New TomCat 25

You read me right, Tyboo and Pat! I love our 22 (just back from a great week of cruising around Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire), but that TomCat has established a firm foothold in my imagination. On of the other areas of information I will be looking for is towing and launching. One of the great assets of the 22 is its transportability. I don't think our V-10 E-350 van would have any trouble hauling the TomCat physically, but I imagine that the whole process may be a bit more complicated. Do you think it will just be something I'd get used to? Looking forward to hearing from folks as they acquire the TC and move it around on a regular basis.

BTW, thanks to the factory and Les at EQ Marine for the great photos.
 
Hi, All

Just returned from 4 days in Seattle, much of it spent with TC255 #1, along with Cygnet owners.

We crawled around her at the factory as they were working on engine placement and interior. Good exchange of ideas and many things being considered for future production.

Sea trial on Saturday. 4 adults, about 1/2 fuel, very calm. Nice ride, as expected. Non counter rotating props, so it would be even easier to handle with. Quiet enough to talk in or out. Jeff said about 42 mph w.o.t. with the engines up about 4" from original.

Excellent for diving! Gear can be stowed temporarily in deck fish boxes. It may be possible to put 2 80's in each. Very easy to swing legs over transom and stand on the engine brackets or swim step, plus back rolls from the sides allows 5 to enter at once. I'll put something on the brackets to protect, but that will become my platform for passing things up. Could even use that for an alternative ladder on port or stbd.

Lots of good stuff going on inside that will enhance comfort and convenience. Love that king size berth!

Picked up many factory folks who were attending the company picnic. Even with up to 1500 lbs in the cockpit no water pooled in the corners. The Armstrong Brackets really help here as they add significant buoyancy as weight is added at the dock, and that was after we filled up at the fuel dock with about 600# of gas. A big question for me was resolved.

Now, about the trailer. About 35' from receiver to tilted up props! Wow. About 13' from road to radar platform using low arch. Wow. 3' of clearance before bottom gets wet. Wow. Gross tow weight with fuel and water around 10K. Wow. I'm glad I have an F450 Dually!

Pictures? I hope.

Thanks to Jeff and the whole crew for accomodating us and spending so much time. Really appreciated. The results will be seen as these great boats begin to be seen on the water.

Scaley
 
Otter: Yes, I feel like your rig will haul the TC. Yes, launch and recovery is a bit overwhelming at 1st, but, once you get use to the "process"... I have both launched and retrieved mine by myself. It is way easier with 3 folks and a lot less going to and from areas when alone. Basically, I have learned to leave a lot of the trailer exposed above water as to "catch" the boat and align on the trailer, particuarly in wind and or currents. Then, crank up the wench or drive the boat forward (wench if your are alone, motor if you can stay on board), then, when whenching gets tuff, or moroting meets resistance, back her back into the water a bit more, wencher up some more, back back a bit more, wench her up a bit more. Launching is way easy....just be sure to have a long enough rope to attach to the cleats on both front and back end of the boat in high winds/current. Just one up front makes the boat come back to shore...oh...but that back end takes off without the help of the aft rope. Yes, I plan on getting one of the 6' trailer tongue extensions Les told me about on day one.... Just to keep the back end of my low Excursion out of the water.. during this wench-n-backing process. Yes, it is a bit more at the ramp than with my 16, but, being at gatherings seeing other folks launch their 22s... I do not see a lot more to it....once you get use to it. Each time I have loaded or unloaded the boat, it has been easier. And...only once have I had a 2nd person to help me who had seen and been a part of the process...so, it ain't hard to get someone to sit in the cab and back her back down in increments for loading. Launching sort of works itself out...other than jumping out quickly if the current/wind takes her off the trailer rather than getting back there and pushing her off.
Jeff and EZ-Loader are both working to fine tune the current trailer set up this week I believe, and, the trailer vertical highth can be let down some. It appeared to me that EZ-Loader started high as to give themselves material to work with/take out if needed to lower the boat. THis should be one fine rig.
As for the towing weight, mine pulls fine with the cruise control set on about 72mph with the 2005 Excursion w/6.0 turbo-diesel. Yes, towing her around town warrants a bit more care particuarly watching for those little sub size cars that dart in front of you at red lights to fill that nice safety margin or room you had to ease into a stop. Yes, I have wanted to nug them little suckers at times...particuarly the ones on the phones... I do think I will look back at my annual trailer boat magazine issue with the towing guide in it. I keep my vehicles for many many miles, and if I can make it easier on it, then it will be easier on me...and the equipment. Each tow vehicle is different, as hauling safely with each new set up is different, and needs to be addressed. All way do-able .
 
