Introduction and lots of questions!

[Blackcreek34]

Hey guys - what a great community! I have been a long-time lurker and finally decided to join. My wife and I (and our 20 y/o daughter) live in Bellingham, WA and after a lot of research and looking at a lot of different boats have decided that a used Tomcat is #1 on our list. A little background: my wife grew up boating in the San Juans, Gulf Islands, Desolation Sound, etc. We have an old 17-foot aluminum outboard we have used for crabbing and have used my brother in law's 22 ft Alumaweld for camping in the San Juans and Gulf Islands. It has been my wife's dream to have something with a small cabin, so we do not have to schlep camping gear.

We decided on the Tomcat for several reasons. One, we are impressed with the quality of C Dories (and highly recommended from our boating friends). Second, I am prone to sea sickness (mostly in the open ocean) and was really impressed with the stable ride of the Tomcat in some choppy conditions (some great folks selling a Tomcat who already had a buyer were gracious enough to take us out). Our plan for the boat is for 2-4 night trips in the San Juans, Gulf Islands, and lots of day trips for crabbing and getting out to Lopez Island where my wife's family has a vacation home (with a buoy). If we ever become competent enough, perhaps we will one day go further North.

We have so much to learn, and I have too many questions to ask in one post. While I am not completely new to boating, I feel I have a huge learning curve in front of me. We don't even have a boat yet (and it seems used Tomcats don't come up for sale that often) but I would love to hear any general advice for boat shopping and becoming a competent boater.

Thanks in advance!

[thataway]

Dave, Welcome aboard Cbrats. It is a very congeal boating community as you may have gathered when you have been reading the site in the past. It is also a wonderful extended family, with life long friendships. The more you use your boat, the more comfident you will become, and the more your whole famly will get out of the boating experience.

As for looking for boats: you are correct that used Tom Cat 255's do not come up for sale often. Look daily in the "home" page of othe Cbrat site in the right lower corner for "Boats for Sale by Owner". Watch Craig's list, the C Dory Facebook Page, Boats.com, Boat Trader, Yachts for sale, etc. Be prepared to travel.

You will also need a 3/4 ton truck--athough some have used a 1/2 ton vehicle, my experience is that the 3/4 or one ton truck is better suited for towing the Tom Cat, which will weigh close to 10,000 lbs in towing condition. Also look for trailers which have Electric over Hydraulic brakes. This allows much better control and braking than surge brakes. Also if you tow over any significant grades, the E/H brakes are essential, as well as required in Canada.

There is a whole new World out there for exploration, with your "boater home". Many who own the Tom Cat, go on extended voyages, including to AK. But there are many good gatherings, or other CBrats who often would love to have another C Dory tag along.

Enjoy your experience, be prepared to look outside your immediate area for the used Tom Cat.

[Blackcreek34]

Thanks Bob, for your words of encouragement! I currently have a half ton truck but have access to 3/4-ton truck. Our tentative plan is to moor it and take it out periodically and over the winter. We live 5 minutes from the boat launch, but I would plan to borrow the 3/4-ton truck. In the next year or two I hope to upsize to a 3/4- or 1-ton truck. In any case, no plans for any long-distance trailering initially. I absolutely agree about electronic/hydraulic brakes. I'm excited but forcing myself to be patient!

[ssobol]

[Frenzy]

Hey Dave-

Welcome to the forum! Your thoughts about the TomCat are right on point and don't think you will be disappointed. I have a Tomcat 24 (the original version) on Shaw Island and use it much as you plan. It is an ideal boat for the San Juan Islands and I use mine almost daily for fishing, crabbing, shrimping and general runabout.

I searched for almost 2 years before I found a boat in Florida. I purchased and then had it shipped to Washington State. I would have loved to find one locally but it all worked out in the end.

Dr. Bob has already offered you some feedback and he was a great resource when I was buying my boat.

As you probably know, there are two versions of the Tomcat...the earlier 24 version and the newer 255 with shower and stand-up head. They share a similar platform, but are very different each with their own advantages and disadvantages. If you have not already made up your mind, I would suggest you look at both models.

Anyhow, would be happy to answer any questions you might have. Good luck on your search!

- Randy

[thataway]

[Blackcreek34]

Hey Randy,

Thanks for the reply and I am glad you love your boat and use it so much. I guarantee I will have a lot of questions. For now, I am doing as much research as I can. Hoping it won't take us 4 years, but I am going to be patient!

Dave

[colbysmith]