Thataway

Thank you. I am posting some more today, including wiring. I found out that the L brackets which hold most of the "furniture" in place are plain steel, not stainless Steel. I will have to find a source for these in SS and replace them. Plain steel will rust in a marine environment. Also I will have to remove a number of these to get the dinette and foreward foot rest out in order to put in the second water tank.

There is a good reason for this second tank--the boat has most of the weight on the Stb side--water heater, water tank, stove and house battery. Putting a second house battery (AGM) outboard of the chest freezer under the foreward dinette seat, plus the water tank, with water, will put close to 400 lbs on the port side and help to balance the boat.
 
Hey Bob! Congrats!! Myself and Jeff Brigner, who just bought the CD25 are heading down Thursday and Friday. We should be able to plan on a full day Friday of just playing in the waters. I sure need it. Yes, the service at Wefing's is real good. Marc ordered me a custom made trailer for C-Byrd, complete with measurements and digital photos....and it came in set up wrong, so I will not be able to bring my boat home... but, we for sure can and will enjoy our time and spend it with my 1st real full day on the water since I bought the boat...

Sorry to hear about the issues on your boat, but it is great knowing we have the support of good dealers and great factory back up support to make changes and get things right. I had to laugh at one of your statements when you said something to the effect of we spend this kind of monies on a new boat and expect everything to be right...but it is not... followed by you having bought several boats....and they were not right either. :mrgreen: You are right...some of the items should not be an issue and I agree 100%. We ain't buying "entry level boats" and we ain't paying "package boat show prices"....so we do expect high quality. At the same time... these boats are sort of new in the south....and we just need some things a bit different than in the cooler NW. Like a bunch of insulation around all boxes that have the potential to hold ice and what ever we stick in them. But then.... what hull number is your boat? I think for sure....less than hull number 25, and for sure in it's "Rookie" year. Thank you for being one that put your money down, and be one of the original owners of this hull and vessel "system." These are not boats we buy to just go fish/cruise for a few hours and then go back into the house...we plan to sorta live on them. An RV for the water if you will.

Thank you, and every one else who to date have purchased the TC255. Someone has to be the "let's get it off paper and on the water" folks, and yall are that group. I feel sure our C-Dory factory is listening real good. They always do. But then, they have to "take in" these recommended changes, and then adjust things as they "evolve". Great notes on the generator not fitting. That is an easy fix...now that we know most of us plan on having on board generators. I feel sure Jeff, Scott, and their crew are all over this. As we recall, the original CD25 boats were/are great boats..but...once off the paper and on the water....some improvements were found, recommended, and made. You can go ape crazy over the things that continue to happen on the CD22 with owner input and riggings. Now....how many of them have been made?

So... take a deep breath...be thankful you have great dealer and factory support. There are folks buying boats today as we speak that are buying "blow-n-go" boats that do not, and never will have the support of the dealers, factory....or....ALL OUR OWNERS of these great C-Dory boats.

I gotta go pack.

Byrdman... getting a bit jittery....and ready to get in the water!!! :smiled :thup
 
Thanks to Wefing's and Jeff at C Dory--and the technicians, we have the new Teleflex/Sea Star steering in, and know it is right!

Amazingly, Thatway is hull # 39, so C Dory is really cranking them out!
Of about 900 total new cats sold in the US per year, the Tom Cat is making an impressive dent for the first year!
 
Well, another problem, Leaking gasoline from the fuel vent!--It has been hot in Pensacola--but no more than usual. The boat is in the lift, and has a 2.5 degree inclination from bow to stern to allow any water in the cockpit to freely drain (I have had several boats in the lift with no problem with this angle)

Several days ago, we noticed a number of yellow streaks on the starboard side of the hull. It was gasoline, and comming from the stb fuel vent. Methyl alcohol seemed to be the best solvent to remove this stain, but it has left the fiberglass stained despite FSR, oxylic acid, acetone, laquor thineer and mild buffing compounds. The fuel runs out of the vent, along the rub rail and all of the way aft to the Armstrong bracket--which it has also stained. It has done significant damage to the graphics of "Thataway". The spill recurred today as ambient temperature raised.

