A new build for a classic line, the Bertram 35 is essentially a slightly larger, modern take on the beloved Bertram 31 that debuted at the 1961 New York National Boat Show. Largely thought to be the first boat design with the now-ubiquitous Deep-V hull, the part day boat, part sport fisher lead the way for what most people think of when they imagine a modern fiberglass motor boat. Flash forward to today, and the Bertram 35 has much of the appeal of its forebearer with all the modern touches. Now this East Coast icon has made her way to our western waters.
Upon approach, the 35 is very similar to the classic 31 with an open flybridge complete with the vintage curvy aesthetic. The flybridge hosts the only helm aboard, so the skipper will be up there quite a bit. Three seats, arranged bench-style, allows comfortable space for crew looking for a view.
From the flybridge one travels down a short set of steps to the huge cockpit, a true behemoth for a boat this size. If you’re a fisherman (for whom the line is clearly catering to) you’ll enjoy all the working space, lift-out fish boxes built into the sole, and a live well integrated into the transom. You should be well-equipped to chase whatever quarry you’re targeting.
If you’re not into fishing, the cockpit can easily be converted into a seating area via the traditional raised engine boxes with sun pads. Raised engine boxes are definitely a blast from the past and far less common with modern builders. Aboard the 35 they work though, and using them as integrated seating is very clever. As far as engine access is concerned, the raised boxes also score points with do-it-yourself mechanics.
One definitely moves out of the 1960’s and into the 2010’s when inside the cabin. The interior is spacious, bright, and modern with tasteful holly and teak woodwork. The dinette converts into a berth as needed and a private stateroom is forward. The single head is equipped with a shower. Overall, it feels like a good setup for weekending with a family or a handful of fishing buddies.
What’s a sport boat without a spring in its step? The guts of the 35 are a pair of Caterpillar C7.1 inboard diesel engines that each pack 250-horsepower (500 horsepower total). Top speeds of around 35 knots are reported with more typical cruising speeds between 25 to 30 knots. Especially for island hopping in Puget Sound or chasing salmon upriver, this kind of performance will be appreciated by skippers with places to be.
This boat is truly one-of-a-kind with a cult following for a reason. If interested in the Bertram 35, you can contact the local dealer Nordic Yachts Northwest. The broker is even working with the design team at Bertram to make Northwest-adapted models another option to inquire about. Listed base price is $795,000.
