Hello, I'm Brian Fenske and new to the site. Myself and two good friends purchased Dave's old boat "Can Do It" and I wanted to join the site to learn as much as I can about the boat including how improve and maintain the boat. Looking forward to making new friends and "learning the ropes".
I live in Cape Coral, Fl so if anyone could give me some pointers on good boatyards in the area for bottom paint, etc. and a good place for volvo penta parts/service would be appreciated. Also, if there are some good internet sites for replacement parts that are cheaper to order, i'm fine with that too.
I fished with Dave the last couple of years of his life and I'm sure glad I met 'em. Some of my best trips ever offshore have been with Dave Kosh.. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Here is one of my favorite fishing pictures from one of our offshore outings.
Welcome aboard, you came to the right place. Capt. Dave was one of our regulars here and we miss him. Fire away with questions, our motto is "there is no such thing as a dumb question" when it comes to 31 Bertrams.
I was just working on my steering system the other day, and pulled out a sheet of paper that I had printed and saved for the task. It was an answer to a question that I had posted here, and the answer of interest was from: Dave Kosh.
So if he can give me advice on how to fix my steering from beyond the grave... I'm sure he'll watching be over you guys, offshore in his boat !
"Who," Galileo asked, "would dare assert that we know all there is to be known?"
Welcome aboard from another Cape Coral Bertram owner. You will learn a lot from this site from very experienced people. Dave was one who always posted valuable information from his experience.
I do my best to keep Dave's old boat ship shape and put to good use. Thanks for the warm greeting. I have alot to learn so i'll be asking alot of questions. Thanks again.
We all set some extra money aside to fix some things up right away if needed. Looks like I'm starting right away.. checked the alternators and one alternator is only charging at 13 volts and the other one is not working at all... tried to tighten the belts to see if that would fix it but it didn't. Also, found one of the turbo air filters needed to be replaced because the rubber where the clamp goes is torn through. Well, at least i'm learning about the boat quickly this way!
Even though I just bought the boat, I fished in it with the prior owner (Dave Kosh) several times and the boat has twin TAMD60C's that are 250 hp turbo diesels. They performed well on every trip I went on with Dave without any problems. Both engines have less than 1600 hours and the boat runs at about 19 to 20 knots @ 2500 RPM's. I'm not sure if that speed would be the same for all b31's because Dave said this 31' 70 bertram was a military hull and I know the BUC papers said it weighs 17,500 lbs. wet. I don't know enough yet to know if that makes Daves boat heavier than normal. Dave loved them (volvo's) and i'm hoping with proper maintenance, I can say the same.
We did several trips that were around 150 mile round trips and a couple of 200+ mile round trips with no problems.
3 years ago I posted on the board about replacing a floor on my friends 31. Dave responded with plans, stock list & instructions to fine detail. Then he followed up with personal emails with the best places to purchase materials, etc. We have Dave to thank for the input that made it possible. I know to most replacing a floor might be easy but for a couple of hacks that we were Dave helped make it possible. He is missed.
Welcome to the board. I am sure Dave would be happy to know that an old friend of his is taking care of his boat. Good luck and I know everyone here will be ready to provide you with all of the information you will need to keep her in good running condition.
dave had sent me many a p.m. a gentlemen and he sure will be in our minds whenever we talk bertram 31.i welcome you and don`t be afraid to ask questions because most of the answers are "hands on" not from a book.
