The cruising Bertram 540 was intended to be a family cruising/sportfishing convertible rather than a dedicated tournament boat. The important thing is that the hull, running surface and basic offshore capability are the same as the serious fishing version. Bertram described both versions as having the same hull and exterior lines.

The hull has the classic Bertram characteristics: very fine entry, sharp bow, long waterline and deep-V. Bertram also located the single fuel tank on the centerline of buoyancy to minimize trim changes as fuel is consumed.

The large forward window. It gives the salon a tremendous amount of visibility and natural light and makes the boat feel considerably more like a cruising yacht.

The Recreational Edition has the galley aft, adjacent to the salon/cockpit connection. This is one of the major differences from the Hard Core Fishing version, which moved the galley forward to free up space for fishing storage.

The aft galley also makes the boat particularly good for entertaining because food and drinks can be passed directly between the galley and cockpit.This is one of the nicest features of the 540.The large aft window drops down into the bulkhead, opening the galley/salon directly to the cockpit. It allows someone inside to hand food or drinks directly into the cockpit.

The side windows are large, multi-layer glass panels engineered by Ferretti Group's Advanced Yacht Technology group. The windows were structurally integrated into the hull rather than simply being cosmetic openings.

The Recreational 540 has a considerably more contemporary interior than the traditional Bertram 54.

Typical features include:

• White-oak cabinetry
• Large salon
• L-shaped/settee seating
• Entertainment center
• Large windows
• Open galley
• Air conditioning
• Modern LED lighting
• Integrated stereo
• iPod connectivity
• Multiple 12V/110V outlets

The overall effect is much more luxury cruising yacht than tournament sportfish, while retaining the Bertram hull underneath.

The layout is three staterooms and two heads, making the 540 a very usable family cruising boat.

The accommodations include:

• Master stateroom
• Forward VIP/Queen guest stateroom
• Port guest stateroom with twin berths
• Two heads
• Generous hanging lockers
• Air conditioning
• Entertainment systems
• Good storage

The flybridge is another strong point.

• Large helm
• Companion seating
• Forward U-shaped lounge
• Teak Helm and companion pedestal seats
• Stainless steering wheel
• Compass
• Electronic controls
• Engine synchronizer
• Integrated stereo
• Optional flybridge table

Cockpit

Even though it was the cruising version, it was still very much a Bertram sportfish.

It retained:

• Large cockpit
• Transom door
• In-deck fish boxes
• Baitwell
• Rod storage
• Mezzanine seating
• Tackle storage
• Cockpit freezer options
• Transom fish box
• Underwater exhaust

The boat could therefore be used seriously for fishing without giving up the more comfortable cruising layout.

The underwater exhaust is significant. It moves exhaust noise away from the cockpit, which makes a big difference when you're sitting in the cockpit or fishing. Bertram specifically incorporated it to make the cockpit environment quieter.

A luxury cruising convertible built on a serious Bertram offshore hull, with the visibility and entertaining advantages of the wraparound windshield and aft galley, but still retaining a legitimate sportfishing cockpit.

And for someone who appreciates the older Bertrams, I think the Cruising 540 is an especially interesting bridge between the traditional Bertram sportfish and the more contemporary Ferretti-era Bertrams.

Hull Composition And Structure

• Hull Material: FRP with core sandwich reinforcement
• Engine Beds: FRP with laminated steel reinforcement
• Frames: Longitudinal stringers from bow to stern; transversal frames
• Decking: Teak covered floor
• Superstructure: FRP
• Hull/Deck Joint: “Shoe box” type with chemical and mechanical bonding
• Cockpit: Aft with teak covered floor
• Bulkheads (partition): VIP, master, port guest, head
• Bulkheads (watertight): Collision, forward of technical room, transom
• Bottom: Antifouling bottom paint, blue color

Propulsion Machinery

• Manufactured: CATERPILLAR
• Model: C32
• Engine Type: 32.1L four stroke V-12 twin turbocharged and aftercooled marine diesel
• Rated Horsepower: 1652 hp (1232 kW) @ 2300 rpm
• Mfg. Year: 2009

Running Gear

• Steering: Hydraulic system by SEASTAR. Single ram on STBD tiller arm. Port and STBD tillers are connected via tie bar
• Rudders: Two (2) balanced style. Positioned outboard of shaft line and toed in
• Shafting: Two (2) x 82.5mm straight shaft supported by one (1) strut per side. TIDES raw water lubricated dripless shaft seals
• Trim Tabs: Two (2) x Planning surface style, electro-hydraulic controlled by BENNETT
• Thrusters: Bow: SIDE POWER SE 150/215T

Fuel Systems

Fuel Lines: Predominantly fire insulated flexible hoses with copper fittings.

• Tanks: One (1) x FRP tank laminated forward of the FRWD engine room bulkhead. Total capacity is 5,769 L - (1,524 US gal) (Diesel)
• In the engine room forward bulkhead at center are located valves and sight tube.
• Ventilation: On hull topsides
• Shut-off Valves: One (1) shut-off ball valve per line (total of three (3)) with metal wire remote shut off control located in the cockpit
• Fuel Overflow Return line located at top of fuel tank next to other fuel valves.

