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The
first thing that caught my eye was a deep gutter that rims the cockpit
sole to let water get out from underfoot as soon as possible. It drains
into a six-gallon sump at the center of the transom, discharging overboard
through scuppers near the centerline, where they are less likely to be
immersed as the yacht rolls. An eight-foot-long fishbox in the sole is
removable for access to the lazarette and steering gear, and an icemaker
can be plumbed into the fishbox or a livewell in the transom.
The
full bait-prep station along the Bertram 670’s port forward bulkhead,
with a sink and cutting board, was pressed into service as our catch was
cleaned and filleted. If there had been more time for fishing, we might
have had to utilize the big freezer on the starboard side. Above it, just
aft of a circular stair up to the flying bridge, there’s a nifty,
vertical rod stowage space complete with freshwater washdown.
Our
lengthy voyage did allow plenty of time to appreciate the comfortable
Murray Brothers helm and companion seats. Both are on a platform about
a foot above the bridge deck for a better view of the cockpit and for
better sight lines forward over the lounge seating area. A wing control
station affords an unobstructed view along the entire port side to ease
docking.
The
helm is Palm Beach-style with a drop-down console fitted with a dual-display
Northstar 952X GPS and two Black Box daylight-readable displays. Putting
the console in the down position lets the captain converse with guests
in the forward lounge and provides a weather-tight enclosure for the electronics.
The Furuno color LCD depthsounder, B&G tridata displays, Robertson
autopilot, and DDEC displays remain in view, even when the console is
down.
Forward
of the helm, a cocktail table is normally installed in the center of the
seating area, but our test boat had been ordered without it. While this
makes the space roomier for dockside entertaining, it leaves little for
guests to grab onto when the yacht is underway. In the interest of safety,
I believe handholds should be added around the perimeter of the lounge.
As comfortable
as the flying bridge was, most of the folks onboard (a contingent of Bertram
marketing and salespeople) opted to pass the time relaxing in the saloon,
curled up on the spacious settee or stretched out in the roomy dinette
seating area. Bertram has taken care to keep the accommodations space
as quiet and comfortable as possible, not only with thermal and acoustic
insulation lining the machinery space, but also by locating all pumps,
motors, and other noisy components inside or aft of the engine room. To
reduce airborne noise, the engine room is completely sealed, with sealed
chine boxes providing fore and aft chase ways for plumbing and electrical
systems. Cruising at more than 30 mph, we measured comfortable sound levels:
just over 70 dB in the saloon (normal conversation is about 65 dB). Even
at WOT, over 40 mph, we recorded a respectable 78 dB.
Interior
fit and finish reflect the Ferretti influence (Ferretti purchased Bertram
a few years ago) with fine joinery and hand-selected wood grains. Workmanship
in the engine room is equally meticulous, with all inner hull surfaces
vacuum-bagged, faired, and finished with Awlgrip. Twin 1,800-hp DDC-MTU
16V2000 diesel inboards (which, while on our test boat, are no longer
offered) had a good two feet of clear space between them and handholds
on either side in case they need attention during adverse conditions.
Filters, dipsticks, and other access points are easily accessible, as
are most auxiliary systems. The lone exception might be the twin Kohler
gensets, in hushboxes tucked well aft under the cockpit sole. Routine
access appears limited, but for major repairs a large section of the cockpit
sole unbolts, providing excellent access from above.
The
new 670 Convertible has everything you’d expect from the respected
Bertram marque. And like a good friend, she proved to be a great travel
companion. Comfortable, capable, and well-built, she’s ready for
anything, from serious tournament action to a relaxing family cruise.
Bertram
Yacht Phone (305) 633-8011. Fax:
(305) 635-1388. www.bertram.com.
George
L. Petrie is a professor of naval architecture at Webb Institute and provides
maritime consulting services. His Web site is www.maritimeanalysis.com.
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