Bertram site \"tips\"
 

Though I'd post this in case anyone hasn't found it...
http://www.bertram31.com/proj/tips/index.htm

Re: Bertram site \"tips\"
 

Ben there many times before for inspiration. Good site. I love those 31's.

My ultimate four boat theory;

13' Boston whaler
20' Seacraft SF
31' Bertram
48' Ocean or something that could hold the other 3.:D :D :D

What say yee???

Re: Bertram site \"tips\"
 

Have to disagree....
15 whaler
23 SeaCraft
31 Bertram

That in my humble opinion is the perfect trifecta.....

Donnie

Re: Bertram site \"tips\"
 

Hold on guys, you're still 1 boat short.... :D

You guys are leaving out the pure adrenaline rush of a Mirage or STV with a 280 or 300 drag Merc on the back. Imagine the heart pounding terror of 140+ mph quarter mile blasts with an engine screeming at 10,000 rpm.

Not so sure my heart could take too much of that any more, but what a way to go.....


Darlene

Re: Bertram site \"tips\"
 

SCS - whats three feet in the Sea craft family? :D :D :D

Darlene - You're right I was going to add a 16 Donzi for fun but I still would like the big one to carry everything. Do I hear a five boat theory???

Re: Bertram site \"tips\"
 

Yeah right, BrianA,
Can you say seven boat theory!!!!
I'm over stocked NOW!
There is not enough room in my profile to list. :eek:
See ya, Ken

Re: Bertram site \"tips\"
 

Forget the trifecta, here's the quinella.

21' Checkmate "StarFlight" Merc 275 Verado (90kts+:eek:)

17 Boston Whaler Montauk w/ Merc 90 Optimax - 40 kts

20' SeaCraft Seafari w/175 Verado - 45 kts

31' Bertram FBSF w/ twin 3208ST 600hp Caterpillars (gear-driven superchargers AND turbocharged w/intercoolers) 48 kts

72' Rybovich "Cutting Edge" engine types unpublished, but at sea trial off Palm Beach in '99 Top Speed was 51 kts with full fuel and water!! (Might as well wish for the very best, n'est pas?):cool:

Although I have to admit, I'd be happy with any two of the above

Re: Bertram site \"tips\"
 

Here's the Cutting Edge, 72' Rybovich
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...uttingEdge.jpgI just asked my old boss from Rybovich Marina what she had for engines, and he said the original plan was for Deutz/Mercedes SBV12 engines, but he retired before she was built. So I looked those engines up and they come configured from 2750 hp to 4350 hp. So who knows? I wouldn't want to pay the fuel bill. My F-250 diesel is bad enough at 17 mpg.

At 51 kts, the hp has to be up there. Remember ALL Rybovich sport fishermen have wooden hulls. (Or at least that was true up through '84 when I worked there).

At any rate, I hope they last longer than the Caterpillar 3208ST's in my doctor's 31' Bertram "Fish Oil". It's fast, but boosting a little 3208 to nearly 600 hp is insane. I know from experience that any 3208 pushed to over 400 hp loves to eat piston domes. So far, he's got 250 hours on this his 3rd set of rebuilds in 7 years.

Re: Bertram site \"tips\"
 

Fr. Frank,
Before I read your last post I was about to mention those 3208ST's must not live very long rated at 600hp. From what I've read, anything over 375hp on that block and they go bang.

Re: Bertram site \"tips\"
 

I happen to think that ideal engines for the 31' Bertram would be either the Detroit 6V71I at 375hp, or the MTU 6V396I at 435 hp.

They're both comparable in physical size to the 3208ST, although they are both heavier by a couple hundred lbs. The MTU is also supposed to be more fuel efficient.

But Dr. Patel is devoted to his 3208 Cats. For what he's spent on those motors over the past 6-7 years, he could have repowered with new Deutz BV6 motors or new Mercedes MTU's!
Even if he stuck to Cats in the 500-600 hp range, a pair of D353T or 3426TI engines are much more durable, and cheaper than 6 complete remans on 3208s at nearly $16K per whack.

Re: Bertram site \"tips\"
 

51 kts!!! I have a new favorite sportfish
The diesels must be humming at that speed.
I would have to say that my 4 boat theory would be:

72 rybovish to fish the Bahamas Billfish Championship
36 Invincible with trip 275 veraods to fish ska
20 SeaCraft w/ 150 optimax for fishing the bays and inshore
17 Beavertail Skiff w/ 50 etec for skinny water inshore