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[Back
to the Site Directory] JAMES GRAHAM'S 25 BERTRAM 6BTA 315HP CUMMINS POWERED V-DRIVE
James' images have been so helpful to me in the
planning stages of my project that I decided to dedicate a page to his project.
James forwarded these images to me during his boat's resurrection. I think this
boat came
The boat's balance is near perfect and the power to weight ratio is excellent. From my conversations with Jim he absolutely loves the boat and he's ready to do another one. His comments are "the boat just performs". Jim is convinced my engine location and weight will work fine....good to hear from someone that's finished with a very similar project. If you are contemplating an inboard diesel conversion project for a 25 Bertram you will find many of these photos extremely valuable. Enjoy the shots that James shared. The pictures are in no particular order. FOR SALE! The last time I spoke to Jim in late April 09 he told me that he is considering selling the boat. I think the "build another one" bug has bitten and he's ready to get started. This is an extremely nice boat and Jim told me he would need 85K. If your interested in the boat drop me an email and I will forward your contact info to Jim. Check out the bottom of the page for the latest pictures of his boat with the revised forward helm. From the Beginning....
Now here's a few shots of day 1 with the new boat 95% outfitted and in the water..."SEA TRIALS" Pictures shown represent the boat with 135 gallons of DIESEL fuel. Looks as thought the trim calculations are dead on. RESULTS... First run on a project of this magnitude always reveals a few bugs, James must have done something right because his issues on ride No.1 were very minor. He reported that the throttle cable was not moving far enough to allow the engine to reach full RPMs. With no load the engine would only come up to 2400 RPMs. Once he grabbed the lever on the engine she came right up to 3100 RPM. Cable issue...minor. As is, the boat did great in my opinion. Initial reports; 2000 RPM @ 21 kts, 2200 RPM @ 23 kts.( and stopped by the cable issue) The boat should cruise at the targeted 25kts once the cable issue is corrected and he can get 2400 RPM (cruise RPM's). Design WOT on the 315hp 6BTA is 2800 under a full load. A little rough math shows the boat exceeding 30kts at WOT. Once the cable issue is resolved he can move on to fine tuning the weight distribution and dialing in the prop. Much more beneficial information will come from James' reconfiguration as he becomes familiar with he boat. One interesting note based on his first blush reactions to the boat was his comments about the engine placement and weight distribution; "I know I could have moved the engine another 1 ft forward, it just doesn't seem to matter with this hull....10 ft forward of the stern is definitely the fulcrum for the hull"
My guess is that the boat will end up being a 2 1/2+ MPG ride....time will tell. Anyone who is serious about offshore fishing has to be jealous of a boat with this much cockpit space, a diesel engine, 25kt cruise AND a range that may end up being over 400 miles! Great job James, If I end up with anything close I will be more than satisfied.
Here's a few shot's James sent me of the new boat in service and a fish or two.
Here's the finished product with the revised forward helm...
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out
fantastic and the attention to high quality workmanship and detail is
outstanding. The power train selection and installation is also well though out
and correctly matched to the 25 Bertram hull. At the time of this entry the boat
is not yet launched....but I will bet that the balance, power and performance of
the boat will be excellent.
