1981 Bertram 42 Yea, I finally bought a boat LOL

[Dnnsmrgn]

Good Morning All, Yea I finally bought a boat after 2 years of searching.It is a 1981 Bertram 42 footer with 6-71 turbo/inter cooled engines. The best part is they are going to deliver it to me from Pompano Beach FL to Charleston SC . I will be going up the Cooper River and docking it on Lake Marion, I already paid for slip.The drawback is starboard engine is partially rebuilt , as in the headgasket was replaced the head was resurfaced and installed. But I also have a remanufactured Turbo and intercooler to install and I assume valves have to be adjusted and injectors setup. Not sure about either. I am having it hauled out in Charleston to be inspected and bottom paint.The bilge was totally dry.I went over the whole boat with a moisture meter and all appears to be good . I had 1 high reading at bow ,but I think it is from the windlass motor and backing plate.
I couldnt believe it but I found the original Bertram binder with all systems and wiring schematics. What a piece of gold .LOL
What i would like to know is anyone from the area I am going to and if they can recommend a good diesel mechanic. also if anyone knows where I can get Technical service manual for the engines . I looked on internet and they wanted $587.00

Please feel free to throw in any knowledge on boat or engines that I can glean from the more experienced members .

 

[ScottC]

Beautiful boat! I always admired the lines of the 42MY.
My dad had a Bertram 38' Salon Cruiser, but I remember being very impressed with the 42MY at the boat shows back in the day.

 

[TowLou]

I’m just north of Pompano In Delray Beach, I can run the rack and get the valves adjusted if you want before it leaves down here. I have the tools and dial gauge for the Injector timing.

 

[Comodave]

Congratulations on your new boat. The old Detroits will run forever. Have fun.

 

[Dnnsmrgn]

I’m just north of Pompano In Delray Beach, I can run the rack and get the valves adjusted if you want before it leaves down here. I have the tools and dial gauge for the Injector timing.

hello, can you give me a call 864 884 8275 Dennis

 

[sealandsky]

Good Morning All, Yea I finally bought a boat after 2 years of searching.It is a 1981 Bertram 42 footer with 6-71 turbo/inter cooled engines. The best part is they are going to deliver it to me from Pompano Beach FL to Charleston SC . I will be going up the Cooper River and docking it on Lake Marion, I already paid for slip.The drawback is starboard engine is partially rebuilt , as in the headgasket was replaced the head was resurfaced and installed. But I also have a remanufactured Turbo and intercooler to install and I assume valves have to be adjusted and injectors setup. Not sure about either. I am having it hauled out in Charleston to be inspected and bottom paint.The bilge was totally dry.I went over the whole boat with a moisture meter and all appears to be good . I had 1 high reading at bow ,but I think it is from the windlass motor and backing plate.
I couldnt believe it but I found the original Bertram binder with all systems and wiring schematics. What a piece of gold .LOL
What i would like to know is anyone from the area I am going to and if they can recommend a good diesel mechanic. also if anyone knows where I can get Technical service manual for the engines . I looked on internet and they wanted $587.00

Please feel free to throw in any knowledge on boat or engines that I can glean from the more experienced members .

Congratulations and what a unique and cool boat! Your mention of a high moisture reading at the windlass did give me concern however. A year ago I replaced the windlass on my boat (the marina actually did the work) and found that the plywood core was soaking wet and had the consistency of a shredded pork sandwich. Extensive remediation and core replacement was needed to the tune of about $25K. May be best to now even look at it!

 

[Dnnsmrgn]

Congratulations and what a unique and cool boat! Your mention of a high moisture reading at the windlass did give me concern however. A year ago I replaced the windlass on my boat (the marina actually did the work) and found that the plywood core was soaking wet and had the consistency of a shredded pork sandwich. Extensive remediation and core replacement was needed to the tune of about $25K. May be best to now even look at it!

Appreciate the heads up, it was confined to a very small area. 2 inches away from windlass dropped down to %1 .I will look into it. Even if it is I do my own work , so hopefully wont spend 25k

 

[Island Cessna]

anyone knows where I can get Technical service manual for the engines . I looked on internet and they wanted $587.00

Check EBay. Lots of 71 Series Service Manuals for sale. The original Detroit Diesel manuals are very complete, and very readable. Be sure to get one newer than your engines to be sure they cover your exact systems.

 

[ABfish]

Your posting led me to a bit of online research. I had no idea that boats that large (and much larger) could lock into those lakes. Very cool.

Are Moultrie and Marion at the same elevation? I don't see a lock between those lakes.

I should add that I've crossed the Santee Cooper bridge a couple of hundred times in my lifetime.

 

[Dnnsmrgn]

Your posting led me to a bit of online research. I had no idea that boats that large (and much larger) could lock into those lakes. Very cool.

Are Moultrie and Marion at the same elevation? I don't see a lock between those lakes.

I should add that I've crossed the Santee Cooper bridge a couple of hundred times in my lifetime.

From Charleston it is about 41 miles to the Pinopolis lock below Lake Moultrie .The lock is 180 feet long ,60 feet wide.It takes 15 minutes to raise or lower boat 75 feet. Then Lake Moultrie is joined to Lake Marion by a canal.I will be keeping boat on the NW side of Lake Marion.