Bertram 28CC Review

Bertram has enjoyed a remarkable reputation as one of the world’s top boat brands since 1957, when Richard Bertram pioneered the deep-V hull design that revolutionized boating all around the world. With its ability to eat big waves, Bertram’s wooden-hulled vessel Moppie – named for his wife’s pet – roared through six-foot waves and 30 mph winds in 1960 to win the annual Miami to Nassau race with a record-breaking time. That first boat laid the foundation for what became the Bertram Yacht Company, and the full line of convertibles, crossovers and center console models that continue to thrill boaters today.

Now owned by the Gavio Group, Bertram continues to set new standards for performance and impeccable quality, as evidenced by its magnificent Bertram 28CC.

Today’s center console market is a crowded place and it takes a lot to stand out – especially in that super-popular 26- to 30-foot class. But every aspect of the Bertram 28CC does stand out, making this unique center console among the top boats in its class. Let’s step aboard and take a closer look.

The Bertram 28CC features a port-side entry door – an unusual and welcome feature in a 28-foot center console.

Stepping aboard is exactly where most people will first notice a difference in this boat, since the 28CC comes equipped with a port side entry door. That’s not an altogether unusual feature on center console boats these days, but it is very unusual on a 28-foot boat. Of course you can still step aboard via the swim platform and enter the cockpit through a starboard-side transom gate should you dock to that side of the pier. But it’s nice to have the option, and on this count, Bertram delivers.

What’s also a bit unusual is the 28CC’s beam of 9 feet, 9 inches – wider than most, and wider throughout more of the boat than most. The Bertram 28CC carries its full width right up into the bow, which contributes not only to the boat’s interior space and roomy bow seating area, but yields improved planing performance and fuel economy as well.

With a full nine feet, nine inches of beam the 28CC is particularly spacious, with wide side walkways.

The other thing that stands out on the spec sheet is this boat’s weight – at 8,500 pounds with its standard power of twin Mercury 250s, the Bertram 28CC is built like a battleship. Although rated to handle twin 450s, the efficient, wide hull design performs so well with the smaller 250s that most buyers find them perfectly fine – saving a bit of money up front, and at the gas pump down the road.

Slide-out cooler storage is a nice touch that keeps cold drinks and snacks out of the way, yet easily accessible.

Designed as a serious fishing boat, it’s no surprise the 28CC comes completely equipped for big-water battle, complete with a 35-gallon aerated bait well in the transom port corner, twin 244-quart insulated fish boxes in the floor – each with pump-outs, of course – plus under-gunnel rod storage. There’s also no less than a dozen flush-mount rod holders made from 316 stainless steel, and an innovative console utility center with a cutting board for bait prep, along with integrated, locking cooler storage.

Features like a retractable transom seat, an integrated transom bait well, flush rod holders and twin insulated fish boxes in the deck ready this boat for serious fishing.

The huge, self-bailing cockpit has plenty of space for fighting big fish, along with a reassuring 28 inches of freeboard for added comfort in big seas. There’s also a retractable bench seat that folds flush into the transom when not in use to preserve floor space.

The super-comfortable helm seats feature fold-down arm rests and flip-up bolsters. The upholstery work is top-notch throughout.

The center console of the Bertram 28CC offers two custom helm seats with fold-down arm rests and flip-up bolsters. The stainless steel steering wheel has a tilt function that, with the console’s integrated foot rests, makes for comfortable driving. Overhead the fiberglass hard top includes a lockable glove box and an electronics mounting surface.

Twin flush-mounted Garmin 12-inch multi-function displays set off the helm, providing touch-screen control for virtually everything onboard.

The helm includes space for twin Garmin 12-inch multi-function touch-screen displays, which can be upgraded to larger screens if desired.

But labelling the Bertram 28CC as strictly a fishing boat does it a disservice, as this center console is also a versatile family runabout. A comfortable, forward-facing console seat and wrap-around seating in the bow surround a removable pedestal-mount table, creating an ideal lounge space or a great spot for lunch with a view. There are four stainless steel drink holders in the bow (plus two more at the helm) ensuring a cold beverage is never out of reach.

The console-face seat might just be the best seat in the house when underway.

A premium JL Audio stereo system with a 600-watt amp and four speakers provides awesome sound to keep the party rocking, while the onboard LED courtesy lights are color adjustable to set just the right mood for any occasion.

The plush bow seating surrounds a pedestal-mount table, creating an ideal spot for lunch with a view.

For optimal comfort, the Bertram 28CC includes a sizable head compartment within the center console, with a full six feet of head room. A custom acrylic vanity, stainless sink with pull-out shower head, opening port light and porcelain toilet with dockside pump-out provide all the comforts of home.

Available options include a Seakeeper gyro stabilizer to eliminate rocking and pitching in rough water.

Being a Bertram, the 28CC comes with a long and interesting option list, allowing buyers to customize this boat exactly as they see fit with goodies like a Seakeeper stabilizer system, a bow thruster, underwater lights, a variety of sunshade options, joystick piloting, and a variety of electronics upgrades including radar and autopilot options.

Although rated to handle twin 450-horsepower outboards, the 28CC’s efficient hull works very well with the standard twin 250s.

Bertram has set a high standard in offshore boats since it’s very first models, and that heritage lives on today through innovative designs like its 28CC. This is one center console that definitely goes beyond the ordinary.