You need only look around at all the Bertram 31s and 54s in the world's more remote fishing hot spots to realize that even today, Bertram arguably qualifies as one of the most successful offshore boatbuilders in history. This newest Bertram 54 actually represents the third iteration of this proven hull.
The original Bertram 54 debuted in 1981 and was produced through 1992. Production stopped during a redesign, with the resultant model carrying the day from 1995 through 2005. And yet this latest version of the 54, the 540, still reflects the model's vaunted reputation as a fishing machine.
Considered by many to be offshore Sherman tanks, the earliest Bertram 54s were indestructible — even though they sported a large windshield in the cabin front. (This was before manufacturers insisted that solid fronts were inherently safer by keeping breaking waves from crashing into the salon). Bertram 54 owners I knew during that era thought they were virtually impervious to the weather. That's a tough reputation to live up to.
Performance
It's surprising that the 540's predecessors ran much slower, especially since this newbie weighs almost 10,000 pounds heavier and stretches a foot wider than its forefathers. Perhaps the speed difference stems from the 540's considerably flatter deadrise at the transom and the addition of prop tunnels. Or perhaps, they just didn't build super-light and powerful diesel engines like they do today. Whatever the reason, the 540 tops the 40-knot mark at wide-open throttle — the older models hit 28 to 32 knots on their best days running down-sea with a tail wind. We actually topped out at 42 knots with her twin 1,676 hp Caterpillar C32 diesels turning 2,320 rpms. A 31-knot cruise seemed more efficient and certainly qualifies as a respectable speed for a 54-footer. And the 540 reaches her cruising speed a lot faster than the old models thanks in part (I believe) to the underwater exhaust providing an added boost beneath the stern.
The 540 backs down at more than 6 knots, and because of the pair of SeaKeeper gyro stabilizers, you'll love the boat's roll moment in a beam sea, These units take a few rolls to catch up to the motion, but then the difference is quite dramatic — and the stabilizers work at any speed.
Flybridge
The flybridge bows to tradition with its substantial seating forward of the helm, placing the captain and guest seats near the aft rail. And I enjoyed an unblocked view both fore and aft from the wheel.
However, I would like to see a slight redesign of the flybridge hatch for those who plan on adding a tuna tower. Without enough room to squeeze behind the helm seats to access the portside tower leg, you're forced to use the starboard ladder. When climbing up or down, the hatch to the cockpit makes for quite an obstacle. Since you can't move the tower leg, I'd like to see a hatch covering the flybridge ladder for a safer dismount. With that said, I commend Bertram for the number and placement of solid handholds on the bridge and throughout the entire boat.
Interior
Having grown up with boats sporting broad windows across the front of the house and having taken them offshore in all sorts of weather, I never did agree with the "safety" argument against big windows up front. Being an "outdoorsman," I truly like the return of the cabin-front windows, as I much prefer ambient light to LEDs, halogens or whatever.
