Bertram 28 Pro's And Con's

[bender]

Hi guys and girls.

Im looking at buying a 28 bertram and advice would be helpfull. Was looking at petrol but heard they are thirsty which is not a really big problem. I would rather a diesel but seem to be hard to find and well over 100k. So any help would be appreciated..

Benny

(Bender/Anakiwa).

[pelican]

Depends what you are using it for. Pleasure palace or hard core fishing. If fishing speak to guys at the game fishing clubs and ones who have been in more modern boats to tell you some of the good and bad points.

A lot of thing are regarded as the best in their day but there was often a limited choice in their day and over time some things get better and others get worse and fishing styles change a bit as well..

Diesel shafts would always be my preference for safety and range but there was more of those done in the 35's which are a good size boat and above the pocket size so you can get in a full size genset.

Like all bigger moored boats you may as well have the extra length and beam as running costs are the same.

If going anywhere near petrol sterndrives you need an expert to check it for you as it can get a very expensive hobby and you still need anything checked out and I don't just mean a quick survey to buy I mean a comprehensive inspection and details on motors and drivetrain.

There won't be a rush on with that size boat at the minute so take your time and find the right one.

Edited March 7, 2009 by pelican

[bender]

Thanks for that. I been looking at the 35ft's too. they have just been petrol one's. only seen one diesel so far.

Benny

(Bender/Anakiwa)

[Marlin01]

Bender,

28 Berties are a bit of a benchmark and probably amonst the most seaworthy boats of their length. I have fished extensively on both diesel (165 volvo's) and petrol (350 merc/chev) shaft drives and found the performance of both at sea to be excellent. The petrols use to burn over 400lts a day when switchbaiting off Port Stephens (note day = 14+hrs) so represent a significant cost to run. The diesels lost a few knots on cruise speed obviously and still burnt an average of 200-250lts/day. Trolling live baits I believe the diesels gave a distinct advantage in fish attracting over the petrols. I dont believe this is as important when switchbaiting or draggin plastic around. I have only fished one day on a Yanmar (230HP) powered 28 and could well see the added expense justified in performance.

A couple of mates fish regularly on 35's and refer to them as tractors of the sea. They do so in an affectionate fashion in reference to the hulls safe and predictable ride and obviously they pull their fair share of fish. Running costs for 35's do increase proportionately to hull size.

I have a soft spot for the 28's as I believe it is well capable to play above its weight division. When I do buy one it will certainly be a shaft drive and will also be diesel powered simply to enhance fishability and comfort.

Cheers

Marlin

[Rabs]

Hi Bender,

Having owned a 28 bertie I can thoroughly recommend the offshore fishability of these boats. Many an experienced gamefisherman in their career has at some point in time owned or fished from these true bluewater boats. There is very few places a 28 can't go, they are solid and have the right attitude in a swell, very confident boats. I have fished from 35 berties and still prefer the 28 - running costs and maintenance is a consideration. These days I would consider the diesels however I am not sure how many would have the fuel efficent comman rail motor. The early 28 diesels had Volvo and some even had the BMW motors. Best of luck - If you're in the position to buy gameboats in the present market there are some cracking deals .

Cheers, Rabs

Edited March 8, 2009 by Rabs