Bertram Yachts 38 Special

One of the largest express sportfishing yachts of her day, the aggressive styling and large cockpit of the Bertram 38 Special—together with her quality construction—appealed to the serious fishing enthusiast. She was built on the same good-running deep-V hull used for the Bertram 38 III Convertible (1978–86), but with balsa coring in the hullsides forward of the engine bulkhead. The design philosophy behind the 38 Special was to give anglers a pure, no-nonsense fishing machine with good performance and plenty of range. Although the interior is limited in size, Bertram engineers were able to include a separate stall shower in the head as well as a convertible dinette, adequate storage, and a compact-but-complete galley. The private stateroom is all the way forward and features a large V-berth with drawers beneath and hanging locker. A small hatch on the bridge deck provides routine access to the engines, and the entire bridge deck sole is removable for major work. A tackle center with sink and transom door with gate were standard in the cockpit. Caterpillar 375hp diesels cruise at 20–22 knots cruise, and optional Detroit 435hp 6V71TA engines cruise in the mid 20s.