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Bertram 46 vs. Bertram 50

Discussion in 'Bertram Yacht' started by surfnbdb, Aug 26, 2013.

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  1. surfnbdb, Aug 26, 2013
    #1
    surfnbdb

    surfnbdb New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2013
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    12
    Location:
    Huntington Beach
    I have enjoyed a 46 Bertram for the last 6 years but decided to sell with an intent to upgrade (larger up-galley, newer motors). Though I didnt have a single problem with the 8-92s in the 46, access around the engines (especially outboard), fuel consumption, and range became an issue. Another problem I had was boat roll at trolling speeds. Seems like she really snapped. Most of what I do is troll at 8 knots or sit on the anchor at one of the islands.
    As I continue my search for another boat, I always find myself looking/comparing everything to a Bertram:) I recently came across beautiful 50 for sale with 700 original hours on the MANs. I have heard the stories about the cost and smoking issues, but seems like a lot of the mid 90's boats have the 10 cylinder MANs. A broker recently told me that the 50' rolled "Much" less than the 46's. Will 17 degrees of deadrise on the 50 roll that much less? Thoughts on the MAN's? Thanks to all for your time and responses.

    Brian
  2. NYCAP123, Aug 26, 2013
    #2
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2008
    Messages:
    11,205
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Ran a 2002 51' for several years. I'd take a mid-80's 46 over it hands down. But evidently you've got a newer style 46. She was bad in a head sea (5' sent us to the inside), and rolled pretty bad at idle. A gyro-stablizer would do wonders I'm sure. With the 1050 MANNS she cruised at 23-26 kts. burning about 80gph. Personally I think I'd look at Viking.
  3. surfnbdb, Aug 26, 2013
    #3
    surfnbdb

    surfnbdb New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2013
    Messages:
    12
    Location:
    Huntington Beach
    Thanks. Were the 510's (2002) a different ride/hull than the 50's from early 90's? My 46 was 1984... Head sea ran like a tank. On the anchor or in the trough at trolling speed HANG ON!!
  4. Ormond Bert54, Aug 26, 2013
    #4
    Ormond Bert54

    Ormond Bert54 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2009
    Messages:
    470
    Location:
    Ormond Beach, FL
    I have thought of what it would be like to lose both engines in rough seas. My 1984 Bertram 54 rolls badly when at rest. Nothing like the smaller 28' but bad nonetheless. Bad enough to smash dishes etc.

    I suppose gyro stabilizers would be a $30k+ upgrade? Or is it $100k:)

    Other than that, all I can say is that the size of the Bertram 54 is quite nice and that because the boat is big an comfortable, it is used weekly year round. Once the refit was complete, expenses are under control. Most surprising is that fuel has really NOT been much of a concern. The large expenses like engine or xmission overhauls, paint and varnish work, systems upgrades is more likely to be the source of serious cash hemmorage.

    I wouldn't hesitate to have the MAN engines as long as I could find an honest MAN mechanic to work on them. Same applies to all the other engine choices!

    Hope you find a nice one!
  5. el mojito, Sep 1, 2013
    #5
    el mojito

    el mojito New Member

    Joined:
    May 5, 2010
    Messages:
    15
    Location:
    Port Balis, Barcelona, Spain
    I have a 1996 46, with the 820hp MANS, and happy with her after 10 years. Never been on a 46.6 so can't compare but trolling and drift roll is fine unless beam seas are significant - have also lost wine bottles albeit my fault in not storing properly. Heard also about the MAN'S being problematic but not so in my case - and engines have logged 3700 hours w/o rebuilds. The maintenance I do is as builder recommends, specially cooling area. Also, watch for not being over-propped as most probably are - mine was - and I took 2 inches off. With fuel in Europe so expensive I cruise at 22 knots with 48 GPM FULLY loaded and then some. Top 30/31 depending on load/seas.

    Rolando