Thanks Brydman. With a weight distributing hitch, my van is rated for 10,000 lbs. I would probably add a rear swaybar as well (something you might want to consider for your Excursion -- I've read that it makes a noticeable difference in ride and handling, but I can't say so from experience). Your comment about it getting easier each time you launch and retrieve sounds very familiar and I think it is a process that occurs with every boat. Now it's just a matter of money! :-)
Regards,
 
I have heard that a 1-ton kit is available for the Excursion rather than the F-250 Heavy Duty set up that I now have. I will have to look into that for sure. It was not available at the time I completed the punch list on how I wanted mine made... Now having said that...and my lack of recall...I now have my owners manual in my hands... Yes Honey...I do read directions sometimes...particuarly when it has to do with my truck and or boat...grin.
Now, my Excursion with the 6.0 turbo diesel, matched with 4x2 auto trans is listed for 11K towing. Very inerestingly, right under it, listed in the F-250/F-350 single rear wheel with the same 3.73 rear end, it list 23K... sort of makes me go hummm.. I did order the heavy duty everything that was available for towing packages that Mr. Ford had to offer....so.... I may contact them and ask just what is the differance here. I do have the tow/haul button on the gear shifter, and it is real sweet towing, particuarly when going down grade and needing to stop....she automatically downshifts...right when I started to think ..."I should down gear...". Scarred the hell out of me the 1st couple of times and that oh my God what is wrong with my new tow vechicle stuff went thru my head...wherease now, I just grin a little.
 
Do you use a weight distributing hitch? Don't ask me to explain the physics, but it uses trunnion bars under tension to distribute the towed load away from your vehicle's rear axle to the trailer axle and the tow vehicle's front axle. With a normal hitch, my van is rated for 5,000 lbs; with a weight distributing hitch, its rated for 10,000.
 
No I have not used one, yet, but for the long haul and for the comfort level of both the rigs, and us inside I think I will. Folks that have them swear buy them.
 
We just returned from the factory and on-the-water test of the new TC255. What a great boat! The construction was incredible to see--from beginning to end. They are still working out some final details on cabinet placement, window sizes, and a few other things. This will be an ongoing process for the first few boats manufactured, but I definitely liked what I saw. The cabin is much like the CD25 except it's 4" taller and when you're 6'4", that is important. The floor is on the same level as the cockpit with only the door sill to step over. The bunk is huge--about 61" wide by about 8' long. The cabinet work is very nicely done with teak edging and lots more storage than in the TC24. The cockpit has two 4' long insulated fish boxes in the floor. The railings are more heavy duty and the finished package looked impressive. The water test was completed in the south sound out of Des Moines harbor. The boat handled very similar to the TC24--flat turns and stable ride. Even with a heavy load in the boat, the handling remained outstanding. The other boaters on the water that day were certainly gawking at the new boat. The first boat is powered with Honda 135's and they were more than adequate. We could run in excess of 42 mph--easily. I think the boat could probably achieve more if different props were used. We didn't have fuel consumption figures as the instruments were not fully installed.
After the on the water test with us and Bob Searles, the factory workers and families had an opportunity to go for a spin in conjunction with their factory summer party. Jeff Messmer acted as captain and Brent, Dixie and Bob were the deck crew. It was nice to assist the workers that are doing such a good job in building the boats. We had a great time and can't wait to get our boat. Hopefully by October we'll be back in business--being boatless really sucks! If anyone has specific questions, I'll be glad to respond.

Brent and Dixie
former owners of Cygnet
 
great report, I'm wondering;
how close is Les's guesstimate on the pricing on that rascal?
Will it be trailerable without permits and oversized load signage?

thanks
 
10K sounds a bit heavy to me. Byrdman, have you ever run your trailer across the scale??(I think I asked you this before?)
The factory specs on the 24 puts the probable max load between 6500 and 7000lbs.(boat, trailer, fuel and water etc.)
The 25 is a bit longer and has a larger cabin but it doesn't look like they could have added 3000lbs. to the whole package.

Unless you have some funky trailering regs you should be able to tow it without oversize permits. It's over 8' 6" (especially with the guide ons)but its never caused me any problems(it'll larn ya to stay in your lane though). I don't think Brent and Dixie have had any difficulties with Cygnet and they travel alot.
 
Just spoke to Joe Rogers at Cutter Marine in Maryland. They've worked up a preliminary price package of $102,000 (Honda 135s) to $104,000 (Honda 150s) that includes:

Wallas stove/heater
divers swim step/ladder
windlass
fridge
shore power
washdown pump

For trailer, they had LoadRite build them for the TomCate 24s and they came in at about $5K. Doesn't sound like they are talking to they guys at EZLoader (or is it King?) about their new design.

