I live next to Skyline marina, which has a self-operated sling for boats up to 8,000# as well as a bigger one for bigger boats. The Tom Cat web site says the boat weighs 6,000# less motors. When they used their big sling to launch a demo boat a few weeks ago, they weighed it at 8,100#. This was for a new boat with 2 Suzuki 150s but no electronics, gear, etc. Two 150s weigh 2 x 465#, according to their website. That only takes it to 7,000#.
As a result, the marina will not let me self-launch my Tom Cat. I'm now considering a slip since the cost to have it launched is high enough that 4 launches a month would be comparable to the cost of a slip.
Another issue is that the marina manager says that the gaps between the bunks in the new trailer design does not place the slings at the right places for proper weight distribution around the center of gravity.
I feel that the factory is doing potential buyers a real disservice by advertising inaccurate boat weights. I probably would have bought the boat anyway, but I don't appreciate surprises like this.
As a result, the marina will not let me self-launch my Tom Cat. I'm now considering a slip since the cost to have it launched is high enough that 4 launches a month would be comparable to the cost of a slip.
Another issue is that the marina manager says that the gaps between the bunks in the new trailer design does not place the slings at the right places for proper weight distribution around the center of gravity.
I feel that the factory is doing potential buyers a real disservice by advertising inaccurate boat weights. I probably would have bought the boat anyway, but I don't appreciate surprises like this.