Filtration:

• Two (2) per engine (four (4) total) PARKER RACOR 751000MAX filters located in blkd inboard of each engine
• One (1) PARKER RACOR 500 MA filter for generator located aft of fuel tank, inboard of inboard STBD stringer

Ground Tackle

• Windlass: One (1) x LEWMAR 24V Good condition
• Anchors: One (1) x galvanized plow style Good condition
• Rode: Chain properly connected with quick disconnect system. Good condition
• Other Ground tackle/deck gear:
• Cleats: two (2) at bow two (2) per side (total four (4)) at midship one (1) per side (total four (2)) aft cockpit

Dewatering System

Pumps: E/R:

• One (1) x RULE 2000GPH 24V automatically operated by a USS ULTIMATE PUMPS float switch
• Emergency engines crash pump from engines raw water intake valves, located between engines

Generator space:

• One (1) x RULE 2000GPH 24V automatically operated by a USS ULTIMATE PUMPS float switch

Lazarette:

• Two (2) x RULE 2000GPH 24V automatically operated by a USS ULTIMATE PUMPS float switches

Bow (located under sole in master):

• Two (2) x RULE 2000GPH 24V automatically operated by USS ULTIMATE PUMPS float switches

Safety Equipment

• International running light:
• Green side light, red side light, white stern light, white masthead light, 360 white anchor light;
• Personal Floatation Device (PFD):
• Two (2) L/XL PLASTIMO 100 newtons
• Two (2) M PLASTIMO 100 newtons
• One (1) S/XS PLASTIMO 100 newtons
• Throwable Devices: One (1) x horse collar style throwable in galley
• Sound Signals: Fixed electric horn
• Visual Distress Signals: Flares kit
• Three (3) x red hand-held flares (Expire: 05/2029)
• E/R pump Lazarette pumps
• Bow bilge pumps Generator bilge pump
• Two (2) x orange smoke canisters (Expire: 05/2029)
• Fire Suppression (fixed): One (1) x SEAFIRE FM-200 fixed tank in engine room.
• Re-boarding Ladder: Folding off of swim step STBD side

Fire Suppression (portable):

• One (1) x 2.5lbs ABC powder fire extinguisher in galley;
• One (1) x 2.5lbs ABC powder fire extinguisher in port guest cabin
• One (1) x 2.5lbs ABC powder fire extinguisher in VIP

Electronics, Communication, And Navigation

• Chart Plotter: RAYMARINE E90 W
• Depth Sounder: AIRMAR transducer. FURUNO RD-30 repeater
• Compass: RITCHIE
• Speed Log: AIRMAR sensor. FURUNO RD-30 repeater
• Marine Radio: ICOM IC-M603
• Autopilot: SIMRAD AP28
• Monitoring System: Two (2) CATERPILLAR screens for engines

Electrical

AC Systems

• Ignition Protection: Not required in diesel fuel or engine compartments.
• AC Panel: Main AC panel located in cabin.
• G.F.C.I. In wet areas (heads and galley)
• Other Outlets: 110V throughout boat
• Battery Chargers: - One (1) x VICTRON ENERGY CENTAUR 24V battery charger for engine battery bank
• One (1) x MASTERVOLT MASS24/110-2C 24 V for service battery bank;
• One (1) x MASTERVOLT 12V battery charger for generator battery;
• Inverter: MASTERVOLT MASS SINE 24/2500
• Source: Two (2) x 50 amp shore power with glendinning cable master

DC Systems

• Generator and engine chargers Service charger Inverter
• DC Panel: Main DC panel is located against FWD bulkhead in e/r.
• Alternator: One (1) per engine (total of two (2)). Port dedicated to Service bank. STBD dedicated to Engine bank.
• Battery Switches Service, engines, generator, windlass batteries in e/r FWD bulkhead

Batteries:

• Four (4) x 12V OPTIMA blue top batteries located under the master stateroom sole
• Six (6) x 12V SMF batteries located under the VIP stateroom sole
• Two (2) x 12V WEST MARINE batteries located outboard of the STBD engine
• One (1) x 12V VARTA commercial for generator

Corrosion Protection

• Anodes: One (1) on stern two (2) on bow thruster two (2) on stern thruster
• Bonding: All the underwater metal is properly bonded.
• Transformer: HUBBELL HBL50AITSS 120/240 15KVA 60HZ 1 phase
• Galvanic Isolator: QUICKSILVER 60 amps

Exterior

• Under Water Lights: Three (3) unknown make/model on stern
• Water-maker: AQUAMATIC with BALDOR ½ HP circulation pump
• Fly-bridge: Vinyl white seat covers.

Interior

Layout:

Main Deck:

• Salon with leather covered sofas, wood cabinetry and leather walls finish
• Galley located port aft
• Wooden steps companionway

Lower Deck:

• Three (3) cabins (FWD VIP, STBD master, PORT guest). Carpeted floors, leather walls and wood cabinets throughout
• Two (2) heads

• Air Conditioning: - Raw water pump
• Condensing units and air handlers by CRUISAIR
• Heating System: Reverse A/C system

Entertainment:

• Salon: TV SHARP 32”
• Five (5) x BOSE overhead speakers
• Master Cabin: TV SHARP 32”
• POWER ACOUSTIK receiver
• Four (4) overhead BOSE speakers
• Port Guest Cabin: TV SHARP 18”
• POWER ACOUSTIK receiver
• Two (2) overhead speakers
• VIP: TV SHARP 18”
• POWER ACOUSTIK receiver Two (2) overhead speakers

Galley

• Refrigeration: Two (2) x SUBZERO top/bottom refrigerator/freezer drawers
• Stove: SAMSUNG Microwave oven

Mechanical Disclaimer

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.

Disclaimer

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.