Bertram 31

Bertram Fiberglass Transition 1961-1986 $30,000-$80,000

Why it matters

Ray Hunt designed the deep-V hull that changed offshore boating. The Bertram 31 proved it worked. While other boats pounded in heavy seas, the 31 sliced through. Tournament fishermen bet their livelihoods on these hulls. The 31 ran from 1961 to 1986 with minimal changes — because you don't mess with perfection.

Specifications

Hull Material Solid fiberglass (thick layup)
Length 31 ft
Beam 11 ft 6 in
Draft 2 ft 10 in
Weight 11,000-13,000 lbs
Engine Twin diesel or gas inboards
Engine Type inboard
Horsepower 300-600 hp total
Passengers 8
Production ~2,000 built over 25-year run

Notable Features

  • Deep-V hull by Ray Hunt
  • Legendary rough-water capability
  • Tournament fishing heritage
  • Iconic sportfish design

Patina notes

Working Bertrams show their fishing heritage. The cockpits are scarred from gaffs and fish boxes. The flybridge shows UV damage from decades of tournament days. The engines have thousands of hours. This is patina earned through performance, not preservation.

Preservation reality

The Bertram 31 community is active and the boats are built to last. Engines get repowered, but hulls go on forever. Finding one means deciding between project boats and turn-key tournament rigs. The classic styling dates them perfectly — no one mistakes a Bertram 31 for anything else.

Clubs

  • Bertram Owners Club
  • Sportfishing Heritage Foundation

Events

  • Miami Boat Show Classic Division
  • Florida tournaments

Sources