Classic Bertram conversion

ACY in Stuart, FL. has an interesting re-power underway of the classic 35 ft. open Bertram "Fiddler". The re-power consists of the removal of existing twin Yanmar's with a conventional shaft drive line set up and re-engineering the vessel for twin Volvo Penta IPS 600 pods . Major work was undertaken engineering wise from the removal of the keel to transom modifications and chine mods. The vessels top speed was reported to be 24 knots with the Yanmar's and is predicted to be a bit higher with the new power along with major improvements in maneuverability. ACY is the perfect yard to undertake a conversion such as this due to their extensive custom sport fish new build experience and as would be expected, the work looks fantastic so far. Fiddler has just come out of the paint hall in a new Flag Blue Awl Craft 2000 livery and the paint work is flawless. Looking forward to this vessel splashing and reading about the entire re-fit / re-power at a later date.

Its a tender for a large yacht and they wanted a more nimble & maneuverable version of this classic yacht. As for the "why bother"? Labor of love for an old vessel to breathe new life into it? A yachtsman who likes restoring a floating possession that's been in the family for decades? You'd have to ask that question to the thousands of yachtsmen who've poured millions of dollars into restorations and repowers of classic yachts over the years. I believe its a question that's easily answered...