First Post, Looking to buy a 255TC

B

Beflyguy

New member
Hi,

My wife and I were at a Seattle boat show and discovered our perfect boat, a 255 Tom Cat. We are planning to buy a new boat and outfit with the following.
Two 175 Suzukis. These are apparently the same weight as the 150's and seem to get just as good mileage.
Composting head. Airhead or First mate.
Broadband radar. Would like to use with PC based chartplotter.
Propex cabin heat and propane stovetop.
Substantial house battery system possibly with lithium cells.
Thinking about larger port windows in the forward berth.
Trailer (will be kept trailered when not in use)

I would love to hear comments on the above list or other must have items.
 
I would give certainly give Matt at Kitsap Marine a call or at the least a PM, as I am sure he will have some input on some of these options as they are certainly not the norm. Several very informed TC255 owners who will pipe in. I have twin Suzuki's on my 22 and love the motors, the new ones are even lighter, and Matt deals with the Suzuki motors. That is a lot of propane appliances on the boat and condensation will be an issue for you.
 
Welcome to the Site. I don't have a 225tc but i have been known to ask for , ok beg, a ride every once in while.

there is a lot of opinions about which motors are best. which heaters etc etc... and if you search the site you will find enough info to truly confuse you. In the end its up to you. I see nothing work with your engine choice and your heating ,cooking choice is just what I would get.

Now i like purpose built chart plotter but many here have the pc based unit and love them. I like the reviews of the broadband radar is getting in the short range, under 6 miles. but there are concerns with its long range performance. I have not tried one so cant say. will say that in this area I hardly use the radar past 6 miles and really think that short rand performance is more important.

welcome to the site and hope to see you on the water.
 
Quick note-

The broadband radar only works with Navico built control heads at this point- Lowrance and Simrad.

Propane cabin heat and cooking is interesting, but I'm not sure where the propane bottle would go, and it takes more space for LPG tanks than diesel, and not nearly the BTU's.
 
I just looked at the heating system above and it exhust the combution air out of the boat. only clean outside air is heated and vented into the boat. This will not induce mositure from the propane into the cab.


I only want propane , or some sort of flame, for cooking. i just hate cooking on a heat plate. you know if I beat that horse one more time it might be tender enough to cook on a propane grill. :cry
 
Sue and I have a two burner Dickinson propane stovetop and I want to tell you it is just super.....no condensation noted at all....it is every bit as nice or nicer than the one in our house.... We liked the stove so well that we are installing a Dickinson Fireplace/heater...it's a neat unit and will be nice to watch at night.....

We converted our lazarette into a propane locker...it is sealed and vented outside the boat... I carry 2.5 gallons of propane...in a see thru composite propane tank....

Joel
SEA3PO
 
Hi Brian,

I would add an option not on your list: a cockpit helm. It is very handy when boating solo, and even with crew on board I use it routinely for docking, quick access to steering when on autopilot (another option you'll want), and various other occasions you'll discover if you have it.

As to installing larger port holes, I'm not sure I would do that. I don't have a tomcat, but on my CD25 the area where the portholes are located is curved not flat. This complicates the installation and might get you into trouble if the tomcat is the same and you try to enlarge yours. It's great having port holes to begin with (they're not a factory option on the CD25), and the bigger the better I suppose, but you might consider living with the tomcat for a while as it is in that respect because you might find them adequate in the original size.
 
Propane for cooking makes a lot of sense. As others have noted, it's a lot better than the Wallas, which is like cooking on a slow-to-react electric stove. But for heating I think diesel makes more sense, since it's easier to find diesel at a fuel dock and it's very efficient.

As for electronics...I like making routes and planning on a computer, but for navigating on the boat I prefer a MFD. I find the controls are easier, the display is better, and it is more reliable. Additionally, the broadband radar units don't seem to perform as well as some hoped. If I were you I'd probably opt for a Furuno NN3D system with their hi def radar and one of the new Standard Horizon VHF's with built in AIS receiver.
 
While we are making a shopping list for you.... I would really love to have a tilt steering helm.... if I ever bought a new boat...that is one of the real neat things I would install..... it makes the helm so much more comfortable... C-Dory does not list them as an option...but I bet they could substitute the non tilt for a tilt unit...a few more $$$ but well worth it.

