TC 25 Update

BYRDMAN,

Yes, on consolidation of threads . . .

I think they're assembling the hull, deck, and cabin pieces fresh out of the molds in early May first to check for fit, finish and overall appearance. I suppose they'll do a float test with sandbags to simulate weight distribution of typical final form. It may then take about 6 weeks to finish out #1 completely with a new team, new patterns, etc. That's how the late June date came to be. If they don't start #2 until late June, it won't be ready until mid-late August.

I'm thinking (and hoping) that if everything looks good at the early May assembly/production evaluation threshold, they'll make any adjustments and proceed slowly with #2 right away, building on the experience of #1. That's why the 10 May visit.

June and July are nice out here with the water warming up to the mid 60's or so. Bring your stuff and we'll try Catalina. Maybe this calls for some kind of get-together/open house/test drive weekend at Marina del Rey.

Much will be learned in May and a lot of speculation will evaporate.

Best to all,
Scaley
 
Scaley-

Your post about the "experimental" developments in store as the first TC25 is assembled remind me of our 33 sailboat racing years. In One-Design classes, builders were constantly developing new improved versions to get a speed edge.

The real question became when to buy the new model. The first ones out of the mold were usually imperfect, and basicallyinvolved a learning process as far as the lay up and structural reinforcement details were concerned. They were also usually heavy, which in dinghy sailboats, equals SLOW.

So the trick then was to order hull number 4-7 or so, after the experimenting process and learning curves had produced a fast new boat that was ahead of the competition.

Fortunately, a powerboat like the TC25 is not as weight sensitive as a dinghy sailboat, and the tendency to cut corners to save weight would be less. In fact, most of the layup techniques and structural tie-ins are probably fairly straight-forward and similar to those used on the TC24 and other boats already in production.

Still, looking at the issues they had in deciding how to engineer and enclose all the workings inside the floor on the CD-25, I'd be sure to pay close attention to mine if it were one of the early ones or if I had special needs in this area, etc. Fun watching the project develop! Joe.[/i]
 
Sea Wolf

You're right, and I'd be more concerned if this wasn't a modification of an existing design. The big hull changes will be the 18" addition to length and the squaring off of the transom. Seems pretty straight forward and, with a marine architect reviewing and given the conservative, thorough nature of the company I'm betting the hull will be good out of the mold first time.

The deck and cabin pieces are more of a "fit without stress" issue. How they all go together is in the hands of the fabrication team and that will determine the true strength of the boat and its longivity. Based on how well everyone likes what has been coming out of C-Dory all these years I can only assume there will be no compromise in the new Tomcat. That's what brought me to C-Dory to begin with and I'm really enjoying the participation part of the whole thing It's a fascinating project.

More in May.

Scaley
 
What is it going to cost, and what kind of fuel consumption can we expect relative to the 24? Gotta say I'm a little bummed they ended the 24 - twin 90's and 12 mpg at 30kts had me sold. Bigger engines, does that mean more fuel to operate and a way bigger upfront cost? I'm not sold - someone - please sell me :disgust !
AKAlejandro
 
Hey Brats:
We have a 2003 TC24 and have been diving,cruising,fishing locally and all over south Florida and the Bahamas and it doesn't matter if we're just out for a sunset cruise or loaded for a dive cruise we get 1.85 nautical miles per gallon consistently regardless. That is much less than our old 22' cruiser but than again it's almost 3 times the boat in size,weight and fuel load. The TC255 looks like it will be a great boat but in all honesty it's just out of our price range and I wouldn't want the extra cost in maintenance and operating cost. We're very comfortable on this boat and though the new one is designed more to our liking (not sweeped back) we have bonded to this boat and it's so unique that the urge to trade faded. It is going to be a great boat though for those who can afford it! The 24 has 110 gallons of fuel, anyone have an info on the fuel load of the new 25?
 
I believe the new TC 255 will hold 130 gallons of fuel. Minimum horsepower is 230 and maximum is 300 HP. Hull weight is estimated at 4200#, so add about another 1,000 pounds in motors and about another 1,000 in fuel and she will be tipping the scale around 6,500# wet.
 
So - if everyone's "movin' up", there should be a few 24's for sale. What'll they run - what'll people be asking?
I looked at the Molly Brown pictures, and totally fell in love! Great custom arch, canvas and graphics!
Ciao,
AKAlejandro
 
Hi. Does anyone know if there is a TomCat in the Miami area? I am hoping to have a CD some day soon and the Florida dealer turned turtle. I have been out on a TC25 but, at 6'5" I like the cat's big fore berth and the idea of not pounding on the ICW. I was at Mobile Marine in Alliance, NC earlier this month but they did not have a TomCat. I spent two days on a Rosborough RF246 one the Neuse River at New Bern and it's just not a C-Dory (can't tell my bro-in-law that). Steve in Miami. :D
 
To all interested parties,

TC255 Fabrication Update.

