Bertram 31 Electronics Package - The Hull Truth

No Problem · 07-12-2004, 10:39 AM

Need some help in selecting electronics for a Bertram 31 restoration project. The boat has no electronics currently and will be looking for a VHF, GPS/Chartplotter and Fish finder. The boat is a sportfish model with an upper and lower steering station so I could see the need for electronics at both levels. Would like also to add a radar down the road.

I will be fishing the South Shore of Long Island mostly for stripers, blues, fluke, etc. With occassional sharking trips and runs to the Canyon for tuna.

I am a complete novice when it comes to electronics. I am looking for quality components commensurate with the quality level of the boat but don't need to go overboard. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

jtburf · 07-13-2004, 04:45 PM

whats you budget????

John

mekut · 07-13-2004, 05:35 PM

While you will get many different opinions, IMHO separates rather than combo units with Furuno for your FF/sonar and Garmin for your chartplotter with Standard Horizon a close second(but more bang for the buck). Standard Horizon for your VHF with a quality antenna. Pick the units that best fit your needs and budget

CB Haws · 07-13-2004, 08:20 PM

Since you are only in the Bronx you need to get to Atlantic City Bertram rendezvous July 23-25th at the Trump Marina. There are going to be about 18 31 Bertrams in attendance. You can see a few boats that are really "tricked out". From complete electronics to forward facing cameras so you can see what is in front of the boat while you are in the cockpit. Flat screen TV's, SSB in addition to the regular radar, FF, VHF, Charts, GPS.
Just email me for details. You know a picture is worth a thousand words.

No Problem · 07-14-2004, 03:48 PM

You ask about a "budget" but you should know that is a difficult word for a B31 owner. My budget is kinda like this -- I have a number in mind to spend, then I look at the product I am interested in and gravitate towards the one that exceeds my budget by at least 100%.

Can this be done for about $5K?

CBH, Can I still go to the B31 rondezvous if my boat is not yet in the water? I'll check back with you on the B31 website.

CB Haws · 07-14-2004, 08:25 PM

Yes, quite a few boats are running from LI. Lots of other folks are driving down for the day; some for the weekend. If the Trump Casino is too expensive (it is for me) we have rooms at a little place about 5 minutes away. We are having a big party Saturday Night, tickets in advance thought. We have 26 boats signed in; and 85 dinner tickets sold so lot sof folks are driving. Friday night the local Bertram are throwing a big Dock Tail Matinni Party. No you do not need a boat. There are going to be factory demo boats giving seatrials all days, 60B, 57B, and 39B. Be there of get left behind. This is something you don't want to miss.