Bertram33 User Forum

Looking at a mid 70's 35' with naturally aspirated triple nickels. I know the 555's are ancient and parts hard to come by; however, I'm on the West Coast and it's hard to find any diesel Bertram. Will survey engines and everything else, boat is clean and I can buy it right. Most trips less than 30 mi offshore and will use boat about 100 hours a year. Estimating cruise speed at 16 to 18 kts. Is anyone here still running 555's? Would appreciate any feedback and advice. Many thanks. Mike

Mike, Welcome aboard. I think you're very high in your estimates of cruising speed. I couldn't tell you the last time someone on this site mentioned that they were running triple nickels. I'd bet the cruise would be closer to 12-13 knots and 16-17 WOT. I know you said you could buy it right, but just keep in mind that you'll take a bath if you ever have to sell it. Not saying you shouldn't buy the boat, just make sure you're going to be OK with a really slow boat that will be tough to sell if you decide to move on. Good luck.

I fished on a 35 with 555 Cummins in the late 70's. It had turbos and ran pretty good back in the day. I can't remember the speeds I'm thinking it was around 16 to 18. I agree with Doug, I think with naturals your cruise is going to be closer to 12-13. I may be wrong because it was so long ago, I'm not sure of the speeds. What's the horse power of natural 555? Weren't the turbos only around 225? If cruising at 16-18 knots is important to you I would go check the cruising and WOT speeds. But the 35 with the 555 was a comfortable boat and raised a lot of fish. We had a lot of fun on the boat.

Thanks for the input - this is a great forum. Engines have 215 HP and I believe the gear ratio is 1.97. Don't know what props are on there. If we get to a contract, I'll check speeds on the sea trial. Mike

Mike I am not sure what a B35 weighs, but in our B33s with diesels we weigh about 22,000 to 23,000 lbs and I believe most of us with diesels have between 260 HP (the original Cat 3208 boats) to 315/330 HP (repowered boats usually with Yanmar or Cummins power) and there are also some repowered boats with 370 HP engines. The boats with 330 HP or thereabouts can cruise in the 22-23 knot range, the 260 HP boats cruise at about 18-19 or so knots. (Guys.. please correct me if I am wrong here). IMHO a B35 would weigh a little more, and 555 engines would also weigh more, than our diesels, with much less HP. More weight and less HP means a slow boat. As much as the price seems great to you, you are looking at a boat that you will find difficult (very difficult) to sell, is woefully underpowered and slow, with ancient engines with parts availability a serious problem. A repower to contemporary diesel engines in the 330 HP range would probably set you back at least $50,000 to $60,000 just for the engines, not including installation, replacement of transmissions, shafts, struts, props, etc, etc, etc. All together you could spend in the $75,000 to $95,000 range. The purchase price may be excellent, but seriously, even if the owner gave you the boat for free I would suggest you walk away. The boat would probably require, in addition to new or possibly rebuilt or running takeout engines renovations of the main electrical system, plumbing system, and navigation instruments as a start. It would be a money pit. I bought a 1983 FBC powered with replaced diesels but have spent much more money than I ever expected on the rest of the systems. I think all of us regulars here agree that the best thing to do is buy a boat that someone else has repowered. There are lots of B33s and some B35s for sale which someone else has repowered and taken the financial hit.

Thanks to all for the sage advice. We'll keep looking. Mike