What is Bertram Yachts?
Bertram Yachts is an American builder of premium offshore center consoles and diesel-powered sportfishing yachts. The current range extends from the outboard-powered Bertram 28CC to the 61 Convertible. Bertram builds its boats in Tampa, Florida, and emphasizes offshore performance, rugged construction, fishing capability and owner comfort.
When was Bertram Yachts founded?
Bertram’s origin story began in 1960, when Richard “Dick” Bertram raced a Ray Hunt-designed deep-V boat named Moppie from Miami to Nassau. The production company and its influential Bertram 31 followed in 1961, establishing the brand’s reputation for offshore performance.
Who founded Bertram Yachts?
Richard “Dick” Bertram founded Bertram Yachts. Bertram was a yacht broker, accomplished offshore racer and experienced sailor who recognized the advantages of C. Raymond Hunt’s deep-V hull design. His successful 1960 Miami-to-Nassau race helped demonstrate the design’s rough-water potential and led to the development of the Bertram 31.
Why is Bertram considered a legendary boat brand?
Bertram became legendary because the original Bertram 31 helped prove that a deep-V fiberglass powerboat could run quickly and confidently through difficult offshore conditions. The 31’s performance, durability and distinctive profile influenced generations of sportfishing boats, while later Bertrams expanded the formula into larger convertibles and motor yachts.
What was Moppie?
Moppie was the name Dick Bertram used for several boats, including the C. Raymond Hunt-designed prototype that won the 1960 Miami-to-Nassau race. That boat’s deep-V hull became the foundation for the Bertram 31, making the Moppie name an important part of Bertram’s history and offshore identity.
What is a deep-V hull?
A deep-V hull has a relatively steep angle at the transom and a sharp forward entry, helping the boat cut through waves rather than riding primarily on top of them. Bertram’s early success popularized the design for offshore powerboats. Current Bertram models continue to use substantial transom deadrise, ranging from approximately 18 degrees on the 61 Convertible to 23 degrees on the 28CC.
Who owns Bertram Yachts today?
Bertram is owned by the Gavio family and has been part of the Baglietto Group since 2015. The Gavio organization also controls the Italian yacht builder Baglietto, giving Bertram access to a larger international marine group while retaining its American offshore identity and Tampa production operation.
Where are Bertram Yachts built?
Current Bertram boats are manufactured in Tampa, Florida. The Tampa facility supports the company’s center-console and offshore sportfishing ranges, along with engineering, production and customer-related operations.
Is Bertram Yachts still in business?
Yes. Bertram remains an active boatbuilder with a current range of center consoles and offshore sportfishing yachts. As of July 2026, the company’s published showroom includes six models ranging from 28 to 61 feet.
What types of boats does Bertram build?
Bertram currently builds two principal categories:
1.) Center consoles: The 28CC, new 34CC and 39CC use outboard propulsion and open layouts for offshore fishing, diving, day cruising and entertaining.
2.) Offshore sportfishing yachts: The 35 Flybridge, 50 Sport and 61 Convertible use diesel inboard propulsion and provide greater weather protection, fishing equipment and overnight accommodations.
Where does Bertram fit among its competitors?
Bertram occupies the premium end of the offshore market. Its center consoles may be compared with boats from Valhalla, Regulator, Pursuit, Grady-White, Boston Whaler, Everglades, Jupiter and Intrepid, while its diesel sportfishing models appeal to buyers also considering Viking, Albemarle, Hatteras, Mag Bay and custom Carolina builders.
Bertram’s primary distinction is its heritage and continued emphasis on deep-V offshore performance. This is a market-positioning assessment based on Bertram’s current sizes, propulsion choices and intended uses.
Are Bertram Yachts considered good-quality boats?
Bertram is generally regarded as a premium offshore builder with a reputation for substantial hulls, dependable seakeeping and serious fishing capability. The brand’s longevity and the continued desirability of classic models support that reputation. Nevertheless, the quality and value of an individual used Bertram depend on its model, age, maintenance, engine condition, refit history and survey results.
How are Bertram Yachts constructed?
Construction methods vary considerably by model and generation. Modern Bertrams use fiberglass-composite construction, but the laminates, infusion methods and reinforcement materials are model-specific. For example, published coverage of the Bertram 61 describes vinylester and solid-fiberglass construction with composite and Kevlar reinforcement in selected structural areas. Buyers should obtain the construction schedule for the exact model and year they are evaluating.
Are Bertram Yachts good in rough water?
Bertrams are specifically designed for offshore operation, and rough-water capability has been central to the brand since the original 31. Current hulls combine sharp forward entries with substantial transom deadrise, including 23 degrees on the 28CC, 22 degrees on the 39CC, 21 degrees on the 35 Flybridge, 19 degrees on the 50 Sport and 18 degrees on the 61 Convertible.
No boat is appropriate for every condition. Safe performance still depends on the individual model, loading, maintenance, weather and captain’s experience.
What is the Bertram 61 Convertible?
The Bertram 61 Convertible is the flagship of the current Bertram range. It measures approximately 61 feet, 2 inches overall, has an 18-foot-3-inch beam and carries approximately 1,702 gallons of fuel. Standard propulsion is listed as twin Caterpillar C32 diesels rated at 1,925 metric horsepower each.
The 61 combines a large tournament cockpit and elevated flybridge with substantial private accommodations. A documented layout includes three staterooms and three heads, allowing the yacht to support serious fishing, professionally managed operation and extended family cruising.
What is the largest current Bertram yacht?
