New TomCat 25
- Thread starter TyBoo
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Camper Cat
New member
I am a new member and have always loved catamarans. I am thinking pretty seriously about ordering a Tomcat 255 with Honda 150s.
Mainly to cruise/fish/camp in Prince William Sound.
Would love information/advice/ideas. What colors for the trim are offered? Is the door a slider or not?
Has the trailering issue been resolved? That will be enough for now, and thank you kind people for responses.
Also looking at a Prowler 9000 and Kevlacat 32.
Mainly to cruise/fish/camp in Prince William Sound.
Would love information/advice/ideas. What colors for the trim are offered? Is the door a slider or not?
Has the trailering issue been resolved? That will be enough for now, and thank you kind people for responses.
Also looking at a Prowler 9000 and Kevlacat 32.
Hi, Camper Cat
Colors are same available for C-Dory's, or custom. Check C-Dory Catalog. Door is hinged, opening out to the port side.
Getting curtains tomorrow and heading for Anacapa Island for the night.
Review these 25 pages for lots of info. All trailer issues are not finished yet, but should be soon.
Bob Cat
Colors are same available for C-Dory's, or custom. Check C-Dory Catalog. Door is hinged, opening out to the port side.
Getting curtains tomorrow and heading for Anacapa Island for the night.
Review these 25 pages for lots of info. All trailer issues are not finished yet, but should be soon.
Bob Cat
I had the privilege to ride on Dive Cat a little over a month ago--and when I was traveling, the site would not accept my post, sorry to have to wait so long to give a public "Thanks" to Bob! He was most gracious to allow me to drive the boat for over an hour! Dive cat is really fitted out beautifully and a fantastic boat!
Yesterday, I rode on Wefings Marine's Tom Cat 255 thanks to Marc Grove one of the dealership owner's. This boat was rigged with twin Suziki 150 outboards with counter rotating 16 x 20.5 props. (Different lower unit gearing than the Honda's).
This boat was considerably lighter than Dive Cat, and the handling was better in my opinion. The boats seem to be sensitative to both weight and trim. There definately is some slap (noise), and slam (hard landing) as the seas get to over 2 to 3 feet, in both boats. The Florida boat (Wefings) got on a plane at much lower RPM (Plane seems to be about 22 mph), and the WOT @ 5900 was 45 mph, against about 15 knot wind and about 1 knot of current.
Several of our concerns are the "Ride" of the Tom Cat 255 and the sleeping accomidations --both due to back problems as we have aged. Neither of us had any serious pain after yesterday's ride (which we do have in the C Dory 22 in similar conditions). We were also going as fast as a Regulator 26--acknowled to be the best off shore of the deep V's center console. The Tom Cat 255 handled very well in beam and down wind seas, where some other cats have demonistrated handling difficulties.
We did find that it is possiable for a person who is 6' 2" tall to lie fore and aft on the port side of the bunk (with an extra cushion, by the foot area of the port seat) and still easy for the spouse to get in the bunk for diagnal sleeping. The idea is that neither has to crawl over the other when getting up at night. The storage is huge!--but I suspect that one will have to be very careful to not over load the boat.
We did notice that the cockpit got a fair amount of spray in it (drained easily) when under way, at about 40 degrees to the chop, so that the seat cushion was soaked. This boat had the aerated bait well, but this area appears as if by eliminating the drain, and foaming in the liner for the bait well, it would make a very good ice chest. We also see that instead of the stardard Norcold refigerator, a similar size freezer by either Nova Kool or Tundra will fit in the same place under the foreward seat. I think that with the 150 fuel tanks, and perhaps adding another smaller water tank, that this boat would be ideal for some very long cruises.
We are in negotiation stages, since the Admiral likes this boat--and we all know how important the Admiral's decision is!
Incidently I had the pleasure of meeting Byrdman when he was helping out Wefings marine at the Pensacola Boat show--great spokesman for the breed!
