Statement 37’ Center Console to Tackle Boating’s Bermuda Challenge

Fertg's 37' Statement center console, dressed and ready for the Bermuda Challenge.Fertg’s 37′ Statement center console, dressed and ready for the Bermuda Challenge.

Powered by a pair of 350-hp Cummins-MerCruiser turbocharged diesel engines, a 37-foot-long Statement Marine center console V-bottom will tackle Boating magazine’s “Bermuda Challenge,” a 760-mile one-way endurance run from New York City to Bermuda. According to a story on the publication’s website—Boating magazine actually sanctions the run—the existing record of 22 hours and 23 minutes was established in 2002 by Neil Burnie in a Marine Prowler 306 catamaran powered by a pair of 225-hp Honda outboard engines.

The 37-footer, which features Statement’s innovative air-cushioned cockpit, will be piloted by its owner, Chris Fertig of Virginia Beach, Va., and Statement’s Nick Buis.

“We are just waiting on a window of good conditions for 36 hours, then we’ll go,” Fertig said earlier today.

The logistics of the run do not allow for refueling, so fuel management is critical. Fertig said he hopes to be able to average speeds of more than 30 knots, which would put the boat on track to break the existing record.

Those interested in following the record attempt in real time will be able to via a live satellite video link from the boat to the Boating website. The magazine also reportedly will publish a feature article on the record attempt in an upcoming issue.