bertram31.com

MikeD@Lightningshack

Are the fuel valves at tank accessible and verified to be fully open?

The drop off makes me think it is not timing, as I would expect lower power but I would not expect the power to fall off if it was a pure timing issue. The fact that it is falling off still sounds like fuel starvation.

MikeD@Lightningshack

My 454 used to do this occasionally and usually late in the season. She had carbs and the carbs had screens where the fuel enters. For some reason they would get plugged with a plaque like film, never figured out why. You could barely see it because it was the same color as the mesh. I'd clean or re...

MikeD@Lightningshack

That saying about the 2 best days for boat ownership does not hold true for us 31 Bertram guys! Sold my 31 6 years ago and I know how you feel. I still read a lot of posts here, it's good therapy I think.

MikeD@Lightningshack

Fyi... I had a 1969 and she only had a NJ state title. She was USCG documented, and because it did not have a hull number, they used a "Master Builder Certificate" to get it registered with the USCG. Maybe it was called "Master Carpenter Certificate, can't recall exactly but, something like that. If...

MikeD@Lightningshack

Perplexing stuff! You need to narrow down whether it is an electrical or a fuel problem. At next stall I'd leave the key in and on, and I would go check the coil for 12 volts. If it has better than 12 volts, at least you know the coil has power. If it doesn't have voltage something maybe wrong with ...

MikeD@Lightningshack

The do it yourself option works also. http://www.rydlymemarine.com/ I used it on my 6CX's with good results. You need fittings, pumps, wire and buckets and you have to be careful to not make a mess. Overtemp seems like a nice option if the price is right. It is about a 3 - 4 hour job per side, but t...

MikeD@Lightningshack

FYI... that big round notch in the stringer further back in the picture would be far more concerning to me, assuming it was not properly sealed aftet it was cut. That is an actual stringer and I would not want water intruding that lumber. The glass maybe thick enough without the lumber, but I would ...

MikeD@Lightningshack

Stringers normally run longitudinal. That appears to be a support bracker that was tabbed to the hull. If it is not supporting anything anymore you could just cut it out. Or fix it with a grinder, epoxy and sone cloth. If it is not supporting anything, there is no rush. Bertram factory structural la...

MikeD@Lightningshack

I had Merc 454's for 16 seasons. The risers never gave me a problem, but I'd change them every 3 years whether they needed to be replaced or not. They were only about $100/ea and took about 2 to 3 hours to swap them all. Easy topside work with just 4 bolts and a couple of SW hoses. I used stainless ...

MikeD@Lightningshack

FYI... Marine Manifold corp made me new Stainless manifolds for the 6CX's in my Henriques this winter. They also made the originals that were wet elbows from monel or copper nickel, and managed to last 18 seasons. They were in the middle of building V block manifold for a 31 Bertram. I think he said...

MikeD@Lightningshack

FYI... I used a chop saw and a new blade. GO slow, wear gloves.. if it bites it will pull the stock right out of your hand. My fingers itch just thinking about all the fiberglass I cut in chop saws. [url=http://www.lightningshack.com/photo_galleries/g_boatpics_2_02/pages/sub_floor.htm[img]http://www...

MikeD@Lightningshack

Some side by sides pics of the my 1969 originals and Capt. Pat's replacement rudders. An upgrade from these original rudders to something larger was worthwhile. If you have larger rudders already, I'd argue that you won't find enough of a difference to warrant the cost of the upgrade. http://www.lig...

MikeD@Lightningshack

I would think they were original, but I'd be pretty confident that Bertram made a change to a thinner and smaller rudder sometime prior to 1969, based on my recollection, and others confirming. I looked for my old ones today, but I think somebody bought them from me at some point.

MikeD@Lightningshack

I think they look the same, but neither looks like the rudders that were stock on my 1969. I replaced them with Pat's rudders well over 10 years ago. My memory may be rusty at best, but I'd sware my originals were thinner and had less surface area then both of the rudders in the pictures.

MikeD@Lightningshack

Mahogany decking ripped to size on a table saw always worked great for my boat. I would use short pieces of fiberglass angles cut and drilled for 1/4" bolts to hold it all together.