I checked to see where the fuel vent was in the tank--it is all of the way outboard and aft, right next to the fuel pickup and the fuel fill on the top of the tank and is accessiable. The boat will run at more than 3 degrees when on a plane, but probably the suction of fuel being burned will probably prevent fuel from spilling out of the vent (I hope). The boat was filled up with fuel, but no overflow and then driven 30 miles, so I assume that at least 10 gallons from each tank was used. I have leveled the boat side to side, and tomarrow I will have to cut the cable on the lift and reswage it to bring the boat to level (as measured in the cockpit floor)--the disadvantage of this, is that the boat will not drain well, when sitting on the lift, and in the South lead to mold etc. The other and immediate solution is to pump some of the fuel out of the boat. (which is a bummer, since it is desirable to keep fuel tanks full to prevent condensation).

I anticipate that this will only happen if the boat is on a lift or trailer where the temperature is high. But this is a warning to other owners who may have boats on a lift. Also having fuel build up this way in a vent line may be in violation of CFR title 33, section 183.558. (having to do with vent lines)
 
Bob... I don't know if it will work, but there is an amazing soap out designed for 'artists'. It comes in a green bar that feels like "Lava" soap, but it kind of looks, feels and smells like some seaweed derivative, or algae thing. Anyway, it is called "The Master's" Soap. It is at Michael's, Hobby Lobby, or some art supply store. Comes in a tan wrapper and looks just like a bar of green soap under the tan wrapper. It cost about $4 a bar, but I have taken set up acrylic paint, oil paint, grease, etc. off my brushes, furniture, hands and clothes with it. It appears to be very gentle to skin and clothes, so I don't think it would hurt your boat's finish. You might try rubbing some of the stained area gently with this type of soap. It cleans better than those waterless grease gels. John
 
Good idea, John.

Which reminded me I did not try a citrus hand cleaner, which is one of the first things I look for when I have to clean things. There is some pumice, but if I use a micro fiber cloth, it should not be any more abrasive than the finessit II.

It has been cool today (rain) so no spill, and we will level the lift tonight.

Thanks,
 
Bar Keeper ......Bar Tenders Helper.... something like that is used by Tyboo and others and they swear by it.. I have never tried it...but, several on this site have for sure cleaned up some ruff stuff.

Give er a go!!

Byrdman
 
I have used barkeepers friend and Zud, which are both mildly abrasive and contain oxylic acid as the active ingredient. I prefer to use these only on decks, then coat with Woody Wax, because of the abrasive nature of the cleaners.

I have revamped the cables on the lift and the boat has exactly one degree of bow rise--exactly the same as when it is floating. I have a suspician that the vent tube goes into the tank slightly more than the top of the tank, thus pushes gasoline out, instead of air when the gas & air expand with the heat. No problems today, but the temperature as only 85 degrees and some rain.

I have run two ropes from the console to the aft compartment to start pulling wires etc--Also have started on the transom shower--I am used the recessed "Scandvik" shower system--one deck plate, with two 2 3/4" "plastic baskets" one contains the shower head, with hose. The other has a small mixing valve--nothing sticks out on the deck.

My weight (185# ) definately deflects the cabin roof, which affirms that the roof should be reinforced before putting on an airconditioner.
 
I exhausted all cleaning alternatives--and included Zud, BarKeepers friend, Orange citrius hand cleaner, acetone, laquor thinner and WD 40.
The best agent is denatured methyl alcohol.

The Finessetit II is abrasive and will take off some of the gel coat. I have only used it by hand thus far, but will hit it with the compounding wheel in a day or so.

Marc at Wefing's said that apparently the factory is considering a fuel air separator by Racor--but I am told that the engineer "will be back monday".

I have decided that I will definately have to replace the stb graphics--enough damage to both the adhesive and the actual vinyl to not be able to use them. Putting graphics on in the water (since they are on the hull) is more difficult.

On another note, apparently the factory is still "working on a solution" to a proper cushion for the bench seat in the aft cockpit. This is a little puzzling to me, since the boat I sea trialed had a cushion, but the boat did have a bait tank--and we don't.
 
thataway":3hk2j443 said:
I have decided that I will definately have to replace the stb graphics--enough damage to both the adhesive and the actual vinyl to not be able to use them.

If you haven't done this before, do yourself a favor and invest $10-15 in a cheap heat gun, available at most hobby shops for use in assembling model airplane skins.

They put out much more heat than a hair dryer, but far less heat than an "industrial" heat gun, and are perfect for removing adhesive-backed stickers. I've used mine to remove registration stickers ranging from 2-10 years old, and it makes the job very simple. A little Goo Gone takes care of the remaining adhesive left behind, just be aware that it will strip any wax you have on the fiberglass as well.

The hobby heat guns are also excellent for heat shrink wiring connectors and tubing...
 
Lets see:
I own 3 heat guns, and removed my first vinly graphics in 1972--so I do have both the tools and knowlege to do this.

