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Found out something interesting about my TomCat yesterday
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tparrent



Joined: 24 Dec 2009
Posts: 285
City/Region: Apex
State or Province: NC
C-Dory Year: 2017
C-Dory Model: 255 Tomcat
Vessel Name: Tomfoolery
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PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2021 9:17 am    Post subject: Found out something interesting about my TomCat yesterday Reply with quote

It actually works as a boat! Yup, you can take it out of the slip and cruise around. That was a new experience for me after so many trips to set it up, repair my repairs and figure out how everything works. I even sat at anchor awhile and just enjoyed the day.

Of course that doesn't mean that new questions didn't arise...

1. Swim ladder. After botching the first swim ladder purchase (it doesn't swing down), I decided to take a look at the bracket and figure out how difficult it would be for a klutz like me to actually unbolt it and replace it with whatever I buy next. Imagine my surprise when I opened the transom hatch and found a folding swim ladder in there! Problem solved. However, the compartment under the hatch was also full of water. That puzzled me. Before bailing it out, I wondered if it might empty once I got underway. Sure enough, it did - mostly. How does the water get in there and how does it get out?

2. Speaking of water, one of the fish boxes was full of water too. It was a bit pink so it must have come up the drain which I had winterized. Is this normal? Is there some way to plug the drain so I have dry storage areas? I don't plan to fish and, even if I did, I wouldn't end up catching anything so I have no need for water in the fish boxes.

3. I left the engines down, per instructions from the brain trust here, back when freezing was a possibility. When I pulled them up four weeks later they were all gunk covered. So I was brushing the slime of them and then turned them so I could get to the other side. Had to kind of muscle the wheel to get them to turn. TOTALLY UNRELATED, I later noticed that the engines were not aligned with each other. Hmmm. How difficult is it to realign them? I assume there is some way to release the hydraulic ram and wrestle an engine back to center. Don't you make the mistake of assuming I know what I'm talking about. I'm having the boat hauled out in a few weeks for transport to Vermont for the summer. At that time, I'm going to have some minor upgrades done (rebedding cleats, etc) so the pros could realign the engines unless it is super easy for me to do. Didn't seem to affect performance as I still hit 40+ MPH at one point (and, no, I wasn't just going in a big circle)

4. Still can't get the starboard sliding window to slide. Tried washing out the track and wiggling the window as much as possible (which wasn't much). Well and firmly stuck. I was going to go after the track with a toothbrush but the open sea and sunny skies beckoned. Not sure cleaning the track is going to help much either as I can't move the window at all. The latch is free so it's not that . Just solidly stuck.

Three months into the ownership experience, there is only one thing I would change about the boat. I'd have the architects figure out how to make a single windshield instead of three pieces. Those supports hamper visibility a bit.

Getting ready for a multi-day trip around Cape Lookout, the Pamlico and the Albermarle in a couple weeks. The the haulout and trip north. I've actually thought about just taking it north myself but don't know how long that would take. I figure maybe a week to New York making some serious miles each day. I could leave it there for a bit and then take a more leisurely week to get it up to Burlington in mid May when the canals open. Having someone trailer it is certainly easier but where's the adventure in that?

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Tom Parrent
2017 TomCat "Tomfoolery"
New Bern NC
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Pacificcoast101



Joined: 29 Sep 2007
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City/Region: Torrance
State or Province: CA
C-Dory Year: 2008
C-Dory Model: 255 Tomcat
Vessel Name: No Pressure
Photos: No Pressure
PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2021 12:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I get water in my fish lockers when it rains or when I wash down the deck. After I finish, I pump them out before turning off the house battery.

On my Tomcat, there is a toggle switch above the battery switch in the rear starboard hatch. I have to reach up to find it. It closes the hydraulic line to the starboard motor. I close it, manually adjust the starboard motor until it aligns with the port, then open the switch again. I didn't know about the switch until I had to replace one of the rams.

When you have the motors up, it's harder to turn the wheel. Next time, clean one side of the motors, lower them, turn the wheel, and then raise them.

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Phil Garner
2008 Tomcat 255
No Pressure



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T.R. Bauer



Joined: 17 Nov 2007
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PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2021 5:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well you inspired me to look in all compartments today too. No swim step for me. But, I did find my flares have expired.....again.....I think I will just write in a new date with a sharpie on my brand new not even out of the package, no question in my will work perfectly under 10 feet of water, inside of a cyclone, next to a black hole in outer space, flares that for some reason have an expiration date shorter than the 2 dozen eggs in my fridge! Stupid flares!
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Pacificcoast101



Joined: 29 Sep 2007
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State or Province: CA
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Photos: No Pressure
PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2021 6:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I stuck my phone inside the battery compartment to get a photo of the hydraulic switch. It's the first time I've actually seen it. Smile
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tparrent



Joined: 24 Dec 2009
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City/Region: Apex
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C-Dory Year: 2017
C-Dory Model: 255 Tomcat
Vessel Name: Tomfoolery
Photos: tparrent (TBD)
PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2021 9:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I never would have even thought to look. Thanks!
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Pacificcoast101



Joined: 29 Sep 2007
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City/Region: Torrance
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C-Dory Model: 255 Tomcat
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Photos: No Pressure
PostPosted: Sun Mar 14, 2021 10:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

My former mechanic tried to straighten the motors out after replacing the ram. He had to call the manufacturer who told him about that valve. I had the boat for over nine years by then.
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BTDT



Joined: 07 Jan 2011
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PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2021 10:23 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

To align the outboards I turn them to one side then tilt them way up and turn the control valve for a second or two. Whichever motor is out of alignment will fall to the same angle as the other and you need only close the valve.

