Custom Sunbrella Cover for TomCat 255

M

Mike...

New member
Hello to all.

Does anyone here know where I can order a quality-made Sunbrella cover for the TomCat? I am looking for a place that has done them before, so they already have a pattern, and one that does high-quality work.

Any suggestions?

Thanks...
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mike
 
Hello Mike,

I have a 2007 Tomcat. I have a top that I ordered from King MArine Canvas in Seattle WA. He has the pattern and made them for C-Dory. He shipped mine up to ALaska and I really like it. It is heavy duty 1 inch SS tubing.

Fred
 
Alli Cat":25ydsm41 said:
He shipped mine up to ALaska and I really like it. It is heavy duty 1 inch SS tubing.
Click to expand...

Hi Fred.

Was that the Bimini top? If so, was it hard to install?

I am actually looking for a winter cover, but will need a Bimini top for next season.

I want the camper back too, but that's not gonna happen in this economy.
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mike
 
It is the full camper canvas top with sides. I had a local boat top company install, though he was not excited to install the work of another shop.
 
Ok, so I am finally getting around to ordering the cover today.

My inclination is to go with a blue cover to match the trim of the TomCat, but is the conventional wisdom to go with white instead -- to lessen the heat-load from sunlight?

I just don't think white will look as cool. :)

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mike
 
wannaboat":2b970edu said:
Ok, so I am finally getting around to ordering the cover today.

My inclination is to go with a blue cover to match the trim of the TomCat, but is the conventional wisdom to go with white instead -- to lessen the heat-load from sunlight?

I just don't think white will look as cool. :)

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mike
Click to expand...

and it probably won't be long before it's a nice shade of gray (or worse) depending on the material.....
 
wannaboat":1oictsgg said:
Sunbrella, and I was thinking their "Natural" if going white.
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I'm not sure if you are talking about a full/partial boat cover or just a bimini. I have a sloping cover over the cockpit, Sunbrella but not sure of the color - to the eye it is gray but it is made of alternating black and gray threads. At my end of the bay there is a fair amount of particulate air pollution at times. I think a white cover would soon turn gray when pollution settles out of the air which is sometimes does. It gets pretty hot under the cover on summer days, but I really wonder if a change to white would make much difference because although white reflects better, it is only a matter of time before the same amount of heat is absorbed.
 
This would be a full cover.

You are right about the white, it would be harder to keep clean. I guess I would be ok with that, if it significantly lowered the temperature under it. But, you raise good point: maybe it won't make much difference in the end.
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mike
 
I had an "oyster" color off white full dodger/enclosure on my Cal 46 and after 6 years use it still looked very good. Every year, the cover was hand washed. The off white is definately a cooler color in the sun/heat. I would buy this color for a cover again. I have a light tan on my Road Trek, and this is also an excellent color for a full boat cover.
 
wannaboat-

Get the off-white color to match your boat, that way your wife can always make that funny comment that she did about the boat when you first got it home, which is HERE. :lol:

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
Yeah - my wife has quite the sense of humor. She married me, after all. :)

Been talking to the folks at King Marine about the cover. They are looking for the pattern. Hopefully I can get it ordered tomorrow. Off white sounds good.

Thanks all for the suggestions.
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mike
 
Well, I got the bad news from King Marine today. They don't have a pattern for the TomCat 255.

Anyone know of a reputable canvas shop that has a pattern for the TomCat?
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mike
 
Grumpy.

I have what is, by all accounts, a top-notch canvas shop in Bellingham, WA to make me a custom cover for the TomCat. Sunbrella Plus Oyster, with Gortex Tenara clear thread.

They don't have a pattern, but are close to the factory and can do the fitting there.

In talking with the folks, they are obvioulsy very knowledgable and I was really excited about it all.

But then I had to gulp hard when the price turned out to be $8,500.

As I said, Grumpy.
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mike
 
I am not too surprised. I had some estimates of $4500 for just the Camper Canvas on a Tom Cat. A good cover will last a long time and is worth the cost.
 
thataway":1lpd185d said:
I am not too surprised. I had some estimates of $4500 for just the Camper Canvas on a Tom Cat. A good cover will last a long time and is worth the cost.
Click to expand...
In all fairness, they did say this was based on an estimate of approximately 80 hours labor (which includes the back and forth to C-Dory for fittings), and that if it turned out to be less labor, they would charge less.

And, that much Sunbrella Plus is not cheap.

I do want to add that they really seem reputable. I don't think they are gouging me. And, I am sure my specs added to the cost: Sunbrella Plus, Gortex Tenera, tow straps, zippered access door at the transom, covering the Outboards.

The question is can I really afford that in this troubled economy? :huh:
 
You might try getting an estimate from Angola Canvas in Indiana. 1-800- 970-6607. I don't know if they have a TomCat pattern, but they have patterns for the other models. Several Brats have bought from them and have posted satisfactory results re materials and price. My only relationship with them is as a satisfied customer.
 
dotnmarty":rw0s9ygv said:
You might try getting an estimate from Angola Canvas in Indiana.
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Thanks for the suggestion. I called, and they unfortunately don't have a pattern. Still on the hunt, though. :)
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mike
 
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