Islander 7 - Bertram Yacht FOR SALE

Timeless in profile and formidable in pedigree, this 1988, 43-foot Bertram-designed yacht delivers the bluewater confidence and elegant comfort that made Bertram Yacht a legend. Crafted in the United States with a hand-laid fiberglass hull and matching fiberglass decks, her classic monohull form offers the kind of solid, sea-kindly ride that inspires long-range cruising and serious offshore pursuits.

On deck, broad working spaces and secure sightlines speak to purposeful design. The expansive cockpit invites both sportfishing ambitions and relaxed entertaining, while robust construction and clean molding showcase the quality of an era when yachts were built to last. Forward, the foredeck is uncluttered and sure-footed, with thoughtful detailing that simplifies line handling and anchoring.

Up top, the elevated helm provides a commanding vantage point, ideal for reading the water and navigating with confidence. Seating is arranged for conversation and clear communication, making passages feel effortless and arrival all the more rewarding.

Step inside to a warm, welcoming interior penned by Bertram Yacht, where generous volume belies her length. A bright salon invites unwinding after a day underway, while a practical galley serves as the heart of life on board—equally at home preparing a quick bite at anchor or a celebratory dinner in port. Private accommodations are designed for restorative rest, complemented by ample stowage and a refined nautical aesthetic that stands the test of time.

Underway, a dependable single Detroit Diesel provides the authoritative push and reassuring efficiency prized by experienced mariners. The straightforward machinery layout favors easy access and serviceability—hallmarks of a yacht built for real-world use.

From weekend escapes to ambitious coastal runs, this classic American build balances strength, style, and seakeeping in a way few modern designs can match. Lying in the United States and ready for her next chapter, she is an invitation to travel farther, stay longer, and arrive with unmistakable presence.

Keywords: Sportfisher, Convertible, Flybridge, Motor Yacht, Classic Yacht, Offshore, Bluewater, Cruiser, Fishing Yacht, Monohull, Fiberglass, Diesel

Main descripition

1988 Bertram 43' Convertible, HULL #1, offers a rare opportunity to own a celebrated chapter of sportfishing heritage, custom-finished for show and meticulously preserved ever since. Bertram poured extraordinary effort into launching the new 43' model, and Islander 7, previously known as Marksmanship, hit the bullseye with a timeless design, rugged build, and purposeful elegance. Stewarded by discerning owners with the same pedigree as the marque and an open-checkbook approach, she presents today in truly Bristol condition. Her efficient and powerful Detroit 6v92 engines, each rated at 550 hp, received a major overhaul within the last year along with resealed gears; the complete rebuild was performed at 2,151 hours, with the port engine now showing 20 hours and the starboard 92 hours since. Complemented by numerous upgrades implemented over recent years, this Bertram 43 is absolutely worth a personal inspection.

Vessel details

The aft cockpit welcomes you through a transom tuna door, with secure grab holds to port and starboard for boarding from a higher quay. Purpose-built for the chase, it features a proper fighting chair and well-considered fishing amenities, newer coaming pads, multiple rod holders, and outriggers rigged to work lines precisely, while quartz lights bathe the cockpit in clear illumination after dark. A sturdy ladder carries you to the flybridge and further up to the well-equipped tuna tower.

Command is pure delight on a flybridge worthy of a king, where a spacious layout and an extensive electronics suite inspire confidence. Forward bench seating comfortably carries 4–6 guests, while two teak captain’s chairs with plush cushions place you perfectly at the helm. The canvas was replaced with new in 2024, and the helm is comprehensively outfitted with two Garmin 1040xs combination displays and a Garmin 8616 combination display, a Garmin open-array radar with 72-mile range, and an integrated suite from Garmin providing chartplotter, sounder, radar, and night-vision displays. A Sionyx digital night vision camera sharpens your edge at night, complemented by an Icom IC-M4240 VHF radio, a Robertson Norway AP200 autopilot, clear analog gauges, Glendinning engine controls with synchronizer, remote spotlight control, Fireboy controls, and an engine manual fuel shutoff override. From the tuna tower you can stay out of the sun while spotting fish with ease, aided by remote spotlight controls, cushioned coamings, and full engine controls that put every tactical advantage at your fingertips.

Step inside through a secure sliding glass door to a single-level open salon and galley graced by a newly laid teak-and-holly cabin sole and an aquatic-themed décor that feels instantly at home at sea. Climate is effortlessly managed by a recently upgraded 16,000 BTU Cruisair air conditioning system. To port, a sectional sofa folds out to a queen-size berth, facing an entertainment center with a Kenwood stereo and a Samsung TV/DVD, with a flush-mounted Uline freezer below and a Sea 322 HF/SSB radiotelephone discreetly concealed in a locker. The open galley to starboard presents a Force-10 three-burner electric cooktop, a deep stainless-steel sink, and a flush-mounted Uline refrigerator set within cabinetry and drawers beneath a neutral-toned solid-surface countertop, while additional cabinetry aft houses the ship’s electrical distribution panels along with extra stowage.

Down three steps and forward to starboard, the guest stateroom offers a thoughtful arrangement with two berths and an ensuite head with shower, all served by a recently upgraded Cruisair 5000 BTU air conditioning unit. In the forepeak, the master stateroom centers on a raised custom walk-around island berth with generous storage, mood-setting adjustable LED lighting, and a recently upgraded Cruisair 7000 BTU air conditioner. A double-width, full-height hanging locker and private ensuite access to the head and enclosed shower provide liveaboard comfort, with adjustable LED lighting in both spaces to set the tone with just the right color.

Open the engine-room hatch and you are greeted by space, order, and a suite of recent upgrades that make maintenance a pleasure rather than a contortion. On the forward bulkhead to port sits a recently upgraded Reliance 19-gallon hot water heater, followed by upgraded redundant freshwater pumps polished by a GE Smartwater filtration system, with properly installed bilge and fire alarms above. Two Charles 20-amp battery chargers tend the house and engine banks, while a U-lube oil change system is hard-plumbed to the engines and transmissions. To starboard, three recently upgraded Cruisair compressors stand ready, and a QuickSilver galvanic isolator safeguards the ship’s electrical system from stray currents. Looking aft, the pride of recent work shines: Payton Marine has just completed the final major rebuild of both Detroit 6v92 engines; they gleam with pride and growl with authority. All receipts are available for review.