Haute Yachts: Bertram’s Biggest Boat Yet

To some boaters, there’s nothing better than heading out to deep-blue water in pursuit of big fish. Whether it’s the thrill of the battle or the ability to cook up the catch of the day, a sportfishing yacht outfitted to the nines is the platform to be on. But there’s also the desire to enjoy little luxuries while out on the water. Bertram, one of the most well-known builders of battlewagons, believes its new 800 delivers on all accounts.

Measuring 82-feet, 8 inches (including the bow pulpit), the Bertram 800 is the flagship of its fleet. It’s the direct result of customers requesting a larger boat with plush amenities. Further in response to customer request, Bertram offers the yacht in a few different styling configurations. These include a convertible (a.k.a. an open flying bridge), an enclosed flying bridge, and even a “sky bridge” above the enclosed bridge.

Regardless of the style chosen, the Bertram 800 boasts a 22-foot-wide cockpit, plenty big for pulling in a tuna from the fighting chair. Large fishboxes flank the fighting chair, and a baitwell is mounted on the transom. If you wish, Bertram can outfit the bait tank with a plexiglass window and lighting. Meanwhile, an L-shape lounge on the cockpit’s mezzanine level is the perfect spot from which to watch or videotape the action. Bertram offers an optional table here, too, ideal for transforming the lounge into an alfresco dining spot.

When you’re not fishing, the interior of the Bertram 800 is intended to impress. Choose from white oak or mahogany cabinetry, highlighted by lots of natural light coming in from the windows to each side and large windshield forward. (You can opt for a fiberglass brow forward instead, for a more traditional sportfisherman look.) The 60-inch television that rises from the saloon cabinetry can play the videos of the day’s fishing trip. Because the main-deck layout is open, anyone preparing food in the galley can still enjoy the footage and converse with friends seated in the saloon. The galley also has barstools at the countertop, good for drinks or snacks. For larger meals, you can select either a freestanding dining table for six or a built-in dinette.

With three staterooms accompanying the master stateroom below deck, the Bertram 800 can accommodate you and a handful of friends and family. While you may enjoy running the yacht yourself, a two-person crew cabin is also aboard, freeing you up to fish or entertain.

In recognition that deep-sea fishing can sometimes involve big swells, Bertram equips the 800 with a proprietary Anti-Rolling Gyro (ARG) system. ARG has been proven to damp roll motions upward of 50 percent, making for easier, safer, and more comfortable trips. Performance-wise, the standard twin 2,200-hp MTU engines should let the 800 cruise at 30 knots and top out at 35 knots. At cruise speed, the yacht should have a 500-mile range, plenty good for chasing fish on the horizon.