Potential new boat owners

Good to see folks looking at the TC255. Prior TC24 owner and it was a great boat too. I do miss the cat ride and stability.

Saw in your post you may be contracting on Tuesday.. Cool...but, in your search, you may want to at least allow yourself a gander at Bob's TC255 in CA. "Bobcat" in the for sale section on our front page. This boat was put together by Les Lampman in Oak Harbor WA....with very...very much attention to detail.

As an individual, I feel this particular hull will be hands down in better shape than a new hull coming out of the factory today. Just my opinion...and truly worth a peak prior to throwing down the big bucks for a brand new...not yet tweaked/upgraded hull.

Enjoy.... and this may get you to Bob's boat.
http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=4460

Byrdman
 
Mark and Diana...

I forgot to mention that you definitely need FOUR batteries, esp. if you have the built in refridgerator.

I think the aft station is very well worth the extra cost. Helps alot coming into fuel docks, dumping stations and any close maneuvering in rough weather, not to mention the ease of being out back in the cockpit for fishing, cruising, etc.

Re: If the used TomCat is equipped for what you want, it certainly would be a money saver. The used TomCat that is dive equipped has a jog type aft steering which is different than the full aft helm. I would stop short of saying that the used TomCat is a superior hull to one of the newer hulls, though.

Good luck,

John
 
Lori Ann":19917xxr said:
gljjr":19917xxr said:
I have used the older model 110, several of the 337's on various boats over the last couple years and I much prefer Lowrance's Analog Sonar over the Raymarine and Garmin Digital.
Click to expand...

I was not able to find these on the Lowrance website. What would be the equivalent current model(s)?

Thanks,
Warren
Click to expand...

Warren,

The 112/113 is the replacement of the 110/111. The 520/522/525/527 are the new versions of the 332/337 series.
 
Many thanks to John, Bob, Pete, Alok, “Byrdman” and the many others for your comments and excellent advice.

I’m finding myself a little overwhelmed with all the information available and how many decisions there are to be made! But I guess part of the fun of being a boat owner is diving into the details of the various equipment, options, etc.

I looked at the used TC for sale in California (Dive Cat) – looks like a great boat with lots of well thought out modifications and equipment. It seems to be specially configured, however, for diving which even though I have my dive card – is not really applicable where I will most likely be using our boat.

- Great points about the bottom paint. I would not have even thought of that. Looks like the best course of action is to put in the water for now and have it added in a couple of months.

- Lots of good input from everyone on electronics. I’m definitely going to get a multifunctional unit and a handheld GPS back-up. I will take the advice to compare various models at Rogers Marina before deciding which one to purchase. I have also made a check list of what to look for in a VHF radio.

- Looks like I also need to do a little more research before getting the camper back. I’m going to look at photos of what others have done and see if I can come up with an appropriate design and ask more questions about who will do the work and types of material.

I’ll let everyone knows what happens!

Thanks again
 
Mark,

Probably the biggest difference on the Camper Back design is whether to have zip out screens/windows. We usually have enough wind around here and down to the Gulf to keep small insects from hanging around, but up North where you are, it would probably be good to have zip out clear plastic, leaving screens for your protection when the boat is at rest.

Bottom paint... I am guessing the quality of the factory job is excellent, and it is much cheaper than having the job done after delivery. Most ppl I've checked with end up paying about $2500 for bottom paint, if you're lucky enough to find someone to do it at all due to the hazardous materials laws.

It was just an accident that I ended up deciding to have the bottom painted after delivery.

Enjoy the process! John
 
drjohn71a":27v7qq9o said:
Most ppl I've checked with end up paying about $2500 for bottom paint, if you're lucky enough to find someone to do it at all due to the hazardous materials laws.
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That may be a function of where you live, as bottom painting is not hard to come by here.

Warren
 
Lori Ann":2fsbk8tn said:
drjohn71a":2fsbk8tn said:
Most ppl I've checked with end up paying about $2500 for bottom paint, if you're lucky enough to find someone to do it at all due to the hazardous materials laws.
Click to expand...

That may be a function of where you live, as bottom painting is not hard to come by here.

Warren
Click to expand...

A couple of gallons of suitable bottom paint (eg, West Marine BottomPro)
will cost you <$400, add roller, suit, gloves and a couple of hours of your
time and there you go. Painting the bottom isn't rocket-science (I repaint
my 27' sailboat every season).
 
Well we did it and now are proud boat owners!

Since the boat was already delivered from the factory - we need to add the bottom paint - but are getting it done fairly reasonably.

I'll spend this weekend figuring out which navigation/electronics system to get.

Thanks again to everyone's input.
 
Unless you are planning on leaving the boat in the water for extended periods of time I see no reason to spend the time and money on bottom paint. I keep the boat on a trailer. The longest time I had a boat in the water was the 30 day trip to Ketchikan last year and when I returned I had no growth on the bottom at all.
 
One more comment about bottom painting...

BTW, I agree with Dave on Anna Leigh. If you're only dipping it in the water, I wouldn't bottom paint it.

My comment though has to do with the price. As far as I know, the factory only BOTTOM PAINTS the boat, they don't apply epoxy. Epoxy is the big expense, because it is a major pain to apply.

The debate is whether or not you need to apply epoxy (barrier coat) when the boat is made with vinylester. That's a personal decision. I went with a barrier coat because my boat sits in salt water 24/7/365 and I wanted the extra protection against osmosis. Without barrier paint, the price of bottom paint is much more reasonable.
 
We put epoxy on our Tomcat, for the same reason- in the water full time. The factory does recommend epoxy for the Tomcat, by the way- I asked.

However, vinyester (which is the resin used for the Tomcat, at least on the outer surface of the hull) is relatively blister resistant.

So, one algorithm for the colder climes could be:

1. In cold water for up to a month at a time- nothing necessary.

2. In cold water for more than a month at a time, but will spend at least 50% of time out of the water- bottom paint only. The time out of the water will allow the hull to dry out and discourage blistering.

3. In the water all the time- full court press with epoxy and bottom paint.

One man's opinion...
 
Just to 'close the loop' on the bottom paint discussion. since for the first year we will be keeping the boat in the water (Willamette River), we decided to go a head with the bottom paint. Pictures are posted in our Album under "modifications'.

They first applied Interlux Interprotect (which I understand is 2-part epoxy primer) and then Interlux Micron Extra bottom paint, which contains "Biolux" for antifouling.
 
One more 'post' on this thread - Got the boat back today with the new Camperback installed by Bentley's (Milwaukie, Oregon). Very happy with the results. (some pictures posted in our album).

Transducer and paddle wheel installed today - hope to have the boat in the water (Finally) tomorrow. :D Then the fun begins!
 
Unfortunately we need to buy a new rig to tow it :( - so for at least for now we are "confined" to the Willamette/Columbia. We're looking forward to venturing up to the Puget Sound as soon as we can and connecting with other CD owners!
 
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