Bertram33 User Forum

As suggested, here is the info on our Beautiful Bertram. We are the proud owners of a 1980 35 FBC (Fly Bridge Convertible). She has been repowered with Cat 3116 TA 300's and we are in the water in Pensacola, Florida. We acquired Southern Breeze after she was knocked around abit in Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Since then, we have been slowly adding to the awesome performance of what I believe is the most fishable boat I have had the pleasure of fishing. She handles anything that we are willing to venture out into and my 12 year old son and I can handle her without any other crew all day with ease. My latest question for the group concerns the placement of the serial numbers on the Cat 3116's. We can not find them under all of the coats of paint. I already tried boatdiesel.com with no answers. Southern Breeze

Try your local CAT Dealer for location. The #'s and arrangement #s are are usually on the rear of the block on a plate affixed to the block, they may have been removed. Block #'s are punched into the block and could be covered by paint. Capt Rich Catch 22 1989 33 FBC

Thank you Captn Rich Our plates were removed and I am trying to find the numbers on the block. Our local Cat guys have not been very helpful to this point, but it never hurts to try again. I do not want to strip the entire rear of the block and so I was trying to pinpoint, more or less, the location.

The numbers on the block will not help you in knowing the arragement (how it was confugured at the factory). The block #'s will only tell you which factory the block was manufactured. Do you know the prior owner or previous boat names, so you could track down the numbers or a dealer who did service? Capt Rich Catch 22 1989 33 FBC

Having the plates removed from a pair of 3116's would make me a little suspicious given all the problems Cat had with that particular motor. That being said, conventional wisdom is that @ 300hp you'll be OK, plus the amount of time that has passed probably negates any issues as well.

We are trying to find the serial numbers to facilitate repairs and replacement of parts that are dependent on knowing the details of the engine. For instance, we are currently replacing a heat riser on our starboard motor and we need to know the serial number to order the replacement. The previous owner is a good friend and we know the history of the boats and the motors. He has been a great help in dealing with any issues that arise.