New to Site - Buying Bertram and need Advice

[BillO]

I am new to the site and in the process of buying my first Bertram (1982 33 sportfish) with 3208 diesels. I am located at the Jersey Shore and would appreciate any advice folks can offer - I really have a lot to learn. A few questions to get started:

1. Can anyone recommend a 3208 diesel mechanic to assist with the Survey?
2. What are some things to pay particular attention to during the survey/process?
3. Looking for a slip on the Manasquan River - can anyone recommend a place and have any idea on rates.

I really appreciate any insight and help you can provide. Thanks!

[Brewster Minton]

Welcome aboard. Get one of the "faithfull" to meet you at the boat and help you go through it to see what it is.

[Tony Meola]

Welcome

JP could probably tell you of a good spot on the Manasquan. I am a little south of you in Forked River. Ransome is the main CAT mechanic in NJ but they don't come cheap.

Search around you will find someone. I know Forked River Diesel and Generator while not a Cat dealer will work on the old 3208's. He does stay away from the newer Cats. He does travel up to that area so you would have to pay for Travel time which can get expensive. Otherwise you would have to run the boat down to him.

Good Luck and I am sure one of the guys can put you on to a local mechanic.

[Charlie]

I am 10 minutes from Manasquan.
Get Ransom Cat to do the engine survey PERIOD. No shade tree mechanics, no part time mechanics, nothing but certified Dealer Mechanics for a survey. They have the tolls, the knowledge and the experience.
Get John Spenser to do the survey. He is a Bertram expert and one of the best surveyors you will ever meet. Your broker will probably cringe when you mention Spenser.
What's the name of the boat? JD or I probably know it well.

John F. Spencer - Accredited Marine Surveyor 2000
Spencer Marine Surveys, LLC
104 Longman Street
Toms River, New Jersey 08753-2439
732-255-4700 -O, 732-267-6980 -Mobile, 732-255-4720 -Fax
spencermarine@comcast.net

Mention my name and he will probably knock $50-100 bucks off.
Charlie Haws

[Bob H.]

BillO, Welcome aboard, my dad has 3208s in his 37 Bertram, great motors reliable and fuel efficient, Big Game Journal had a story on a Blackfin with 3208s and named a guy from New Jersey who was a "specialist" on those motors. I will try and find the article, sure JP knows the guy. BH

[dougl33]

Bob,

I think I was on your Dad's boat in Oak Bluffs a few years ago. My wife and I were running around the harbor in our dinghy and we went over to check out your Dad's boat. He was in the cockpit and we started talking to him and told him that the 37 was going to be our next boat. He promptly invited us on and gave us a tour. Real nice guy.

[JP Dalik]

southside marina (rick fischer)or brielle yacht club (dock master scott)for slips

what was the name of the boat before you got her?

CAT guys are either Ransome or Foley depending on what side of the river your boat is. Both have good techs.

[scot]

Welcome aboard BillO.

I'm a big fan of the 3208's. Great engines. A few years back I spent a bunch of time researching those engines. I was considering a used single 3208 for my 25 project. Here's a few things I learned about the engines while I searched for a used one...hope it's helpful:

CAT 3208 Notes…

2000 hours: They commonly need new injectors, or injectors rebuilt.

Throttle shaft: check for leaks at injector pump housing.

Loosing coolant: Head gasket leak, or cracked head. Common problem.

Engine life: reported to be good for 15,000 hours with good care,
Some say 10,000 is about it. Others report 25,000+

Heads: 5,000 to 7,000 hours…need rebuild

Fuel Consumption: 9-12 GPH, below 375hp…15-17 at the 435hp level.

Burns oil: Normal, 1 to 2 quarts per 10-12 hours operation.

Smoke: Very normal at start up and acceleration, should not smoke after warm.

Versions: 325 hp is max without after cooler, 355 hp – 435 hp after cooled
Reported that 375 is max hp for best longevity & performance.

BLOCK SLEEVE & 3 RING PISTON KITS;
Replacement Bore Sleeve Part #: What you need is the cylinder repair kit 200-7130. This part number breaks down to 199-9873 (kit piston) and 199-9872 (kit ring) which includes the cylinder sleeve. We have used this before. Just find yourself a good machine shop to bore the block for the sleeve. This is suitable for a 3 ring piston with a compression ratio of 16.5:1. Forget the online store use your local Cat dealer. Check these part numbers with your dealer to make sure its compatible with your serial number. Good Luck