Click for Nordhavn Click for Westport Click for Walker Click for Delta Click for Abeking

1973 Bertram 46 convertible

Discussion in 'Bertram Yacht' started by Alvaro, Jan 18, 2024.

You need to be registered and signed in to view this content.
  1. Alvaro

    Alvaro New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2024
    Messages:
    15
    Location:
    Ft. Lauderdale
    Thank you SplashFl. I’ll go check to see if the shop still there.
  2. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2012
    Messages:
    1,414
    Location:
    Ketchikan, Alaska
    What model are the Twin Disc gears you already have? Down angle gears are pretty common, Twin Disc makes many. My ZF gears are 10 degree down angle, just like my original Detroit badged Twin Disc gears.
  3. Alvaro

    Alvaro New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2024
    Messages:
    15
    Location:
    Ft. Lauderdale
    They are MG5114. They are straight.
  4. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2012
    Messages:
    1,414
    Location:
    Ketchikan, Alaska
    Those gears are out there in several versions of down angle. 7 and 14 degree come up with a simple search. What is the angle with your original gears? What about gear ratio? Are you staying the same as original?

    Sounds like you are anxious to get started which is good. I encourage you to do all your homework and have a solid plan before you go too far. Are you retaining existing shafts and props? How about gear ratio? What is the safety factor of those shafts with the new engines if keeping them? Where is the raw water intake on the hull vs. the engines? Are you using existing controls? Are starters and alternators same voltage as existing? Anyhow, the list goes on and on. You’ve ’ probably considered all these things already, if not I encourage you to do so.
    SplashFl likes this.
  5. Alvaro

    Alvaro New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2024
    Messages:
    15
    Location:
    Ft. Lauderdale
    Thank you Dockmaster. I believe the Allison M20 are strait angle.
    I’m getting new electronic controls.
    The twin disc have a 1.5 - 1 reduction
    The shafts are 2inch. The only thing I probably have to change are the props.
    The engines are 12volts and came with the Cat gauges. Years back I converted the boat from 32vtls to 12. Except for the engines. Now the entire system will be a 12v system.
  6. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2012
    Messages:
    1,414
    Location:
    Ketchikan, Alaska
    What ratio were your original gears? 1.5:1 is pretty high. I went from a 1.6: 1 to 2:1 and I believe it is a big contributor to the performance and efficiency improvement I saw. But I guess if you already have the 1.5 : 1 it’s what you’ve got.

    Do you have a good plan for exhaust? Big change going from the V configuration to the inline 6. I used Deangelo and they were good to work with. Gave them all the measurements and info from CAT and they fabbed up a new package and shipped to me. Had a few minor tweeks after we received it but nothing that wasn’t manageable.

    Strap your wallet in tight - turbulence ahead! :):)
  7. Alvaro

    Alvaro New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2024
    Messages:
    15
    Location:
    Ft. Lauderdale
    Dockmaster thanks for the advice. Yes I definitely be talking the Deangelo. I was just reading about his work on the internet.
    I been at this project going on 2 years, come July. It’s been way more that what I had anticipated. I never done anything like this before. But after all I have done there is no going back.
    I lost my wallet sometime last year . Just taking it a day at a time. Old 871 are out. Old wiring and obsolete equipment out. This weekend I have a guy coming over to make an engine jig to start working on the engine placement and the exhaust work.
  8. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2012
    Messages:
    1,414
    Location:
    Ketchikan, Alaska

    Excellent! I was under the impression you were just getting started but you’re down the road already. Would be great to see some pictures and have you share your journey. I’m happy to help wherever I can. I can offer up plenty of what not to do’s to maybe save you some heartache.
  9. SplashFl

    SplashFl Active Member

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2021
    Messages:
    435
    Location:
    S. Florida _ Bertram 46
    For your info. I recall using Metcalf Marine Exhaust in Ft. Laud. https://www.mmxhaust.com/pages/Contact.htm Their just down the block from Deangelo, were faster, less dollars, and did a great job when I repowered my 38 Bert.
  10. Alvaro

    Alvaro New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2024
    Messages:
    15
    Location:
    Ft. Lauderdale
    Thank you SplashFl. I’ll look them up.