28' Bertram Re-power

[Mick Unger]

I have a 1974 28” Bertram, the engines are the only thing left to up grade. Have (2) Marine Power 5.7L gas engines, I am looking to re-power to diesel. Although new Yanmars would be nice, the price is prohibited. Looking for used engines, in good condition. <br />Does anyone know what engines will fit with little mods to the deck?

 

[MURX]

Re: 28' Bertram Re-power

there is a company down in texas that makes a water cooled turbo housing and exhaust mani for the cummins 6bta dodge truck engine the dodge truck cummins can be had for approx 2500 to 4500 ea depending on mileage from wrecking yards check the bertram sites or maybe boatdiesel.com or seaboard marine may have some ads from these guys although they don't give the package away I think it's 4500 for a marinization kit with heat exchanger and the other necessaary components http://www.gulffishing.com/ol001.html<br />Cummins 6BT marine kits-H&H Distributors 1-979-849-3773

 

[DJ]

Re: 28' Bertram Re-power

Mick,<br /><br />I would be somewhat leary of using the "automotive" application in a marine evironment. There is more to a marine engine than the cooling system. <br /><br />Marine engines have an entirely different fuel map which results in different torque curves and peak horsepower ratings. These things could possibly be changed with different camshafts and injection pumps, or at least have the pumps recalibrated. It would be very difficult to do with the electronic versions of these engines. I would doubt you can find a Cummins service facility that would do it. There can be some very stiff fines for changing an EPA rated engine, of which the automotive version is. On the other hand, some independents might do it.<br /><br />Just bolting the Dodge/Cummins 6BTA's won't give you great performance. The 6B's produce upwards of 400 hp. in marine trim and no where near that in automotive trim. You might be able to have some of the older versions (non electronic) recalibrated to somehwere around 350 hp. Do your research before you commit.

 

[MURX]

Re: 28' Bertram Re-power

The probable star of the Cascade line is the conversion kit for the 5.9 liter Cummins diesel installed in Dodge trucks. Cummins marinizes this engine as the 6BT and 6BTA, with horsepower ratings from 210 to 315. In this application, the inline 6 cylinder Cummins is one of the more popular marine engines for boats from 30 to 35 feet. The Dodge version in older trucks - up to the 1998 versions - is rated at 185 hp and 440 ft. lbs. of torque at a maximum of 2600 rpm. The 1999 version is a 24 valve powerhouse bumped to 235 hp and 465 ft. lbs. of torque. The reason for "de-tuning" the engine was apparently that the older truck automatic transmissions would not hold up to the extra power. Simple injector pump modifications can boost the truck engine to 300 hp or so.

 

[MURX]

Re: 28' Bertram Re-power

Mick go to www.bertram31.com and you'll find several guys who have done the conversion to 6bt's BTW known as diamond series engines in the marine market they are sold as 220hp and 250hp engines a litlle more boost and tweeking on the injector pump will have the engine making as much power as needed without camshaft mods.........

 

[MoAllen]

Re: 28' Bertram Re-power

MIck,<br /> I have a 28 ft sport fisherman and I had twin 330 hp 7.3 diesels with surface drives. 50mph and low fuel use