bertram31.com

I'm thinking about getting back into a B31. She'd be a Chesapeake Bay fish/cruise boat if I got her--not a canyon runner. Anybody know this boat? I've read up on these Volvos a bit, and they sound OK, not great, but OK. Is that accurate? Any comments/advice would be appreciated. Feel free to pm me or whatever. Thanks.


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Engine model is the weak point but for that price might be worth it. 230hp 6's.
Not good sitting like that.
Get a volvo survey though.
Looks like the price of 31' has started to get real again.

John

My imagination or does she still have the plywood deck. I would make sure those bulkheads are solid.

John,
Looks like she's still got the Nautlex cockpit sole, look at the dip behind the starboard engine box. The Volvo 43 series are smokers, but not as bad as the 41 series if I remember correctly, but they are good on fuel, not going to be a speed demon around 23 Kt boat. Volvo parts are expensive and up keep can put a hurt on your wallet. Have someone survey the boat and check all the welds on the top supports, looks like she's still got the front lower windows just a canvas cover over the lower windshield. Also lots of holes to fill on the FB where the old windscreen was removed. Good Luck
Pete Fallon

John,

While I can't speak personaly about the 43's..... the KAMD 42's I have are nightmares on chasing overheating problems. If you go to the BOATDIESEL website you'll find numerous posts on overheating problems on all the Volvo 40 series.

Running in cooler ambiant water up north has to be a positive... in the summer when surface temps are in the 80's in the GOM I'm always on the edge.

Been looking for a way to add aux. cooling.... other then that (and its a big friggin THAT) the engines are screamers.

Ray

My fishing buddy Randy and I bought two sunk Volvos and rebuilt them for my Bertram. Parts were ridiculously expensive -- orders of magnitude higher than Cummins and Cat parts. We decided we could not afford to keep them running. Sold the Volvos and bought two used Cummins 6BTA's. I suggest checking the availability/cost of parts and service in your area.

--Marshall

I had a 41 in a 26' Albemarle and loved it. Ran out to the Rock Pile numerous times and couldn't believe how little fuel it sipped. There is truth to the parts are $$$ statements but fuel saving are a partial tradeoff. There is a good Volvo marine diesel dealer in Grasonville, Seven Seas Marine 410-827-6400. I talked to the service manager there when I was boat shopping 2 years ago and he gave me the low down on all the models. He even offered to go to NC to check a boat out I was looking at with 72's, don't remember his name though. Good to have in your backyard if you go the Volvo route.

Service for Volvos in the Cape May area is the pits. My son looked at that boat. He thought there were better deals around. It is really tough selling a boat in NJ.

Thanks for the comments. Its a little (alot--but its a B31) out of the way from MD to LI, but I may swing by today on my way to NY. BOBMX--thanks for the local info.

John

Just in case you need too, a lot of the Cape May guys run up to Forked River Diesel and Generator for repairs. Unfortunately it is like an hour and half run for one of John Lanes mechanics to go down and survey those engines. I don't know of any local Cape May volvo mechanics but if you give John Lane a call he might be able to who to trust down there.

Saw her today. Ed, I share your son's views.