Bertram33 User Forum

Wilma trashed my aft sun shade. Broke two of the welds and ripped the base right out of the glass. I can repair it, but here is the question. The frame did not ever lock down, and it never made the canvas taught. So there was always a puddle when it rained, or when I washed it. My canvas guy said most sportfish have a lockdown on the frame to keep it tight. Anybody have that design on their boat? I looked at all the pictures I could find on 33 to 37 Bertrams and I notice most don't even have a rear sun shade. Oh just got a call from a guy who said they just saw a 33 FBC sunk in Boca. Wanted to know if it was me. Looks like it broke loose in Wilma , went East and ended up in the mangroves..anybody on this site? Gene Dugan

Gene, I have been wanting to add one also and have collected several photos to help me with my design. If you would like I could email them to you. 1979 Bertram 33' FBC ALEXANDRA Port Richey, Florida

Look at the one on my friend's boat next to mine in the Images section (or click here). His is really nice. Two aluminum poles specially made with ring hoops welded to the top. The canvas slides into a small rail on the back of the flybridge floor, and then ties to the hoops on the poles. It covers the whole cockpit. The canvas has an extended piece velcro'd onto it also at the end that hangs down to fight the late afternoon low sun. David Sumich 33 Megabites Huntington Harbour, CA Forum Administrator

By the way, I am going to do the same thing when I get around to doing mine. David Sumich 33 Megabites Huntington Harbour, CA Forum Administrator

Captgene, Wilma also attempted to destroy our newly installed shade however I was able to lash it down to the cleats during the storm and saved it. Ours attaches at the flybridge and covers 3/4 of the cockpit. It is U shaped and only has two supports that attach to the rail on the bridge allowing full access to access the front of the boat. We had an additional 2' of canvas made that attaches to the frame at the rear to give us additional shade when required. We wanted shade when at mooring and room to fish the boat as well. I believe we achieved both. I attempted to attach a picture however was unsuccessful. If you would like I could email using my personal email. gskill@bellsouth.net George Skillas 33 FBC Deerfield Beach, Florida Destiny

Hi Gene; After long debates and research on selecting the correct shade for us we have installed one that serves well. It is a laceless canvas fixed that covers a little more than half of the cockpit enough to keep the sun from warming the door at sunrise and sunset and still providing shade for outdoor meals. It also allows me to view the transom while backing and to check on the Mrs. sunbathing while on route.I got it from Enclosures Unlimited, 954-941-0993 or 561-784-4446. BTW, Wilma didn't affect it. Hope you get the 3 images. [img]http://www.bertram33.com/images/uploads/aft_shade1.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.bertram33.com/images/uploads/aft_shade2.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.bertram33.com/images/uploads/aft_shade3.jpg[/img] Jose Jaen "Blue Chip" 1993 33FBC Miami FL

That is sweet! I am not going to be the one to ask how much though.[:0][:0]. I'm sure Douglas will.[:)] Bill Dunlop "Rebecca Rose" 1988 FBC Ipswich, Massachusetts

Truly beautiful! Jose, your boat is super clean inside and out. David Sumich 1986 SF - 33 Megabites Huntington Harbour, CA Forum Administrator

Jose, That is nice work to be sure. Did you also have the railings and ladder to the bridge done in aluminum? Nice work. Frank Price

Thank you guys. Frank; aluminun ladder and railings are the originals. Jose Jaen "Blue Chip" 1993 33FBC Miami FL

Jose, That is a really nice cover; how is it for fishing? 1979 Bertram 33' FBC ALEXANDRA Port Richey, Florida

Ed; Since it covers only about half of the cockpit it is never in the way and allows the captain to see the action. Jose Jaen "Blue Chip" 1993 33FBC Miami FL

Thanks Jose, I had wondered how your view of the cockpit might be effected. 1979 Bertram 33' FBC ALEXANDRA Port Richey, Florida

Jose, that is pretty heavy duty. Mine is made to be retractable so you can look straight down into the cockpit. It doesn't get in the way fishing at all. Covers half the cockpit. The frame is 1 inch stainles and the "A" frame is 3/4. I also have a cockpit cover that zips in, and snaps to the transome. But I think I should lock it down so it doesn't flip up, or put a pin or something in it so it stays tight. So I'm going to rebuild the one I have. But I like your's better. Probably less expensive to replace material and install yourself. Gene Dugan

Jose, That's a beautiful installation! What product do you use to protect the aluminum frame, ladder rails, hardtop, etc? Don