MikeD@Lightningshack

I ran them at lower RPMs, because in my configuration fuel economy seemed best in that range. As long as they are propped right to make rated RPM's you can surely cruise at 3,000RPM provided you have the fuel to get where you are going and back. I think it might be more of a 2000 hour installation i...

MikeD@Lightningshack

My 340hp had 1.52 Velvet drives that seemed bullet proof to me. 1-3/8" shafts were more then adequate for my installation. I have no experience with high-po engines in gas boats. I think most of us run our Bertrams more like buses, cruising for long distances at a set speed and RPM. Unless you can g...

MikeD@Lightningshack

I had 454's in my 31 for 15 Season's. They were opposite rotating Mercs with velvet drives. I think they were 340hp. They had around 2500 hours on them when I soId the boat. When I first bought the boat, she was fairly light, and would get up above 37kts at WOT. As I added fuel, hard top, A/C, etc.....

MikeD@Lightningshack

I have found several places online for Yanmar parts. Google the Part Number and Yanmar and you may find some also.

Toad Marine Supply seems like my go to lately.

Mike

MikeD@Lightningshack

I'd rule out the electrical problem first, you can do this easily by checking for ignition sparks. One easy way to do this is just by putting a timing light on a plug wire when cranking. If it is an electrical problem, the fix is usually a fairly pretty straight forward find and replace mission. Wit...

MikeD@Lightningshack

Thanks... No complaints, and I have plenty of fine 31's to gawk at in my corner of the world! Loved these boats since I was a kid and that appreciation may never go away.

MikeD@Lightningshack

Bertram-less... But not boat less. Ended up moving on to a 38 Henriques. Miss my bertram, but we wanted some more space and creature comforts. Nothing like going down sea in a 31 Bert, but this boat makes up for most of the difference when you have to head back into it. All about trade offs I guess!

MikeD@Lightningshack

No luck, I must have surrendered my old steps with the boat a few years ago.

MikeD@Lightningshack

Pretty sure I have a set in my attic... might have went with boat, but I will check.

MikeD@Lightningshack

I sent you an email with a detailed pipework attachment.

Mike

MikeD@Lightningshack

FYI,

I have some computer models I made of the Hardtop on the Lightningshack. I'd be happy to get you any dimensions you need from these models.

http://www.lightningshack.com/photo_gal ... index.html

Mike

MikeD@Lightningshack

Fyi... If you never sanded gelcoat after spraying, you are about to learn that more is better because the valleys are normally deeper than you expect. On your quest for a mirror like factory finish, you have the luxury of not quitting until you get perfection. Hardest part of gelcoating a surface ri...

MikeD@Lightningshack

In the Grand Scheme we all be coming with you, rather soon too! I know you made the most of this portion of your journey. You are a true leader that EARNED a huge level of following, admiration and respect with hard work and a passion for getting it right! You will live forever with this group! Than...

MikeD@Lightningshack

Wow... what won't people do for these boats! Impressive work! One thing I learned on my winshield install.... the tie rods that hold the top down to the window are important structural members. Intuition makes you think that the window are needed to hold the bridge up. Occasionally when the boats bo...

MikeD@Lightningshack

My 1969 had the Bertram hull# printed on a paper placard that read Bertram Yachat & Whittaker Corp. I would bet your Bertram hull ID number is on the transom, inboard stern about 3 to 6" above the keel or the bottom of the "V". Right behind the aft bilge pump. It is a placard that is basically a pie...

MikeD@Lightningshack

I bought a Milltech unit. At the time... 2 years ago this seemed like the best value on the market. Worked great for me, I connected to my Navent Vx2 units and had no complaints. Several new AIS unit from popular OEMs did the same stuff for twice the price.

MikeD@Lightningshack

Yup... new 31 owner, and a long time Bertram owner and fan. I pointed him to the sandbox. Hopefully we see him around these parts too.

MikeD@Lightningshack

FYI... It was more difficult then I expected. They are definitely not the "best two days" of Bertram ownership. I put the boat on the market and a week later it was gone. Yikes! Wife and I were both choked up when we watched it leave the Glimmer glass harbor Thursday morning for the last time. Time ...