Regards,
Yesterday, I rode on Wefings Marine's Tom Cat 255 thanks to Marc Grove one of the dealership owner's. This boat was rigged with twin Suziki 150 outboards with counter rotating 16 x 20.5 props. (Different lower unit gearing than the Honda's).
This boat was considerably lighter than Dive Cat, and the handling was better in my opinion. The boats seem to be sensitative to both weight and trim. There definately is some slap (noise), and slam (hard landing) as the seas get to over 2 to 3 feet, in both boats. The Florida boat (Wefings) got on a plane at much lower RPM (Plane seems to be about 22 mph), and the WOT @ 5900 was 45 mph, against about 15 knot wind and about 1 knot of current.
Several of our concerns are the "Ride" of the Tom Cat 255 and the sleeping accomidations --both due to back problems as we have aged. Neither of us had any serious pain after yesterday's ride (which we do have in the C Dory 22 in similar conditions). We were also going as fast as a Regulator 26--acknowled to be the best off shore of the deep V's center console. The Tom Cat 255 handled very well in beam and down wind seas, where some other cats have demonistrated handling difficulties.
We did find that it is possiable for a person who is 6' 2" tall to lie fore and aft on the port side of the bunk (with an extra cushion, by the foot area of the port seat) and still easy for the spouse to get in the bunk for diagnal sleeping. The idea is that neither has to crawl over the other when getting up at night. The storage is huge!--but I suspect that one will have to be very careful to not over load the boat.
We did notice that the cockpit got a fair amount of spray in it (drained easily) when under way, at about 40 degrees to the chop, so that the seat cushion was soaked. This boat had the aerated bait well, but this area appears as if by eliminating the drain, and foaming in the liner for the bait well, it would make a very good ice chest. We also see that instead of the stardard Norcold refigerator, a similar size freezer by either Nova Kool or Tundra will fit in the same place under the foreward seat. I think that with the 150 fuel tanks, and perhaps adding another smaller water tank, that this boat would be ideal for some very long cruises.
We are in negotiation stages, since the Admiral likes this boat--and we all know how important the Admiral's decision is!
Incidently I had the pleasure of meeting Byrdman when he was helping out Wefings marine at the Pensacola Boat show--great spokesman for the breed!
Regards,
Camper Cat
New member
Those 150 fuel tanks... is that total as in two 75 gallon tanks or two 150 gallon tanks for a total of 300 gallons? Thanks.
Does one special order that from the factory, or optional equipment that can be ordered from a dealer? Are they aluminum as well?
Does one special order that from the factory, or optional equipment that can be ordered from a dealer? Are they aluminum as well?
Hi, Everyone
The lovely Miss Katy and I spent Thursday getting the curtains and cushions installed (Thanks, Fishtales!) then off to Smugglers Cove against a steep chop. The Captain chose 8 kts to avoid mutiny. Anchored in the beautiful cove along with a couple of sailboats. Cooked, organized, drank a little wine . . . . . Off to the walls and caverns just inside the east end in the morning. Strong current, but snagged 4 scallops, one with meat the size of a cat food can! Saw one lobster during the dive, until just before the end. A crevice filled with them! I didn't see one under legal, most in the 2-3 lb range and many over 5. I swear, if there was 1 there were at least 80, all looking at me and laughing because season is long gone. Good to know so many breeders are active. It was an amazing spectacle!
Back to the boat. Katy prepared scallop sushi while I scrubbed the hull. Back to Channel Islands at 25 kts. Passed a C-Dory outbound as we entered the harbor. He didn't stop or answer 68, so he must have been intent on fishing.
Met a broker on the ramp who had left his card on my truck. He'll come to MDR for a ride. Looking for an alternative to the ubiquitous Radons in this area.
Received official documentation papers today. Picked up a samson post at WM to replace the inadequate cleat on the bow.
I love Dive Cat! Pics to follow.
