bertram31.com

adams

The ad for the boat says 6cta 400hp refit in 1992. I guess they could be mistaken?

adams

I didn't think so, but then it made me question why one of the motors needed a major overhaul already. Do you know if these are good motors and if they suite the boat well? I haven't contacted the seller of the boat yet. I wanted to do some preliminary research to see if it is something I want to pe...

adams

Capt Bill the boat has been refitted with '92 400hp cummins 6cta's. One engine had a major overhaul (not sure what exactly) in Aug and the other one is at 1750 hours (probably will need work soon if the other just had it, but don't know). Anyone know if these are good motors for this boat and if the...

adams

Pete what fuel burn numbers are you seeing in gph total and mpg? Thanks.

adams

At first I was wondering what the hell was going on....but that is too funny.

adams

Thanks for the replies. I am glad to hear they are well built. From what I have found out Tommy is absolutely correct. The '70 to '75 uses the original 38 hull which is a stretched 31. It also is wider than the later 38s which is why it is commonly refered to as a widebody. Anyone else have any expe...

adams

Anyone have any experience on this platform? How is the ride at speed, troll, and drift? Anything in particular to look out for in respect to this model? Any input and information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

adams

Bruce how how does 145 sound for a 454...don't know much about it other than that?

adams

Raybo...thank you for the advice. I have a good relationship with a marina now. I plan to do as much of the work I can myself, but I understand the point of giving them some work. Everyone wants to keep a good customer happy right? Thanks.

adams

I appreciate the advice. I have never owned a boat like this so I am not sure what costs are involved and prices hence the question. Fortunately for me I can afford it. But again I thank you for the point.

adams

Tony...I have been over there before. Just nothing for me as of now. Thanks though!

adams

Bruce....you got me. Find the boat I really want (diesel).

adams

After reading through a bunch of posts I see a 31 fitted with 454s will do approx 1 mpg at best. What is a typical cruise speed to get this and at what RPMs? How many gph is this burning? In the real world offshore facing 2-3 footers and even 4's how much does that change the fuel economy or what is...

adams

so they intake manifold and pistons are usually fine?

adams

I guess I was more refering to the pistons. I knew that the heads would get all gummed up, and figured the intake manifold would get messed up as well. I have heard of people just changing out there heads after the problem and still running the same long block. Is the whole motor junk once this prob...

adams

Thanks for posting those pictures Harv. I have never seen what the aftermath looks like. Is that a common result or did that engine have it worse than others?

adams

Thanks Walter. By the way because of a suggestion you made to me I am now actively pursuing a SF!

adams

When ethanol destroys a old fiberglass tank and all the crud goes to the motors what parts of the motor are affected? I have heard the heads get all messed up, but what about the pistons and rings? Does it then get down into the oil and mess the crank up? Is anything salvagable?

adams

Sorry...I probably should have done a search fisrt.

adams

has anyone seen this? Sorry if it is a repost.

http://www.bright-side.net/marine/

adams

I am checking out a 31 down there, and was wondering if anyone lives close by that could take a look at it for me. I will not be able to look at the boat myself. I would be willing to pay for your time. I am kind of hoping for a pre survey inspection to see if it is worth getting an actual survey do...

adams

Thanks for all the responses. They boat will only probably be used about 4 times a month at the most, all saltwater. Whatever boat I buy I will run as is. I don't plan on spending to much money in upgrading it. Fxing things that break will be a different matter. After doing some research on here, an...

adams

What is an approximate cost of ownership of a Bertram 31 per year? I am talking about dockage fees, painting the bottom, average cost to fix misc things, etc. I have only owned smaller trailerable fishing boats. So I am sure there are expenses I have not thought of. I understand every boat will be d...

adams

Right now I don't have a tank. I am just seeing what the process is. The boat I am looking at will need the tank replaced.

adams

What is involved in taking the deck off? Is it just labor intensive or is there a certain skill set needed for the job? Same question regarding removal and installation of fuel tank. Is there any part I can do on my own? What would I expect to pay someone if I can't do it an my own? I am mechanicall...

adams

Scott- How do you like the engine so far? Any other issues besides the touchy throttles? I am sorry to hear about all the horror problems with ethanol. Like I said most marinas down here are ethanol free, or have ethanol free gas. Thanks again for all the help guys.

adams

sim- thanks for explaining the ethanol and resin piece, I fully understand now. John- Do you know anything about the motors in general? Are they reliable? Any common problems? I am definitely going to have the boat surveyed, if and hopefully when it gets to that point. The seller seems to be a real ...

adams

Thanks for all the replies guys. About 2 years ago is when I found out about the problem with ethanol and boats. But my boat was already built with ethanol in mind so it didn't affect me besides letting the boat sit (separation) and I didn't do much more research on it. I know all about the phase se...

