Tomcat 255 Motors Taking Wash

luckyenough · Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 11:21 am Post subject: Tomcat 255 Motors Taking Wash

I just purchased a 2006 TomCat and everything seem to be set correctly, but the motors seem to take a lot of wash when the boat is not on a full plane. Sometimes it is half the way up the cowling on the honda 150's. Has anyone else had this issue and is it really an issue?

Lucky Enough

Matt Gurnsey · Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 12:00 pm Post subject:

The transition from displacement speed to planing speed is the elast efficient speed to run a hull at. The hull is unable to overcome the bow wave, and the stern digs in.

Solution is to run either displacement speeds, or planing speeds. You may find that getting the boat up "on step" you will then be able to slow down and maintain planing attitude at low speeds.

It doesn't help that the Hondas are so heavy back there.

Dreamer · Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 12:07 pm Post subject:

That has been an issue with the TC since introduction. They changed to a 6" shorter Armstrong bracket in 2006. Ours (#22) was the first to have it installed. I believe they swapped out a few for earlier owners. Compare yours to the photos in our album.

Permatrims help in this area too. they lift the stern and control some of the spray. We cruise at 21-22kts and the spray is minimal now.

Good luck and welcome to the TomCat Litter Laughing

matt_unique · Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 1:10 pm Post subject: Splash

Mine do the same. I don't have a need to run at the RPM setting that causes this splash. I'm either cruising along hull speed <2000 RPM or I'm planed off at 3000+. Running in between is where you get that high splash.

If you can, make sure the engine cowling is connected snugly (I think you can adjust these levers but I'm not certain) and be sure to maintain due diligence in hitting your engines with Corrosion Block a few times a season.

Great boat!

Captains Cat · Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 1:24 pm Post subject:

Me too with the splash. Concerned me for awhile but Matt is right, just avoid that speed. Hull speed or planing. I have permatrims on my Suzi 115's, probably the longer Armstrong bracket too.

Charlie

thataway · Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 10:06 pm Post subject:

Agree, that is why we put the Permatrims on--they actually increased the wash at lower speeds, but the boat planes at lower speeds too. The speed where you get that wash is the least effecient running speed (confirmed with fuel flow meters).

Don't be afraid to bring the boat up on a plane. We have a 12 mile bay we have to run up to our house. If it is blowing 35 plus, the seas will be over 2 feet--we just crank the boat up faster--the faster, the better the air cushion, and the boat will do fine.

Incidently when we were traveling with trawlers, we just said--we will run ahead and wait for you at XX spot. Trawler speed of 8 to 10 knots is not the best for the Tom Cat.

Wefings · Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2011 6:54 am Post subject:

Thats a big problem with the very corrosion prone Hondas . Keep the powerheads washed and sprayed with a corrosion protecting spray like Corrosion X or Boeshield T9. You might be able to raise the motors up a hole or two on the bracket as well .
Marc