Tomcat Survey: counter-rotating props or not?

[Frenzy]

Hey, would be curious to hear if there are Tomcat owners who do not have counter-rotating props. If so, any downside? My boat currently has them, rotating inward. I have been considering re-powering options and it adds a bit to the equation, so just curious about what others have. Thanks!

[thataway]

I had counter rotating on the 2007 Tom Cat 255. A neighbor had a Tom Cat 24, which had the both right hand 115 Yamahas. The counter should rotate in--to give more stern lift. I think you will notice the difference, but it will be miminal. You may have to re-balance some items to keep the boat level. Trim and even permatrims may help.

[djy887]

Randy, I think I mentioned previously that my '99 TC24 is right-hand on both 90s. I helped someone move marina slips that had just bought a 2019 TC 255. On the throttle pivot (one fwd, one rev), it just didn't really like turning to port...like a school bus on ice. Guess that kind of makes sense with prop walk if set up with props rotating inboard?

[-Waypoint-]

If you have the option to get counter rotating screws, do it. The main purpose of doing this with twin engines is to utilize the prop walk when maneuvering with one engine in reverse and on engine in forward. The engine that is in reverse, will back or help pull the engine opposite of the other engine taking full advantage of propeller walk and twisting the vessel in it's own boat length. In both directions. If they are not counter spinning and the same direction, it will only spin the boat clockwise when using the one engine forward and reverse twisting maneuvering. My boat does not have counter screws. I can force it to twist counter clockwise. It takes almost full power to accomplish this. It fights me all the way because it does not have counter rotating screws. It would be nice to have but they don't make them in 40 hp.

[thataway]

I had counter rotating on the 2007 Tom Cat 255. A neighbor had a Tom Cat 24, which had the both right hand 115 Yamahas. The counter should rotate in--to give more stern lift. I think you will notice the difference, but it will be miminal. You may have to re-balance some items to keep the boat level. Trim and even permatrims may help.

[gulfcoast john]

Randy,
We just replaced 2010 Yamaha F150’s with new ones with digital throttle and shift as well as integrated electric steering. The replacement CR engine was about $1,300 more than the other. 90 HP should be much less. Prorated over 10-20 years of ownership, $70-$130/year is a small price to pay to avoid the issues djy887 and Waypoint experienced.
Best,
John

[CPlay]

When I bought my boat it had two RH rotation 115 HP. I re-powered almost 3 years ago with two 90HP RH rotation.
The starboard hull is much heavier than port hull on earlier Tomcat 24s. Your model should have water tank relocated to port hull to help offset this. I have felt the 2 RH rotation engines help offset this by twisting the boat toward port side when running on a plane. ( I have since added a fuel crossover to my boat to draw gas from either tank allowing me that option to also help keep boat balanced.)
While counter rotation can create more stern lift or allow tighter rotation I think this is a secondary consideration. The most important thing is; What engines do you want.
If you want 90 HP, I don't believe anyone sells counter rotating. These smaller engines will be less expensive to purchase and save a little on your insurance. For me 90s are plenty of power. I try to keep boat light and usually run 15-19 knots.
I would suggest that if the engines you want come in counter rotation, then get the counter rotation. If the engines you want only come in RH rotation then get those and you will quickly adapt to their handling characteristics and won't regret not having counter rotation.
-Jeff-