Here's a 1962 Bertram 31 Express Cruiser that went through a complete rebuild in Stuart, Florida, finishing up in 2026. The hull remains classic Bertram, but nearly everything else is new, including twin 350hp Yamaha outboards with digital steering, a Seakeeper gyro stabilizer, and a full Garmin electronics suite. This boat sits in Hobe Sound, Florida, and it's ready for a buyer who wants a modern, dependable sportfisher without losing the timeless Bertram ride.
This is a great fit for an owner who wants a ready-to-go coastal cruiser, a serious tournament trolling platform, or a day boat that can handle overnight trips in the cabin. The rebuilt systems and outboard simplicity make it a low-stress choice for someone who values reliability over vintage restoration projects. Sportfishing, family weekends, or even a first larger boat with modern handling all fit well with this setup.
Is the 1962 Bertram 31 Express Cruiser for Sale?
Yes, this 1962 Bertram 31 Express Cruiser is currently offered for sale through its listing broker. The boat is located in Hobe Sound, Florida, and is being actively marketed to buyers searching for a modern, dependable sportfisher without losing the timeless Bertram ride. Because fully rebuilt Bertram 31 Express Cruisers with fresh systems and warranty support are rare, availability of a comparable example in similar condition may be limited.
For buyers, availability is less important than the condition of the specific boat. Engine hours, the five-year Yamaha warranty, the 2026 rebuild documentation, Seakeeper condition, electronics, hull condition, and the full list of rebuilt components should all be reviewed. A well-maintained example with a documented rebuild by a retired boat builder who knows these 31 Bertrams inside out can have a very different ownership profile from another 1962 boat that requires major mechanical or cosmetic work.
1962 Bertram 31 Express Cruiser Price
The asking price for this 1962 Bertram 31 Express Cruiser should be confirmed directly with the listing broker, as pricing for fully rebuilt classics varies widely with the scope of work, equipment, and documented history. A full rebuild of this scale usually carries a premium, and this boat's fresh systems plus warranty support add strong resale appeal. Asking prices are subject to change and should not be treated as confirmed transaction values.
The purchase price is only part of the budget for a boat of this age, even one that has been fully rebuilt. Buyers should also account for a professional survey, haul-out, insurance, dockage, fuel, outboard servicing, and general upkeep. Operating costs lean favorable compared to the original inboard gas engines: the four-stroke Yamahas burn less fuel, service intervals are straightforward, and the Seakeeper reduces motion fatigue. Buyers should remember that a classic Bertram hull with new everything holds value differently than either a pure restoration or a production boat.
Performance and Propulsion
This Bertram 31 Express Cruiser is powered by twin 350hp Yamaha F350B outboards with digital electric steering and a five-year warranty. The four-stroke Yamahas burn less fuel than the original inboard gas engines, and the outboard simplicity makes the boat a low-stress choice for someone who values reliability over vintage restoration projects. The digital electric steering adds modern handling and docking ease.
The 400-gallon fuel capacity feeds efficient four-stroke outboards for serious offshore range, and the Seakeeper DC-powered gyro stabilizer reduces roll at anchor and while trolling. Actual speed and fuel consumption depend on load, sea conditions, propeller condition, and hull maintenance, so a sea trial should be used to verify the performance of the individual boat. The combination of modern outboards, gyro stabilization, and a classic Bertram hull gives this boat a unique blend of vintage ride and contemporary dependability.
Exterior Design and Construction
This 1962 Bertram 31 Express Cruiser features a classic Bertram hull that remains true to the original design, paired with a hardtop with weather enclosure and a custom Blue Water teak helm and companion chairs. The boat went through a complete rebuild in Stuart, Florida, finishing up in 2026, so nearly everything except the hull is new. A bow thruster, windlass, transom live well, and refrigerated drink box add practical functionality for fishing and cruising.
Buyers should inspect the hull and deck, stringers, bulkheads, running gear, through-hulls, fuel tanks, steering system, and any signs of water intrusion or previous structural repairs. The cockpit's transom live well, rod holders, bait systems, tackle storage, outriggers, and other fishing equipment should also be tested, along with the hardtop, weather enclosure, bow thruster, windlass, and deck hardware. The photos don't show every detail, so a personal inspection in Hobe Sound is essential.
Interior and Accommodation
This 1962 Bertram 31 Express Cruiser offers a cabin that can handle overnight trips, with 12V cabin air conditioning and an inverter system for 110V appliances. The interior reflects the 2026 rebuild, and the layout is designed for practical coastal cruising and fishing rather than luxury living. It works well as a day boat that can also support weekend overnights.
Individual boats may have different upholstery, appliances, flooring, and interior finishes depending on subsequent refits. Buyers should inspect the galley equipment, refrigeration, air-conditioning, plumbing, bilge systems, and all accommodation spaces for condition and evidence of regular maintenance. The 12V air conditioning and inverter system are practical upgrades that make the cabin comfortable for extended time on the water.
What to Check Before Buying a 1962 Bertram 31 Express Cruiser
Before making an offer, schedule a personal inspection in Hobe Sound. The retired boat builder who did the work knows these 31 Bertrams inside out, and the photos don't show every detail. The survey should cover the hull and deck, stringers, bulkheads, running gear, through-hulls, fuel tanks, steering system, electrical equipment, air-conditioning, plumbing, and bilge systems. The cockpit's transom live well, rod holders, bait systems, tackle storage, outriggers, and other fishing equipment should also be tested, along with the hardtop, weather enclosure, bow thruster, windlass, and Seakeeper.
The twin 350hp Yamaha F350B outboards should be inspected individually, including engine hours, the five-year warranty documentation, service records, digital electric steering, cooling systems, and propellers. Buyers should also test the Garmin electronics suite, VHF radio, inverter system, 12V air conditioning, pumps, and other onboard systems. Reach out to the listing broker to arrange a showing or ask for a complete list of rebuilt components and warranty documents. This boat is a great fit for an owner who wants a ready-to-go coastal cruiser, a serious tournament trolling platform, or a day boat that can handle overnight trips in the cabin.