With more than 60 years of experience and a current range of boats that stretches from a 28-foot center-console to a 61-foot convertible, Bertram Yachts is launching the third model in its center-console line: the 34CC. Why a 34-foot center-console? According to Bertram’s vice president of sales, Tommy Thompson, it was a happy medium between two of the builder’s current models, the 28CC and 39CC. But it also allowed the new build to meet two specific criteria: a variety of powerplant options and forward cabin access.
The 34CC comes standard with twin 400 hp Mercury Verados; however, the 34-footer can also handle triple 300 hp and 350 hp outboards. “You reach a size where you can be too small that you can’t have triples, you can be too big and you can’t have doubles, so we wanted to have the option of having 800, 900 or 1,050 horsepower,” Thompson says. “A huge feature we don’t dare eliminate from the boat by going down to a [32- or 33-foot build] is the entrance to the lower cabin. In a 34-foot boat, who wants to go through a side door out in the rain? It’s not just an entrance. It’s a real lower cabin. Two people can sleep down there.”
The combination of powerplant options and 23 degrees of deadrise at the transom is the result of Bertram’s experience with building other models. “We’ve integrated lessons from our best-running hulls to create the perfect blend,” according to Nicholas Fletcher, Bertram’s naval architect program manager. “We focused on balancing weight and running surface to deliver a ride that is comfortable and dynamically refined.”
Dan Hamilton, Bertram’s director of product development and engineering, says the builder also leaned into tried-and-true methods with the deep-V hull design.
“We prioritize resilient, proven system designs over high-tech solutions that can be difficult to manage,” Hamilton says. “Our approach ensures reliability and ease of use for our customers.”
Getting the proportions of the boat correct required Bertram to balance as much forward seating as possible with as much cockpit space aft as the design team could manage. And, as with other Bertrams, it had to be accomplished with an eye toward fishability. The 34CC has four insulated fish boxes, rod stowage and rod holders. There are also three helm seats for the crew to sit comfortably on longer runs out to the fishing grounds.
Bertram is hinting at expanding its center-console lineup with larger models too.
Take the next step: bertram.com
