1986 Bertram 37 Convertible

Bertram 37 Convertible: A Tournament-Ready Classic with Real Comfort Below

1. General Information

Introduced in 1986 and built until 1993, the Bertram 37 Convertible arrived at a time when Bertram and Hatteras dominated tournament sportfishing, and it quickly earned a reputation as one of the finest midsize convertibles of its era. This 11.51-metre sportfisher blends a capable deep-V hull with a spacious, well-finished interior, making it equally at home on a canyon run or a family weekend away.

The ideal owner is a serious offshore angler who also wants proper overnight comfort. Below, the two-cabin layout offers a master cabin with a queen island berth, a guest cabin with upper and lower bunks, and a large head with a separate shower stall. A 1,790-litre fuel capacity provides generous range for long runs to the fishing grounds, while the salon and galley make multi-day trips genuinely comfortable.

2. Construction and Design

The 37 rides on a solid fibreglass deep-V hull with an 18° deadrise aft, delivering the sure-footed, sea-kindly handling that Bertram is famous for. With a beam of 4.04 metres and a draft of 1.14 metres, it offers a stable fishing platform and generous interior volume for its length.

Inside, warm oak or maple joinery creates an upscale, traditional atmosphere. The salon features an L-shaped convertible sofa, a built-in entertainment centre and overhead rod storage, with the galley opposite equipped with a refrigerator, two-burner cooktop and microwave. Engine access is through a hatch in the salon sole, and the master cabin includes a cedar-lined closet.

3. Key Features

Tournament-ready cockpit: A transom door, in-sole baitwell, freezer and tackle centre with sink equip the cockpit for serious offshore fishing.

Powerful twin diesels: Twin 450 hp Detroit Diesel 6V92s cruise at 25–27 knots, with 550 hp versions reaching 28–30 knots and 375 hp Caterpillars offered as an alternative.

Spacious flybridge: A large bridge with guest seating forward of the helm gives excellent visibility and a sociable place to watch the spread.

Two-cabin accommodation: A queen-berth master, a bunk-bedded guest cabin and a convertible salon sofa sleep a crew or family in comfort.

Quality finish: Oak or maple woodwork, a separate shower stall and thoughtful storage reflect Bertram's reputation for exceptional build quality.

4. Summary

The Bertram 37 Convertible is aimed at tournament anglers, charter operators and offshore enthusiasts who want a proven, high-quality sportfisher with genuine liveaboard comfort. It suits owners who fish hard by day and want a proper cabin, shower and galley by night, and it remains a smart choice for buyers seeking a classic Bertram with outstanding handling at a sensible used-market price.