New TomCat 25
- Thread starter TyBoo
- Start date
Thataway
There really isn't much room for anything else on the helm dash. The Interphase unit and E80 should be reversed, but there isn't enough room for the back of the E80. A C80 would fit. I can't put things too high because I use reading glasses and it hurts my neck. The VHF will be under the shelf to upper left. The space on top of the shelf is VERY narrow and not much use for more than charts, books, CD's, etc.
The watermaker is a Spectra Ventura 150, 12V for 150 gallons per day. I opted for the MPC-3000 Controller to monitor and auto control all functions. The filters and other parts that require service are easy to get to, mostly mounted under the galley on the sides, leaving lots of storage. The intensifier is forward of the helm bulkhead, in the stb. sponson. They say it will drip some eventually, which will go right into the bilge. Product goes right to the existing fw fill hose.
More pics will be posted as Les at EQ installs and finalizes.
Scaley
There really isn't much room for anything else on the helm dash. The Interphase unit and E80 should be reversed, but there isn't enough room for the back of the E80. A C80 would fit. I can't put things too high because I use reading glasses and it hurts my neck. The VHF will be under the shelf to upper left. The space on top of the shelf is VERY narrow and not much use for more than charts, books, CD's, etc.
The watermaker is a Spectra Ventura 150, 12V for 150 gallons per day. I opted for the MPC-3000 Controller to monitor and auto control all functions. The filters and other parts that require service are easy to get to, mostly mounted under the galley on the sides, leaving lots of storage. The intensifier is forward of the helm bulkhead, in the stb. sponson. They say it will drip some eventually, which will go right into the bilge. Product goes right to the existing fw fill hose.
More pics will be posted as Les at EQ installs and finalizes.
Scaley
Congratulations on the new Tomcat. I was lucky enough to get a peek at her on the 15th when picking up our new 22 which was sharing the "bunk" at EQ Marine.
That is one impressive boat. Just love the view down the tunnel.
Thanks for telling us all about the details.
Merv (aka Grumpy)
That is one impressive boat. Just love the view down the tunnel.
Thanks for telling us all about the details.
Merv (aka Grumpy)
Very nice Scaley ... the swim step between the engine brackets looks great as a platform for diving.
And I hear ya on the water rinse of gear, especially if you plan on staying out for a few days like you do; a nice rinse off is just the thing you need
Can't wait to see how the dive ladder works out - how thick is your transom with the compressor stowed away there? It looks like quite a 'step' when you pivot around to get in the boat - probably not as bad as I'm imagining it.
I'd still love to see if a walk-through door could be made - or at least lower the transom height to make it easier to step through into the cockpit. But then ... you wouldn't have that nice space for the 9 cfm compressor. Compromises .... gotta love 'em sometimes
And I hear ya on the water rinse of gear, especially if you plan on staying out for a few days like you do; a nice rinse off is just the thing you need
Can't wait to see how the dive ladder works out - how thick is your transom with the compressor stowed away there? It looks like quite a 'step' when you pivot around to get in the boat - probably not as bad as I'm imagining it.I'd still love to see if a walk-through door could be made - or at least lower the transom height to make it easier to step through into the cockpit. But then ... you wouldn't have that nice space for the 9 cfm compressor. Compromises .... gotta love 'em sometimes
Good Morning!
On the swim step/transom, I was really relieved once I saw it and sat on it. You can put your rig on the cover facing into the cockpit, then just swing around and drop your feet onto the swim step. Or, you can get on the swim step and put on your gear facing out. It is an easy step over, without fins. The cover turns into a very convenient staging surface. You can probably even have one leg in and one over the transom. Didn't actually try that one, but I did do several swing overs. It works. You don't have to climb over, and I'm not putting rails on to do that. They would block access to the tops of the brackets.
On the watermaker, it draws 9 amps and consumes 17 watts per gallon. Even though the unit is capable of producing 150 gallons per day, I doubt we would ever use that much. This is the smallest system available. Go to www.spectrawatermakers.com for more info. There are 2 Group 31 house batts to supply with the engines or Honda 2000 to charge.
Since this is the first one of its kind, there may be some adjusting once the boat is in the water and the operations are underway. Another Group 31? Making water only when the engine(s) are running? Most of my scenarios with several people will be 2 hours running, dive twice over 4 hours, then 2 hours back. It would produce 28 gallons running and another 28 off the batts using 36 amps if it was making product all the time. Unlikely.
The good news is that everyone will share in the experience right on this site!
More to come . . .
