Cats vs. Cruisers - differences, relative benefits etc.

[rogerbum]

On another thread.....

[rogerbum]

Tokluk,

Assuming you've found your way over to this thread here's my short take on the pros and cons of the cat vs. the cruiser.

Pros for cat:
1) Much faster - about 40kts top end with typical power.
2) Fast through moderate chop - definitely better than a 22 or 25 cruiser in 2-3' chop.
3) Bigger - much bigger berth than a 25' cruiser. Cabin space seems a tad larger. Cockpit may also be a tad larger due to the lack of a motor well with the engines mounted on a bracket.
4) The bracket mounted engines frees up some cockpit space and allows one to mount a cooler outside the cockpit.

Cons for the cat:
1) Much faster - can get into trouble more quickly if you don't keep your eyes forward at all times. Also burn a little more fuel (but similar to a 25CD)
2) Bigger - it's a bit more boat to handle relative to a 25 but not much on the water. There may even be a slight advantage to the cat for docking since the engines are a bit farther apart than on a 25 with twins and most 25s are equipped with a single. Definitely a heavier boat and longer on the trailer. So you need a truck that can haul 10,000+lbs and you need a bigger parking spot for the boat on the trailer.
3) The bracket mounted engines make it a little harder to fish out the back.
4) More expensive - the cat costs a good bit more than a comparably equipped CD 25.

[matt_unique]

I think Roger nailed it...I might add the Cat is taller on the trailer. Mine measures 13' even from road to the top of my radar. The cockpit space is larger than that of the C25 (I looked at this closely when I was test driving both).

[Pacificcoast101]

My favorite feature of my Tomcat is the stability. I've put my dive gear together in 3-4' chop without having to hold on to anything. In fact, I've had the boat since last February and have yet to use a grab rail once. I also find the control at low speeds to be better. We stop to pick up balloons/plastic all the time and I never make Merry reach for any of it. It's great man overboard practice.

[JamesTXSD]

Having buddy boated with Brent and Dixie, I was amazed at the storage difference on the TomCat vs the 25 Cruiser - the TomCat seems to have endless storage space (of course, with the corresponding weight penalty). I also like the flat floor and no step down into the cabin with the TomCat.

An advantage for me with the 25 Cruiser is the comfort at anchor. The TomCat with the fairly low bridge deck gets a pounding in even small chop at anchor. I have no doubt that one might get used to that, but the CD-25 doesn't have that "slap." Trailer loading is easier, and launch and retrieval can be done with less water because the CD-25 sits lower on the trailer. In 2 - 3 foot chop, the TC shines (and really moves); get into bigger, nastier waves and the CD-25 feels more traditionally solid and no "sneeze" from the bridge deck. The cabin of the CD-25 feels wider to me (not sure of the actual measurements); with the shape of the table on the CD-25, you can seat 3 reasonably comfortably at the table, where two is about it on the TomCat. It also seems to me that there is more headroom in the CD-25, but better apparent visibility out the cabin windows in the TomCat since the windows seem to be lower in comparison to the height above the cabin sole.

When we were shopping for our boat, the TC255 was a relatively new design; we liked the proven hull on the CD-25 and the $30k+ difference in price. Also, we thought the TC would be way over the towing capacity of our intended tow vehicle (a one ton chassis campervan)... as it turned out, the CD-25 was over that 8,400 pound towing capacity, so that was a moot point; also the reason we bought a diesel pickup for towing.

Both are very capable boats. If running fast is a priority, the TomCat wins hands down. If price is a factor, the CD-25 is less expensive. The rest of the differences come down to one's preferences.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

[Aurelia]

Tomcat has more elbow room in the head
Cruiser has larger counter space and cabinet for the galley instead

I know which is more useful for us..........

[rogerbum]

[Aurelia]

We spend much more time living in the cabin and enjoying counter space than living in the head and enjoying a few more degrees of elbow movement. And the table shape/size mentioned already fits the three of us perfectly while the Tomcat table is really best for two. The larger co-pilot seat also works well for two seated facing forward.

We don't really love to cook but the counter space is useful for many items during the course of a trip. Until the boat head resembles the one at home with a long bowl and ample space, it is just another tight boat bathroom and devoid of any pleasure while being useful none the less.

[thataway]

For those of us who are tall, the Tom Cat has more head room in the ....head. We never noticed the difference in counter space--and probably spent more days actually cruising the CD 25 (we owned both at the same time--C Dory 25 on West Coast, Tom Cat Florida).

Although the Tom Cat handles chop better (and we have never had a sneeze problem)--the ultimate seaworthiness maybe better in the C Dory 25.


As for the "slap"--if you anchor by the stern (of course in calm conditions)--or there is no wave action--it is not a problem. However, the tunnel height of the Tom Cat is too low--and should have been raised long ago. If we build another cat--it will have 10 to 15" of tunnel clearance when the boat is resting loaded.

Also speed against chop--the faster you go in the Tom Cat, the better the air cushion and the smoother the ride (up to a point)--so the Tom Cat can do 35 mph into 3 foot seas--and the C Dory 25, you will be more comfortable behind another boat--or going 6 to 8 knots--a huge difference.

[BrentB]

Anyone seen an Aerocat?
http://www.aerocatboats.com/

[Aurelia]

only this version:

http://www.arrowcatmarine.com/

[thataway]

Last year I had corresponded with the owner of AeroCat. I made a decision that that was not a boat I wanted to own. My thoughts are that these would be better for protected waters--also look at what the cost of a completed boat is.

I am currently looking at a custom version of Ameracat 31. Marc has some reservations, but I think with the proper engineering that the boat has merit. A 31 foot cat for $79,999, rigged with twin Suzuki or E tec 200 hp--fuel to give a range of about 475 miles with reserve at 30 or so mph.. What I am considering is a "convertable" with the hard top of the 33, and canvas to enclose the queen "Casting platform" foreward, a 30" wide seat (bunk) aft and two pipe or hammock berths opposite the head. AC on the hard top, and galley fold down aft. Of course when you do custom work, the price ends up more than the $79,999. But if the boat is properly engineered and specked--it can be an awesome boat. Good tunnel clearance, no wood. The issues are how well the hulls are sealed--filled with closed cell foam.

With the convertable concept you have a good CC for fishing and day cruising--and with canvas enclosure/AC/heater, a cruiser for at least a few days.