Launching Tomcat 255

dotnmarty · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2014 10:44 am Post subject:

Can they deliver it to a marina with a sling?

Westie · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2014 11:29 am Post subject:

This is a one time launch. The boat will stay in a slip until annual service and I'll use a service (local towing company) to pull out. I may end up using the service as a plan B. It's just an expensive option for backing down the ramp.

I really am hoping the transporter will do this.

I don't think I'll have the option for a sling but I can make some calls.

Byrdman · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2014 11:34 am Post subject:

You are getting the boat with a trailer. That makes me think you are planning on trailering somewhere in the future. The trailer part is great. Wake up one morning, decide that you want to go see the waters 500 miles away, or in your case, about 900 miles north to the Puget Sound waters. I would get electric over hydraulic brake system on the trailer, as to allow the brake trailers to work for & with you. Launching with my 2 wheel drive Excursion I look for good solid concrete ramps. Even then, sand and funk is often there. Just having these breaks and you can "tweek" them on the go when trailering turning them up high on the ramps. Real handy when traveling in, thru, over the mountains and cities. Have trailered my TC and my current boat, a RF-246 which is about 9280 pounds of boat, motors, trailer & stuff many miles. Cross east and west coast I think 4 times now, plus a lot of up and down the east coast once over there. Get electric over hydraulic breaks on the trailer, and, have the 6' extension put on the trailer too, as to keep the back end of your tow vehicle out of the water. Too many electric gizmos on our bumpers now days. Folks will "rush to the ramp" to see that neat boat before you get away. Result? That roller of a wave smacks your boat as you try to settle it properly on the trailer, and the wave continues to rinse out the back of your tow vehicle. A good weight distribution hitch on the trailer also makes a wonderful addition. Makes it much better on total ride for all, and helps keep that front end on the ground backing down the ramps. Be very cautious in real tight turns with the distribution hitch on.

Or, like stated above, find a sling ride for her for your first launch, enjoy your boat, and figure this stuff out later!! Plus, some neat pics can result from the sling ride. Get great insurance and let her rip!

Jake B · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2014 12:46 pm Post subject:

i would just rehire the delivery guy to launch it. whats another 30min-1 hour of his time for a 100$ tip. easy and done. don't know of many tow guys that would say no to that.

Westie · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2014 1:30 pm Post subject:

I hope your are right Jake.

I'm just losing sleep thinking that I finally get my boat and it's stuck in the parking lot. If the driver wont do it, there is a good chance someone else will be around that wouldn't mind a relatively simple back up. I'm probably over thinking it....I just want to get on the water!

Jake B · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2014 1:35 pm Post subject:

if i was in a marina and a guy needed help to launch his boat and I had a few minuets i would do it for them just to help out. offer someone 100$ to do it I am assuming it wouldn't be a hard sell.

Maybe the harbor master will do it for a tip after work especially if you are mooring it there.

Byrdman · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2014 2:32 pm Post subject:

Is you boat done? Fly up to Seattle, we go pick your boat up and tow it home. Looks like a neat 4-6 day road trip - round trip for me. Potato harvest keeps getting put off by rain.

Captains Cat · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2014 4:26 pm Post subject:

find someone launching a big boat and give him $100 to launch the TC. Check your insurance....And make sure he hasn't been drinking... Rolling Eyes

Good luck, take pictures..

Charlie

journey on · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2014 6:54 pm Post subject:

Well, there have been just about every type of (decent) suggestion made. What is the anticipated date? Take pictures, however you do it and let us know how it went. I can hardly wait. I know it'll be done, but not how.

We have never taken pictures of Journey On being launched/retreived, just too busy.

Boris

Westie · Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 10:43 am Post subject:

It's expected to be delivered Oct 3rd. I'll take pictures.

Byrdman · Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 5:57 pm Post subject:

Looking forward to the pictures! You will love your boat.

Westie · Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2014 11:34 pm Post subject:

She arrived today....one day early. Good thing my schedule is flexible.

I cant recommend Horizon Transport enough. My driver was Frank Workman and he was perfect....a little early but he gave me notice!!!! Great guy....he expertly launched me without concern and provided great advice on this trailer.

We had a minor issue with the throttle on the port engine. There was a cable disconnected that we figured out after a few brews. I'm guessing this happened when the dealership maintained the engines and not during transport. In any regard, we figured it out and had a nice 30 minute ride to test her out.

I'm very, very happy! I can't wait to get out on some late season salmon Saturday and Sunday.

I'll post pics soon.

Aurelia · Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2014 1:49 am Post subject:

Glad to hear it went very well Westie! Enjoy that boat,

Greg

Westie · Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2014 11:02 am Post subject:

Here's my Tomcat255. Thanks for all the advice! I'll be out for salmon this weekend.

williwaw · Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2014 11:07 am Post subject:

What, no huge crowd gather to watch the launch? Smile

The boat looks fantastic. Perhaps someday we'll have to upgrade...