Bob Cat
The lovely Miss Katy and I spent Thursday getting the curtains and cushions installed (Thanks, Fishtales!) then off to Smugglers Cove against a steep chop. The Captain chose 8 kts to avoid mutiny. Anchored in the beautiful cove along with a couple of sailboats. Cooked, organized, drank a little wine . . . . . Off to the walls and caverns just inside the east end in the morning. Strong current, but snagged 4 scallops, one with meat the size of a cat food can! Saw one lobster during the dive, until just before the end. A crevice filled with them! I didn't see one under legal, most in the 2-3 lb range and many over 5. I swear, if there was 1 there were at least 80, all looking at me and laughing because season is long gone. Good to know so many breeders are active. It was an amazing spectacle!
Back to the boat. Katy prepared scallop sushi while I scrubbed the hull. Back to Channel Islands at 25 kts. Passed a C-Dory outbound as we entered the harbor. He didn't stop or answer 68, so he must have been intent on fishing.
Met a broker on the ramp who had left his card on my truck. He'll come to MDR for a ride. Looking for an alternative to the ubiquitous Radons in this area.
Received official documentation papers today. Picked up a samson post at WM to replace the inadequate cleat on the bow.
I love Dive Cat! Pics to follow.
Bob Cat
Camper Cat
New member
Thank you for the quick response. My understanding was that the standard fuel tanks were two 65 gallon aluminum for a total of 130 gallons.
Also, if you can remember, did you notice any discernable difference between the Honda 150s and the Suzuki 150s. Noise levels in particular. I recently took a new monohull out in the water up here with Suzuki 140s on it and when at idle I had to look at the tachometer to see if they were running they were so quiet.
I am considering an order for one of these boats and I have narrowed it down between Honda and Suzuki for motors.
The salesman up here seems to favor the aluminum monohulls and is not all that knowledgeable about this boat and it is difficult for me to make an educated decision. The dealership does not have a good reputation for follow up service etc.... as well. I believe that they are the only game in this neck of the woods however, so...
Any information is greatly appreciated and welcomed. Thank you.
Also, if you can remember, did you notice any discernable difference between the Honda 150s and the Suzuki 150s. Noise levels in particular. I recently took a new monohull out in the water up here with Suzuki 140s on it and when at idle I had to look at the tachometer to see if they were running they were so quiet.
I am considering an order for one of these boats and I have narrowed it down between Honda and Suzuki for motors.
The salesman up here seems to favor the aluminum monohulls and is not all that knowledgeable about this boat and it is difficult for me to make an educated decision. The dealership does not have a good reputation for follow up service etc.... as well. I believe that they are the only game in this neck of the woods however, so...
Any information is greatly appreciated and welcomed. Thank you.
I have heard very good reports on the Suziki's. Both motors were quiet--and I would say that perhaps the Suziki's were slightly quieter...but I would be pressed to know for certain. The issue on the Suziki's is the service--there are less dealers from what I hear. Right now I would be ordering a Suziki.
I also like the idea of being able to swing a slightly larger diameter prop--16" vs 14.5". However since the TomCat 255 in Florida was very light weight it is difficult to know if the handling difference was due to counter rotating props, the engines and larger props or the weight of the boat. There was a very deffinate handling difference, especially in the range between 16 and 22 mph, when the boat was on plane.
My understanding is that all boats are now shipped with the 75 gallon fuel tanks.
I cannot address the dealer issue in Anchorage. We spent three years cruising various parts of Alaska in our motor sailer, and feel that the Tom Cat would be an excellent boat based on our time up there. There is no question that aluminum boats are popular up there. However we ran the Tom Cat 255 at the same speed as the Regulator 26 in some moderate chop--and amoungst fishermen, this is acknowleged as being one of the best boats in rough water with a deep V of 26 degrees. Our future plans include trailering to Alaska with a Tom Cat 255.