Thank you.

Bob Austin MD--200,000 miles of open ocean, 25,000 miles of inland waterways over 65 years of sailing.
 
Da Nag,
Sorry I don't understand about the "Pony". Sorry but the post about removing decals struck me a little wrong, in retrospect I suspect you were just trying to be helpful. Frankly buying this C Dory has been a very frustrating experience. I had asked about other ways of removing gasoline stains (yellow) on the new gel coat. The new graphics ($200) were destroyed by the gasoline. I knew how to remove and clean graphics--and had tried all of the methods I know of to remove the gas stain. Incidently one has to be very careful with heat guns, because gel coat can be damaged and a plastic spreader, not metal be used if you have to lift any of the graphics. Hopefully the stains will fade with time and sun exposure.

I am beginning to wonder if I made the right choice of a $120,000 Last boat. Part of my decision was the quality and history of "dong it right" on C Dory boats--which I have been aware of since the late 70's.

The factory has not been responsive to this problem of the gasoline. I send one E mail to Jeff M the day I first noticed the problem, 48 hours later, I sent a second, copying the dealer. A day later I got a response that the problem was being refered to the engineer who would be in next week.

The problem of raw gas spewing out of a vent is not a benign problem; It is not only a cosmetic issue. If a spark from a lawn mower had ignited the fumes--it would have been goodby boat--and possiably other structures. Remember this is not even a full tank of gas. If it happened on my boat, it could happen on another boat.

I ordered a boat, having been promised by the dealer I would have what I wanted on the boat. Not big things: different color upholustry, wiring for the reefer, but no reefer(These were done). But the extra water tank was not done--it would have been easy to put in during assembly, but I was told after my order was accepted and apparently after the hull and deck had been joined; that although a second water tank had been put in one boat, it was only done as a favor because that person had to wait to get his early boat. I was told by Jeff M that he would go to the factory and find out where to cut the floor, inorder to put in the tank, well over a week ago--still don't know exactly where to cut. I asked for the hoses to be run for a shower aft (something that most manufactuers will do)--not done. Told that they needed to crank out the boats and could not do custom items. I wanted the fish boxes foamed in for insullation--and I was assured that would be done. (incidently one of the reviews said that the fish boxes were foamed in). Again after the boat was assembled, I was called by Jeff M, and the dealer in a conferance call, that the foaming in had not been done, but was told that it could partly be done even then. No foaming was done--sorry..

The boat was not cleaned or examined when it arrived at the dealers--at least a week before I was to pick it up, and there were several "dings"--These were not found until the day before I was to pick up the boat and it is up to me to find a person to fix these.

Inadequate gas for sea trial (I would have put in more gas if I knew)--Dealer and mechanic were around for engine start, but left before we shoved off! We ran out of gas in one engine after about 100 yards.

In about an hour the engine hour meter failed--new unit sent.(not C Dory's fault)

Then the steering went out (not C Dory's fault--and to their credit, they got a new unit out in several days, and the dealer put in the new unit at my home--to get the boat to the dealers, it would have to have been towed to a ramp 30 miles from my house).

Then there is the issue of a cover and cushion for the aft seat/storage area--still not done. I am told "it is almost designed"....Mean while, when it rains water gets on the electrical connections--fortunately I am not running the boat in the ocean, because if I was, there would be salt spray getting on the bus bar and terminals.

Several of the fiddles on counter tops have about 1/8" gap under the teak rails--this will be a major issue for cleaning--and I will have to fill this gap. If the railing had been put in properly, there would not be a gap.
There are a number of other small quality issues--maybe my C Dory 22 was an exceptionally good boat--but there were none of these type of issues with that boat.

There are some issues with not meeting ABYC standards because of bus bars and battery posts not covered--(I have remidied these since they are immediate safety issues).

I have enough experience--to know that no boat will be perfect. But I do expect a bit better servcie and quality from C Dory. I only put a little about my background, because it seemed that Da Nag was not familiar with my experience--which also includes owning a boat building company, building boats, restoring several larger boats etc. Yeh I can fix most of these defects--but as an old man, I had hoped to just be able to use it without any problems....

I started this thread to document what was being done to customize the boat--it has turned out more to be what is wrong with the boat. I hope that this trend will reverse, and I can be posting positive information on the Tom Cat 255.

Regards to all.
 
thataway":2qexe9xx said:
Sorry I don't understand about the "Pony".

Just a virtual poke in the ribs there, Dr. Bob.

thataway":2qexe9xx said:
Sorry but the post about removing decals struck me a little wrong, in retrospect I suspect you were just trying to be helpful.