My control valve is above the starboard rear battery.

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tparrent



Joined: 24 Dec 2009
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City/Region: Apex
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C-Dory Year: 2017
C-Dory Model: 255 Tomcat
Vessel Name: Tomfoolery
Photos: tparrent (TBD)
PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2021 12:15 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sounds like an elegantly simple solution. Can't do it. Too little opportunity for mechanical mayhem and misadventure.
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starcrafttom



Joined: 07 Nov 2003
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PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2021 1:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
Well you inspired me to look in all compartments today too. No swim step for me. But, I did find my flares have expired.....again.....I think I will just write in a new date with a sharpie on my brand new not even out of the package, no question in my will work perfectly under 10 feet of water, inside of a cyclone, next to a black hole in outer space, flares that for some reason have an expiration date shorter than the 2 dozen eggs in my fridge! Stupid flares!



I had a bunch of old flares so I decided to try them out. some where 5 years old or more One was 10. all of them worked just fine. dont toss them but do get new ones for inspections.

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Robert H. Wilkinson



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PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2021 4:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

starcrafttom wrote:
Quote:
Well you inspired me to look in all compartments today too. No swim step for me. But, I did find my flares have expired.....again.....I think I will just write in a new date with a sharpie on my brand new not even out of the package, no question in my will work perfectly under 10 feet of water, inside of a cyclone, next to a black hole in outer space, flares that for some reason have an expiration date shorter than the 2 dozen eggs in my fridge! Stupid flares!



I had a bunch of old flares so I decided to try them out. some where 5 years old or more One was 10. all of them worked just fine. dont toss them but do get new ones for inspections.


If I understand the C/G regs correctly you only need the required # of current flares stored with gun and close to hand. Expired flares can be kept and used but must be clearly marked/labelled as expired. I use a sharpie to write Xpired on each one and store in a separate zip lock bag.

Rob

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starcrafttom



Joined: 07 Nov 2003
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PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2021 4:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yep I keep the old ones is a bag and stored. but if I need them they are there.

As a side note I keep small pop up flares in my vest also. That way as I move to boat to boat or to kayak I always have one on me. Carry them when duck hunting too. Might cold in the winter in that water.
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gulfcoast john



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PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2021 6:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Tom,
Re your issues,

Your dive ladder mount looks like a Pactrade


Here’s one on Ebay, though this link may go away…

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Standard-Transom-Mounting-Bracket-Quick-Release-Mount-for-Dive-Ladder-Boat/133278698823?_trkparms=aid%3D1110018%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.COMPLISTINGS%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D231514%26meid%3D571d058149df49e0b3e8d775786b0d52%26pid%3D101196%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dpf%26sd%3D193896666388%26itm%3D133278698823%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DItemStripV101HighAdFee&_trksid=p2047675.c101196.m2219

And a 3 step telescoping ladder for it…

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Boat-Stainless-Steel-3-Step-Ladder-Heavy-Duty-Dive-Telescoping-Tube-With-Bracket/143888169470?_trkparms=aid%3D1110012%26algo%3DSPLICE.SOIPOST%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D231514%26meid%3D5112dc573352421d834df723d5d31873%26pid%3D101196%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dpf%26sd%3D133278698823%26itm%3D143888169470%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DPromotedSellersOtherItemsV2WithMLRv3&_trksid=p2047675.c101196.m2219

I hope you can store it in the mount ‘upside down’ ie upright when underway so a man overboard can self board from the water by reversing the ladder to the down position.

It’s always my starboard sponson that collects the most water. All the freshwater plumbing (except the tank) is starboard under the sponson access plate under the galley sink. All the water line connections seem to be incompatible jury-rigged affairs. My last freshwater pump leak was almost 3 weeks ago. All water from all sources (railing mounts, rub rails, etc) ends up in the sponson bilges. Because of the slight ‘V’ at the aft bottom of the sponson, the factory can not drill a hole at the very bottom for the drain plug, so that allows about ¾” of water to collect. Also, float switches don’t cycle until water is over 1 to 1.5 inches deep. That’s a lot of water spread out over 20 feet long by 6 inches wide by 1.5 inches deep. When you got up on plane, that shallow lake sluiced aft, cycling the bilge pump (though you wouldn’t see that).

Should you decide to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on engine alignment, they are at the top of page 11…

http://www.boatsteer.com/assets/LiquidTieBar.pdf

The valve is ‘off’ pointing down, either 3 o’clock or 9 o’clock opens the valve.