Glad that DiveCat had a good trip up the coast of Santa Cruz-I remember some very rough days up there in a 45 and 62 foot motor sailors we owned.
I also like the idea of being able to swing a slightly larger diameter prop--16" vs 14.5". However since the TomCat 255 in Florida was very light weight it is difficult to know if the handling difference was due to counter rotating props, the engines and larger props or the weight of the boat. There was a very deffinate handling difference, especially in the range between 16 and 22 mph, when the boat was on plane.
My understanding is that all boats are now shipped with the 75 gallon fuel tanks.
I cannot address the dealer issue in Anchorage. We spent three years cruising various parts of Alaska in our motor sailer, and feel that the Tom Cat would be an excellent boat based on our time up there. There is no question that aluminum boats are popular up there. However we ran the Tom Cat 255 at the same speed as the Regulator 26 in some moderate chop--and amoungst fishermen, this is acknowleged as being one of the best boats in rough water with a deep V of 26 degrees. Our future plans include trailering to Alaska with a Tom Cat 255.
Glad that DiveCat had a good trip up the coast of Santa Cruz-I remember some very rough days up there in a 45 and 62 foot motor sailors we owned.
Hi Bob,
By the time the sun came out we weren't in the mood of diving in an area that didn't even show fish on the finder, moderate waves, windy, so we shined the dive, headed for a better rock fish area about 10nm out to sea. Seas got worse, 7-8 knots max speed. Got there, wind was up around 15 knots, drift was too fast, so turned the boat around and idled both engines in reverse for 5-10 minutes each pass while we got our lines down 340 ft with 1lb weights. Caught a couple of decent rocks. Found the stern rises fairly well in moderate seas except expect to get wet when they slap and the wind is up! :smileo Headed back late, about 6pm.
Not sure next time can get out, got to prep for the Delta trip and rip out all the scuba gear and put in different fishing (salmon) plus pack for 5 days on the water.
Man, you and I (and Fishtales Roger) just have to do a better job of coordinating! Sounds like a great dive, would've loved to join you--especially since Miles and I haven't seen our first lobster underwater yet...! I went out of Santa Monica yesterday primarily to go diving at a lobster area (supposedly) about 6-7nm North of MDR. Water was decent when we left the marina about 9am, but deterioted as the day wore on. Cloudy and cool all morning, so decided to fish first, dive later. Fishing was terrible, pulled up nearly every "uneditable" fish I've seen (tom cods/croakers, lots of mac's), my buddy finally snagged a decent Sand Bass, and later a 3 ft sand shark (filleted it, he's gonna try it). Four of us fishing.
By the time the sun came out we weren't in the mood of diving in an area that didn't even show fish on the finder, moderate waves, windy, so we shined the dive, headed for a better rock fish area about 10nm out to sea. Seas got worse, 7-8 knots max speed. Got there, wind was up around 15 knots, drift was too fast, so turned the boat around and idled both engines in reverse for 5-10 minutes each pass while we got our lines down 340 ft with 1lb weights. Caught a couple of decent rocks. Found the stern rises fairly well in moderate seas except expect to get wet when they slap and the wind is up! :smileo Headed back late, about 6pm.
Not sure next time can get out, got to prep for the Delta trip and rip out all the scuba gear and put in different fishing (salmon) plus pack for 5 days on the water.
My wife and I had the pleasure of being aboard the Dive Cat for a nice cruise around San Diego Bay. Although the morning was a little gloomy, the sun finally broke through in the early afternoon. There were many sail boats outs and we enjoyed their graceful presence and colorful sails. We stopped near Shelter Island for a nice lunch aboard Dive Cat before we headed out past Pt. Loma and then back to Chula Vista Marina. It was a very enjoyable day made all the better by the great company 
This was my first time aboard the TC255 and I'm impressed. My wife was equally impressed and loved the way the TC255 handled and the amount of space. When we drove up to the launch I was floored by how large this vessel is - even with a 8' 6" beam, this has a large cockpit and cabin space. I've seen the pictures on this site and others and its deceptive how much space there is on this cat. I've been on other 22-25 footers (monohull) and the TC255 is just a large boat. And although I'm aware of the manueverability of cats due to the spacing of the engines, it was still pretty cool see Dive Cat do a full turn after heading into a marina to check out some boats. But the best part of the TC255 was how great it is setup for diving
Lots of room for gear, easy exit from the water through the transom/dive ladder, shower to rinse off, and a warm cabin to relax in after the dive.
