Bertram builds new prototype

Fort Lauderdale-based Bertram Yacht has announced it has retained the services of Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding in Thomaston, Maine, to build prototypes of its initial designs.

According to Bertram, tooling is underway on its first new model, which will be announced at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show in November. The new model is expected to hit the water in late spring of 2016.

"We have partnered with Lyman-Morse to build our first two prototypes," says Susan Davids, Bertram General Manager.

"As anxious as we are to reintroduce our new products to the market, we’re equally focused on locating and organising our own production to meet the highest of standards.

"Lyman-Morse’s excellent reputation and long history of boatbuilding, along with their willingness to prototype in full partnership with Bertram production personnel, gives us the opportunity to introduce our first product with confidence," Davids said.

Bertram Yacht is working with Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding to produce initial versions of the highly tooled boats with a design that is focused on an efficient Michael Peters-designed ride and has a projected speed topping 40 knots.

"The most impressive part of what’s going on with Bertram is the team that has been assembled around the resurrection of the brand," says Drew Lyman, president of Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding.

"They are tapping into the existing customer base and are listening to captains and Bertram owners, and getting a lot of feedback. I think we can lend a lot of ideas, and it’s going to be a really fantastic partnership for us to be able to support them and work with a great team."

As Bertram and Lyman-Morse build the first prototypes in Maine, Bertram will simultaneously continue work toward setting up a state-of-the-art production facility in the Southeastern U.S. to build American boats from the designs of American firm Michael Peters (pictured) Yacht Design with Caterpillar propulsion.

Stay tuned for more details from Bertram Yacht as they emerge.

Of course, Bertram Yacht got its start in 1960 when founder Dick Bertram — yacht broker, bluewater sailing-yacht racer, and powerboat racer — built the first Bertram, the 31-foot Moppie.

Built to replicate the deep-V hull that smashed records in the 1960 Miami to Nassau Ocean Power Boat Race, the Bertram 31 launched a line of performance and sportfishing boats ranging up to 80 feet long that would be known for their excellent ride and seakeeping in unforgiving conditions.

The company and its legend grew, thanks to many noteworthy models, including the Bertram 28, 46, and 54, that made their mark on the fishing world.

In 2015, Bertram was acquired by a group headed by Beniamino Gavio.  This boatbuilding entrepreneur and avid boater is involved with Baglietto and CCN and is said to be committed to returning this iconic American brand back to its roots. More at http://www.bertram.com.