Bertram 50 Open Open 2020 boat specs
Bertram
Bertram 50 Open Open 2020
2020
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VS
Bertram Convertible 1985 boat specs
Bertram
Bertram Convertible 1985
1985
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Bertram 50 Open Open 2020 vs Bertram Convertible 1985 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Bertram 50 Open Open 2020 vs Bertram Convertible 1985 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 1 110 hp, the Bertram 50 Open Open 2020 has a 645-hp advantage over the Bertram Convertible 1985's 465-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 50 Open Open 2020 carries 1 236 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Bertram Convertible 1985. 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 50 Open Open 2020 is rated for 15 passengers, while the Bertram Convertible 1985 caps at 12. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Bertram 50 Open Open 2020 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Bertram 50 Open Open 2020 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 15 passengers and at 49,9 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Bertram Convertible 1985 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 12 that costs less to run day-to-day.
Measurements / Dimensions
Length overall - Detail49.86 ft
Length overall - Detail42.00 ft
Length - Feet49.86
Length - Feet42
Length overall - Meters15.2
Length overall - Meters12.8
Length overall - Inches598
Length overall - Inches504
Beam17.42 ft
Beamnot available
Beam - Meters5.31
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Inches209
Beam - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail4.16 ft
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Meters1.27
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Inches50
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Displacement61450.00 lbs
Displacementnot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Gal1236
Fuel tank capacity - Gal3
Fuel tank capacity - Liters4678.77
Fuel tank capacity - Liters1135.62
Engine makeCAT
Engine makeDetroit Diesel
Horsepower1110 hp
Horsepower465 hp
Drive typeinboard
Drive typeinboard
Engine 2 Engine MakeCAT
Engine 2 Engine Makenot available
Engine 2 Horsepower1110 hp
Engine 2 Horsepowernot available
Engine 2 Drive Typeinboard
Engine 2 Drive Typenot available
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeDiesel
Performance
Cruising speed37
Cruising speednot available
Cruising speed measureknots
Cruising speed measurenot available
Maximum speed42
Maximum speednot available
Maximum speed measureknots
Maximum speed measurenot available
Operational Info
Water capacity12
Water capacity15
Boat typePower
Boat typePower
Cabinsnot available
Cabins2
Headnot available
Head1
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal4
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters151.42

Bertram 50 Open Open 2020 vs Bertram Convertible 1985 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Bertram 50 Open Open 2020 or the Bertram Convertible 1985?
The Bertram 50 Open Open 2020 is the longer of the two at 49,9 feet overall. The Bertram Convertible 1985 comes in at 42,0 feet, making it roughly 7,9 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Bertram 50 Open Open 2020 is rated to a maximum of 1 110 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Bertram Convertible 1985 tops out at 465 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Bertram 50 Open Open 2020 is Coast Guard rated for 15 passengers, while the Bertram Convertible 1985 is certified for 12. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Bertram 50 Open Open 2020 or the Bertram Convertible 1985?
The Bertram 50 Open Open 2020 has the bigger tank at 1 236 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the Bertram Convertible 1985. That 1233-gallon difference translates to roughly 3699–6165 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Bertram 50 Open Open 2020 and Bertram Convertible 1985 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Bertram 50 Open Open 2020 and the Bertram Convertible 1985 are built by Bertram. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.