Tomcat 255 capacity

cmetzenberg · Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2018 9:06 am Post subject: Tomcat 255 capacity

So an acquaintance is trying to get me to take him and 7 friends to one of our local islands where they can backpack for the weekend. So 8 people and probably ~240lbs of backpacks. I’m away from my boat right now to check the capacity plate. It sounds tight for sure but would it be legally overloaded is my question? Does anyone have capacity info on the tomcat 255?
Thanks,

Gene Morris · Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2018 11:08 am Post subject:

CM;

I’m not on my boat now. But, the legal capacity is 13 or 14 people. As long as everyone has a life jacket you should be ok.

Gene

Pacificcoast101 · Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2018 12:15 pm Post subject:

I took eight out whale watching once. It was crowded and everyone moving around made it difficult to see where I was going. If you're just making a quick run to Anacapa or Santa Cruz it shouldn't be a problem. Just tell them to sit down and shut up. Smile

thataway · Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2018 1:19 pm Post subject:

A recreational vessel over 20 feet LOA does not need a capacity plate. For example my C Dory25 does not have one.

The excepted "carrying capacity" of the Tom Cat is 1800 lbs, this came from a "Factory engineer" in the 2009 era.

Until a few years ago CG considered the "average passenger to be 150#. As of December 1, 2011, the Assumed Average Weight Per Person (AAWPP) of 185#. The 12 people capacity came from this weight limit of 1800 lbs back in the 150# AAWP.

You would be close with 9 people and any gear. (8 campers plus you).

A lot will depend on the weather. Your boat will have less tunnel clearance, and the ride may be wetter. If each of the passengers did weigh 185# and you had 240 worth of gear (plus all of your normal gear)--you would be over that capacity... However, the boat will not sink--may get some water in thru the scuppers, and be sure the bilge pumps are both working! I personally think that is pushing it at 1905#. Is the CG going to take action--very unlikely. If there were an accident, and a law suit ensued, then you might be in a compromised position.

To me the question is how will the cat handle with that weight? Two factors--one going into chop and swells, and the other is down swell/chop--you will have to be ready to shift weight if necessary. How fast will your acceleration be as well as boat reaction time--for example if a bow buries?

I would not do it--I have had 6 to 8, but they were small people including children, so I was probably under 1000#, including gear.

cmetzenberg · Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2018 6:23 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the info all. My wife just told me I'm busy on kid duty that day.... problem solved lol

Jack in Alaska · Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2018 2:45 am Post subject: load

I just went on a fishing trip with 6 men and came back with 200 lbs. of halibut.

My 26' C-Dory ProAngler handled it just fine.

Jack in Alaska

redbaronace · Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2018 3:33 pm Post subject:

We have been 50 miles offshore with 4 men and gear for halibut and ling cod. We also came back with 200 lbs of fish and had no issues at all.

You might want to get plugs for the scuppers if you plan to keep alot of weight at the stern. Water can come in through the drains, but once you get moving it clears pretty quick on its own.