Iconic American boat builder Bertram announced it has acquired a waterfront facility on Florida’s Gulf Coast where it not only can build new Bertram yachts, but also fulfill its customers’ service and refit needs throughout the life cycle of their vessels.
The new Bertram World Headquarters is an existing 120,000-sq.ft. shipyard and marine service facility located at 5250 W. Tyson Avenue in Tampa, immediately south of the Gandy Bridge on Tampa Bay.
“This plant, which already has been operating as a full-service marine facility for decades, is perfect for Bertram in so many ways,” said Peter Truslow, Bertram Yachts CEO. “It will allow us to create a complete Bertram manufacturing and service center in one of America’s most popular year-round boating destinations. The facility has a great layout, with 40-foot-high buildings and high-tech fiberglass construction equipment already in place that we can utilize to build our new Bertram 35’ and larger models. In fact, production of Bertram 35’ Hull No. 3 already is under way in Tampa, and the first Bertram 60 will start construction here later this year.”
By investing in the Tampa facility, Italian industrial corporation Gavio Group delivered on a strategic vision it has held for the builder since acquiring the Bertram brand in 2015.
“From the beginning, my idea was to start in Maine and then move Bertram to Florida − My first choice was Florida,” said Beniamino Gavio, who leads the Group’s yacht brands, including Baglietto, Bertram and Cantieri Cerri. “We believe that Bertram belongs to this country. TheBertram team is an American team, and they know the market very well. Bertram started in Miami, and we want to keep Bertram in Florida in order to preserve the connection with its history.”
Bertram’s new World Headquarters fronts directly on Tampa Bay, with a depth of 14 feet at the dock, allowing the builder to sea-trial and deliver new Bertrams to customers 365 days a year. Its footprint encompasses a service center capable of hauling, servicing, painting, repowering, and refitting a wide variety of vessels from small sportfishing boats to superyachts. “We have two Travelifts, including one that is capable of hauling yachts up to 120 feet in length. The service operation already has jobs booked for boats from 35 to 100 feet,” said Truslow, who added: “This area also has a world-class marine infrastructure. So many of our key suppliers are nearby, including Michael Peters, designer of the new Bertram 35’ and 60’. There are many talented boat builders and service technicians on the Gulf Coast as well.” While Bertram Yachts already has filled some key positions on its manufacturing and service teams, Truslow said, “We’re here and we’re hiring.”
Gavio, Truslow, Vice President Earl Blackwell, and CFO Francesco Reisoli are developing a business plan for Bertram that will include continuing investment to keep the plant on the cutting edge of boat-building technology and the service facility in line with the needs of Bertram’s customers. “Today, the company is a new company,” Gavio said. “We are working on a five- to six-year plan and we must see every day what the customers want.”
About Bertram Yacht
Bertram Yacht got its start in 1960 when founder Dick Bertram—yacht broker, bluewater sailing-yacht racer, and powerboat racer—built the first Bertram, the 31-foot Moppie. Built to replicate the deep-V hull that smashed records in the 1960 Miami to Nassau Ocean Power Boat Race, the Bertram 31 launched a line of performance and sportfishing boats ranging up to 80 feet long that would be known for their excellent ride and seakeeping in unforgiving conditions. The company and its legend grew, thanks to many noteworthy models, including the Bertram 28, 46, and 54, that made their mark on the fishing world. In 2015 Bertram was acquired by a group headed by Beniamino Gavio. This boatbuilding entrepreneur and avid boater is involved with Baglietto and CCN and is committed to returning this iconic American brand back to its roots.
For more information: bertram.com