I think I also would start asking dealers about what they have on stock...it is nice to be able to "have" a boat rather than "wait" for a boat to be built.... Maybe better deals too..

Joel
SEA3PO
 
As to installing larger port holes, I'm not sure I would do that. I don't have a tomcat, but on my CD25 the area where the portholes are located is curved not flat. This complicates the installation and might get you into trouble if the tomcat is the same and you try to enlarge yours.
Click to expand...

The curvature is something to be aware of. I studied it closely before I selected a pair(PW30) for Adeline (not yet installed).
Remember, the curvature is on the horizontal plane so the issue is width. If in doubt, make a rigid template and offer it up to see if it will lay flat (enough).

These are Vetus.

Vetus_PM_Aluminum_Portholes.jpg

Vetus_PW_Aluminum_Portholes.jpg
 
Thanks for the ideas.

Yes, the Propex heater is vented to the outside and so is very nice dry heat.

A cockpit helm. I thought I didn't really need one and thought to save the complication and expense but I will look at the cost and consider it.

The portholes I just thought look a little smallish on the 255 and we are always looking for more light being from the Northwest.

SEA3PO,
I think I saw your propane locker mod...looks nice.
Tilt steering sounds nice, wonder how much it costs.

I'm thinking a lot about keeping weight down since it seems the TC is somewhat sensitive to that and there is always extra gear and food to bring. We will be spending some time going north into Canada.

I have been looking at boats in dealers inventory but I am thinking I only want to buy what I really want. I am famous for never leaving anything alone also, although I do always try to make any modifications look like they came from the factory that way. I also like to try to make things better by making them simpler.... you know, fewer parts and less to go wrong.

Has anyone used any NUteak or PlasTeak on their C-Dory?



[/img]
 
SEA3PO":lwjyirtt said:
While we are making a shopping list for you.... I would really love to have a tilt steering helm.... if I ever bought a new boat...that is one of the real neat things I would install..... it makes the helm so much more comfortable... C-Dory does not list them as an option...but I bet they could substitute the non tilt for a tilt unit...a few more $$$ but well worth it.

I think I also would start asking dealers about what they have on stock...it is nice to be able to "have" a boat rather than "wait" for a boat to be built.... Maybe better deals too..

Joel
SEA3PO
Click to expand...
I just bought a 2008 Tomcat with tilt steering wheel.
 
SEA3PO":10b6pxqq said:
While we are making a shopping list for you.... I would really love to have a tilt steering helm....
Click to expand...

Ha ha ha!

Actually, the Tomcat comes with tilt steering (I should say my model year came with it).

I also prefer a fixed mount MFD for electronics. I regularly bring a laptop when we cruise (i.e. marina wifi) but for the business of navigating in a sea I sure like a sold mounted fixed MFD right at the helm. I have been in chop that made all the window screens bounce out and opened several storage doors and would not like the idea of a flip open screen laptop as my nav unit. I have not looked into laptop options in detail - perhaps part of my hesitation is a lack of first hand experience with them - can they be hard wired to a DC panel for example?

You will also want curtains for privacy when at a marina and other circumstances (i.e. temp control/security).

Good luck with your search! She will be a speed demon with the 175's!
 
Hello - I am currently in the process of having electronics installed on a new 2009 TC. This boat has the Wallas heater which I think is ok for heat but not much good for cooking. I had the same heater on an Eaglecraft and I used a small butane cooktop to cook.

I prefer MFD and am installing the Furuno NN3D, with an Airmar 260 transducer, 500OB autopilot and 4kw UHD radar dome. I selected an Icom 604 VHF radio.

I don't think I would enlarge the ports. Personally in Alaska we are trying to get darker in the long daylight.

I had a 22" radar arch built to be installed on the rear of the pilothouse. There is a 7.5" drop from the center of the roof to the outside. This will allow storage under the radar arch, like an Alaskan Series tender.

I have the 150 Hondas but I think the 150s or 175 Suzuki would be a fine choice.

I plan on carrying a Honda 2000i generator and I will decide after a while aboard as to whether I need another battery.

I am also undecided about the kicker for the tender. Leaning toward a 2 or 5 hp Honda.

