bertram31.com

Ever since I first became a regular here, ten or so years ago, I recall Uncle Vic and others here talking about the Tropic Star Lodge in Panama. I believe several of the FaithfuI have been there. It is a place I have dreamed of going ever since that time.

One of the subjects that was often spoken about was the Lodge's fleet of Bertram 31s, and how strong and seaworthy they were.

This months "Power and Motoryacht" magazine has an article about the lodge with their fleet of 13 Bertram 31s prominently mentioned. The article has several pages with pictures, several of which feature the B31s.

If you don't subscribe to the magazine I think you should buy a copy.. especially if you own a B31.


Power and Motoryacht Magazine
January 2018 issue
pages 98-106

Frank

Thanks, funny I had a copy in my hand this morning, then did not look at it and put it back. Now I have to go back and get it. I thought it kept calling my name but you know when you get older there are a lot of things you think you hear.

Frank, thanks for the heads up!
On my to do list for today.

The Tropic Star made a fishing promotional video years ago about the fishing in Panama, it was a great video and showing hundreds of Blue Marlin and other Pelegic hookups. But the thing that really stood out was the Bertram 31. The fishability and ruggedness of the vessel, but more so, was the elegent lines and form of the vessel as she sliced through the deep blue, and backed down effortlessly onto its catch. And that is why I went in pursuit of this great boat!
I'm looking forward to the article.

There were 2 or 3 large group trips of the guys to Tropic Star in the past. Somewhere I have pic discs from one or two of them.

The Tropic Star articles get regurgitated every few years when magazines run out of the same ol along with stories about the 31.

What I find very exciting seems to be the renewal of interest in 31, 28, 25 and under Berts. This last year has shown a noticeable growth in new members. One thing Pat and I discussed in his last year or so was the drop off in traffic in ownership and the political board became more active which was never Pats intentention.

When I saw him the last time told me if it looked like the board was dying, shut it down.
He would be very happy at the renewed interest and participation.

It might be nice in the future to do another Tropic Star trip.

You live, you die, but have you fished the UVII?

You'll never win but second place is wide open..............

I always fished with Vic, so I rode his coattails to victory every year......

It would be great to do a group trip. Could still call it the UVI. Definitely on the bucket list.

Hey I am retired now. I just have to get down on my knees and beg my wife to let me go. LOL

I did the 2007 UVI at TSL and never laughed so hard in all my life. Great group of guys and excellent fishing. I committed to go only having met UV twice and having spoken to capt Pat a few times on the phone. An adventure I will never forget. I definitely need to go back!

We are the smart ones!
Any Bertram is a tank and overbuilt for its own class, especially compared to the boats built today. And let's compare the price of a completely restored 31 vs. a new thirty-something Center Console, let alone a sport fish in the same size.
Dollar to dollar this is the true value.
Our economy is doing and great and so is the membership! That is all good news!

Tony Meola wrote:Hey I am retired now. I just have to get down on my knees and beg my wife to let me go. LOL

Now see Tony I'm highly disappointed. What you have to do, as in my case after 40 years is have them ask you a couple of times a year, isn't it time for you to go somewhere?

I'm in Bruce's camp............

I would love to do a TSL trip with the faithful!

Bruce wrote:Now see Tony I'm highly disappointed. What you have to do, as in my case after 40 years is have them ask you a couple of times a year, isn't it time for you to go somewhere?

Problem is I think one day she is just going to shoot me while I am sleeping. LOL

Geez Tony just have start those tennis lessons again she won’t even miss you while you’re gone!

That’s right, I’m here to help. :)

MarkS wrote:Geez Tony just have start those tennis lessons again she won’t even miss you while you’re gone!

That’s right, I’m here to help.

That is all well and good but then what the heck am I going to do with the Pool Boy.

TSL is on my bucket list for sure. I read the article ravenously.

I’m also with Tony. Except half the time I’m expecting Kerri to shoot me while I am awake. I won’t get the luxury of it in my sleep. LOL!

D

The TSL trip with Vic was awesome! I caught 8 sailfish in 3 days I think it was! I loved fishing around the islands With Walter and Hank in the panga's the first day we got there too! An Randall surfed the river mouth by the Indian village despite the possibility of sharks! The Zane Grey reef is awesome! Just remember to take hearing protection as those 4 cylinder Detroits are LOUD!!!

What would be a target budget for a three day TSL trip? I need to start saving. Don't tell me if I have to ask......I already know I can't afford it. Todd

Four days, five nights with airfare is about $5,700. Three days, four nights is about $5,000. Plus tips.

That's 3 to a boat, fishing offshore. You can spend less if you want to fish inshore, or with 4 in a boat.