First Impression: Bertram 54

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Updated:: Sep 19, 2017
Original:: Mar 11, 2013

We got aboard the Bertram 54 on two separate occasions to get a look at what she could do. Stepping aboard in the generous cockpit with mezzanine, we found a boat ready to fish. A quick glance up to the flying bridge showed us the skipper would have a bird’s-eye view of all the action. Entering the saloon we found a clean bright space with a portside L-shaped settee facing a TV in the starboard aft corner, angled for all to see. A U-shaped galley forward to starboard had a dinette opposite to port. A three-stateroom layout below has excellent natural light throughout, thanks to hullside windows and generous foredeck hatch. The deep-V hull and sharp forefoot served her well in 4- to 6-foot, confused seas with a very short wave period, while a pair of 1,676-horsepower Caterpillar C32s answered the call to push her to better than 38 knots in less than tranquil test conditions. Keep an eye out for our full test.