I’ll also try BTDT’s method, except the engines are backed up to a fence right now.

Even when the engines look mis-aligned, it has not affected performance. Every 3 years or so I get the dealer to change out the hydraulic oil. This is much easier with a shop bleeder pump and more tech knowledge than I have.

Rain water prefers to travel into the fish boxes rather than through the aft scuppers (which have a rubber flapper valve). The fish boxes are plumbed to Jabsco macerator pumps, then up 18 inches to the overboard through hull outlets. That’s why the fish boxes fill with rain water; it can’t get past the Jabsco impeller when it’s OFF (and you do not want to be watching it 24/7 to see when it needs to be emptied).

If you dunk your head down the transom access hatch you’ll see where the fish box plumbing exits the fish box and enters your macerator pump. Remove the fish box hose from the pump ( this will most likely require a new utility knife blade and heat or a hair dryer). Drop that hose end into the bilge, and the fish box will always drain into the bilge, to be automatically emptied by the auto bilge pumps. This mod can be easily reversed by you or a future buyer. Rain and wash water will still enter the fishboxes, but you won’t have standing water in there any more. Don’t store your laptop there.

Remove the Jabsco macerator fish box pumps and save them for your next buyer, you won’t need them.

4. From the dock, pour some HOT water down over the lower window guide from your thermos container. Try using a small pry bar to pull the AFT section of the recalcitrant window BACK from the outside on your finger pier.

Yes, the wide front window mullions impede your field of view and you must move your head around when piloting.

Your trip north involves some big water areas where you could be weathered out for days. Seems a shame to ‘rush’ through the Chesapeake, we spent 6 weeks on just the northern portions. You might consider having the boat hauled to a marina on the Hudson with a ramp and put in there to wait for you. (Not all boat haulers would do that for you, but many are also experienced boaters). That would decrease your bad/rough weather risks. We’ve used Neighbor.com to find cheap private trailer + rig storage options.

May 21 is the latest projected NY Canals opening date. You’d have the Troy ‘federal’ plus 11 Champlain canal locks to get to the lake. An extra cleat in the forward cockpit is very helpful to secure your bow and aft lines after you pass them behind the floating bollards, cables or ropes, especially if you are solo. You’re not cleating off your lines, just getting mechanical advantage. Throw a single half hitch while you go start the engines. An 8” Schafer (two bolt) SS cleat backed by fender washers and mounted as in pic allows the fish box lids to stay up and seldom snags clothing. If you’re solo, you’ll really benefit from them; in fact I can’t imagine how else you’d secure your lines when you need to get to the helm to cut/start engines. If not solo, have two boat hooks. Keep a Handheld VHF when aft with you so you have comm with the lockmaster.



We want to do the Norfolk/dismal swamp loop, have you and would 4-5 days be enough? (no wake entire Dismal Swamp canal).

It’s going to be a great Adventure, no matter how you do it!

PS did you ever get that anchor light to work?

Cheers!

John

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2010 Tom Cat 255, Cat O' Mine
Yamaha F150, LXF150
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tparrent



Joined: 24 Dec 2009
Posts: 285
City/Region: Apex
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C-Dory Year: 2017
C-Dory Model: 255 Tomcat
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2021 6:35 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've been off working hard for the past few weeks so just now finally got back ti important things like reading C Brats. Thanks for all the info.

I decided a couple weeks ago that having the boat hauled all the way to Vermont would bypass way too much scenery and adventure so I plan to have it launched in Jersey City and take it the rest of the way myself. Should be a nice trip up the Hudson and the canal.

I thought long and hard about how to singlehand through the locks before realizing I had an unused piece of equipment that should help - a 14 year old son! At first he wasn't thrilled with the idea but I convinced him with onboard wifi and two days of skipping school.

I like the idea of rerouting the fish box drain hoses. I'm not going to fish (and if I was, I likely wouldn't catch anything anyways) and could use the extra semi-dry storage space for docklines and boating bits. I have a full enclosure so I doubt much rainwater will get in.

I really need to get those windows open. Hot water seems like a good first try.

I have not cruised the Dismal Swamp yet. However, I am headed to the boat tomorrow for five days of local cruising. Not sure where I will go but the weather looks perfect for the week so I may be able to complete most of the Albemarle Loop. The current plan is to have no plan.
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BTDT



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PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2021 9:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Reference opening your windows. I'm sure you already know this but on my Tomcat I have to push my sliding window forward before depressing the latch and than pulling the window back Rolling Eyes
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tsturm



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PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2021 11:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

T.R. Bauer wrote:
Well you inspired me to look in all compartments today too. No swim step for me. But, I did find my flares have expired.....again.....I think I will just write in a new date with a sharpie on my brand new not even out of the package, no question in my will work perfectly under 10 feet of water, inside of a cyclone, next to a black hole in outer space, flares that for some reason have an expiration date shorter than the 2 dozen eggs in my fridge! Stupid flares!


If your in Homer this spring / summer & get boarded by the coasties they will hand check your flayers to make sure you have 3 that aren't expired. Wink Thumbs Up
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