1979 Bertram 38 ConvertibleSold
$89,900
Boat in Pascagoula, MS 39567 US
38 Convertible
2 Engines (2x John Deere)
38 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Classic 38 Bertram Convertible battlewagon re-powered in 2000 with reliable and efficient John Deere diesel engines. Generator was replaced in 2022 as a major re-fit was being completed which included hull paint, interior cosmetics, and an extensive list of repairs, updates, and projects to make "Fisha-Tractor" reliable, insurable, and a pleasure to fish or cruise well into the future.
- New engine turbochargers (2025)
- New 8D batteries (2025)
- New fiberglass and hose exhaust for main engines
- New freshwater tank and pump
- New CO2 fire suppression system and bottle
- New fuel lines
- Engine room painted
- New hoses/drain system
- New generator
- New generator raw water strainer with new valve
- New generator deck and enclosure
- Steering table and bearings re-built
- Lazarette gel-coated and painted
- New stereo speakers
- New teleflex shift and throttle cables
- Hull painted
- New boot stripe painted
- Rubrail re-painted
- Hull below waterline blasted, faired, blisters repaired
- New Interprotect E-2000 epoxy barrier coat (2 coats)
- New Petit bottom paint (2 coats)
- New zinc anodes
- Shafts pulled, turned, rebuilt and trued
- Stuffing boxes pulled turned, trued, reinstalled with new hoses and clamps
- Rudders pulled, stuffing boxes repacked
- Steering table rebuilt
- New underwater lights installed
- All bilge areas cleaned and painted
- EPEX water system installed
- All unnecessary wiring removed
Fishing:
- (2) Electric reel outlets
- (8) Flush mount rod holdersTackle storage/bait prep station with sink
- Freshwater washdown
- Saltwater washdown
- Pompanette 50 Class fighting chair
- Schaeffer double spreader outriggers
- Free standing fiberglass coffin fish box
- Cockpit lighting
- Utility rack
- Tuna door
Hull and Deck:
- Hullsides painted
- Bow rail
- Bow pulpit
- Windlass
- Brow cover
- Nav lights
- Danforth anchor with oversize chain and tackle
- (3) Underwater lights
- Transom door
- Cockpit storage port and starboard
- Fiberglass back deck
- Fiberglass swim platform
- Shade awning
- Cockpit coaming bolsters
- Stainless ladder to bridge with starboard steps
- Stern light
- Cockpit cover
- Access hatches to fuel tank, generator, and (2) lazarette
- Trim tabs
Helm:
- Autopilot
- Hynautic steering
- Furuno FV-192 sounder
- Garmin plotter/sounder
- Furuno open array radar
- Rudder indicator
- Floscan tach/fuel flow meters
- (2) VHF radios
- Bench seat starboard of helm chair
- Lounge seating forward of helm
- (3) Sided Eisenglass enclosure with zipouts
- Half tower
- 120v LED cockpit flood lights
- Spotlight
- Six rod holder rack
- EPIRB
Salon:
- Settee with storage (2025)
- New carpet (2025)
- New curtains (2025)
- 12v/110v Ship's main electrical panel
- LCD TV
- Air conditioner
- Overhead rod storage
- Sliding salon door
- Storage cabinet with roll-away facing
- Stereo controls
- Overhead lighting
- New ceramic heat barrier window tint
- Galley to starboard
Galley:
- Cabinet and storage drawers
- New (2) drawer stainless refrigerator
- Sub Zero freezer
- Stainless sink
- Microwave
- Princess electric stovetop with oven
- Exhaust fan
- Overhead lighting
Companionway:
- New carpet on floor/steps
- Head to starboard
- Guest stateroom to port
- Owner stateroom forward
- Bilge access hatch
- 200gpm Bilge pump with float
- Under-deck sanitary controls, macerator, and sanitation tank
- Bilge lighting
Master Stateroom:
- V-Berth with storage drawers
- Closet with hanging storage
- Air Conditioner controls (reverse cycle heat)
- Anchor locker access
- New curtains
- New bedding, slip covers, etc.
