The Bertram 31 Flybridge Cruiser 1974 vs Bertram 38 Sport Fisherman 2013 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Bertram 38 Sport Fisherman 2013 measures 38,0 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 7,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Bertram 31 Flybridge Cruiser 1974 at 31,0 feet (1974). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Bertram 31 Flybridge Cruiser 1974 tips the scales at 10 600 lbs — 10 595 lbs more than the Bertram 38 Sport Fisherman 2013 at 5 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 480 hp, the Bertram 38 Sport Fisherman 2013 has a 340-hp advantage over the Bertram 31 Flybridge Cruiser 1974's 140-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Bertram 31 Flybridge Cruiser 1974 carries 225 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Bertram 38 Sport Fisherman 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Bertram 38 Sport Fisherman 2013 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Bertram 31 Flybridge Cruiser 1974 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Bertram 38 Sport Fisherman 2013 could be the deciding factor.