Bertram to expand into outboard sportfish products

US boatbuilder Bertram Yachts today announced that it is planning to expand its range of offshore fishing boats to include a comprehensive line-up of outboard-powered products.

Mark Paulhus, Bertram CEO, says: “With the support of Bertram’s parent company, the Gavio Group, who also owns Italian superyacht builders Baglietto and CCN, Bertram plans to spend in excess of US$15m on new product development over the next four years to expand our portfolio of products into premium outboard powered boats starting in the high 20ft range.”

Bertram has also indicated that the company will continue to invest in expanding production capacity at its Tampa, Florida facility over the next two years to support the expected increases in volume.

The company is currently wrapping up construction of the first 50ft sport express model which will debut at the Miami International Boat Show in February 2020 and will start introduction of the new outboard powered products at Ft Lauderdale International Boat Show next year.

“The introduction of the new outboard portfolio will certainly allow Bertram to increase its North American presence by giving boaters an outboard option that lives up to the Bertram ride and quality that they have come to expect,” says Tommy Thompson, Bertram’s VP of sales. “As a result, we are also planning a significant expansion in our dealer sales channel over the next 12 months.”

Bertram’s inboard diesel-powered 35ft bridge and 61ft convertible models have done particularly well in international markets with products delivered to Europe, Asia, Central America and the Caribbean over the last year. Thompson further stated that: “There is also a strong international and domestic interest in Bertram’s new 50ft open and sport express inboard diesel models and the company has already started taking orders for these products.”

Bertram has indicated that they are in the process of signing an exclusive outboard engine supply agreement with Mercury Marine. “Our partnership with Mercury will allow us to achieve the level of boat, engine and systems integration excellence necessary to ensure that the new Bertram models deliver the product performance and reliability that the company has long been known for,” says Paulhus.

Randy Caruana, Mercury Marine VP of sales, says: “We are excited to work closely with Bertram as they develop their new outboard-powered offering. Bertram’s designs combine both modern luxury and sophistication making this an ideal partnership for both companies.”