I was at the factory last Thursday. The hull was in the mold being ground smooth. There is a new little "V" that is on centerline dropping down about 8" or so beginning about 3' back from the bow, running for about 4' and tapering to 0". It is designed to break up splash and sneeze on the previously flat surface.

The deck section was complete and staged in the back yard with the windows and door cut out. Scott M thought it would fit over the hull like a shoe box lid (CD25) for added strength.

The cabin deck mold had arrived but the actual deck had not been molded yet. It needs to be molded, popped and installed in the hull while the hull is still in the mold, before the deck/cabin part can be joined.

Armstrong brackets are there and provide about 250 lb of lift when completely submerged.

Lots yet to do but their goal is to have something tangible that at least looks like a TC255 by the Blakely Gathering.

Pictures? With things spread all over and the hull on its side it doesn't make much visual sense yet. But Scott promises to take pictures and send as soon as the parts are assembled.

Best to all,
Scaley
 
Additional clarification to above:

The Armstrong brackets have about 250 lbs of lift EACH, when completely submerged. My source is a Tech Rep at Armstrong.

Thanks,
Scaley
 
Scaley Waterman":1f28htd1 said:
Additional clarification to above:

The Armstrong brackets have about 250 lbs of lift EACH, when completely submerged. My source is a Tech Rep at Armstrong.

Thanks,
Scaley
Click to expand...

Thanks for the update Scaley ... I've been watching this thread with lots of anticipation over the last few months. Are we still on for a dive once you get your TC25? :)

Paul
 
Thanks Scaley! We truly appreciate your time and help. Sounds like we are coming along on this project.. and, I am glad they are taking the time to do it right, rather than just blowing thru to meet some earlier "projected" time line guess. Any one who has worked gant charts on large projects with some very sizeable project gates knows how easily it is for something thought to be simple to move over to the complex side of the house...and slow the whole project down. I feel sure this will be one fine boat when out on the water ....and on its new CUSTOM trailer.
 
I've asked this somewhere else already - but I lost the thread; what will the the optimum cruising speed be on the TC255, and how many GPH can we expect to burn?
AKAlejandro
 
Replies To Above:

I'll dive almost anytime, almost anywhere, whence the moniker Scaley Waterman. This TC255 will be an outstanding dive boat. Stay tuned.

As far as speed goes, it all has to do with weight, trim and good old horsepower. I think they're going to allow up to 300HP at a certain weight limit, so heavy Hondas may be out. That's why I'm thinking about Evinrude 150's x 2. So with 2 x 150's, 1/2 fuel tank and 2 people I'd expect high 30's, at least. Add weight and reduce HP and you'll experience the result.

It's going to be a great boat!

Scaley
 
My TC24 really feels like the hull is starting to do its job and "make its own water" to ride on in the 25mph range. About 21 is a real comfortable cruising speed... and about 31 mph is my top speed now with the STUFF I maintain on board (no dock boxes...all my stuff is in/on the boat), with twin 90 Hondas. Really looking forward to the end results of the TC255... Mid 30s would be too sweet...on the inside waters or real smooth days. But then... some of the best times I have on my boat is with one motor running just locked in forward, lowest throtle setting possible, auto pilot set, remote control for auto pilot in my hand or just near buy, cooking, or up front on the deck just watching the sun rise, set, or the moon and the stars.. I love the slow stuff... but it is sweet to do a 10 mile one direction slow cruise, then punch it up a notch to get back to the dock if needed ....or run from a sudden summer storm that we encounter down here.
Byrdman
 
TC255 Fan Club

A new solution has arrived to resolve weight issues with dual outboards on the TC255. Evinrude will be introducing a line of 150, 175, and 200 HP E-TECs in the Fall. Recent dealer reports indicate the sales reps have tested production engines in Florida. Some have suggested September for delivery on pre-orders.

The beauty of the engine is the 60 degree V6 power head vs. the 90 degree on the 200-250 HP models. This saves a lot of weight. Each of the 60 degree V6's weigh 419-425! Now I don't have to worry about adding 280# of compressor back there, too

Everything heard, seen and written about the E-TEC's has been positive so far. I'm willing to stick my neck out and put a couple of 175's on mine.

Look for the update on Hull #1 late today or tomorrow.

Scaley
 
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