But enough about the boat Bob and Katy were very gracious and we enjoyed their company for the day, and I hope that we will have the opportunity to hang out with them again in the near future.
Thanks for the great day on the water Bob & Katy!
This was my first time aboard the TC255 and I'm impressed. My wife was equally impressed and loved the way the TC255 handled and the amount of space. When we drove up to the launch I was floored by how large this vessel is - even with a 8' 6" beam, this has a large cockpit and cabin space. I've seen the pictures on this site and others and its deceptive how much space there is on this cat. I've been on other 22-25 footers (monohull) and the TC255 is just a large boat. And although I'm aware of the manueverability of cats due to the spacing of the engines, it was still pretty cool see Dive Cat do a full turn after heading into a marina to check out some boats. But the best part of the TC255 was how great it is setup for diving
Lots of room for gear, easy exit from the water through the transom/dive ladder, shower to rinse off, and a warm cabin to relax in after the dive.But enough about the boat
Bob and Katy were very gracious and we enjoyed their company for the day, and I hope that we will have the opportunity to hang out with them again in the near future.Thanks for the great day on the water Bob & Katy!
I am also very close to ordering a Tomcat. However, after reading some of the posts, I am hesitating.
Slap and slam in 2-3 footers?? Is that true? Other cats I have sea trialed do not do that and most ride perfectly in 2-3+ foot seas. If this boat slams in 3 footers, there is no advantage to buying this boat (cat). The major advantage a cat brings besides more room is a great ride. I don't see anyone bragging about the ride.
Someone else mentioned slowing down to 8kts. What were the conditions? Should be about to do 15kts. in 3 footers without getting wet.
Does it sneeze and slam at trolling speeds?
I am heartbroken. Thought I finally found the perfect boat but the slap and slam comments have me wondering. Getting wet at speed is not good either.
Any info. would be wonderful but so far after reading about all the issues with this boat, I need to keep looking.
Slap and slam in 2-3 footers?? Is that true? Other cats I have sea trialed do not do that and most ride perfectly in 2-3+ foot seas. If this boat slams in 3 footers, there is no advantage to buying this boat (cat). The major advantage a cat brings besides more room is a great ride. I don't see anyone bragging about the ride.
Someone else mentioned slowing down to 8kts. What were the conditions? Should be about to do 15kts. in 3 footers without getting wet.
Does it sneeze and slam at trolling speeds?
I am heartbroken. Thought I finally found the perfect boat but the slap and slam comments have me wondering. Getting wet at speed is not good either.
Any info. would be wonderful but so far after reading about all the issues with this boat, I need to keep looking.
CSTANARD – I think you are getting some of the post here from C-Dory owners confused as being from TomCat owners. Look at the left column under the members name and see what kind of boat they have. Your best bet to know what type of ride you can get on a TomCat, is to get on one and try it out. I don’t know where you are in Michigan but there is a dealer who is also a member here (Rabidfish) just south of you in Indiana. I know he is very knowledgeable and helpful. Click on his name above and it will take you to his web site.
Oldgrowth, been there did that.
I have had several conversations with Craig at Rabidfish. He gets his first Tomcat in July and I was planning to take a look. The chances of getting a ride on a Tomcat on Lake Michigan are slim to none.
Each and every comment I cite was from Tomcat 255 owner or rider. I was careful with that. Slap and slam comments are indeed attributable to the Tomcat.
