my family (4 of us) but it does get tight in the cabin first thing in the morning or a rainy day. Year '87 and above SF's have bigger cabins, so you may want to look at those as well as the earlier models. The caveat is lost cockpit & engine room space. Buzz is right, Cummins diesel's would be your ideal power for offshore fishing. Stay away from the gas models unless you intend to re-power it. Rick Ticket 85 SF Falmouth, MA

jeff · Post by **jeff** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 7:08 am

Hi Bill, I would consider selling my '77 33FBC prepowered with Cummins. Send me an e-mail, stephens33@comcast.net I will give you the details if you are interested. Jeff Stephens Now and Then

BillChaser · Post by **BillChaser** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 7:38 am

I am definately only going to buy a diesel powered boat. All boats are compromises and I am looking for a mechanically , and structurally sound boat. I would almost prefer the cosmetics be below par as I can make it the way we want it. There are seven 33's on yacht world with diesels right nowe for under $70K I like the cheapest one best right now , because it has newer Volvo power, and as faster than average cruise

Post by **dougl33** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 7:42 am

quote:Originally posted by Rick Year '87 and above SF's have bigger cabins, so you may want to look at those as well as the earlier models. The caveat is lost cockpit & engine room space. Actually, the change in cabin style for the SF started with the 86's. Also, the cockpit itself didn't really lose any space as Bertram simply moved the after bulkhead back about 6 inches or so. This really only makes the engine boxes smaller and doesn't really affect square footage of fishable space. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 11:46 am

See that Bill......you've got to watch what you say around here ! I still think you lose cockpit space. Rick Ticket 85 SF Falmouth, MA

franklyprice · Post by **franklyprice** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 2:47 pm

Rick, I agree with you , you do lose a bit of cockpit space but still end up with an absurdly large cockpit , which I love.

dealerschoice · Post by **dealerschoice** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:58 pm

Bill, I just purchased my 33 SF about six weeks ago. The boat is in reasonable shape and was repowered in 2001 with 350hp Yanmars. I fished last Sunday 35 miles off of Edisto Beach with a total run time of about 7 hours. Had 6 adults onboard turning 2800 RPMS making 24 knots and burned 85 gallons. Good luck with the search, it is definitely a buyer's market right now as I feel I came up with a reasonable deal on mine. Sincerely, Scott 1987 B33 SF Dealer's Choice V Edisto Beach, SC

John C · Post by **John C** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 1:50 am

If you are a buyer there are some great buys out there now. After searching for about a year I was able to find a boat for about half of the yachtworld prices. It will take time and some driving around but if you got time the deals are out there.

buzzk · Post by **buzzk** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 3:46 am

Comparing makes of engines is like comparing GM and Ford. I would not want Volvo engines. Go with Cummins or Yanmar. Buzz buzzk 1988 Bertram 33 FBC Buzz Off Morehead City, NC

jeff · Post by **jeff** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 5:42 am

Bill, It is a buyers market and I am sure there are some boats out there for less than $70,000 but there is a lot more to it than just bolting in some diesel engines. As you have been told here the type of engines and the supporting equipment can make or break a good running installation. I sure you will do your homework first. Jeff Now and Then