adams

Thanks for the info Walter. The boat is actually a NE boat and has had ethanol ran in it, and currently has ethanol fuel in it. The motors were installed in 2004 and have 200 hours on them. How long has ethanol been the main fuel up there?

adams

The places I fuel up are ethanol free. I just sold my Boston Whaler Dauntless. There was a gas station close to the house that sold non-ethanol gas, 89 octane, for about the same as reg. unleaded. The thinking behind replacing the tank is that it is old. Replace it before something happens.

adams

Walter...the new motors have 200 problem free hours on them running from the original tank. I would plan on replacing the tank.

adams

anyone? can someone point me in the right direction. I tried to do searches on google as well and came up with nothing, as well as THT.

adams

No the fuel tank is original, the aux tank is newer. How heavy is the 35? Anyone else with real world experience with the 8.1s in a 31? Thanks guys.

adams

The boat I am looking at has 2004 8.1 merc horizons in it. It is the 370hp version not the HO. Does anyone have any experience with these motors in a 31? What is the cruise, top speed, respected rpms and fuel burn? I tried doing some searching but found little actual applications in the 31. What I f...

adams

Tony- Are you talking about that Bahia Mar? If so thanks for the look out, but I am after a FBC or SF, and leaning more towards the SF. But thank you.

adams

You might be right. But there seems to be less of them out there. I have only seen about two or three that I looked twice at, or fit my situation.

adams

Bob...I respect that. I did see that you were from the same area or was hoping to get som info from you. Do you know of the boat or anything about it? I have talked to Anthony and he seems to be a good guy. He seemed to be straight forward with the boat. If you need to please PM me. Thanks.

adams

John...thanks. My boy is pretty good, so he should be able to do whatever. The little girl isn't even one yet so...And the wife is the one I have to be careful with. She has never had any problem in our center console, but she will get sick in the car. The boat would only really be overnighted with ...

adams

Walter...I have paid close attention to your experience with the SF, the posts did not go unnoticed. I found a 1972 brochure on this site before I started posting and I saw all the models. The only ones I am looking at are the FBC and SF. I am taking a closer look now at the SF partly because of you...

adams

I am starting to look at the SF a little harder. I do find it handy to have the cockpit open when you want to. Especially if you are entertaining and have a bunch of people on the boat. Or to open the windows and have a great breeze blowing through. I have found some neat and innovative ways to clos...

adams

I sent you a PM. Thanks.

adams

I think they also associate with or go by the name of Blue Water Boat Brokers. Does anyone have any personal experience with this company? Or have heard anything good or bad about them? They have a 31 over there. Anyone know the boat? Sounds like the boat has been in the area for a long time. I thin...

adams

Since I have not quite hit the dreaded 30th birthday (that's a poke to you old guys)...I am not to worried about running around the boat. Plus I would like the extra room in the cabin, or extra features. I don't really see using the lower control station often.

adams

I am a big Mako fan. Go to classicmako.com. You will get all the answers and help you want. They have a great community that is much like here.

adams

Actually there is a Mrs Adams (although like everyone else sometimes I need to reevaluate that decision...jk), and two little Adams. But I do like both the FBC and SF for the opposite reason. Closed cabin when you want it or an open cabin when you want it. Which brings me to a question. Is there any...

adams

CW- Yep I have checked it out. And if I could afford it Fighting Angel would be mine. But I have been looking more closely at Dos Hermanos. John- A FBC is what I want. I will not count out a SF. I just like the closed cabin and no contros down there. Mike- Hopefully I will fit in then. I am a conser...

adams

I have been spending a ton of time doing as much research on everything that I can. I see that cummins and yanmars are very popular here for diesels. I ran across some info on some of the older Detroits and am now doing some research there. I have been using the search function here a ton and I am s...

adams

I would really like a diesel I just don't know anything about them. And there seems to be so many different ones (atleast models), from different years, with different hp.

adams

Walter...I am sure that is what I will do. I just don't know much about boats and what is involved in rebuilding or prices. Now if we are talking about cars and metal that is another story. But I would still like to know in case I find a fixer upper that ends up needing more fixing than I thought. L...

adams

Tony- I found that thread on the wet ride before. It was just a little confusing as some where saying it isn't wet, while others say it will soak you. Thank you for clearing it up. I also went into the tips section before and saw the strut upgrade. Definetly a must do it seems. I really searched thi...

bertram31.com

Search found 54 matches

Opinions on '73 38 Bertram Widebody?

engine and fuel burn questions ...454's

What part of the engines does ethanol ruin?

A new 31....

Anyone live close to Pompano Beach?

cost of ownership?

question about the work involved in replacing gas tank

question about 8.1 mercs

Anyone dealt with White Water Marine in Sayville, NY?