Cat Question

B~C · Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 9:54 am Post subject: Cat Question

A few questions for you T.C. drivers......
I read a lot about how well the TC handles chop, how does it do when the wind waves are stacked on top of a six foot swell?

How is it in a big following sea?

At slow speeds (off plane) is the handling responsive and predictable?

For some reason I'm thinking there will be a few used TC's on the market in the future.....it's got me thinking and a wondering if that may be a much safer craft for crossing the Columbia river bar..........maybe if the ocean would lay down for a spell, I'd have less time for such financially hazardous thoughts.

thanks

the B~C may be for sale

thataway · Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 8:02 pm Post subject:

I would also like to have opinions on B - C's questions. (I am more interested in the TC255, but the hulls are the same).

Also what tow vehicle are folks using on the TC 24? Is a 1/2 ton truck or Suburban enough vehicle--or does one have to go to a one ton?

Thanks!!

TyBoo · Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 8:39 pm Post subject:

FRED & DEB · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 1:04 am Post subject:

Hiya Guys:
It's difficult to explain in print how incredibly stable the Tom Cat's handle but I do predict if you ever take one out for a test ride you won't be content on a mono hull again. Cruising all day at 30-35 mph in a 2' chop, without getting pounded, is standard operating procedure for this boat and in larger seas she is just as stable, responsive and predictable. Crossing another boats wake usually goes unnoticed; again no pounding. I have experienced all types of seas and have yet to be disappointed with her performance; fast or slow.
My tow vehicle is a Chevy 1 ton dually with a duromax diesel. I've towed my Cat over 30,000 miles and believe that a truck like this is necessary to do the job properly. I'm sure a smaller tow vehicle is ok for short runs but if your go across country, climb the rockies or travel down to Mexico I would defenitely suggest the bigger ride.
I too an most eager to see the new 255 Cat although I don't know if it's larger platform will fit my lifestyle. The weight of my camper, boat and trailer is already pushing the maximum weight limits of my truck, so the additional weight of the new Tom Cat may create some unwanted towing problems. I guess time will tell but she sure looks terrific.
I hope this info is helpful and doesn't sound too much like an ad for TC24's.
Happy boating guys

FRED & DEB
Tom Cat[/b]

B~C · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 1:47 am Post subject:

thanks for the input it's most helpfull. I sure like my 22' but a TC might be a better fit for what I like doing, but, then, on the other hand, I'd sure miss the single hand loading and unloading ease and fuel economy of the 22....I think I'll keep an eye out for a deal on a TC and cross that bridge when/if I get there

thataway · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 3:35 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the response--I guess I am surprised by the TC 24 being at the limit of a one ton duelly. I would have guessed that a 3/4 ton for the TC 24 and then a one ton for the 255--so one might have to go to a Ford 450 Diesel for the power and towing capacity.

The other issue is launching on shallow ramps--as noted the C Dory 22 is easy to launch by one person....

Salty Dog · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 3:45 pm Post subject:

The one ton should be plenty ample to pull either the TC 24 or the TC 255. I pull my 22 Cruiser with a Ford F-350 Powerstroke Diesel (can't tell the boat is behind me because it's so light). The single rear wheel F-350 has a towing capacity of 12,500 pounds, and the dual rear wheel F-350 has a towing capacity of 15,000 pounds. Boat as tested by Jeff weighed 7,380 pounds, so that's well within the weight limits of the single wheel F-350. Would definately want the diesel engine, though, as it gets better fuel economy and torque for pulling compared to the gasoline engines.

I think Fred is saying his is near the limits because he has a truck camper in the bed of the truck (is that right Fred?). When you add payload to the truck, you decrease the towing capacity of the truck. Combined, they're probably putting the Chevy 3500 on the upper spectrum of what it's rated for. If you're just pulling the boat by itself, you would have no problems.

Jack

gljjr · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 3:56 pm Post subject:

Even a F250 Diesel has enough towing capacity to tow almost 10,000lbs. I am using my '93 F250 Diesel to tow my 27' that weighs in at about 7,000 lbs. It works just fine!

thataway · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 4:04 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the clarification of the truck camper--and weight limit--that would explain. I have a one ton Dodge, but it has the Road Trek camper conversion--even though it will tow the 22 fine, it probably will not have the power (and especially transmission) for the 255 Tom Cat.

Regards.

FRED & DEB · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 6:40 pm Post subject:

Jack:
Your exactly right about the camper being a significant factor when you combine all the weights. I have an Elkhorn 11X, with side entry, which weighs around 3200 lbs before stuff. In addition I had a steel utility body, made for the truck and to fit this camper, which gives me lots more storage plus an additional 35 gallons of fuel but at a cost of even more weight. As you imagine I'm definitely at the high end of weigh scale. I have no problem with this much weight and pulling the TC 24 but I avoid all scales as I'm over 21,000 lbs rolling. Yikes! Sorry I wasn't more clear about this earlier.

I do have photo's of my Tom Cat and rig but still haven't figured out how to post them to this site. As soon as I'm able I'll follow through with some.

One additonal comment is that I've loaded and launched my TC dozens of times by myself and haven't found this to be any big deal other than the first or second time.

Happy Boating

FRED & DEB
Tom Cat