25Bertram.com

[Morning Wood]

I am curious as to how many of you use your boat for any overnighting trips and how often. I realize the boat is a fishing boat but I am setting mine up for cruising. My goal is to set up a pocket cruiser/sportsfisherman.
With the economic climate the way it is there is a trend to produce pocket cruisers. I think the 25 has it all. Great performance,looks and,structure.

[randall]

yes...my dinnette table folds down into a bunk and its much nicer than the cuddy. warm night with the windows open.....nice...very nice.
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the only real wealth is how you spend your time and who you spend it with

[fdefinis]

We (my wife and I) spend as many as 20 nights a year on the boat. Some are weekends and a few 4-6 day trips thrown in. I have a MK II Flybridge Sportfish. It has a head under the V berth with a holding tank in a recess that the former owner cut into the starboard berth. We have a ten gallon fresh water tank and carry extra in a collapsable water carrier. We shower on deck using a couple of the solar heated shower devices that get plenty hot.

For food storage, we put drinks in the built in icebox and keep the more perishable food in an Igloo cooler. We grill meats, fish and vegetables on a Magma grill that fits into one of the rod holders and we have a one burner Origo alchohol stove for rice, soups, pasta, etc.

We have taken two kids on occasion. We put them in the V berths and sleep on a queen sized inflatable mattress that fits thwartships forward of the engine box. We cover the cockpit with a custom mooring cover that we have. Preparing for bedtime like that is a bit complicated but what else do you have to do?

The holding tank, ice and fresh water are only good for about three days at a time so for longer trips we always go somewhere that we can get ice, water and a pump out.

I won't tell you it is luxury living--more like camping out. On the other hand, we get to go to some nice places (Newport, Block Island, etc) where a single hotel night is upwards of $250.00 in summer. My wife says she could probably tolerate 2-3 weeks on board at a stretch. We are in our late 50's and in reasonable but not exceptional shape. The one bummer is rain--you can only hide so long on a small boat before the boredom gets to you.

If you want pictures of any of my set ups, let me know your e-mail and I'll send you whatever you want.
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Dorothy B--25' Flybridge Sport Fish 1965

[kimmel7864]

I've cruised the Cheaapeake Bay many years in our 1969 25 from north of Baltimore (middle river area) south to Norfolk Virginia.Our dinette also converts to bed that is more comfortable than the v-berth,though I've spent many nights forward.This winter the sink ,counter and "ice box" aft of sterring station is being remodeled. Ice box will become storage with pull out drawers,counter top recessed with commerical food grade cutting surface and sink fitted with new hardware and pump. The dinette table and seats are orginial(like new) not needing replacement.Years ago I mounted a grill to the bridge ladder that swings in front of the ladder aft for use and stores neatly forward of ladder over counter top when underway..great set up.We carry a 2 burner camping propane stove and well stocked galley.We usually spend one night on the hook and the next @ marinas for bathing. Hard to beat a great day of fishing on the Chesapeake Bay and enjoying your fresh catch swinging on the hook.
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CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION ! SAVE THE BAY!

[Morning Wood]

fdefinis,
My e mail is jswilson361@hotmail.com I would love to see some pics of the interior set ups, aft covers etc. I have a blank slate ,as my boat is completely open in the shleter cabin with no steering station. My wife and I are downsizing and I wanted to use the space as efficiently as possible.
I am leaning towards a Riva/Bertram style inetrior. But the best modifications are always the tried and true ones.
Solutions like food storage,grilling,showering etc. Thankyou for the responses guys. This kind of information is priceless for my project.

[simple gesture2]

I have done many trips to block island from fire island inlet.its a 108 mile run.I have a cover that goes straight up the transom to about 6.5 feet high and then straight up to the bottom of the birdge. All the side fold up for during the day,and at night we close them. This /is so someone can sleep on the engine box,or the floor .also keeps the rain out. I have no sink or lower station,there is a ssi cooler there. Somone can also sleep on that.I have pics of the top and will send just give me some time to dig them out
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"Lets go fishin" "Own a Legend"

[fdefinis]

I think I have seen your boat at BI. Does or did your father have a B-31 also?

That cover looked mighty inviting when the weather is bad!
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Dorothy B--25' Flybridge Sport Fish 1965

[simple gesture2]

yes thats me .its great when the weather isnt so good . and also to stay out of the sun on those very hot days . i have been very busy and havnt had time to look for pics but i will get them sorry.
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"Lets go fishin" "Own a Legend"

[Simple Gesture]

Ken - Here's a couple images I have. I think I may have some more of completely enclosed at home.

[Morning Wood]

thats a nice

[simple gesture2]

thanks bro. yeah ive been real busy and havnt looked for them yet but these are good. we go to block island every other year and that was 08. the top is great as you can see . it rolls up and lays on the transom when we are under way. very easier to put up, and only takes about five mins. we usauly go fishing one day and roll it up real quick.
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"Lets go fishin" "Own a Legend"

[Morning Wood]

I have a blue tarp right now on mine. And actually it is white. I have cleared snow from it 3 times in the last 24 hours. Hell I don't even need a ladder to get in now. 22 inches of snow will do that for ya.