- Sink with new faucet
- Medicine cabinet
- Lighting
- New carpet
Guest Stateroom:
- Over/under bunks
- New curtains
- New mattress slip covers
- Reverse cycle heat/AC
- Closet with hanging storage
- Lighting
- New carpet
Head / Shower:
- New Princess head with new seawater supply pump
- Shower with new controls
- Lighting for the shower
- Lighting in the counter sink
- Storage cabinets
- New hydromat flooring
- Solar-powered vent fan
- Bilge access to shower sump
Mechanical and Electrical:
- Twin 2000 John Deere 6067 AFM 300hp turbocharged 6cyl diesel engines
- Twin Disc 1.5:1 gears
- 20gph @ 20mph
- 5gph @ trolling speed
- (2) 8D Batteries
- 200gpm bilge pump
- Consta-volt multi-battery charger
- Main battery isolation panel
- Overhead 12v/110v lighting
- Water anti-surge tank
- 20gal 110v water heater
- Freshwater spigot
- (2) Blowers
- FloScan system
- Racor 1000 series fuel water separator filters
- Battery parallel system
- Emergency engine room fire dump
- Perko sea strainers for main engines with new valves
- (2) Cruisair reverse cycle heat/air conditioners
- Raw water pump for AC with sea strainer and new valve
- Spare shaft
- Spare set of propellers, ready for use
- Spare engine anodes
- Spare helm - needs seal repair
- Spare steering ram - needs seal repair
- Spare Buss fuses
- Spare engine fuel system o-rings (John Deere stock)
Engine and generator hours are as of the date of the original listing and are a representation of what the listing broker is told by the owner and/or actual reading of the engine hour meters. The broker cannot guarantee the true hours. It is the responsibility of the purchaser and/or his agent to verify engine hours, warranties implied or otherwise and major overhauls as well as all other representations noted on the listing brochure.
The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change or withdrawal without notice.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 11/4/25 | Initial price | $89,900 |
1979 Bertram 38 Convertible Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1979 Bertram 38 Convertible
Customers consistently praise the 1979 Bertram 38 Convertible for its classic design and exceptional build quality
Many highlight its sturdy hull and reliable performance, making it a favorite among anglers and cruising enthusiasts alike. The spacious cockpit and comfortable interior receive positive remarks for providing ample room for both fishing gear and relaxation. Owners also appreciate the boat’s timeless style combined with practical features, noting that it delivers a smooth ride even in challenging waters. Overall, the 1979 Bertram 38 Convertible is celebrated for blending durability, functionality, and classic aesthetics.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1979 Bertram 38 Convertible is a classic sportfishing yacht renowned for its solid construction and timeless design. Here are some of the key pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Sturdy Build Quality: Built with a deep-V hull and high-quality materials, the Bertram 38 offers excellent stability and seaworthiness, making it reliable in various sea conditions.
Spacious Convertible Design: The convertible layout provides a versatile cockpit area ideal for sportfishing, while also offering comfortable accommodations below deck.
Classic Aesthetic: Its timeless design appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate traditional styling combined with functional features.
Good Performance: Powered by robust engines, the Bertram 38 Convertible delivers strong cruising speeds and efficient handling.
Ample Storage: Designed with fishing in mind, it includes plenty of storage for gear and equipment.
Cons
Maintenance Intensive: As a vintage vessel, it may require more upkeep and potential updates to systems compared to newer models.
Fuel Consumption: The powerful engines, while providing good performance, can be less fuel-efficient.
Limited Modern Amenities: Being a model from 1979, it may lack some of the modern conveniences and technology found in newer boats unless retrofitted.
Weight: The solid construction contributes to a heavier overall weight, which can affect maneuverability and speed in certain conditions.
Made For
The 1979 Bertram 38 Convertible is ideal for boating enthusiasts who value classic design, robust construction, and versatile performance. It’s perfect for anglers seeking a reliable sportfishing platform with ample deck space and fishing amenities, as well as families or cruisers looking for a comfortable and stylish vessel for day trips or coastal adventures. Its blend of durability, functionality, and timeless appeal makes it well-suited for those who appreciate both serious fishing capabilities and leisurely cruising.
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Our mission is to provide boaters unequaled brokerage and ownership services before, during and after every transaction. We hold ourselves to the highest levels of expertise and professional standards. We have cultivated a standard at United Yacht whereby our client's best interest is at the center of everything we do.
Boat Location
Contact United Yacht Sales about 1979 Bertram 38 Convertible
4780 Wharf Parkway, Suite F 205, Orange Beach, AL, 36561
Contact United Yacht Sales
4780 Wharf Parkway, Suite F 205, Orange Beach, AL, 36561






































