1974 Bertram 225
The 28 Bertram is a great fishing machine. Few realize that the 28 has MORE deadrise (23 degrees), production total (2800) and cabin headroom than the legendary Bertram 31. Owner had 25 and 31 before and likes 28 the best. According to receipts on the boat, the engines were replaced in 1993 (this must have been up to the bell housing as the original serial numbers are still there). Engine beds/stringers were replaced in 1999 and both engines and one Borg-warner reverse gear were rebuilt in 1999. There was quite a bit of work done on the port engine in 2003. The boat has original serial number plates on the engines , which means it has antique status for Florida boat registration and the cost is about $7/yr. Boats with purchase price under $20,000 can be insured by Progressive without a survey, saving thousands for the buyer capable of doing his own evaluation and inspection. Current owner has had the boat for about 7 years and has put about 400 hours on it and has only did minor maintenance on the boat and engines. Owner cannot guarantee anything. Buyer may survey if he wishes. The boat has a large 85 square feet fishing cockpit aft and a raised observation area with railings above the engines. Forward is the cabin with enclosed head and galley with under counter refrigerator to port. Across the passageway is a dinette to starboard which can convert to a bed. Further forward is a hanging locker on either side. Next forward is the cabin with two large V berths. All the way forward is the anchor locker. There is an aluminum framed half tower over the helm and a cockpit Bimini top and helm cover. Canvass all fairly new and in good shape. This is a simple boat with swim platform, saltwater wash-down, three automatic bilge pumps, hydraulic steering, large igloo cooler/fish box and a fishing chair with gimbaled rod holder, outriggers, rod holders, and removable fish cleaning station, anchor, lines and fenders. Unlike some low priced 28's on land for many years, this boat starts up quickly, runs fine, does not smoke/burn oil. It is recommended that non-ethanol fuel be used unless boat is used often and little fuel is left in the tank. Batteries and both starters are about two years old . Heat exchangers and risers have been cleaned recently and impellors were replaced. Fresh water flush system for engines, extends life of risers and coolers. The boat gets the mechanical and electrical maintenance it needs. Memorial Day 2012 fishing trip burned 35 gallons of gas running about 40 nautical miles (combination of 20 knot cruise speed, eight knot trolling and Intracoastal idling). Cruising fuel consumption is generally in the range of 1-2 Nautical miles/gallon. For low speed operation, the boat is fine. For high speed operation boat should be hauled for a bottom paint job, Triliux applied to the running gear and installed new depth finder and maybe new strut bearings and rebuild the carburetors. Ex
