Bertram 31
Few, if any, other boats have had such a profound influence on the design of power boats as has the Bertram 31. The first boat design to use a Deep-V hull, it is arguably the most famous modern boat design ever built, the 31 Bertram has achieved a near cult status, infecting boaters around the world. Designed by Ray Hunt and built by Richard Bertram, the 31 was in production for 25 years. Many are still on the water and in use throughout the world.
"The 31 has become a benchmark both in terms of sea keeping ability and rugged fiberglass construction. It has had a reputation from the start as a boat that will take you out and bring you back." (Soundings, May 1994).
"They went to rogues and royalty, grizzled marlin captains and fair-weather sailors. Many of them are still tearing across the whitecaps..." for customs and border patrol work, search and rescue missions, and, of course, to ferry anglers to offshore fishing grounds. The Bertram 31 launched Bertram Yacht, Inc. when it was introduced at the 1961 New York National Boat Show, essentially as a day boat for Florida sport fishermen. More than three decades later, it is a collectible classic, sought-after, even coveted. According to Soundings, aficionados refer to it as "Bertram Art." The Bertram 31 has aged well, a tribute to its impeccable blood lines and robust construction."
Few boats on the water today share the same storied history and devout owner loyalty as the Bertram 31. Over the past several years, these mighty little workhorses have enjoyed a resurgence of interest that borders on cult status. All over the world, eager buyers have been snatching up old 31s and restoring them from the hull up, with modern diesel power, generators, air conditioning and all manner of electronic equipment. Many of these renovations end up costing 10 or 20 times what one of the classic hulls brought when it rolled out of the Bertram plant in the early ‘60s.
The appeal of these boats is a powerful one-two punch. First, they were built so solidly and with such a remarkable hull design that they still perform as well as anything ever built in their size class. In addition, they have a proven track record of catching fish: Marlin includes them in its list of the top 10 sportfishing all time. As a bonus, a freshly painted and refurbished 31 looks the part as well, delivering a combination of classic lines and fishing functionality that has never been successfully reproduced in a boat of its size.
Cummins 6BT5.9 330 hp
Configuration In-line 6-cylinder, 4-stroke diesel Bore & Stroke 102 mm x 119 mm (4.02 in x 4.72 in) Displacement 5.9 L (359 in3) Aspiration Turbocharged/Aftercooled Rotation Counterclockwise facing flywheel
- Highest production 6 liter diesel ever made and is still in production in over 6 countries worldwide
- The most proven mid-range diesel platform and is used in multiple markets
- Simple 12 valve mechanical design with parts pricing that no other engine can touch