My trailer is an EZ Loader which appears to be fine and it has the stairs which is nice. I didn't opt for the electric over hydraulic yet but I may.

Keep us informed as to your choices.
 
I think the "AirHead" is a good choice, but keep in mind that it does have an electrical current draw continuously. I don't think that you will have trouble finding room on the TomCat for another battery. Consider AGM deep cycles for everything. They may not be lighter but will give you longer service IMHO.

As to the VHF, I would consider the SH with the AIS also, but be sure to have one VHF that has Fog/Hailer function. Sounds like you are doing your homework, and for any of the C-Dory products, you have come to the right place. Matt Gurnsey at Kitsap Marine would not steer you wrong. Enjoy your endeavor.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Hey Brian and Welcome! I had one of the TC-24's and loved the boat... and was giving the opportunity like other owners of the TC-24's on some feedback/in-put on the TC-255. Very nice boat. Of course...they did not do all that we suggested...as that would have required new hull molds... I wonder now what would be if they had done that... Well...back to today.

As for a heating system, I LOVE...LOVE the wallas 30D duct system with digital thermostat. Dedicated to do one thing...heat.. Like the individual sound components back in the 60-70s.. Good for what it does. It allows you to have the heat come out at floor level..then rise so the floor of the boat is warmer. I understand wanting fewer systems, but, at the same time, if you want heat, controllable heat...that you can even set to come on a bit before you climb out of the sack in the mornings.... it is sweet. Going propane, is also fine and great for cooking. You could also work some propane boxes into step boxes to help with getting into/out of the boat. Works fine.

If you are wanting larger ports in the cabin for light....then, just buy lights. They work no matter how bright...or lack there of.

This may be a great time to have Scot/Jeff and the others at the Bellingham plant to take care of some of the custom/different items that you want. During a plant visit Jeff said they are set up for that so why not take advantage of it. At the same time, I think I would take a shot over the bow at all dealers first to see what pricing you could get on what is in stock that they want to move now. Most of the items you spoke of are after market items and "snap on" or mounted parts...not anything that would effect the build. But, it is also cool to make a factory visit and watch your baby being built.

I also follow the lead of others on the laptops.. nice to have on board, but, for sure, 100% for dedicated Marine electronics for day-to-day navigations. I was also shocked at the difference of 4KW and 2KW on my radar systems....particuarly in the heavy stuff....rain... and, when you put what you want in a big ol pile to price out... it really does not make that big of a difference percentage wise on the TOTAL rig.

For sure would go electric over hydraulic on the brakes...and depending on where all you...or the next owner may want to travel...after so much weight, which I think for sure you will be over...electric over hydraulic may be required. Check it out.

Look forward to following your purchase and/or build.

Byrdman
 
The aft helm adds considerable cost, as we upgrade to electronic controls. Figure it adds about $7500-8500. The electronic controls are really nice, but kind of spendy.

The wallas furnace is a nice running unit. The knock I have heard against the propane units is that they take a lot more fuel to generate heat than diesel.

I also prefer Multi Function Displays to computer based software, although the NAVnet 3D has many of the same features as the computer based units, and offers MAXsea software to network the laptop to the on board unit. The black box NAVnet 3D units have the option of plug in or wireless keyboards and pointer devices (mouses (mice?)).

The new Simrad NSE series looks pretty good, and can use the broadband radar (reveiws of which are mixed). I've always liked Simrad product, but since Navico took over I am cautious and want to see the product more closely. Furuno is my first choice in almost all applications. You juts can't beat the product that guys who make a living with their boats use. Look around any working harbor, and you'll see a lot of Furuno radar domes and antennas.

There are a few Tomcats out there in the feild right now, a few 2009's and one 2010 that I am aware of. Ordering one at this point is going to be a six month wait, maybe longer as the reorganization of Triton Marine Indsutries gets finished.

For the propane- there is an option for a live well under the aft seat of the tomcat. That could be converted to a propane box easily. Batteriesa are then mounted port and starboard in the access hatches.
 
Brian,

You'll want the elect. over hydraulic brakes for sure as the surge brakes aren't legal in Canada for a rig that weighs as much as a TC. Check our album for photos of the battery space available under the rear cockpit seat. Lots of fun choices.

I think I'd go with the 175hp Suzuki's if I was doing it again.
 
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