Bertram Unveils New 58-Foot Convertible Inspired by Iconic 54

Bertram Yachts of Fort Lauderdale has announced a new 58-foot convertible that follows the company’s recently revived 35-foot model. Construction on the 58 is scheduled to begin in June, with a planned launch in late 2017. The new convertible draws heavily on the pedigree of the 1980s Bertram 54 while incorporating modern naval architecture and contemporary styling cues.

The 58-foot design will be based on the celebrated Bertram 54, which debuted in 1981 and became a defining model for the brand. The original 54 earned a reputation as a dependable offshore boat that combined seaworthy performance with a comfortable, family-friendly interior and a large cockpit tailored for serious fishing. For the new model, Bertram has collaborated with Michael Peters Yacht Design to update the hull and naval architecture while preserving the qualities that made the 54 a classic.

“We know the 54 set the standard,” says Bertram general manager Susan Davids. “It was known as a great fishboat with great performance in big seas.” The 58 is intended to retain that core DNA—strong seakeeping, a sizable cockpit for anglers, and an interior that supports cruising and family use—while introducing a refreshed, contemporary profile.

Styling changes distinguish the new 58 from its predecessor. A raked deckhouse, a raised flybridge, a sharply raked windshield and a broken sheer combine to give the boat a modern presence that still nods to Bertram’s heritage. “I like to say that it has some attitude,” Davids adds, referring to the styling balance between tradition and a more aggressive, contemporary stance.

Interior arrangements are being developed with flexibility in mind. The 58 will offer three staterooms, including a full-beam master suite, and it will be available with two or three heads depending on owner preference. “We’re spending time with boat owners and captains to foresee the design variables and uses above the waterline,” Davids explains. The company intends to remain adaptable with layouts and options so the boat can serve as a serious offshore fishing platform, a comfortable family cruiser, or a hybrid of both.

Underway performance is a priority for the new convertible. The 58 will be driven by twin Caterpillar C32 ACERT diesel engines rated at 1,925 horsepower each, giving the boat a projected top speed in excess of 40 knots. That level of power and speed is aimed at owners who demand quick passages to distant fishing grounds and confident handling in offshore conditions.

Bertram’s reintroduction program includes several models. The company plans to splash the Bertram 35 in the summer, and it has partnered with Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding in Thomaston, Maine, to build initial prototype hulls and production tooling. Bertram intends to bring final production in-house over time, a move meant to provide tighter control over build quality and customer customization.

Beyond the technical and layout details, the new 58 reflects Bertram’s broader strategy to blend classic design cues with modern engineering and materials. By updating an admired hull form with contemporary systems, ergonomics and styling, the yard is targeting experienced boaters who value proven offshore capability alongside the comforts and refinements expected in today’s yachts.

For prospective owners and captains, the new model aims to deliver the combination of reliability, performance and onboard livability that made the original 54 a benchmark. The emphasis on flexible interiors and optional configurations indicates Bertram is listening to market input—particularly from anglers and professional captains—so buyers can tailor the boat to specific mission profiles.

This announcement builds on Bertram’s renewed momentum in the marketplace and demonstrates the brand’s intent to re-establish itself with thoughtfully updated classics. With naval architecture by Michael Peters Yacht Design, robust Caterpillar power, and production support from an experienced yard during the prototype phase, the 58-foot convertible is positioned as a contemporary interpretation of a respected legacy.

This article originally appeared in the June 2016 issue.