Bertram Carribean And Similar Boats

[fisherdad]

I have noticed that there are a many small flybridge crusier owners on Fishraider and thought I would start a topic specific to these boats.

As the owner of a 1980 Bertram 25 with twin 165's there are plenty of repairs needed and I thought I could share a few of them as well as seek assistance from other boat owners.

We are looking to modify our Bertram 25 to include a longer bow roller and include a Plough Anchor. What I havent found is suitable parts to make the job simple.

Has any one added a bow Sprit to a round nose boat like a Bertram 25, Photos would be apriciated.

[peahead]

Hi 'David (AKA fisherdad)'

My flybridge actually came with the setup you are looking for. Maybe my setup can help you design one for yours.

I have attached 2 pictures of how it is attached hopefully you can make it out. The one with the tape measure (which is the top view) is because I am extending the bow sprit over the anchor locker as I have a new anchor winch which needs to be installed over the hatch to allow the chain to drop directly in the anchor well and it also needs to be raised about 10mm.

Hope this helps.

Jimmy (peahead)

[davegroves68]

Hi David, and all raiders,

My 1980 Betram 25 (owned with a mate) was bought with twin 165s. We new we were looking at a repower in a few years but after 3 months, one of the gimbals on one leg snapped and the leg was only hanging on by the trim cylinders. Taking on water, we could hav sunk but managed to get it round to a marina as this happened at the mooring in Pittwater, and got it slipped (7pm on a sunday, thanks Bluey, you now who you are).

Long and the sort of it was it would cost 5 grand to repair, and we would still have a 30 yr old leg. So, we did a lot of research and decided to do a full repower from a twin to a single V8 engine and upgrade to a Bravo leg. Where to put the boat was the biggest hassle, ended up on a friends lawn. We did the donkey work ourselves, as i am a toolmaker and co owner an electrician. Got a fibreglasser in to plug holes and do engine mounts,(he messed us about). Sourced engine and legs independantly.Got them fittedand now job is all done.

The whole job took 7 months, mainly cos we were waiting on tradesmen. And we had to put it back in the water before we could finish the cosmetic stuff, as we overstayed our welcome on lawn.

Cosmetics are ongoing but we now have a boat that runs like a dream, only have servicing bills for one leg and engine, and it has 330hp and uses less fuel (well, a little less,Carbs not EFI).

Went to boat show recently and ofcourse was told we could have had it done cheaper and better. But we couldn't get them prices when we needed them..always the way.

Only been back in the water since November, so servicing is soon. But its great to know the bussiness end of the boat is all brand new and hopefully reliable,,(no issues yet).

PM if you ever need DIY repower advice.

regards,

Welsh Dave

(Boat named Alchemy) Hope its really is a case of crap being turned to gold.

Edited September 8, 2009 by Welsh Dave