Tomcat--how does it ride in the ocean?

cortezdiver · Joined: 18 Jul 2004 Posts: 1

Hi all,

I've been lurking and finally at the stage when I think we're ready to acquire.

Our goal has been a Tomcat and from the accomodation perspective, it looks great. The one thing I am still a little concerned about is how she rides in moderate to heavy swells. I come from Northern California and I envision using it in the ocean to go fishing, etc...

Thank in advance for any input.

Joe.

Molly Brown · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 5:26 am Post subject:

Hi Joe:
We've owned our TomCat for 2 years, have been to the Bahamas and the Dry Tortugas with no complaints. We used to own a 22' Cruiser as well and with both boats we've noticed that they ride and handle better in open water than in the harbor where the waves are short and steep. The TomCat is certainly a more comfortable boat but then it's 3 times the Cruiser in most respects(weight,size.expense). We are very happy with our boat and it's the "cat's meow" for divers. That back platform is really nice for getting in and out of the water and lends itself to other uses as well. All in all it's a superb vessel.

TWO-DAWGS · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 8:19 pm Post subject:

We have had a TomCat 24 now for over two years and have used it heavily and taken it all over the Puget Sound and into the ocean out of Westport and Neah Bay Salmon fishing. It takes ocean swells very easily and has no tendency whatsoever to broach with a following sea. It is very stable boat, but being wide and with two hulls, you do get a side to side effect when swells are passing amidships. I find it a very safe feeling boat out on the big water. If I have a complaint it is running slowing into oncoming chop. You feel like you hit the wave twice - first when the two bows hits the wave and second when the wave hits the underside of the boat. It takes getting used to, but it is no problem really. Once you get up to speed, the boat rises enough to have the wave pass under the underside of the boat and then it is like a knife through butter. If you purchase one, you will learn to get up a little speed before heading into the chop. If you troll, you will like the ease with which the boat tracks straight ahead with little correction. It really catches fish. I have zero complaints, but I do recommend you extensively test drive any boat to see if it is right for you. Tight lines, Steve AKA TWO-DAWGS.