1980 Bertram 33

The 1980 Bertram 33 Sportfish is a classic American Sport Fisherman currently sitting in Saint George, South Carolina. This 33-foot hull carries Bertram's famous deep-V design and the asking price stays flexible because it is marketed as an insurance salvage unit. The real value is in the solid, recognizable Bertram structure.

This 1980 Bertram 33 Sportfish suits a buyer who is comfortable with hands-on work. It is not a turn-key cruiser. A knowledgeable boater or a yard that specializes in fiberglass repair and repowering could turn this classic hull into a capable offshore fishing boat. The deck, wiring, electronics, and interior systems likely need attention after the sinking, so expect a true rebuild rather than a quick cleanup.
 

Is the 1980 Bertram 33 Sportfish for Sale?

Yes, this 1980 Bertram 33 Sportfish is currently offered for sale through its listing broker as an insurance salvage unit. The boat is located in Saint George, South Carolina, on the East Coast of the United States, and nationwide transport can be arranged through the broker. Because salvage sportfishermen are marketed to a specific audience of restoration-minded buyers, availability and pricing depend heavily on the individual boat's damage history.

For buyers, availability is less important than the condition of the specific hull. The broker should provide the full damage report, and a personal inspection is essential. The hull is reported to be sound with no visible structural damage, but the deck, wiring, electronics, and interior systems likely need attention after the sinking. Every missing component should be documented before bidding.
 

1980 Bertram 33 Sportfish Price

The asking price for this 1980 Bertram 33 Sportfish stays flexible because it is marketed as an insurance salvage unit. A salvage Bertram of this era sells well below a clean example, but the final cost depends on how much labor the buyer can handle. 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 project of this scale. The engine count is listed as one, which is unusual for a 33-foot sportfisherman, and the gas inboard will need a close look after the submersion. Fuel, maintenance, and electrical repairs add up quickly on a project like this. A buyer who can do their own labor keeps total cost reasonable; someone paying a yard for every job should factor that into the bid. The trailer is not included, so hauling and storage costs should also be budgeted.
 

Performance and Propulsion

This Bertram 33 Sportfish is listed with a single Crusader inboard gasoline engine in the current specification. The single-engine configuration is unusual for a 33-foot sportfisherman, and the gas inboard will need a close look after the submersion. A knowledgeable buyer should confirm whether the engine and drives are included in the sale and budget for a full mechanical inspection or possible repowering.

The 33-foot Bertram hull carries the famous deep-V design that made Bertram a legend in sport fishing, and that hull is the real value in this listing. Actual performance after restoration will depend on the final powerplant choice, load, sea conditions, and hull condition. A repower with modern diesels or rebuilt gasoline engines would transform this classic hull into a capable offshore fishing boat.
 

Exterior Design and Construction

This 1980 Bertram 33 Sportfish features a 33-foot Bertram hull with the classic deep-V design that made Bertram a legend in sport fishing. The hull is reported to be sound with no visible structural damage, which is the strongest selling point of this salvage unit. The original 1980 build year offers an honest restoration project for the right buyer.

Buyers should inspect the hull and deck, stringers, bulkheads, running gear, shafts, propellers, rudders, through-hulls, fuel tanks, steering system, and any signs of water intrusion or previous structural repairs. A yard that specializes in fiberglass repair and repowering could turn this classic hull into a capable offshore fishing boat. The deck, wiring, and electronics likely need attention after the sinking, so a thorough personal inspection is essential.
 

Interior and Accommodation

This 1980 Bertram 33 Sportfish is a restoration project, and the interior systems likely need attention after the sinking. It is not a turn-key cruiser, and buyers should expect a true rebuild rather than a quick cleanup. The interior layout follows the classic Bertram 33 Sportfish arrangement, but the condition of upholstery, appliances, flooring, and finishes should be verified on site.

Buyers should inspect the galley equipment, refrigeration if equipped, plumbing, bilge systems, and all accommodation spaces for condition and evidence of water damage. Because the boat was submerged, any interior systems affected by moisture should be carefully evaluated, including wiring, pumps, and stored equipment. A restoration-minded buyer who sees the potential in a classic fiberglass hull will find the interior to be part of the overall project.
 

What to Check Before Buying a 1980 Bertram 33 Sportfish

Before bidding, arrange a personal inspection of the hull and write down every missing component. Ask the broker for the full damage report and confirm whether the engine and drives are included in the sale. The survey should cover the hull and deck, stringers, bulkheads, running gear, shafts, propellers, rudders, through-hulls, fuel tanks, steering system, electrical equipment, plumbing, and bilge systems. The trailer is not included, so factor in hauling and storage.

The single Crusader inboard gasoline engine should be inspected carefully, including submersion history, cooling system, exhaust components, transmission, shaft, and propeller. Buyers should also evaluate the wiring, electronics, pumps, and other onboard systems, since these are the areas most likely to need replacement after a sinking. This 1980 Bertram 33 Sportfish for sale is a great candidate for a restoration-minded buyer who sees the potential in a classic fiberglass hull.