How stable is a “cat”?

B

Bart & Janai Meyer

New member
We’re looking into upgrading from our 1987 22’ Angler into something more stable to make frequent runs from Ketchikan to Meyers Chuck (southeast Alaska)
We don’t want to get stuck in the Chuck when it kicks up.
The wife would GREATLY appreciate a smoother ride.
I love the Tomcat but the high price is a big negative unless the ride is worth it.
Question: how does the stability compare between the standard hull Cdorys and the Tomcat?
Thanks all!
 
First, never owned a C-dory but

Have a small catamaran

If you can imagine riding a motorcycle trike vs a motorcycle

That's the part you have to get used to

The fact that they don't lean when turning

My little 17 cat is a stable platform that I use for trolling

Sure Thataway can let you know for sure do to his having owned both styles of C-dory
 
the tomcat has very high transverse stability due to two hulls with a low center of gravity. This gives it a greater transverse righting moment. However, this does not mean it will handle a larger seastate better than a monohull, especially a deep v, it just means you wont roll as much. The tomcat becomes uncomfortable in chop over 2' when the waves start contacting the top of the tunnel. Essentially in a large seastate you wont roll, you'll pound.
 
I have only gone between Ketchikan and Meyer's chuck a dozen or so times, so I don't have all that much experience there. You will be able to run comfortably in 2 to 2.5 foot chop at a high speed. (I increased speed as it got rougher to a point. ) After 3 feet--then you want a deep V such as contender or Regulator, or other Cat, perhaps a Glacier Bay, World Cat, Aspen, or one of the semi displacement cats. They will not be quite as fuel efficient, and top speeds will not be as high.

One of my reasons for choosing a Tom Cat was the cruising interior. There are better riding cats going INTO chop. Down wind and waves, probably the C Dory is as good, or better than most.... Pick your days if you can.
 
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