At this point, Cutter doesn't think it will take any TomCats on spec. They would be happy to order one (and I think they have, for the moment anyway, and option on hull #5) for a deposit of $30K.

I looked for change under all of our couch cushions and counted out the money in both my girls' piggy banks, but I am still short by about $29,996 for the deposit. Oh well.

On a positive note, Joe said that he thought he could get $40-42K for my 2001 22' which is quite a bit higher than I expected. He says that used 22's are a hot commodity out here on the right coast.

Regards,
 
It would be nice if they had a special introductory 1/2 off price sale for C-Brats :) I think I'm just a wee short on the boat bucks also.

anybody have an old, used, neglected, unloved 24 sitting around gathering dust?
 
Decisions, decisions . . .

Contacted Evinrude today and learned they don't expect delivery of new V6 150/175's until Jan 06. After sea trials with #1 rigged with twin Honda 135's, non counter-rotating, I'm willing to take my chances with two Honda 150's, counter-rotating, same weight as 135's.

My big concern has been the buoyancy of the cockpit with heavy Honda's and a 280# HP compressor stuffed in the transom, plus a bunch of rigged out divers standing around in ankle deep water. No Problem! I saw the equivalent of about 1500# of humanity in the cockpit with the 2 x 135's! The flotation factor of the two Armstrong Brackets kick in to provide additional lift when necessary (like afterburners) and I now have no doubt that this vessel can support the load. No water rose above the very bottom of the recessed cockpit scuppers at any time. That still left a couple inches before any standing water on the cockpit deck!

While I'm sure the Evinrudes would have done a great job, I can't stand to wait any longer. Bring on the Honda's, with proven performance! The TomCat255 can take the load.

Since we've completely blown the Catalina and Santa Barbara Gatherings, Katy and I would like to invite any and all to a "launching/christening" at Marina Del Rey when she gets here. There is a new dealer in Costa Mesa, and we're looking forward to working with them to market this boat.

Now, about the trailer . . .

Best to all,
Scaley
 
Scaley Waterman":1k1wlu3d said:
No water rose above the very bottom of the recessed cockpit scuppers at any time. That still left a couple inches before any standing water on the cockpit deck!


Best to all,
Scaley
Click to expand...

This is a real improvement over the 24 :thup Dead in the water with a bit of chop and the twin Honda 90's and we get standing water in the back of the cockpit
 
Captains Choice":enanw0gj said:
Tom, you sound serious about the new TC. Dangerous words!
Lets do lunch one day soon...
Click to expand...
Tom can't afford lunch - he's trying to save up.

Otter-BelleHavenMarina":enanw0gj said:
Anyone know when C-Dory plans to update their web site with specs, options and pictures of the new TomCat?
Click to expand...
Any day now.

On June 1 said:
All of the Tomcat info will be updated in the near future.
Click to expand...
 
TyBoo":1i6cdo2y said:
Captains Choice":1i6cdo2y said:
Tom, you sound serious about the new TC. Dangerous words!
Lets do lunch one day soon...
Click to expand...
Tom can't afford lunch - he's trying to save up.
Click to expand...

Wrong Mike, he can afford it. I've met him, his wonderful family/doggies;/etc. He's just trying to find out the right time.

charlie
 
TyBoo":2pco2idy said:
Captains Choice":2pco2idy said:
Tom, you sound serious about the new TC. Dangerous words!
Lets do lunch one day soon...
Click to expand...
Tom can't afford lunch - he's trying to save up.

Otter-BelleHavenMarina":2pco2idy said:
Anyone know when C-Dory plans to update their web site with specs, options and pictures of the new TomCat?
Click to expand...
Any day now.

On June 1 said:
All of the Tomcat info will be updated in the near future.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

Jeff posted a bit more recently on this - Aug 25th in the "TomCat 24 No Longer Being Built??" thread:

Jeff Messmer":2pco2idy said:
The article that you read is correct. We are no longer producing the TC 24. Our focus is on the new TC 255. We will have the website updated with new pictures and pricing in the next week or so. Stay tuned!
Click to expand...

Of course things always take a little longer than expected... but we should see it soon!

Roger on the SeaDNA
 
Interesting comment by TC24 owner about water coming into the cockpit. I have backed into high-intensity 4 foot waves and only had a spray enter the cockpit. I have never had any water in the cockpit in well over 600 hours with my 24 no matter how much chop or wind. I wonder if there is a weight issue on that boat. Also, my boat has scuppers existing below the water line, not the flapper type. I have issues over the boat needing more horsepower, but I have never had any issues with the boat taking waves from any direction. It is the dryest boat I have owned. Are there any other TC24 owners with water entering the cockpit? Steve
 
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