Custom Boat Manual

Models › Bertram

Bertram 28 Flybridge Cruiser

Built 1971–1994 by Bertram Yacht

Own one? Keep her maintenance, manuals and checklists here — free Shopping? Find the right used boat

About the Bertram 28 Flybridge Cruiser

Researched from public sources for this model. Any individual boat may have been modified or repowered — confirm before relying on any figure.

Illustration of a Bertram 28 Flybridge Cruiser
Illustration, not a photo of this model. AI-generated illustration of a typical convertible sportfisherman.
Built
1971–1994
Builder
Bertram Yacht
Length
28.5 ft
Beam
11 ft
Draft
2.67 ft
Displacement
12,060 lb
Hull
fiberglass
Hull / keel
planing
Propulsion
inboard
Water
54 gal
Holding
40 gal
Bow thruster
none
Stern thruster
none

Sources disagree on fuel tank — left blank rather than guessed.

Best-selling Bertram (over 2,800). Solid fiberglass deep-V (23 deg). 28 II from 1982, 28 III 1990-94. Fuel capacity changed during production (see disputed). Excellent engine access. Build count (approximate, not stored): HMY: over 2,800 built.

Known problems for this model

Engines & parts

MerCruiser 5.0 (305) / 5.7 (350) V8 gas parts: good

Factory standard engine — you entered “MerCruiser gas V8 inboard (1985 on)”

GM small-block Chevrolet base engines, so internal parts are everywhere. Marine exhaust manifolds and risers for 1983–2002 small blocks are sold by many aftermarket makers (Sierra, Barr, Osco and others) through Power Boat Supply, Hardin Marine, Basic Power Industries and similar stores; Mercury sells genuine parts through dealers.

Parts sources: Power Boat Supply, Hardin Marine, Basic Power Industries

Common problems (2)
  • Manifold/riser failure and water in cylinders exhaust
    Cast-iron manifolds and risers rust internally or their gaskets fail, letting water back into the cylinders; small amounts cause hard starting and rough running, large amounts hydrolock and wreck the engine. Service roughly every 7 years in fresh water and about 5 in salt.
    powerandmotoryacht.com · forums.iboats.com · justanswer.com
  • Overheating from scaled manifolds cooling
    Rust and scale inside the manifolds restrict cooling flow and cause overheating under load.
    powerandmotoryacht.com
Model sources (2)

hmy.com · bertram31.com

Other Bertram models

Researched from public sources. Spotted an error? The sources are listed above — tell us what they got wrong.