MikeD@Lightningshack

Mine was noisy even with the Aluminum plate. A fair amount of bending stress on thin composites causes a serious amount of transverse shear stress between laminates. It can't hurt to drop several screws in from the top. You have to stop the 2 subrates from walking across each other. Drill through ho...

MikeD@Lightningshack

I always had challenges getting air pushed through the 454 fresh water cooled Mercruisers. I think the root cause is the height of the goose neck considering engine pitch. I put small .375" diameter holes in the thermostats to help. The small holes help, but a few times I couldn't get all air out an...

MikeD@Lightningshack

I have a fair amount of experience with engine painting. You can buy Bill Hirsch Engine Enamel in rattle bottles and standard brush paint cans. I have never seen anything hold the gloss on an engine better. It even holds well on water cooled exhaust manifolds. Only problem is that they don't offer m...

MikeD@Lightningshack

http://www.uscgboating.org/regulations/boatbuilder_s_handbook/vent_partg.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; I remember looking through the USCG requirements on this subject a couple years ago. I have not read through again but have attached a link. Seemed like our clam shells would ...

MikeD@Lightningshack

Yes, unless you care about image, because most fisherman don't see it as anything but a swimming toy. I look at it as more deck space and a fishing tool. I can't imagine fishing without it. In NJ we do a lot of night fishing in the Canyons. Night fishing involves chunking tons of bait. My swim platf...

MikeD@Lightningshack

Vic, I've been in this sandbox with you since 2000. You've rang up a couple thousand posts and I've surely read 75% or more. I was not nearly as generous with my time and posts, but truly benefited from your contribution. I knew I was in good company when I read the Hyena post! Even bought a bottle ...

MikeD@Lightningshack

Liberty Yachts.... always escapes me too. Not today.

regards,
Mike Dolan

MikeD@Lightningshack

Please put LightningShack down for 4 Lobster.

Thanks,
Mike Dolan

MikeD@Lightningshack

Brewster:

I'll be happy to take delivery of 4 XL and 2 L in Greenport.

Just let us know where to send the check and how much.

thanks,
Mike Dolan

MikeD@Lightningshack

Guys, I bought a 12,000 BTU Flagship A/C unit about 7 years ago. It is all stainless and unlike many of the white painted varieties 7 years later it still looks new. It hasn't missed a beat in 7 years. I was able to install it in the head locker. I replaced the glass doors with sliding panels with a...

MikeD@Lightningshack

Lightningshack is in for Greenport. I will call the marina this week.

MikeD@Lightningshack

Guys, Spent a solid 9 hours trolling for them on Sunday around the Sea Girt Reef. Not a touch this time. We had them in the spread early and around the boat all morning. I had the sand eel daisy chains out all morning, tried a couple other lures in the afternoon, but the fish seemed to disappear ear...

MikeD@Lightningshack

I have been having trouble getting these Inshore BFT to bite the last few trips. Yesterday, I made Fin-S, and Gulp Daisy chains with light Fluoro carbon. Green Gulps about 4" worked good yersteday. I dropped 3 fish and never landed one, but I am happy to have least finally got them to bite. One brok...

MikeD@Lightningshack

They did two boxes full of stuff for me this winter. All the cleats, chocks and vents on a gas boat. Also through in a faucet and bunch of hinges. $750 total. quality work on time... owner didn't seem overly excited about the project but maybe he just didn't have much of a personality. I'd use them ...

MikeD@Lightningshack

Being the Director of Engineering at a bolting / fastener and hydraulic tool company I must weigh in: www.jetyd.com if you are interested in industrial fasteners... As far as function I see no difference in the order of installation: With regards to installation, if you put the Jam nut on first you ...

MikeD@Lightningshack

I had a similiar problem one time. I tapped the bezel with the back of a screwdriver and it stopped the fluctuations and never had the problem again. Of course, I did't use it for more than a season afterward as I replaced all of the gauges as part of a winter project. Worth trying, I guess. good lu...

MikeD@Lightningshack

I re-gelcoated my entire bridge 2 years ago. During the process I swore I'd never do it again. There were huge challenges every step of the way. Spraying is difficult because your pot cures to a solid in minutes. So you have to move fast, make no mistakes and a have support with you. When you are do...

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