The Bertram 61 Convertible is the largest model in the current published lineup. Its 61-foot-2-inch overall length, 18-foot-3-inch beam, twin Caterpillar C32 diesels and three-stateroom capability place it in the premium convertible sportfishing-yacht category.
What is the difference between a Bertram center console and a Bertram sportfishing yacht?
A Bertram center console uses outboard propulsion and an open walkaround layout. The 28CC, 34CC and 39CC are optimized for day boating, fishing, diving, swimming and fast coastal travel.
The 35 Flybridge, 50 Sport and 61 Convertible use inboard diesel engines and provide greater weather protection, machinery capacity, sleeping accommodations and storage for multi-day fishing or cruising. Center consoles are generally simpler for day use, while the diesel models provide the capabilities of a complete sportfishing yacht.
Which current Bertram models are the most recognizable?
The 39CC, 35 Flybridge and 61 Convertible are among the most recognizable current Bertrams. The 39CC represents the brand’s largest center console, the 35 Flybridge directly connects the current range with the historic Bertram 31, and the 61 Convertible is the modern flagship. The 34CC is the newest addition and may become increasingly important as production and deliveries expand.
Are Bertram Yachts fuel-efficient?
Fuel efficiency depends heavily on the model and operating speed. Bertram prioritizes offshore ride, strength, range and performance rather than minimizing fuel consumption at all costs. A 28CC with twin outboards, for example, has a fundamentally different fuel profile from a 61 Convertible with twin Caterpillar diesels.
Buyers should review engine-manufacturer fuel-burn data, calculate range with a responsible reserve and confirm performance during a loaded sea trial. Large fuel capacity alone does not establish fuel efficiency.
Can a Bertram be owner-operated?
Yes. The 28CC, 34CC, 39CC and 35 Flybridge can be practical owner-operated boats for captains with appropriate training and experience. Joystick controls, modern electronics and available stabilization can assist with handling, but they do not replace seamanship.
The 50 Sport and 61 Convertible can also be privately operated, although their size, draft, systems and maintenance requirements may make a professional captain or crew desirable. This is a practical ownership assessment based on the dimensions and complexity of the current models.
Can you stay overnight on a Bertram?
Yes, particularly on the diesel sportfishing models. The 35 Flybridge provides compact accommodations for weekend use, while the 50 Sport offers two staterooms and two heads. The 61 Convertible provides the most substantial overnight capability, with a documented three-stateroom, three-head arrangement.
The center consoles are primarily day boats, although console interiors and optional amenities can add privacy, protection and limited resting space depending on the model.
Are Bertram Yachts good for fishing?
Yes. Fishing is central to Bertram’s identity. Current center consoles provide open cockpits, rod and tackle storage, fish boxes and layouts suitable for offshore trolling, bottom fishing and tournament use. The 35 Flybridge, 50 Sport and 61 Convertible add larger cockpits, diesel range, weather protection and accommodations for multi-day trips.
Owners use Bertrams for tuna, marlin, sailfish, swordfish, mahi and other offshore species, as well as Great Lakes salmon and trout.
Are Bertram Yachts good for family boating?
Yes. Although Bertram’s reputation is based on offshore fishing, current models also incorporate passenger seating, climate-controlled spaces and cruising amenities. The 28CC and 39CC can be used for swimming, diving, waterfront dining and social day trips, while the 35, 50 and 61 provide increasingly substantial accommodations for family weekends and vacations.
A buyer who plans to divide time between fishing and family recreation should compare bow seating, cockpit seating, shade, cabin access and storage on the individual boat.
Are Bertram Yachts suitable for the Great Lakes?
Yes. Bertrams are used on the Great Lakes for salmon and trout fishing, tournaments, coastal-style cruising and travel between ports. Brokerage records include freshwater Bertram 28, 42 and 58 models located in Michigan and Minnesota, illustrating the brand’s long presence in the region.
Great Lakes buyers should evaluate cockpit protection, bridge clearance, seasonal winterization, heated storage and access to technicians familiar with the boat’s particular gasoline or diesel engines.
Are Bertram Yachts suitable for Florida and Bahamas boating?
Yes. Bertram’s offshore hulls, substantial fuel capacities and fishing layouts are well matched to Florida coastal use and appropriately planned Bahamas trips. Center consoles are useful for fishing, diving, sandbars and fast island travel, while the diesel sportfishing models add weather protection and accommodations for longer trips.
Every offshore crossing requires appropriate weather, fuel reserves, safety equipment, communications, documentation and an experienced captain.
Can a Bertram Yacht be trailered?
The 28CC is the most practical current model to transport by road, but its published 9-foot-8-inch beam means it is not a routine standard-width trailering package. Professional planning, a properly rated trailer and applicable oversize permits will generally be required.
The 34CC, 39CC and diesel sportfishing models are progressively larger and ordinarily require specialized commercial transportation. Rules and permit requirements vary by state and route.
Why should I use Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales to purchase a Bertram?
A Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales yacht broker can help a buyer navigate more than six decades of Bertram designs, from classic 28s and 31s to modern center consoles and convertible sportfishing yachts. The broker can search nationally, compare market values, collect service records, investigate repowers and refits and coordinate marine surveys, engine inspections, haul-outs and sea trials.
JBYS can also assist with negotiations, financing, insurance, closing documents, transportation and delivery. Its locations in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Florida provide useful knowledge of both Great Lakes and coastal Bertram ownership, including winterization, freshwater history, offshore use and long-distance delivery.