Boat & Crew

31′ Bertram

The cabin has been customized as a day boat, maximizing the interior space. Six men can sit comfortably around two retractable card tables. Lower the tables to create two long, wide bunks, where two tall men can stretch out comfortably. The large bunks accommodate four bean bag chairs, which are nice to sink into.   

You can find your own space up on the bow, in the V-bunks, or further up on the marlin tower. The 31′ Bertram is the biggest little boat around, with plenty of space to hang out.  This is important, as you are in for a long day; sometimes it’s nice to retreat into your own space, to sit and stare.

Countless catches have been attributed to the Joker’s marlin tower. The elevated perspective helps you see further and deeper into the water. Makes a huge difference spotting  fish and birds, logs and splashes that lead to hookups. The marlin tower also helps the skipper fish in closer to the rocks and shoreline which leads to a lot of bites.

The Joker sports extended double spreader outriggers. These extra-long outriggers support four lines spread far apart behind the boat. The outriggers allow for instant drop-back when a fish strikes, just as you’d wish.

The Joker features six custom-built tuna tubes powered by two independent raw water pumps. Conveniently and stylishly built into the transom, these live wells hold the large baits we use to catch big fish.

This is a big-game fishing boat; a full-size, heavy-duty fighting chair centers the cockpit. The chair helps make quick work of the biggest fish. You use your legs when seated in the chair to fight a fish. The mechanical advantage with bent butt rods allows you to bring a big tuna or marlin to the boat much more quickly. This clear advantage is beneficial for both you and the fish we often intend to release.

Bertram laid a lot more fiberglass into the hull in 1969. The Joker feels completely solid and very tight. This boat has been fishing for 55 years. New boats won’t last as long as this one has, nor will they last as long as the Joker will in the future.  It’s fun being at sea aboard a genuine classic. 

The boat has twenty-eight rod holders – while not enough, it’s still pretty good. We carry 24 rods, for matching tackle to fish you are after. A forty-pound Mahi on 20-pound tackle behaves like a black marlin, capable of running and jumping spectacularly. On a 50-pound setup, it can feel overwhelmed; you could reel it in easily, whack it on the head, and call it ceviche, which is good, but not as fun.

                                The Joker is safe, stable, spacious and uncluttered. It’s maneuverability is awesome to experience when hooked up to a marlin is in close quarters.