Another New TomCat

The only way I've read about installing a transducer on a cored hull is to drill through from inside all the way down to the outside layer of solid fiberglass (1/4" thick), then mount transducer using a thin layer of silicon or epoxy (no bubbles) for the interface. Should work, has anybody tried it?

I went the thru-hull method, works great all speeds except extremely rough water. Have no idea how that fast little microprocessor can detect fish (fish symbols ON) going 20 mph! And I know they're fish cause they're using hanging out on top and around some structure.
 
Roger,
I'm curious. What made you change from a Krogen to a C-Dory 255? The Krogen has to be so much more comfortable for cruising in and able to handle some pretty snotty conditions. Most people on this site seem to want to move to something larger (19 to 22, 22 to 25, 25 to C-Ranger) and youv'e gone the opposite way. I'd be interested hear your reasons for the change, if you wouldn't mind sharing them.
Ron
 
Ron... Interesting statement about folks moving up. I am not too sure if we polled all our owners...if their C-Dory is not smaller than some of their previous boats. We have a lot of "experienced" sailors who enjoyed sail boats....and like the simplicity of the C-Dory... and the ability to take care of us as we "get more experienced.."

But, either way...going up or down in sizes or owning more than one... they are great fun boats.
 
Ron, Downsizing was an economic thing for us. Getting real about the monthly outflow of Boat-Bucks. The Krogen 39 was a very seaworthy boat. However, it was a full displacement 8-9 kt maximum boat. The hull was fully round like a ship with no flat sections like a Selene or Grand Banks. This equates to great mileage and range. Ours would theoretically go from Seattle to Hilo and return unrefueled! But at 6 kts. The round bottom would not help cancel out any rolling motion. The cure was another $25,000-$30,000 for active stabilizers.

We were boatless for a year but with our house overlooking the Straits of Juan deFuca, we were doomed, or destined, to get boat fever this Spring. We look forward to trailering to the beautiful lakes of Idaho and to the Columbia river. The West Coast of Vancouver Island seems doable in a new way with the trailer.

Boating is always a great adventure no matter what size or shape boat you have.
 
Roger,
Thanks for sharing. It reminds me that every boat is a compromise. With the 255 the distance you can cover in an afternoon would take a couple of days in the Krogen. Even if the Krogen is a larger more comfortable floating get away, its probably much easy to use a smaller faster boat like the Tom Cat.
Ron
 
We have moved up and down in size--mostly down in the last few years.
I agree with the mobility--draft, ability to trailer etc were all influences.

Our adventures include over 200,000 open ocean miles, nearly 8 years full time cruising and 13 years liveaboard. Boats have ranged up to 62 feet in length. We have crossed most of the major oceans--often more than once.

Recent boats were a 46 foot motor sailor--a 42 foot Trawler, a 32 foot trawler and recently a 28 foot express cruiser (as well as the C Dory22).

The "comfort" is relitative. With the shoal draft, you can often anchor in places you would not consider in a larger vessel. Also as we age, the maintance of even a 40 foot boat is too much for us. The real advantage is to see some of the lakes, inland waters, as well as being able to scoot across to the Bahamas, to the Keys etc, in a rapid fashion when we have a good weather window--and then get places that others cannot.

Frankly, I enjoy small boats as much as large ones.
 
We had a great crossing of the Straits of Juan de Fuca this AM. 6" chop at the most! Most of the crossing was at 22.5 kts, around 4000 rpm. Honda digital showed about 4.0 mpg. No spray on engines at that speed(see album). For those of you familiar with the run, 1hr 15 min from Cattle Pass to Sequim Bay. Lots learned on our 8 day shakedown cruise. Lots of people to call and ask questions.

Good to be home but, Wow, how the weeds have grown!
 
Fantastic Roger!! Glad you are loving your boat and getting some wonderful travel time in her. Keep the post coming...and the data too. It is all good stuff to read about.

Byrdman
 
After giving out those mileage figures, I have to tell you the rest of the story. I was proud of the factory guys who dug through those Honda wiring harnesses and found the two wires that have to be connected to make the digital speedo display fuel consumption. However, after a lunch break, someone forgot to program the speedo to know it was reporting for 2 engines. Also in the programming is the function to select Port, Starboard or both engines. After switching to Both I got the sobering news. 1.7 mpg at cruising speed, 9.4 gph. Ouch! At todays prices, approx $32/hr to enjoy the pristine waters of the PNW.

I guess if you want to play, you have to pay, as the saying goes. Any TomCat's tried permatrims yet?
 
I've installed permatrims. I'm not sure of the MPG or speed change but I would say the boat feels more substantial with much improved plaining.
Phil
 
OOPS--Ive been going around saying that one of the C Brats is getting almost 4 miles a gallon in smooth water--it did seem a bit high based on what I have seen in the past with other boats--on the other hand, the 1.7 seems a bit low for the conditions. I have my flow meters--but until my eye heals and I get the steering fixed I will have to speculate. I may stay with my 18 foot center console (non C Dory) around the bay which I know gets 5 to 6 miles a gallon....
 
I've installed them on ours. I haven't had a chance to do alot with them yet, but I can adjust the side to side attitude(trim) of the boat with alot less motor trim. The bow can be brought down when the water gets abit rough to help smooth out the ride. I'm not sure about the 255, but the 24 has a bow up attitude thats fine in flater conditions, but tends to pound easier as the water gets rougher. The hole shot seemed to be improved, but that could just be the kid in me. :) It seemed alittle sluggish to me before, but I thought it may have gotten up to speed quicker with the Permatrims.
 
We've had the Permatrims installed as well as Floscan fuel meters for about 3 years now. Our stats are so consistent wethter trolling or cruising itls amazing. We have used this data for all our trips and are satisfied that we've got down pat.
For the 3 blade 16" pitch stainless = 1.85 NMPG
For the 4 blade 14'' pitch stainless = 1.68 NMPG
As far as speed, the main issue for us was consistent power in tidal and open water conditions so we run the 4 blade mostly. It's a consistent 22 Kts at 75-80% power. The 3 blade will run us faster but speed will vary somewhat under load.
For those building barns for this boat, we just completed a 40X24' structure that I'll post in our album soon.
Had a chance meeting with the new SKYE'S DESTINY out by Boca Grande pass and will post those as well. Duty's legacy continues....thru Pat....to Michael and Bonnie.
Best to all.
 
Curiosity, Roger. What is the overall length of that Tomcat with the engines up? IOW, how much room does it take in a slip?

Don
 
Dreamer":3vib28ij said:
Don, Engines down, the length is 32'. I would estimate raising the engines adds close to 2' to that.
Click to expand...

Is that on the trailer? How long is the tongue? Inquiring minds want to know.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
The factory gives a measurement of 25" 6". I have double checked this for CG documentation. (which is what they put on origional builders certificat.) For CG length--the Armstrong brackets are also included because they do provide bouyancy--so the boat is 27'6". However for insurance purposes the anchor pulpit counts--this brings the boat close to 28' 6". The anchor (I have a 25 lb delta) over another foot. The engines are at least another 2 feet.

Also CG does not treat the Tom Cat as a Catmarran--but as a conventional hull, because the bridge deck does provide bouyancy at rest- On my boat with full tanks, the water line is 2" above the top of the tunnel and the waterline starts about 10' from the stern inside of the tunnel. Using these measurements: 27'6", 8'6" beam and 43" hull depth (not draft)--the boat admeasures to 7 tons (this is not a weight,but more of a volume or cargo content.
 
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