No Ordinary Fishing Boat
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2009
Conversation with Michael Myers, Bertram Yacht’s COO/President
By: Daedrian McNaughton
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, now celebrating its golden 50th anniversary, was resilient in a year marked by lower attendance. While the numbers may have dipped compared to the previous year, exhibitors noted a silver lining: serious interest from prospective buyers and an optimistic market outlook.
This year’s show featured a stunning array of yachts—both large and small—showcasing the maritime craftsmanship of companies worldwide. Among the highlights was the much-anticipated debut of the Bertram 511, a vessel that embodies luxury and performance. Since its inception, the Bertram family has been a staple at the Boat Show, with its headquarters nestled in Miami.
Bertram is renowned for its sleek fleet of luxurious sports fishing yachts, and this year was no different. The fully loaded Bertram 511, priced at approximately $1.2 million, dazzled visitors with its remarkable features. Boasting amenities akin to a high-end residence, the boat offers generous storage space integrated into a standard mezzanine deck, ample seating for anglers and guests alike, and an expansive fish box for those hefty catches. This is no ordinary fishing boat.
Stepping aboard the Bertram 511 evokes a sense of comfort and spaciousness. The yacht merges modern aesthetics with traditional charm, featuring a full wraparound windshield that promises to weather fierce offshore conditions without sacrificing interior storage. This innovative design allows for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the ocean—ideal for capturing the vastness of the sea and what lies ahead.
“It fishes good, it rides good, and it brings you home,” said Sunny Parks, a loyal Bertram owner from South Carolina who switched to Bertram after owning several other fishing vessels. “I’m quite happy and comfortable with my purchase,” he added as he visited the show to reunite with the Bertram team.
Richard Lemar, Bertram’s Chief Engineer, provided an insider’s perspective while Michael Myers, Bertram’s President and COO, engaged in a discussion with Premier Guide Miami about the brand’s rich heritage and future direction.
Give us a brief history of the Bertram family.
MM: Bertram has a very rich heritage and history, not only in America but around the world. Founded in 1961 by Richard Bertram, our legacy began with a groundbreaking boat design in collaboration with renowned Naval Architect Raymond Hunt. Their victory in a prestigious Miami-to-Nassau race solidified our place in the boating industry, transforming Mr. Bertram from a broker to a boat manufacturer.
How long has Bertram been a part of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show?
MM: Since the show started. This is one of the biggest boat shows in the world, and Bertram has been part of it from the beginning.
How have market conditions affected sales over the past year?
MM: The market is tough, and discretionary purchases have declined due to the global economic meltdown. However, Bertram enjoys strong brand equity globally, with notable markets in the U.S., Italy, Venezuela, and beyond. We are seeing signs of activity returning; it’s an excellent time to buy a boat.
Why launch the 511 at this show?
MM: In any industry, innovation is crucial. The 511 represents a new evolution in boats over 50 feet, enhancing our lineup.
What special features distinguish the Bertram 511 from other models?
MM: The 511 features a complete forward windshield for a stunning 360-degree view and half-size windows in the master stateroom for natural light. The spacious cockpit and U-shaped seating on the bridge foster a vibrant social atmosphere, all hallmark traits of a robust Bertram build.
What can we expect from the Bertram family post-Boat Show?
MM: We’re developing the 800, which will be our flagship model launched in 2010.
For more information on Bertram, please visit http://www.bertram.com/
For more information about the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, please visit www.showmanagement.com.
Photos courtesy of Bertram Yachts