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Change is afoot at Bertram Yachts. The builder that crafted the original deep-V fishing boat, and subsequently sent its big-game war wagons to every corner of the globe, has turned its efforts inward to create brighter and ever more stylish interiors. The result is a boat that gives up nothing in the angling department while delivering passengerpleasing living spaces with an upscale touch.

It began a couple of years ago with the flagship 800 and the redesigned 540. Now the company's highly successful 51-footer has also been reborn. Some of the styling tweaks are apparent from dockside, where a streamlined sheer and relaxed topside angles would make this boat seem right at home on the wharf at St. Tropez.

But to get a real sense of how this boat differs from its predecessor, one needs to step inside. Wrap-around windows create 360-degree views from within the salon, a spacious island-style galley occupies a prime location to port and the entire common space has a light, open treatment more reminiscent of a luxury yacht than a traditional tournament boat. The other dramatic difference between the 511 and the closely related 510 it supersedes can be found in the master and starboard staterooms, which are fitted with large hull-side windows that bring in ample natural light. Though the tape measure reveals these cabins to be the same physical size as on the 510, the impression of additional spaciousness is significant.

Looking beyond the styling changes, the 511 reveals itself to be every bit a Bertram. For those familiar with the brand, this simple statement means a lot. The builder blends the traditional toughness of a solid-glass, deep-V hull with the latest advances in composite construction. As a result, the 511 isn't just as rugged as legendary models such as the 310 and 540, it is actually stronger, lighter and an even better performer in a seaway. Proof of this came when we spooled up the 1,360 hp MAN turbo diesels and pointed the bow into a few head seas. Initially, I stayed belowdecks as the GPS advanced toward 40 knots. This is when you can tell a lot about a boat by listening to the various rattles, groans and squeaks — or in this case, the lack thereof.

Note the forward deckhouse windows on this new model. The reason most builders of sport-fish convertibles abandoned these windows many years ago wasn't just for style — the construction techniques of the day didn't provide the strength needed to keep windows from failing when subjected to the high slam loads created by everfaster boats. Advances in materials and construction methods have made this a nonissue for leading-edge builders such as Bertram, and both cabin and interior components seem to be fused into a solid, unitized construct.

Going topside and taking the helm of the new Bertram was like going home. There was that same rock-solid, wave-taming ride I'd come to know from years of canyon running in Bertram sport-fishermen of various sizes and vintages, but in this case, with less bow rise. Without sacrificing rough-water performance, running angles on the company's latest generation of hulls have been reduced a few degrees, while increased lift has boosted fuel efficiency. Lateral stability was also enhanced — especially when working at trolling speeds.

Fishing captains will be happy to note this big boat can still back down and spin with ease, while the deck crew will appreciate the lack of engine fumes, the padded bench seating along the aft cabin bulkhead and the shelter and shade created by the flybridge overhang. As one would expect from any boat bearing the eagle logo, fishing amenities are firstclass. There's more than 140 square feet of usable cockpit space, ample bait and tackle storage and generously sized fish boxes and livewells. Crews who prep their own baits can opt for a rigging station in place of a bench seat on the starboard side of the cabin bulkhead.

Mechanical spaces are typically snug on any sport-fisherman, but the 511 shouldn't elicit expletives from those charged with maintenance duties. Vitals such as seacocks, fuel shutoffs, electrical breakers and fluid lines are all within easy reach and arranged logically enough so that even the most mechanically challenged owner could locate and activate everything quickly in an emergency.

Heavy components such as the house batteries and the single fuel tank are set on centerline, while other systems are balanced symmetrically to enhance trim. The forward portion of the lazarette provides ample space for a pair of 15 kW gensets plus an antirolling gyro stabilizing system.

Weathered tournament crews might dismiss gyro stabilization as greenhorn foolishness, but features such as this, combined with the boat's good inherent stability and wideopen interior, will score points with family and guests. And that, in a nutshell, is the quality that sets the 511 apart from the fleet. It has the guts and the goods for a world-record billfish campaign, but could also host a black-tie gala without apologies.