Bering Yachts Bering 70 Review (2021 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

The Bering 70 is the smallest model Bering builds by volume. The decks set the "little ship" feel straight away, with elbow-height bulwarks that make moving around secure. The boat is a semi-custom build. This particular one was specified for owner operation - no crew quarters - so the owner, family, and friends manage it themselves.

There is a vast air-conditioned storage area under the foredeck. Dive bottles and other equipment can be stored here, ideal for long periods of exploration. The upright windscreens, overhangs, and heavy-duty wipers all add to the serious offshore design.

At the stern, overhangs and big coppered areas reinforce the solid feel. All exterior doors feature dog catches to properly secure the boat in heavy seas.

On the flybridge, this owner has specified tender storage at the stern, a crane, and a storage box. Catering equipment is also fitted under a lid, including a griddle, ceramic hob, sink, and a couple of fridges. There’s a large hard top and plenty of headroom. The lounging area can be adapted by lifting the backrest to create seating around a table.

The flybridge helm is laid out for comfort on long passages, with throttle controls, bow and stern thrusters, and navigation systems. Being a displacement boat, it is built for covering serious miles rather than high speeds.

Two entrances lead from the saloon to the lower deck. On newer models, this layout has been updated. The saloon doors are strongly engineered, with handles and locking systems that secure tightly in rough seas. The finish throughout the interior uses muted grey tones with discreet lighting.

The saloon features a clever table that can shift between dining and coffee table heights. There’s a high-low TV, and the galley sits on the same level. The galley is fitted with cooking equipment, extensive storage for glasses and provisions, and refrigeration beneath the counters. There is a dishwasher fitted and more storage across the cabinetry.

Forward from the saloon, the wheelhouse can be closed off. This allows lights to be on in the saloon without distracting the helm crew during long runs. There are doors on both sides of the wheelhouse for ventilation, storage spaces in the overheads, and seating for guests to gather.

The helm itself lacks a fixed seat. Instead, it uses a standing bar, designed for plotting a course and using the autopilot. There are big navigation screens and more instrumentation across the top.

Owner's Cabin

The owner's cabin sits amidships for minimum roll and maximum beam. It is upholstered to a high standard, with discreet lighting and a full beam layout that gives it a very spacious feel. There’s a seating area where an owner can relax with a book.

Storage runs along one side with a big hanging locker. The ensuite bathroom includes a separate shower stall, a washbasin, and a toilet. The finish is solid, and the space feels very private and substantial.

Guest Accommodation

Forward on the lower deck is a private guest cabin in the bow, separated from the rest of the accommodation. It features muted grey tones, integrated lighting, AV equipment, storage, a hanging locker, and an ensuite bathroom.

Two more cabins sit off the other lower deck entrance. One cabin is laid out with a double bed and a pullman bunk, suitable for children or guests. Storage is tucked away everywhere, including hanging lockers and a small working desk space for a laptop. This cabin does not have an ensuite but shares a day head with shower facilities close by.

There are watertight bulkheads separating sections of the boat, a serious offshore feature to contain water intrusion if ever needed.

Access to the engines is via a watertight door. The Bering 70 uses twin Cummins QSB6 engines, each with 305 horsepower. As a strict displacement boat, it cruises at around 8-9 knots with a top speed of about 12 knots.

At 8 knots, the boat has a range of about 2,500 miles, using only around 16 litres (3.5 gallons) of fuel per hour.

The engine room is spacious and practical, with exhaust routing visible overhead. There’s a SeaKeeper stabiliser installed in the centre, twin generators across the back, a direct access ladder to the cockpit, and a watermaker to support long stays offshore.

The Bering 70 leans heavily into its "little ship" reputation, with solid construction, watertight compartments, and a layout tailored for serious offshore cruising. This example, five years old but still sharp, shows how well these boats hold their looks and purpose over time. The Bering 70 is built for owners who want to head out and stay out.