shipping 33' sf to new zealand

[billfishnz@yahoo.com]

I am looking at buying a 33SF in the US and shipping back here to New zealand as use as a charter boat. I am having problems getting a realistic shipping quote (the best so far is around $20,000US) can anyone tell me how difficult it is to remove the bridge- is it glassed on or screwed? what would the height of the boat be with bridge removed and propellors/shafts removed? If removal is feasable it could save alot of $$$s on the shipping costs. Also does the 33 sf have a bulkhead fore and aft of the engines? What is the standard shaft diameter with diesels?

[skyking]

Hi Bill. If your going to remove the shafts and props to save space, you'll also have to remove struts and rudders too....a pretty big job to save 3 feet or so. As far as the bridge..my 1982 B33FBC bridge is screwed on. The hydraulic steering may be able to be disconnected from the wheel,then from the FG bridge and moved out of the way without breaking the lines. Mine also has plugs for alot (but not all) the electrical connections on the bridge. On my boat there is a bulkhead fore and aft of the engines....but on a SF the engines are in boxes outside the cabin, so a 33SF guy will have to answer that one. I'm sure that the shaft dia is either 1 3/8(most likely) or 1 1/2(possibly) with diesels. Good luck and keep us posted...Ken L.

[franklyprice]

O.K. I measured my boat. If you removed the bridge, it looks like you`d lose 41 inches.Removing the props,struts,shafts and rudders loses about another 15 inches.I think we`ve already come to the conclusion that we start at about 14 1/2 feet.I guess you could get it to a realistic 10 feet if you wanted to do all that work. I suppose if you could break it down enough,you COULD get UPS to take it? Heck, maybe even "carry-on" baggage on a flight.... All joking aside, The bridge is screwed along the perimeter also sealed with what appears to be silicon.You would also have the rails to remove and as Ken mentioned, the hydraulic steering and wiring.... The boat does have a bulkhead fore and aft , to the height of the deck. The shafts are all 1-1/2 inch after 1986 as far as I know. If you don`t already know, there is a difference in the layout of the sportfish prior to 1986. It has to do with the aft wall of the cabin being about 1-1/2 feet farther back on the `86 and up boats.(bigger cabin, smaller cockpit). If you`d like any more info, I`d be happy to measure my boat more, if it will do you any good. Within reason ,of course, it`s covered with shrink-wrap and REALLLY COLD out here in New England BBBBRRRRR. Frank 1987 SF Rowley Ma. quote:Originally posted by billfishnz@yahoo.com I am looking at buying a 33SF in the US and shipping back here to New zealand as use as a charter boat. I am having problems getting a realistic shipping quote (the best so far is around $20,000US) can anyone tell me how difficult it is to remove the bridge- is it glassed on or screwed? what would the height of the boat be with bridge removed and propellors/shafts removed? If removal is feasable it could save alot of $$$s on the shipping costs. Also does the 33 sf have a bulkhead fore and aft of the engines? What is the standard shaft diameter with diesels?

[billfishnz@yahoo.com]

Frank & Ken, Thanks for the info-very usefull. One other thing-do you think that the bridge once it is removed will fit in the cockpit? (I am looking at '83 SF with the larger cockpit). All of the bridge rails/bimini supports would also have to fit in the cockpit.I guess I can cut them up and re-weld them when the boat arrives here. thanks again.

[COKY]

Hello from Tokyo! When my father purchased a 33SF back in 87, he needed to carry the boat from Miami to Jacksonville due to cargo problem. No cargo in Miami was available... So she was transported on the road, with the bridge removed. According to my memory, dealer said they used 2 trucks to carry her. I guess it would be difficult to fit the FB in her cockpit. She has got smaller cockpit, but has the same bridge overhang. When arrived in Tokyo, shafts/props and rudders were removed but struts were fitted. Shipping cradle provided enough room to fit the props, too. Windshield and optional bimini-top was in the cabin. One funny thing was that she did not have "BERTRAM" emblems, later Bertram sent them by mail! B33 on NZ waters must be fun! I once lived in NZ, Bill! Regards Koki

[franklyprice]

Bill, I went out and measured the length of the bridge. It`s 10 ft wide and as close as I can tell, 12 ft long.The cockpit is about 9 ft 6in. wide, by about 12ft long, if you go up under the overhang.The bridge tapers(narrows) at the top, so I suppose it may fit in the cockpit if you turn it upside down but you`d have to do alot of packing to protect it.The railings ,I would imagine have some beaks in them somewhere under some of the fittings.I`ve wondered about where the ladder detaches but probably will put that one off until next year. I hope this gives you some idea of the difficulty. I`m glad I bought my boat in Boston.That 4 hour cruise home wasn`t so bad. Good luck Frank

[will newton]

Ask the shipper to tow you! It would make it just fine. That would be a hell of a fishing trip! You could troll the whole way and not burn any fuel. No telling how many 1000 lbs marlin you could catch out there. I've seen a few listings on Yacht World for Bertram's located in Australia. There must be a few boats over there that are worth looking at. Best of luck Will Newton