[Trinimax]

its official , Bertram has moved into the old Sea Ray plant on Merritt island

http://www.floridatoday.com/article/...nclick_check=1

[SHAZAM]

A sad day for the die hard old school Bertram fans down here in Miami. Although the new facility might be better, I think by leaving Miami Bertram is losing part of its soul.

[Pascal]

I think Bertram lost its soul when it was take over by ferretti...

[SHAZAM]

Originally Posted by Pascal

I think Bertram lost its soul when it was take over by ferretti...

Agreed but I always held out hope for a miracle that would get the old plant humming again...

[RT46]

This is a very ambitious move for Bertram.

I hope they are able to bring the brand back to what it once was.

[YachtForums]

Originally Posted by Trinimax

its official , Bertram has moved into the old Sea Ray plant on Merritt island

http://www.floridatoday.com/article/...nclick_check=1

What a crock! That link to the Gannett owned 'FloridaToday' newspaper pops up a banner, blacking out your screen, letting you know your reading a complimentary issue, then giving options to subscribe; like they're doing us all a favor. You know, I try to be politically impartial and semi-respectable on YF, but there comes a time when the gloves have to come off... GET LOST Gannett!

Returning to the thread subject, I'm just returning from the media event in Merritt. I’ve got pics on my camera and thoughts swirling about in – what is remaining – of my cerebral matter. Will post tomorrow. Too tired to type!

[jordan5535]

Found this on their website:

Bertram Yacht | News & Articles

Their Facebook page has some pictures from today on it.

End of an era in Miami. But if they had to move, Merritt Island is way better than any of the rumors that have been going around. (NC, SC, or China!).

I wish them the best.

[Capt J]

Originally Posted by jordan5535

Found this on their website:

Bertram Yacht | News & Articles

Their Facebook page has some pictures from today on it.

End of an era in Miami. But if they had to move, Merritt Island is way better than any of the rumors that have been going around. (NC, SC, or China!).

I wish them the best.

I'm not so sure. Yeah, they can probably pick up some ex-searay employees. But there are some REALLY good boat builders in NC and SC and really good skilled labor, that's usually loyal. Look at all of the custom SF that have amazing attention to detail that come out of those places. If Searay couldn't make Merritt Island work on their balance sheet, and they produce a heck of a lot more boats per year than Bertram....I don't know if Bertram can......or can even salvage their name from the last decade of disasters.

[YachtForums]

Bertram's New Merritt Island Yard; YF's coverage...

http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/be...-facility.html

[Bandit]

Wow, does anyone else see the irony in having Norberto Ferretti there?

[PacBlue]

Merritt Island - facility, employees, location, etc. was NOT the reason SR shut her down. More of a corporate "bean counter" thing.

Even though the Bertram location is on Merritt Island, SR referred to it as the Cape Canaveral Plant. They had some major issues with permits with the local government, especially when they carved out the dock/basin without all the paperwork in place. They were hand-cuffed and could not complete the docks or leave vessels in the basin (which is quite a Manatee haven at times).

It would be interesting to know how Bertram was able to get the green light to complete dockage and secure the necessary permits.........

[SHAZAM]

Originally Posted by Bandit

Wow, does anyone else see the irony in having Norberto Ferretti there?

Chinese paying Italians who pay Americans to build "American" boats that are styled by Italians. Good luck with that.

[YachtForums]

Originally Posted by SHAZAM!

Chinese paying Italians who pay Americans to build "American" boats that are styled by Italians. Good luck with that.

Now that's ironic! We are in the midst of an amazing economic paradigm shift; the greatest transfer of wealth the world has ever seen.

[dennismc]

Did anyone see the John Stossel interview with the Governor of Peurto Rico, amazing turn around of an economy, some should take note before |Chinese is the 3rd language

[rcrapps]

About this time last year I thought I heard that Bertram was moving somewhere in North Carolina. Also heard that parts of the old Miami plant was getting converted to a movie studio. Was this trash news or transition that failed?