Scaley
On the swim step/transom, I was really relieved once I saw it and sat on it. You can put your rig on the cover facing into the cockpit, then just swing around and drop your feet onto the swim step. Or, you can get on the swim step and put on your gear facing out. It is an easy step over, without fins. The cover turns into a very convenient staging surface. You can probably even have one leg in and one over the transom. Didn't actually try that one, but I did do several swing overs. It works. You don't have to climb over, and I'm not putting rails on to do that. They would block access to the tops of the brackets.
On the watermaker, it draws 9 amps and consumes 17 watts per gallon. Even though the unit is capable of producing 150 gallons per day, I doubt we would ever use that much. This is the smallest system available. Go to www.spectrawatermakers.com for more info. There are 2 Group 31 house batts to supply with the engines or Honda 2000 to charge.
Since this is the first one of its kind, there may be some adjusting once the boat is in the water and the operations are underway. Another Group 31? Making water only when the engine(s) are running? Most of my scenarios with several people will be 2 hours running, dive twice over 4 hours, then 2 hours back. It would produce 28 gallons running and another 28 off the batts using 36 amps if it was making product all the time. Unlikely.
The good news is that everyone will share in the experience right on this site!
More to come . . .
Scaley
How thick is the aluminum cover you have on the transom? Are you worried about it denting when the tanks are on them? I'm imagining that as you pivot/swing over into the cockpit that some (most?) of the weight will be placed on the tanks, depending on how low you wear your tanks.
This is probably a non-issue. It sounds like you've got it worked out well. I'm still very impressed (with a little bit of envy sprinkled in ), with your TC255 with the 9 cfm compressor and water maker. You've got a pretty slick setup. Can't wait to see it, and can't wait to dive off it!
This is probably a non-issue. It sounds like you've got it worked out well. I'm still very impressed (with a little bit of envy sprinkled in
), with your TC255 with the 9 cfm compressor and water maker. You've got a pretty slick setup. Can't wait to see it, and can't wait to dive off it!CADiver,
The cover is "pretty heavy duty". Don't have the exact thickness, but in my opinion it is plenty strong enough for the load. The hinge at the front bottom is heavy duty 316 ss piano type all the way across.
Dings? Scratches? I hope so! I want this boat to be used! But . . . .
I'm thinking about putting some of that industrial rubber diamond flooring on top of the cover and on top of the brackets/swim step to absorb shock and keep things from sliding around. May even cut slots in the swim step, depending on what is going on at water level when you're getting to and up the ladder. Maybe you'll be available for some of this RDT&E?
Scaley
The cover is "pretty heavy duty". Don't have the exact thickness, but in my opinion it is plenty strong enough for the load. The hinge at the front bottom is heavy duty 316 ss piano type all the way across.
Dings? Scratches? I hope so! I want this boat to be used! But . . . .
I'm thinking about putting some of that industrial rubber diamond flooring on top of the cover and on top of the brackets/swim step to absorb shock and keep things from sliding around. May even cut slots in the swim step, depending on what is going on at water level when you're getting to and up the ladder. Maybe you'll be available for some of this RDT&E?
Scaley
Absolutely, count me in
The cover is aluminum, right? Won't the stainless hinges cause corrosion from the dissimilar metals? Or are you going to isolate them with some plasitc/rubber/etc?
Slots in the swim step may be nice if the water likes to go above it, also serves well as fin keepers if you like to take your fins off before boarding the boat
Keep me updated.
The cover is aluminum, right? Won't the stainless hinges cause corrosion from the dissimilar metals? Or are you going to isolate them with some plasitc/rubber/etc?
Slots in the swim step may be nice if the water likes to go above it, also serves well as fin keepers if you like to take your fins off before boarding the boat
Keep me updated.
The Aluminum is 5052. There is also a backing plate of 316 ss behind the fiberglass at the bottom, 2" wide. There will probably be some corrosion but it will be minimal. The cover will be painted for some barrier but there are still the nuts, washers and bolts. Materials can't all be exactly the same. We'll put this under the heading of "annual maintenance".
Scaley
Scaley
Hi, Brats
Well the next TC255 after DiveCat is almost finished. Boat #5, named Discovery is in the final rigging stages. Interior is almost done and the Armstrong brackets/dive step are installed. Motors (Honda 135's) should go on this week. We will arrive at the factory next Mon. (28th) and spend the week while the electronics install and final rigging are done.
If possible we want to do a weekend shake down cruise. Maybe start in Lake Washington, about Dec. 3rd, lock down to the Sound and cruise for a few days. Then return to fresh water before loading up.
Hope to get enough hours on the motors to get the first service done back at the factory, before trailering home to Utah.
