Boat Review: Bertram 410

This historic company has built a wide range of sport fishing boats – from the initial Bertram 31 (still considered one of the most successful fishing hulls in the world) to the current queen of the fleet, the 67 enclosed flybridge. Another historic model, the Bertram 54, also still enjoys the deserved reputation as an indestructible offshore fish-raising machine. The company’s newest offering, the 410 convertible returns Bertram to its smaller-boat roots. Midrange boats offer the owner with average skills who lacks a professional crew budget the ability to fish seriously without breaking the bank.

To increase fuel economy and fish-fighting maneuverability, and enhance shallow-water navigation, Bertram introduced propeller pockets on this model. However, the signature Bertram deep-vee hull configuration still provides superb head-sea capability. The latest in power-assisted steering makes for one-finger maneuverability, too. Remarkably, Bertram includes trim tabs with covers as standard equipment, items many manufacturers consider options. In fact, you’ll find precious few items on the optional equipment list with the 410.

Bertram’s construction methods have advanced considerably since the “olden days,” too. Bertram builds today’s bulkheads, salon floor and hull sides using composite coring and an advanced resin-infusion system for exacting laminate thickness and quality. The bulletproof bottom and stringer system still get laid up by hand. They use epoxy in the outermost layer of the laminate for the ultimate in blister resistance.

With standard Cummins 540-hp diesels with electronic controls coupled to ZF gearing, the 410 should cruise comfortably at about 30 knots. Expect the

optional Cummins 600-hp engines to bump that up considerably. The engine compartment offers a gelcoat finish for easy maintenance. All other below-decks space gets several coats of Awlgrip – again for ease of cleaning. And while no one ever expects to have an engine problem (and we suffer fewer today than ever before), it never hurts to be prepared. Bertram fits hatches over each engine so if you ever need to pull one, you won’t have to tear half the boat apart. Planning ahead is also the reason why Bertram mounts an emergency crash bilge pump with a “Y” valve on each engine. We hope you’ll never need it, but if you ever do, you’ll thank Bertram. Finally, Bertram employs Delta T’s superb ventilation system that removes salt and spray from engine intake air and actually pressurizes the engine compartment for optimum performance.

As you’d expect in a Bertram fishing machine, the cockpit contains a complete bait-and-tackle station, a removable in-floor fish box with a macerator, a live baitwell and under-coaming lighting. She also boasts easy access to trim and steering pumps as well as other lazarette plumbing and through-hulls, a large transom door with a lift gate, and a centerline scupper system that drains exceptionally fast. Both freshwater and saltwater washdowns come as standard fare, along with gaskets on all hatches, stainless-steel gas shocks on each hatch and my favorite, standard recessed transom steps for reboarding your boat.
The larger cockpit overhang provides excellent shade for those passengers lounging on the cockpit modules, while at the same time adding considerable space to the flybridge behind the helm and companion seats. The bridge offers settee seating for seven adults forward and to starboard of the helm console.

And to make sure that nothing disturbs you while you float in the arms of Morpheus, Bertram did an exceptional job of employing advanced acoustic insulation to silence every living area of the 410.