35 Bertram ??

[makomike1]

Hello all, looking for some info on 35 bertrams. Is there a considerable ride difference having heavy 3208t cats versus say 330 ,370 cummins engines. Also is there any difference in the early models verses the 80's models. I see that the 80's model has additional seating seating up on the bridge. Are the earlier ones built better or have a better ride ?? Any info you can give me would be great. Thanks Mike

[Yannis]

In the Bertram 33 site, there is a separate thread devoted to the B35. Perhaps you could find some answers there (or what is left of this thread, after the recent hacking).

[Capt.Frank]

My dad had a 74 B35 w/330 cumming boat cruised 25 wot 28 knts. The new owner lighted boat up removed bulkhead ,Genny, tackle station. He has since repowered with QSBs 370 I think he says same speeds. I don't think he runs it very hard only inshore charters. Boat ran great with cumming. I have B31 w/3208 I think it ran as good but little faster fuel burn 30-40 gallons more than me on same trip.More space to work on cummings.

[Tony Meola]

The 35 with the Cats may of had the hump built into the hull to make room for those engines. That creates a little more drag so you are not going to get the speed you might seek out of her.

Check to see if they put that bulge in the hull. If not then you should be good. The 35 is a rock solid boat. Will take just about anything you will be caught out in.

You should also be aware that some of the 35 models had different bridge configurations. There is a model that has a bench seat in front of the helm and allows for extra guests to sit up on the bridge.

I have never run one, but have fished on one during a charter in Hawaii. That one had Cummins in her. She was quick, and I have to admit, even given her size and weight, the movement on her reminded me a lot of my 31. I could almost anticipate her next movement.

[makomike1]

Thanks for the info. Still looking to get more info about them. Any suggestions as to where to find more info on them. Like are the older ones built better than the ones built in the 80's or disadvantages of having the extra bridge seating ??

[John F.]

Charlie Haws posts here now and then and has a 1984 B35 with 3208s. John D. who also posts here has an older B35 with 3126 Cats. Ask them. They both know a lot about the B35. I really like B35s, and they, like every other boat, have come down in price a bit since 2008 or so. The interior changed slightly starting in 1981, and the 1981 and newer boats have the tourney flybridge and different doors to the salon. I think in 1984 Bertram started using teak in the interiors. Really nice boats

[Yannis]

Mike,

Bertram 36 convertible which was produced for 2-3 years only, is 3" shorter, 3" narrower and 8" !!! deeper than the 35. It has a second cabin, that the 35 doesnt, it has this extra interior seating arrangement at stbd, and unless it has a known handicap or inherent defficiency, looks like a nice boat too. Its newer, so its probably more expensive, and the supply of boats is rather limited, but it displays classic bertram lines and I like it. Just in case you hadn't thought about the 36 yourself.

[Ryan]

I had a 1975 35 with 300hp 3116 cats in it. I would cruise an honest 23-24 knots. Mine was a little faster than the 300 hp 3208 boats, probably a combo between the lighter engines and not having the bubbles in the bottom needed for the 3208s. Mine being a 1975 had the smaller bridge and I moved the helm from the port side to the center. As others have said, 1981 and newer updated interior and bridge. I see both as a benefit and the boat maintained the same bullet proof construction. Excellent sea boat for its size, does wonder a bit in a heavy following sea. There's a lot you can do with them to update and customize. It'll probably wind up being the all around best boat I will ever have owned.

[JohnD]

Hey Mike,

The B35 has been a good boat, I bought mine in 2000 with 454's and then repowered with 420hp Cats in 2008 (perfect timing) it went from maybe 18kt cruise to 24-25kt cruse, though most of the time I prefer 22kts @21-2200rpms the motors are loafing and the hull floats over the chop.

I think there's no real difference between build quality among the years, look for one that's been kept up. As for the layout's I prefer the salon of the early models and cabin of the later models.

If your MD and would like to stop by and check mine out I'd be happy to talk with you, I live in Pasadena and now that the snow/ice is gone we could take a ride :)

Cheers,
JohnD

[makomike1]

John thanks for the info. Yes , I do live in Md, just up the bay from you in middle river. I currently have a 1973 28bert named reel class. I'm looking to move up for a little more room and comfort. I may take you up on looking at your 35. I will let you know. Thanks Mike