Frankly, it is highly disappointing. I have been hoping for a long time that someone would build a cat with a pilothouse. Someone builds one and it rides like crapola. Murphys law, I suppose.
I have had several conversations with Craig at Rabidfish. He gets his first Tomcat in July and I was planning to take a look. The chances of getting a ride on a Tomcat on Lake Michigan are slim to none.
Each and every comment I cite was from Tomcat 255 owner or rider. I was careful with that. Slap and slam comments are indeed attributable to the Tomcat.
Frankly, it is highly disappointing. I have been hoping for a long time that someone would build a cat with a pilothouse. Someone builds one and it rides like crapola. Murphys law, I suppose.
CSTANARD, I think the ride depends a lot on the seas. By that I mean, where is it coming from, wave length, with or against current, etc. I recently spent 4 hours in 4-6' seas, short spaced waves with whitecaps. I felt that the boat pounded such that it hurt my poor old back only 2-3 times. The boat rolled less than our 17 ton Krogen would have. We were hitting the wave faces at a 15-25 degree angle. Later in the trip when we turned and were getting 3-4' seas on the Stbd rear quarter, the motion and ride was completely different, still controllable, comfortable and relatively flat.
Don't give up on the TomCat. We're still getting used to it but we marvel at it's ride every time we take it out. I would think a decision like a new 100k boat would merit a plane ticket to the PNW and a ride.
Don't give up on the TomCat. We're still getting used to it but we marvel at it's ride every time we take it out. I would think a decision like a new 100k boat would merit a plane ticket to the PNW and a ride.
CSTANARD,
Come on out to LA for a ride on Dive Cat!
When Katy and I crossed from Channel Islands to Santa Cruz it was windy and quite choppy. The waves had an underlying swell topped by a wind chop. Of course I slowed down for the comfort of Katy and our dog, Mika, who is still gaining her sea legs. I guess if it was just you and me, we could have gone faster on a different bearing and then come back across to end up at the same place. Also, in those conditions spray is going to be generated by any boat. I don't like salt water all over everything when it isn't necessary, especially when I'm going to be out for awhile.
Dive Cat doesn't really like 15 kts very much. She prefers 22-25. On the way back we were doing about 29 and had a ball.
In San Diego Bay a couple weeks ago we were humming along and ran across an area of 1-3' wakes all bouncing and tossing off ships and rocks. We slowed down there, too, after the initial hit.
Bob Cat
Come on out to LA for a ride on Dive Cat!
When Katy and I crossed from Channel Islands to Santa Cruz it was windy and quite choppy. The waves had an underlying swell topped by a wind chop. Of course I slowed down for the comfort of Katy and our dog, Mika, who is still gaining her sea legs. I guess if it was just you and me, we could have gone faster on a different bearing and then come back across to end up at the same place. Also, in those conditions spray is going to be generated by any boat. I don't like salt water all over everything when it isn't necessary, especially when I'm going to be out for awhile.
Dive Cat doesn't really like 15 kts very much. She prefers 22-25. On the way back we were doing about 29 and had a ball.
In San Diego Bay a couple weeks ago we were humming along and ran across an area of 1-3' wakes all bouncing and tossing off ships and rocks. We slowed down there, too, after the initial hit.
Bob Cat
Just read in an email post from BoatTest.com that they're going to air their on-the-water tests of the TomCat 255 today (6/3) at 12PM (EST) on The Outdoor Channel. I think they mean EDT this time of year, not sure.
Fishing Boat of the Week:
This Saturday June 3 at 12:00pm we test the C-Dory 255 TomCat on "BoatTEST Reports." For the complete line-up and for all show times, click http://www.boattest.com/Resources/tvshow.aspx.
Fishing Boat of the Week:
This Saturday June 3 at 12:00pm we test the C-Dory 255 TomCat on "BoatTEST Reports." For the complete line-up and for all show times, click http://www.boattest.com/Resources/tvshow.aspx.