Very, very clean and continually upgraded by her one and only owner. She's been repowered with 456 hp Cat 3208's with gears in 2005 costing $80,000. Caterpillar technicians performed a sea trial upon installation which documents a cruising speed of 26 knots and top end over 30 knots. The owner typically operates her at a conservative 22-24 knots, however. A gorgeous new tower and hard top were installed in 2004 ($70,000) and is still in new condition. This vessel has always been in New England and has had the care and maintenance reminiscent of traditional quality Yankee dilligence throughout her life. Yes, she's been fished but she's always been kept in true yacht condition. All the photos were taken on May 20, 2009. Seller does not want to be a 2 boat owner so bring all offers! 

Mechanical
In general, this vessel has received vigilant and skilled inspections and maintenance since new.  The actual Caterpillar Sea Trial Repower report is contained in the ship's papers. Currently the motors have logged approximately 750 hours since new. All service records are also contained in the onboard ship's papers. Easy access to the engine room is through a removeable bridge deck hatch. The engine room is large and well laid out. 

Her generator was made by Onan. It is the original but has seen very little use due to the nature of the seller's operations of day fishing with family and friends. This broker was present for the generator's first startup for the spring on May 20, 2009. It started quickly with no smoke and smooth. Maintenance of this motor has also been regular. 

Last year, the seller ordered the entire steering system in the lazarette be completely replaced and rebuilt as a matter of general upgrading and maintenance. 

Safety is very important to the seller and every through hull fitting and connecting hoses are carefully maintained and inspected regularly along with the other operating systems. 
 

Topside
It was decided to have a new and modern top and tower built for the vessel in 2004. Side and center outriggers were also replaced at that time. The tower is gorgeous with attractive curves, buggy top, controls and seating. A subtle but sexy twist in the climbing rung system allows for remarkably easy and safe use unlike so many where climbing is an awkward affair at best. This tower boasts some of the finest design aspects and quality workmanship this yacht broker has seen. The hard top was built in the modern way of encapsulating stringent foam for its light weight and strength. Recessed lighting and custom rod holders were also installed on the underside of the top. There is no pitting or evidence of corrosion and all hardware is in near perfect or perfect condition. 

The cockpit is huge and features a bait rigging station with sink and running water, tackle drawers and chopping block. Also contained on the port side of the cockpit is a large stainless steel cooler which has a cold plate system installed sans condenser. To starboard is a bait tank with macerator. All gunwhale mounted rod holders are super reinforced and designed to handle big game without damaging the deck. A rocket launcher arrangement is mounted on the heavily reinforced fighting chair mounting plates. There is a heavy duty hinged, deck level cockpit door allowing the crew to easily board the biggest giant bluefin or provide easy dock access for the ladies. There are fish boxes or storage under several cockpit deck hatches. The cockpit sports fairly new coaming bolsters all around also. 

Moving to the foredeck you will find a newer certified six man autodeployed Switlik liferaft secured to the deck without obscuring the captain's field of vision. Of course the vessel is equipped with a float away EPIRB for further safety at sea too. There are good hand holds along the gunwhale going forward and a very secure rail around the entire foredeck. Danforth anchor is deck mounted for quick deployment and the pulpit has a roller. 

The bridge deck, like the rest of the vessel, is clean, tidy and devoid of damage, scrapes or other signs of age. The enclosure was new at the time of the tower replacement a few years ago. It's EZ2CY all around and in great shape. The helm station is ergonomically very comfortable with tremendous visibility for an express style vessel. Her ladder back Murray helm chair could use a bit of sprucing up, ie new upholstery, but otherwise this area is tip top. On the port side there is an "L" couch with storage underneath and new waterproof cushions. 
 

The Cabin
Now here is a surprise - Her cabin is very well laid out and extremely roomy for a 38 footer. It features a blend of classic varnished teak and easy cleaning modern materials that belie her age. The companion way has a vented window in the door and is quite comfortable when egressing or ingressing even for large people. Large and tall people will find it easy to move about the cabin. Galley is to port and out of the way of the companionway. There's a Sub-Zero fridge freezer at counter height for easy and safe access. Three burner Princess electric stove and microwave oven have very little use. 

Forward of the galley to port is a modern looking rounded bulkhead housing a roomy head with separate stand-up shower stall built to household size (almost). The shower also has removeable rod holders for the avid fisherman. 

Across from the galley is an amply sized 4 person dinette which converts to a double bed. 

Forward of the dinette is a large hanging locker and separate V-berth stateroom. The bunks are quite big. Custom thick matresses and cushions have been added throughout. 

The cabin's climate may be controlled by the ac/heating system new in 2003. 
 

Sea Keeping Ability
The Bertram 38 Special is known as one of the most comfortable sea boats of her class ever built. With a deep vee running the length of her hull, significant beam, riding strakes and low center of gravity, few vessels are safer in rough weather. The hull design allows safe operation in deterioriated conditions at speeds much higher than other hull designs. This "yacht captain turned yacht broker" holds the sea keeping ability of this vessel in the highest regard and can personally attest to her performance in seas to ten feet. She is the epitome of the excellence in design and construction on which the Bertram name was built. 
 

Electronics and Miscellaneous
FCV 620 Fish Finder 
Glendenning Engine Synchronizer 
Bennett Trim Tabs 
Sitex 1100 Color Fish Finder 
NorthStar 952X at Bridge Deck 
NorthStar 952X in Tower 
Furuno Radar with 4' Open Array Antenna 
Two VHF Marine Radios 
Remote control Spotlight 
Satellite EPIRB 
Modern Autopilot 
 May, 2009: Fully commissioned for the season, in the water and ready to go. 
Hull: soda blasted off old bottom paint, inspected for delaminations then sealed with epoxy 2008. 
Switlik 6 man liferaft with current certification 
Danforth Anchor w/40' Chain and 300' polypropylene rode 
2005 New Cat Motors 
2005 New Gears with Trolling Valves 
2004 New Tower and Hardtop 
2004 New Side and Center Outriggers 
Vessel Equipment and Electronics Continually Upgraded 

Call Captain Eric Dobbyn for Details - He has logged many days aboard this vessel.  
Cell:  954-871-7493
 
 
