New - An Introduction
Posted: Apr 19th, '13, 18:54
After a being a spectator on this site for quite a while, years actually, I can finally make my first post as a Bertram 31 owner. Last weekend my wife and I took ownership of one of the greatest boats ever made.
About the boat: it has been with a single owner in Virginia since the early 90’s. In the 90’s he would take the boat to Oregon Inlet for the summer to fish the stream but that ended in the 2000’s as he kept the boat closer to home. In its Oregon Inlet days the boat had a tuna tower but the owner removed it as he felt it made the boat too top heavy in larger seas. It’s a 1968 hull with gas engines (Chrysler M440’s). To a certain extent it is like stepping back in time as much of the interior and systems are still original (or near to it).
About us: I grew up near the water and spent my late teen’s and early twenties racing sailboats in-shore and off-shore. Also during that time I worked on a number of large yachts and finally earned enough sea time to get my 100T ticket. In my late twenties I pursued other shore based careers away from the marine industry but always had a soft spot for Bertram 31’s that I had seen during my time on the water. My wife on the other hand did not grow up on with boats and is somewhat new to it. Lets just say this purchase is her immersion therapy in spending time on the water. That said, she is incredibly enthusiastic about using the boat. And yes, the boat is named “Jersey Girl” after her. She represents all the great state of NJ has to offer (attractive, warm heart and at times an hell of an attitude).
Though we have a few outstanding maintenance issues to address with the boat we will not be making any significant changes or upgrades for a year or two. This is solely based on advice I have repeatedly read on this site (use it, learn it, then change it). We will be keeping the boat in the Annapolis area and initially exploring the upper Chesapeake Bay before venturing further.
I have spent years reading the posts on this site, learning the lessons, taking in the advice and certainly laughing a many a joke. Not being a Bertram owner I never felt it was my place to post anything on the site so here is my first. This site is not only a community devoted to one of the greatest boats ever made but is also place that fosters a tremendous brotherhood. So, I’d like to say my thanks for without this site I’m not sure we would have made the leap to purchase the boat.
Thank you all, especially Captain Patrick for all he does for the site, and I look forward to viewing life here on the site as a Bertram 31 owner.
R/Chris H
About the boat: it has been with a single owner in Virginia since the early 90’s. In the 90’s he would take the boat to Oregon Inlet for the summer to fish the stream but that ended in the 2000’s as he kept the boat closer to home. In its Oregon Inlet days the boat had a tuna tower but the owner removed it as he felt it made the boat too top heavy in larger seas. It’s a 1968 hull with gas engines (Chrysler M440’s). To a certain extent it is like stepping back in time as much of the interior and systems are still original (or near to it).
About us: I grew up near the water and spent my late teen’s and early twenties racing sailboats in-shore and off-shore. Also during that time I worked on a number of large yachts and finally earned enough sea time to get my 100T ticket. In my late twenties I pursued other shore based careers away from the marine industry but always had a soft spot for Bertram 31’s that I had seen during my time on the water. My wife on the other hand did not grow up on with boats and is somewhat new to it. Lets just say this purchase is her immersion therapy in spending time on the water. That said, she is incredibly enthusiastic about using the boat. And yes, the boat is named “Jersey Girl” after her. She represents all the great state of NJ has to offer (attractive, warm heart and at times an hell of an attitude).
Though we have a few outstanding maintenance issues to address with the boat we will not be making any significant changes or upgrades for a year or two. This is solely based on advice I have repeatedly read on this site (use it, learn it, then change it). We will be keeping the boat in the Annapolis area and initially exploring the upper Chesapeake Bay before venturing further.
I have spent years reading the posts on this site, learning the lessons, taking in the advice and certainly laughing a many a joke. Not being a Bertram owner I never felt it was my place to post anything on the site so here is my first. This site is not only a community devoted to one of the greatest boats ever made but is also place that fosters a tremendous brotherhood. So, I’d like to say my thanks for without this site I’m not sure we would have made the leap to purchase the boat.
Thank you all, especially Captain Patrick for all he does for the site, and I look forward to viewing life here on the site as a Bertram 31 owner.
R/Chris H
