C-Brats history question

B

BillE

New member
It was easy to figure out the Marinaut connection to C-Dory, but I was curious as to what the connection was to Ranger Tugs?
Also, does anyone know who designed the original Tomcat? Was this a Toland design?
 
BillE":2yi3swmh said:
It was easy to figure out the Marinaut connection to C-Dory, but I was curious as to what the connection was to Ranger Tugs?
Also, does anyone know who designed the original Tomcat? Was this a Toland design?
Click to expand...

The Ranger Tugs evolved out of what started out as a joint venture between C-Dory and Ranger because of the friendship between Jeff Mesmer, who was then at C-Dory, and John Livingston from Ranger. It was then (2006) called a C-Ranger. A number of us had money down on what was just a bare hull, some drawings and nice brochures at the Seattle Boat Show. Not sure where things went south but Jeff ended up at Ranger Tugs, along with another C-Dory guy, Andrew Custis, and as we all know, Ranger Tugs has succeeded wildly while C-Dory struggled and barely survived. I am a fan of the current C-Dory company, NMI, but they do not have the marketing know-how and customer support that has driven Ranger to the top. They see themselves just as manufacturers, which of course is their right!

Don't know who desiged the Tomcats (TC 24 and then TC 255).
 
Thanks, Pat. I had seen the C-Ranger designation and wondered if there was or had been any common ownership. As I research these boats I find their history to be of some interest too, as there does seem to have been some drama along the way. None of that really matters to my boat selection of course but I do appreciate the info.
Bill
 
I believe that the Tom Cats were a Toland design. The first were the 30 foot hulls designed for 6 pack charter fishing in AK in the 1990's--although there is one hull in Port Angeles.

ch124b.jpg

ch124a.jpg

These later became the Black Feather Marine/Chilkat 30 which were made in the 6 pack walk around fishing boat, pilot house version, and at least 30 foot "cruiser". I believe the molds are still around Juneau, AK. They have been for sale at various times. I would love to own the 30 foot cruiser
 
I love the walkaround decks on the boat in your link, Bob. THAT would feel safe, and no doubt very stable. I guess that the financials just did not justify a C-Dory Tomcat 30.
 
The original 24' Tomcat was designed during Mark Toland's ownership. The raked windshield and lack of roof overhangs on the cabin became a notable point of discussion. When Scot Reynolds took over C-Dory from Mark Toland, the Tomcat was redesigned with the traditional house and the exterior stripes that are part of the C-Dory DNA. The 255 also has outboard brackets where the original Tomcat had an outboard well.
 
Back
Top