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New Bertram owner with a broken steering link

Discussion in 'Props, Shafts & Seals' started by Screemin28, Nov 1, 2020.

  1. Screemin28, Nov 1, 2020
    #1
    Screemin28

    Screemin28 New Member

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    Hello everyone I am a new owner of a 1979 Bertram 28 with 2 Chevy 35o’s. I was noticing that the steering was not responding and upon inspection found the link between the rudders was rusted out and broken.
    I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction to find factory quality parts .
    Also s there a service manual for this boat available anywhere?
  2. NYCAP123, Nov 1, 2020
    #2
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    A legendary boat. I think you can find a manual here: https://www.boat-manuals.com/bertram/
    Just a reminder to thoroughly go over that gas fuel system. It's 41 years old and has probably seen a lot of hard weather. We just had a thread here about an old gas boat going boom last week.
  3. Capt J, Nov 1, 2020
    #3
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    You can try Hightide marine. I don't think the steering tie bar is origional to Bertrams, just need to get one in the same length/size. But, try this place, they specialize in classic Bertram parts:

    http://www.hightidemarine.cc/
  4. cleanslate, Nov 1, 2020
    #4
    cleanslate

    cleanslate Senior Member

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    Try try Seastar Teleflex Morse steering.
    Or Buck Algonquin ; run a search on those names you may find the parts on their websites.
    I use Deepblue yacht supply at times for Buck Algonquin parts .
  5. cleanslate, Nov 1, 2020
    #5
    cleanslate

    cleanslate Senior Member

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    You may have to just make up your own galvanized piece of pipe and fittings and create your own bar sounds like that’s all Bertram used was a galvanized pipe.
  6. Screemin28, Nov 1, 2020
    #6
    Screemin28

    Screemin28 New Member

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    Thank you guys, I’ll try those people tomorrow
  7. Screemin28, Nov 1, 2020
    #7
    Screemin28

    Screemin28 New Member

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    I do need to go through the fuel system, and the gauge quit working first time we filled her up
  8. Screemin28, Nov 1, 2020
    #8
    Screemin28

    Screemin28 New Member

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    It looks like I need everything in the linkage
    Does anyone know how this comes apart? Is this a drag link like a 50’s Chevy truck? 9A25B560-FDCB-4B9A-9F1F-C5B34551DAEE.jpeg
  9. Screemin28, Nov 1, 2020
    #9
    Screemin28

    Screemin28 New Member

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    There is a cotter key in the end