Do the native Seattle Brats think this is a do-able plan this time of the year? Where would you launch? Is there secure parking for a truck/camper and trailer? Where would you suggest to spend the nights? Are there Marinas still open W/shore power?
Will advise if the factory can still make this schedule. We can't wait to get the TC255. We have been boatless since July when the TC24 sold.
Don't suppose Santa will be bringing anything else, but what a Christmas present to each other.
Well the next TC255 after DiveCat is almost finished. Boat #5, named Discovery is in the final rigging stages. Interior is almost done and the Armstrong brackets/dive step are installed. Motors (Honda 135's) should go on this week. We will arrive at the factory next Mon. (28th) and spend the week while the electronics install and final rigging are done.
If possible we want to do a weekend shake down cruise. Maybe start in Lake Washington, about Dec. 3rd, lock down to the Sound and cruise for a few days. Then return to fresh water before loading up.
Hope to get enough hours on the motors to get the first service done back at the factory, before trailering home to Utah.
Do the native Seattle Brats think this is a do-able plan this time of the year? Where would you launch? Is there secure parking for a truck/camper and trailer? Where would you suggest to spend the nights? Are there Marinas still open W/shore power?
Will advise if the factory can still make this schedule. We can't wait to get the TC255. We have been boatless since July when the TC24 sold.
Don't suppose Santa will be bringing anything else, but what a Christmas present to each other.
Brent and Dixie,
Congratulations! It's a wonderful feeling when you know the delivery day is so near.
Are they modifying the trailer winch/bow stop for you? And when you get a chance, do you think the interior guide-ons extend far enough forward to align the hull in a strong perpendicular wind?
Inquireing minds want to know.
Scaley
Congratulations! It's a wonderful feeling when you know the delivery day is so near.
Are they modifying the trailer winch/bow stop for you? And when you get a chance, do you think the interior guide-ons extend far enough forward to align the hull in a strong perpendicular wind?
Inquireing minds want to know.
Scaley
Certainly its doable. Give yourself a little extra time to get through the locks as sometimes they run a bit more slowly in the winter (especially when water levels are low). Also make sure you have two 50' lines in case you have to go through the large locks (they will be closed for maintenance until Dec. 2nd but you might get stuck in them if you go after that). If you're not familiar with the locking procedure (or if you haven't done it for awhile), it might be useful to visit the lock website.Cygnet":2oh2hkwb said:
If you want to launch and retrieve in fresh water, I would use the Magnuson Park launch. It's fairly secure and has overnight parking. You can't get in and out late at night and you have to count on the local police to patrol, but it's in a pretty good neighborhood and I've never heard of anyone having trouble there.Cygnet":2oh2hkwb said:
Cygnet":2oh2hkwb said:
Where to stay depends a lot on what you want to do. In general, most marinas are still open and have shore power. I really like the Bell Harbor Marina as it is close to good restaurants and downtown Seattle, has nice showers and bathrooms and you can make reservations online.
Edmonds also has a nice marina with available guest moorage as does Everett. Both have decent restaurants nearby (good food and drink are important to me).
For a bit longer cruise, I love Port Ludlow on the north end of the hood canal. I've also done an overnighter or two in Pleasant Harbor Marina. I've done it as a weekend trip from Lake Union, but it is a long cruise there and back. Especially since you're restricted to <7kts from the entrance to the bay off of Lake Washington, all the way to a 1/2 mile west of the locks. Given that you have to break in the engines, can't go too fast for awhile, and probably want to limit the total run to something like 20 hours (then you get the first service) Port Ludlow may be a nice trip. I think it might be about the right distance to put 20 hours on RT.
Roger on the SeaDNA
Oh one more thing... I assume you will have radar on the boat. If not, you might want to restrict your plans to near shore east side of the sound marinas. It's been very foggy around here lately and that's the pattern for much of the winter.
Roger on the SeaDNA
(edited to correct some terrible typos...)
Roger on the SeaDNA
(edited to correct some terrible typos...)
Roger
Thanks for the answer and all the valuable info. We will check out the links you provided. Talked to Scott Mathews today, it looks like we are still on schedule.
We will have radar, however not much experience using it. Anyone out there want to act as a tour guide for a tandem cruise.
Scaley
They said EZ Loader was sending a new roller, larger diameter. That should move the hull further away from the metal brace.
Thanks for the answer and all the valuable info. We will check out the links you provided. Talked to Scott Mathews today, it looks like we are still on schedule.
We will have radar, however not much experience using it. Anyone out there want to act as a tour guide for a tandem cruise.
Scaley
They said EZ Loader was sending a new roller, larger diameter. That should move the hull further away from the metal brace.