Summer of 2005: I found her in Long Island, New York.  I had just returned from a summer trip  to the Bahamas and had always admired Willard Albury’s late ‘60‘s 25 foot Bertram which he converted to an open transom for outboards.  Willard wasn’t selling and suggested I look for a 26’ Bertram, that is if I could find one.  He mentioned the hull was better riding with more of a deep vee, less flat than his, and I wouldn’t have a major project on my hands.  I bought it in 2005 from the second owner.  The previous name was Dawn Treader.  I shipped her to Florida just in time for one of the worst Hurricane seasons ever.  Outboards are very handy in the Out Islands of the Bahamas.  It is very shallow at times with sand or coral bottom.  The Sea of Abaco is protected by the outer islands, you can cruise crystal clear waters with a light chop all day long.  The Bertram 26 Convertible with outboards is an ideal boat for this territory.  The large cockpit makes it a great picnic “day boat”.  The deep vee makes everyone happy in that they are not bounced and pounded throughout the day.  I hope you enjoy the shots below.

2011 Update: With some reluctance I am putting my 26 up for sale. She has been a wonderful boat for the family, truly a perfect out island day boat. My addiction to restoring classic boats has led me to take on a 31’ Bertram as well as two vintage Boston Whalers.  As you will see from the pictures of those boats below, all of our boats are maintained and restored their original glory.  The 26 was recently primped up at Edwin’s Boatyard on Man O War, all teak refinished, windhshield frame awlgripped, she looks beautiful and still rides like butter.  The boat is duty paid in the Bahamas, includes Garmin chartplotter/fishfinder, VHF radio, head, Rupp Riggers, Pipewelders Tower, and more.  These boats are very rare, since the start of the webpage over 5 years ago, I have only found about a half dozen of these boats in existence.  They were special order boats from Bertram, semi custom.  The quality is solid, and you would pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for something in this class new today.  If you appreciate great quality, craftsmanship, classic lines, ready fish or family picnic, this is fantastic boat.  I am seriously tempted to shrinkwrap it and store it for later use.  Buy it before I change my mind.  Call 561 441 3673.