Tomcat - Aspen Cat

crowleykirk · Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2020 12:54 am Post subject: Tomcat - Aspen Cat

Hello:-) Was able to sea trial an Aspen CAt 107, the outboard version. Holy smokes. Impressive, holy smokes, expensive. We’d be in the used market for a C90 maybe.

Curious if any of you Tomcat owners have been on the Aspen and what your thoughts are between the two.

I realize, totally different boats but still like to know your thoughts.
The wife loved it. Of course the boat we went on was used, one year old and just under $400K. Not gonna happen. But she was really excited about the ride of the CAT.

I went my Master Marine because they recently had a TomCat but it was sold and gone before we got there. Love to sea trial one but I’m finding that is near impossible to sea trial any C-Dory unless a current owner offers.

As I’ve mention we were in C-Sharp a couple time, a 22 and I personally liked it we are just looking for bigger, for lots of reasons. I’m heavily leaning 25 Dory but that sea trial really got me to thinking. Sell the house, hock the wedding rings, sell our organs, and the kids.... we can do this:-)

I don’t need to breakdown between the two boats, I’ve read this forum till I’m blue in the face,, good stuff. But I haven’t seen a comparison between the two.

Did I just open a can of warms? Sorry. Maybe just respond if you’ve actually been on both boats and I don’t want to waste anyone’s time.

Thanks
Kirk

hardee · Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2020 9:14 am Post subject:

IIRC, one of our C-BRATS (maybe Kevin) ran a TC=255 from over in the LaConner area, sold that and went to an Aspen. Doesn't check in here often, no contact info, but maybe someone has a handle on that.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

thataway · Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2020 9:36 am Post subject:

I have not been on Aspen Cat--but did run several of Larry Graff's designs in the past. The Aspen cat 29 is 10' beam, and going to probably close to 12,000 # on the trailer, if you go that way.

T.R. Bauer · Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2020 9:46 am Post subject:

Aspens to Tomcats? How about they are both boats? That is about like comparing a Maclaren to a Mustang GT.

cmetzenberg · Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2020 11:08 am Post subject:

there are a few in SB harbor. They look nice. Really a different animal than a tomcat; one can fit on a trailer barely, the other is in big rig territory.

crowleykirk

But was just curious. Thanks though:-)

westward · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2020 1:14 am Post subject:

I've done a lot of research and comparison between the two. Almost pulled the trigger on a Tomcat. But, we've decided to wait and save for the Aspen. It truly is another breed of cat (sorry). We will likely wait 1-2 more years with our existing boat, then get a C90 or perhaps C100 when we can pay cash.

The boats are not really very similar except they are both bi-hulled. The Aspen is actually a displacement proa, where the Tomcat is a planing catamaran. Suffice it to say, there are very valid reasons for the price difference.

The Aspen will involve a much bigger commitment to moorage, as it's not really what I'd call a "trailerable" boat, though they do fit on trailers.

Best of luck with your search!

South of Heaven · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2020 4:09 pm Post subject:

I agree with the others. Not a good comparison.

cmetzenberg · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2020 11:36 pm Post subject:

What is with the big engine small engine!? gross!

BillE · Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2020 12:54 am Post subject:

Big engine for the big hull, small engine for the small hull. it's a proa. Not gross, totally cool, read for yourself and check the performance chart.
https://aspenpowercatamarans.com/c107/

crowleykirk

We probably should not have sea trialed. it was amazing.

Trying to be the “admiral” back to Dory land where the normal people live.

Maybe I’ll win the lotto this year.. guess I better start playing.’

It was truly an amazing ride and boat. Set up perfect. You either like the looks or you don’t. I’m a bit mixed but once inside and on the water.... SOLD:-)

But I think a 23, 25 or 26 way more realistic.

rogerbum · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2020 1:03 pm Post subject:

westward · Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2020 12:36 am Post subject:

Just watched an Aspen factory tour video on YouTube. It was almost 40 min. long with extensive detail around hull construction and component selection/installation. No need to wonder why they're so expensive. Larry Graf is an engaged, passionate, and demanding boat builder. To say I'm impressed would be an understatement.

crowleykirk

Because you'll want to sell your organs to get an Aspen:-) Wait, is that a thing? I might look into that:-)

The Aspen is what my wife and I really want. But.... just not in the budget yet. If I could have any boat... under 500K... that would be it without question. In fact for us if we had an Aspen 107 I would never need another boat.

I've been on a ton of boats especially in my younger years as a diesel tech on large yachts and some small.

I've never in my life been on a boat like an Aspen.... dang.. I should work there, I'm that passionate about their boats.

For now, we are in the process of quoting on a new C-Dory Venture 23 for our first San Juan boat. If all works out. I really like the C-Brats and the community here. Looking forward to cruising with many of you in the future. I made some friends here already. So supportive of all my constant questions. Much appreciated.

For now the Aspen is just a dream and a goal.

South of Heaven