Speeds measured with Stalker ProSports radar gun. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscan digital fuel-flow meter on gas inboards, sterndrives, and outboards, TechMate electronic scan tool on gas EFI inboards, Caterpillar digital fuel-flow meter on diesel engines, or permanently installed fuel-monitoring equipment. Range is based on 90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter on A scale. 68 dBA is the level of normal conversation.

Performance Chart

Test Conditions

Standard and Optional Equipment

Marine Electronics
VHF Radio
Systems
Air Cond./Heat
Battery Charger/Converter
CD Stereo
Head: Fixed	RARITAN Atlantis System
Shore Power
Trim Tabs
TV/DVD
Washdown: Fresh Water
Washdown: Raw Water
Water Heater
Galley
Microwave
Refrigerator	Subzero
Stove
Exterior Features
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Transom Door
Boats More Than 30 Feet
Freezer	Subzero
Generator
Vacuum
Washer/Dryer

= Standard = Optional

The story behind the birth of Bertram yachts dates back to the Miami-Nassau powerboat race of 1960. On the day of the race the wind was blowing 30 knots and kicking up 8-foot seas and many of the boats turned back or ended up finishing the race the next day. Only two boats finished the race that day, a 30-foot wooden prototype designed by C. Raymond Hunt for Miami yacht broker Richard Bertram, and another V-hull boat. This one event would have a major impact on powerboating.

Richard Bertram discovered Hunt was already building these “experimental powerboats” during the 1958 America’s Cup Trials. It was a 23-foot fiberglass prototype designed to be a tender that first caught his eye as it powered through the nasty chop. He couldn’t believe his eyes as he watched this 23-footer toughing it out in 6-foot swells. Believing that Hunt was onto something bigger he had him design a 30-footer prototype for him, which he named Moppie, after his wife.

The 30 had a consistent 24-degree deadrise fore and aft that gave her great ability in rough water. It is this hull design that has stood the test of time and given motoryachts their ability to cruise in offshore conditions.

After the 1960 race, the first fiberglass 31 was created, and from there on the rest is history. In 1998 Bertram was acquired by the Ferretti Group, an Italian motoryacht manufacturer.

As the heir to the classic 43, the 450 still maintains that Bertram battlewagon profile enhanced with a subtle new flair and pleasantly surprising upgrades. The first noticeable difference is the increased flybridge seating now in a wrap around design. The helm is updated as well with cleaner lines and electronic controls. Dual helm chairs compliment the flybridge with great sight lines both for and aft.

The flybridge has a lot to offer besides a view. There’s full instrumentation right at your fingertips and a molded footrest at the helm seat to make it comfortable for the captain of the boat. There’s storage for a life raft under the stern settee. An engine package comes with system monitors with audible and visual signals for engine oil pressure, coolant, gear oil, temperatures and more.

The cockpit is slightly larger with some new features that are sure to please any owner. There’s a removable oversized fishbox in the floor and one in the transom with overboard drain. There also gunwale storage for boat hooks and gaffs. Washdowns and power receptacles are neatly hidden in side compartments and the bait prep station, freezer, and livewell remain neatly hidden under contoured hatch covers. Engine room access is just steps down from the cockpit. The engine room is slightly larger than the 43 because the generator has been moved into the space just aft of the engine room steps.

Beautifully updated and redesigned the salon hosts a number of upgrades and enhancements. At first glance the new u-shaped galley is neither down nor up but rather on a sub level keeping the steward in the salon conversation.

The galley boasts tons of new storage and good countertop space. The galley comes complete with undercounter drawer refrigerator and freezer units, two-burner cooktop, microwave oven, and plenty of cabinets to store all your appliances. Across from the galley is a new elevated wet bar with even more storage for your favorite cocktail glasses or spirits. This will undoubtedly be the captain’s new after hour lower helm station.

The L-shaped sofa and ¾ settee round out the impressive new salon with an entertainment center just to starboard inside the companionway entrance. The traditional ceiling rod storage is now located just above the galley sole.

The master is still located all the way forward and is lavishly appointed like all Bertram masters with large closets, ample storage, and elegant appointments. The master head has a new twist with a mirrored ceiling that gives the impression of a much larger facility.

The guest stateroom is located down and to starboard and features twin berths and a separate head with the same mirrored ceiling just opposite. Directly across from the guest stateroom is hallway storage and a stacked washer and dryer. The 450 is a real performer as well. Our test vessel is powered by twin MAN 620 hp diesels that produce a 33 mph cruise turning 2000 rpm and burning only 53 total gallons per hour generating a range of over 360 miles at that speed with the 528 gallon fuel cell. The top end was determined to be 39 mph turning 2400 rpm and creating a decibel level of 87. She’s quick as well with a time to plane of only 5.2 seconds.

The 450 Convertible is quite an impressive boat with great style and charisma. She’s a seaworthy sportfisher with a classic look and state-of-the art construction.