Click for Abeking Click for Westport Click for Delta Click for Nordhavn Click for Burger

1999 54 Bertram w cat 3412’s opinion

Discussion in 'Bertram Yacht' started by RWH, Sep 21, 2024.

You need to be registered and signed in to view this content.
  1. RWH, Sep 21, 2024
    #1
    RWH

    RWH New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2024
    Messages:
    3
    Location:
    Texas
    Looking at a 99 54 Bertram w low hour 3412’s. It is my first sportfisher, stepping up from a CC. Opinions appreciated.
  2. Capt Ralph, Sep 22, 2024
    #2
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2004
    Messages:
    13,411
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    Welcome to Yacht Forums

    Properly maintained the 3412 is bombproof.
    Many 3412 luvers here.
    How is low hours figured? With records and receipts?

    Your '99, 54' should be safe from the later Bert hull issues.
    Many Bertram luvers here also.

    Find the best surveyors.

    Is there a web ad we can look at. Some YF members here may know the boat.
    Robertoman likes this.
  3. RWH, Sep 23, 2024
    #3
    RWH

    RWH New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2024
    Messages:
    3
    Location:
    Texas
    2800 and 200 hours. One new gen, other 5000 hours. Will post link as I get closer to closing. Bottom and props a month ago. Survey starts this Thursday.
  4. Capt J, Sep 24, 2024
    #4
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
    Messages:
    14,520
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    3412's are bullet proof, but I'd be REALLY cautious about the decks being soft (FB, Cockpit, and bow) and the cockpit fuel tank needing replacement. The early 2000's 54 Hatteras are a better boat in all aspects, build quality, ride etc. I'd also rather have a 50' Post with 820 MAN's.
  5. RWH, Sep 24, 2024
    #5
    RWH

    RWH New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2024
    Messages:
    3
    Location:
    Texas
    much appreciated! First I have heard about the fuel tank.
  6. Capt Ralph, Sep 24, 2024
    #6
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2004
    Messages:
    13,411
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    Bertram and others started with Fiberglass tanks.
    Aluminum tanks became very popular for their fast, multi form and cost reduced (cheap) construction.
    Keeping in mind, it is a 25 year old tank and cost reduced (cheap) was one of it's original designs, it will need a good inspection. Sadly, only bits of the tank are visible.
    Inquire if it has already been replaced.

    This is not just a Bertram thing. Like soft decks, many other mfg's have these same issues.
    Discuss this with your surveyor(s).
  7. DOCKMASTER, Sep 24, 2024
    #7
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2012
    Messages:
    1,493
    Location:
    Ketchikan, Alaska
    If you want a 54' Sportfish I have a fantastic 54 Donzi I'm considering listing. Full repower/refit with CAT C-18's, new gears, new generators, new shafts/props/bearings, new steering Full Awlcraft exterior paint. Every system on the boat replaced or rebuilt over past few years. Send me a Private Message if you want any info. Located in Ketchikan Alaska but easy to ship to you in Texas if that's where you want it.
  8. Capt Ralph, Sep 24, 2024
    #8
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2004
    Messages:
    13,411
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    WOW !!
    6a.jpg
  9. Liam, Sep 24, 2024
    #9
    Liam

    Liam Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2010
    Messages:
    664
    Location:
    Malta
    Soft deck probably implies there is no core, which is in itself not a bad thing unless you want to put a tender on the fore-deck, as then probably you need to stringer reinforce the surrounding area to avoid hairline cracks.
  10. gcsi, Sep 24, 2024
    #10
    gcsi

    gcsi Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2011
    Messages:
    122
    Location:
    tampa
    please keep me in the loop if you decide to sell.
    Brett
  11. MM3, Sep 24, 2024
    #11
    MM3

    MM3 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2016
    Messages:
    30
    Location:
    New York
    same please!
  12. SplashFl, Sep 25, 2024
    #12
    SplashFl

    SplashFl Active Member

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2021
    Messages:
    513
    Location:
    S. Florida _ Bertram 46
    1. You'll love the HUGE improvement in ride. 2. Would not be afraid if any soft areas are found in survey. My 1995, 46' had two on the front deck and two on the bridge. Painters repaired at my dock. Not that big a deal.
  13. Capt J, Sep 25, 2024
    #13
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
    Messages:
    14,520
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    It's mounted under cockpit deck, a very salty environment. Salt and aluminum don't mix.

    As for coring, Bertram had coring issues their entire lifespan of building SF, never really changed their methods..........soft fore decks, cockpit decks (look under the FB ladder is a popular spot on the 54's), and FB decks.........
  14. Pascal, Sep 26, 2024
    #14
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2008
    Messages:
    8,536
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    To be fair the problem with soft decks isn’t necessarily a Bertram issue but often a post build problem as owners/mechanics add equipment and drill into balsa core without epoxying the holes. As an old Hatteras owner… I know all about this :)

    actually we have a small patch of soft deck on the Lazzara 110 I run… turns out the previous owner had the teak deck removed. In the process they removed the windlass retaining rod and reinstalled it by drilling new holes and using… screws!
  15. Trinimax, Sep 26, 2024
    #15
    Trinimax

    Trinimax Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2010
    Messages:
    245
    Location:
    Trinidad and Tobago Yacht club
    They have a few 54 berts down here in Trinidad, and the ride and performance over the older detroit boats is night and day. Have done a few trips as deck hand on two of them and the boats get the numbers published in the mag report. Cruise is actually better since tabs add about 2 kts at cruise and the magazine tests dont use tabs. I know that the berts from the late 80s early 90s had issues with soft decks and fly bridges. However the owners of the late 90s 54s and 60s havent experienced those issues.

    Attached Files:

  16. PtJudeRI, Sep 26, 2024
    #16
    PtJudeRI

    PtJudeRI Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2010
    Messages:
    153
    Location:
    Pt. Judith, RI
    The 3412s are good engines for sure. How is the space in the ER with them?? Its a BIG engine... 70+ GPH at cruise is my big rub... Thirsty for sure. I will say that the Post 50 is in the 50s to low 60s per hour at the same speeds. Not the same head sea boat for sure...
  17. Trinimax, Sep 26, 2024
    #17
    Trinimax

    Trinimax Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2010
    Messages:
    245
    Location:
    Trinidad and Tobago Yacht club
    Quite good access all around the 2 gens are aft of the engines, and there is plenty room around the front of the engines, and ability to reach the outboard sides. Berts of that era have access hatches in the salon above the engines for major jobs. Engine room is almost standing headroom on centerline, im 5'10"