Making the Bertram 35
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- Опубліковано 7 лис 2015
- It’s been over five decades since the Bertram 31 was released, but the legend can be seen taking to the seas to this day. That’s why Bertram’s latest model, the 35’, was built from that timeless foundation. With superior fishing capabilities and the innovative luxuries expected of the brand, the 35 drives the Bertram empire forward.
Bertram Yacht’s deep-vee hull performance built its reputation back in 1960, with the Dick Bertram’s creation of 31-foot Moppie. But it’s the dedication to its legacy and standards, combined with today’s innovation and evolution that drives each boat to the forefront of the industry. The Company’s devotion to its original deep-vee design, continuously outperforms, turning the roughest seas into the smoothest rides.
I worked as a purchasing agent at Bertram 1971-1973. My commodities were deck hardware and underwater gear. I had to go on new boat shakedowns twice a month. You can tell the devotion of owners when a Venezuelan on would fly his private plane from Caracas to Miami and back to pickup small parts himself.
Well Congratulations, BERTRAM IS BACK!!! I couldn't be happier than to see the traditional core line restored. When you say the word Bertram, for the true fan club, you automatically think 31'. I view that boat as being the flag ship of the line. Was it not the original offshore racing hull that both Bertram & Griffith became famous in? It would of been nice to see this model be the very first one you rolled out; killer marketing move! That would of left room to make the 38'. Hurdling over the 35' ( "Ten Ton Toe Dancer") wouldn't of been an issue; even though it was a great boat! My father owned one; phenomenal boat. Got caught in a storm one time in it. Running south from Atlantic City to Norfolk VA; on our way to Palm Beach, FL. It was late Fall, only one out there that day; the weather took a turn for the worse delivering 12'-15' seas for 7 hours straight! Waves were not only breaking over the bow, some were coming right over the bridge. Bells went off all afternoon; that's all. Arrived in Norfolk that evening safe & sound. After showering, we went out for dinner. We fell asleep at the table, awaiting our meals 😏. Memories. She was a 1984 38' FBSF twin CAT 3208's; the boat never let us down 😎.
Bertram that my name what a Beauty
I see that the boat pictured under construction at Lyman-Morse is a Monhegan 42 - a Ray Hunt design.
Indeed it is!
As a former Bertram Test Center Supervisor in the old Miami plant, I'm thrilled to see that justice is (finally) being done to a great brand. The boats that I tried to make "acceptable" were a disaster. Period.
Can you elaborate on that?
I could write a book. Trouble began at the top and thoroughly infiltrated the layers below. Quality and common sense were at a premium. During my brief tenure, the Ferretti Group were the owners. Need I say more?
It was sad to see what The Ferretti Group did to the line; Bertram being a true American icon. Bertram, after all, set the pace in manufacturing superb, highest in quality 24 degree deep vee super strong sport fishing boats; in a wide range of sizes. Their boats were sought after globally for decades. Then to see an international boat builder come in and take over this American icon; build what they did and call it a Bertram was more than just disheartening. They just didn't get it, had really no idea what they bought nor did they have any inclination on how to take this legendary power house of a company to the next level. Bertram was a company that it's heritage stemmed not only back to the 60's; but to offshore racing!!! Both concepts and designs were tried and proven on the "battlefield"; racing 31' boats, long distances in all kinds of horrific weather. Notes were taken, adjustments were made.
This Italian boat builder was in over their head from the get go. Due diligence was never achieved. The focus seemed to be to "euro-up" the exterior and bring some elegance to the interior; a real roll of the dice. Bertram did need a helping hand with interiors. Always seemed to have a reputation for having a "bare bones" interior in their boats. So what! Ok, ok they did well and made interiors better 😉; even though they had much bigger dragons to slay. BRANDING, which should never appeared on their list of things to do. It was. Ferretti was slowly, but surely, loosing Dick Bertram's fan club over time. At the docks, I couldn't tell a Bertram from an Ocean, Egg, Post or a what ever! Back when, I could spot a Bertram a ways away, no problem; at sea or at the docks. I may of not been able to tell a 38' from a 42' or a 42' from a 46' from that distance; but I knew it was a Bertram.
On a much more positive note, great to see the original lines being recaptured on your new 35'! Moving forward, be great to see the 80's style 46' & 54' be brought back; then adding the same core style to a 65', 75' & 90' to your line up. Keeping that original 80's style look, with big motors and beautiful interiors is key. Outsourcing manufacturing to a high quality domestic boat builder is a fantastic idea, giving the company the time to truly focus on designs. My complements. I wish the new Bertram Empire the very best, your on the right track and your fan club is very excited to see what you do next! 😎.
Can anyone elaborate on C. Raymond Hunt's involvement in the original design?
Yes. Ray designed it. Dick saw one of Ray's boats and wanted one to race. Hunt's the flow genius. Go here:
ua-cam.com/video/UhOPOjdNFoo/v-deo.html
C. Raymond Hunt Associates was founded in 1961 as a partnership between Ray Hunt and John Deknatel, who then became the firm’s President for 45 years. Winn Willard joined the company in 1970 and is now the current President. This association originally was formed to deal with the heavy flow of projects that resulted from the extraordinary performance of Ray's design for the Bertram 31.
@@tedwillard4046 Thanks, Ted.
@@vibratingstring Thanks.