Wood in Tomcat 255?

[caracal]

Hey guys! Is there wood in the structure of a 2006 Tomcat 255? If so, where? Also, if there were any changes from wood to wood-free by model year, I would be very interested to know.

Thanks!

[thataway]

Good to see another Caracal Cat owner (and with a 140 also!). The earlier 255 Tom Cats, had all wood in the interior. Also balsa core in the hulls, although the foam was n the transom fairy early.

I am not certain what year the molded interiors came along--they were present probably in the 2009 era, certainly by 2011. I cannot comment as to when the Balsa was completely eliminated from the core of the hull. Boat construction occurred periodically, but not by "model year"--ie some 2005 would have 2006 changes, and some would be more like a 2004.

If the core is kept dry (no screw penetrations), there are some good reasons to use balsa over foam. Even with foam, the core should be sealed off. If moisture gets into a foam core, and there is freeze, expansion and contraction, then delimitation can occur.

Take a ride in a Tom Cat, if you haven't already. Great cruising boats, but they are going to be a little different than even your Caracal. Bridge or wing deck is a bit lower to the water. I consider both the Caracal and Tom Cat to be planing cats.

I had a chance to look at a brand new Tom Cat at Hontoon, provided by 3 Rivers Marine. Nice boats, and some features which are improved over the earlier 255 model I owned.

All in all the Tom Cat 255 has proven to be a trouble free boat.

[caracal]

Yeah! I love my Caracal. It is my perfect do anything boat.

I appreciate the info. If you stumble upon when the transom went wood free, I would be interested to know. It is surprisingly hard to find that info.

Thanks!

[thataway]

If you are only interested in wood in the transom; you should be safe with any of the 2006 boats. Discovery was started in July 2005, and is # 10 in the series. I believe she has foam transom core.

[journey on]

The Tomcats have an Armstrong bracket, which supports the motors, so I don't know how the loads actually go into the transom. So, I'm not sure what a foam transom insert does: stronger or more waterproof or what?

Since Journey On (a 2005 C-Dory 25) has a foam transom insert and Bob said Discovery, a 2005 Tomcat #10, has a foam insert, I would assume that all Tomcats have a foam insert. And, by the way all 25' C-Dorys built after 2005.

Boris

[gulfcoast john]

My engine bracket is by Poderbuilt, not Armstrong, but looks the same.

I can't count how many holes I've drilled through my boat (Triton hull #0001, now that was optimistic thinking!).
None through the transom, but I've never drilled into anything other than foam, and the occasional fuel hose (just kidding!).

Besides, even with a soaked balsa core transom, anything can be fixed with enough time and enough money.
Our common issues always boil down to we don't have enough of either one or the other (or both).
Happy Hunting! The TC255 is a great niche boat! If you can find one for sale, fly or drive the 3,000 miles and arrange to meet your surveyor before someone else does. Good Luck!
John

[thataway]

The outboard bracket was multiple bolts thru the transom. I looked at the bolt pattern at Hontoon in a 2018 Tom Cat 255. There were large finish washers under the bolt shade. Ideally there would be plates mimicking the footprint of the bracket. Ideally there would solid glass or epoxy plugs in the way of the bolt holes.

[caracal]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the information. Somehow it didn't click that most anything mounted would be on the bracket and not the transom. I hope to get into one of these in the near future. It seems like the perfect adventure boat!