Yup - to you, and anyone else reading. Had I known of your years of experience, I'd have posted something similar, but perhaps worded it differently. Being public forums, pointing out what's obvious to you, might very well be helpful to somebody else. We've got lot's of boating dummies lurking around here...a title that applied to me in the relatively recent past.

<long list of problems - snip>

thataway":2qexe9xx said:
Yeh I can fix most of these defects--but as an old man, I had hoped to just be able to use it without any problems....

I don't blame you in the least...I'd be all over C-Dory to get things right as well.

In addition to the unfortunate failures you've encountered that were beyond C-Dory's control, my guess is, you're suffering from a bit of "new model blues". I point this out not as an excuse for C-Dory or the dealer, just a possible explanation.

For all the good things I've read about the new TomCat, I've heard several reports like yours from other new TomCat owners. Mostly small, nagging problems that don't significantly detract from the boat functionally, just frustrating items that quality control should have picked up at the factory, or design issues that only became obvious after a few folks got the boats out on the water and started using them.

I'm quite familiar with what you're going through - I got the first 19 Angler they made, and spent several months working with the factory and dealer getting things right. When the CD25 first came out, it had problems of it's own, which were documented here in detail. But as many others have pointed out through the years, C-Dory almost always comes through and makes the customer satisfied in the end. Even with the problems I encountered with the 19 Angler, they handled it such that I had no reservations about becoming a repeat customer.

thataway":2qexe9xx said:
I started this thread to document what was being done to customize the boat--it has turned out more to be what is wrong with the boat. I hope that this trend will reverse, and I can be posting positive information on the Tom Cat 255.

Were I a betting man, I'd wager C-Dory will come through for you. Also, while it's nothing you'll benefit from directly, I'd also bet C-Dory is keeping close track of the problems you've had, and is addressing them during the manufacturing process in order to ensure future TomCat owners don't suffer the same problems. That's exacly what happened with the 19 and 25, and new boat complaints/issues are now far and few between for these models, judging by reports here.

One thing I would suggest C-Dory do with future new models - it would make sense to sell the first 10 or so locally in Washington, and keep very close tabs on them. These "new model" issues are far easier (and cheaper) to address in their own back yard...
 
DaNag wrote:

"One thing I would suggest C-Dory do with future new models - it would make sense to sell the first 10 or so locally in Washington, and keep very close tabs on them. These "new model" issues are far easier (and cheaper) to address in their own back yard..."

This is a great suggestion! I'm not sure if it's doable in practicce, but it should be a lot simpler than having them all over the country.

Probably especially useful as the boats get larger and more complex with more options/variations.

Joe.
 
Oh Mike! Wrong.:lol: :lol: -- doubt Mrs. D. will go for another boat toy. And of all the boats, I'd go back to the 24 Tomcat in a NY second. It had birthing problems too, but the factory bent over backwards to make everything right. Bet the Byrd guy has kicked himself a couple of times for letting that one out of his stable.

Off Topic -- talked to a guy yesterday at the marina who just returned from Rosario Resort. Three kids -- said it was a little spendy for moorage, but pool, snack bar, trails, etc., made it a great place for the kids. One you missed?

Dusty
 
Thanks guys, and again my appologies to Bill, who I have never had the pleasure of meeting. Although I have been in the PNW twice with the CD 22 in the last two years, unfortunately it was never in the time frame of a C Dory gathering.

A new problem--I had noted some water on the foreward bunk when we took delivery. The boat had been washed down, and the crew at Wefing's just said the hatch must have not been dogged down tight. Gordon (Kitkat) was over this AM and we had a hard rain--during this we discovered that although there was a drain out of the amidships anchor locker, to the Stb side anchor locker, and a hole outboard behind a clamshell, Godon discovered that there was no similar hole thru the port side of the main anchor locker, but of course there was a drain on the outboard port storage locker...So I went out to check up on this again after Gordon left--and there was a puddle on the foreward berth!

I waited and the drip was comming from the aft stb trim ring screw holds the insect screen in place. I removed this trim ring--and much to my surprise, I could see outside! The hole for the foreward hatch (over the bunk) was cut too large, and the outer ring of the hatch flange was not over any glass, nor was there any bedding compound under this area. In fact I was a bit amazed at the lack of bedding compound all around the inside of the hatch (Makes me think that some one in the factory thought that is was easier to not use much (in some places none) bedding compound, because he didn't have to clean up any around the deck.

To make matters worse, the core was not well sealed around the hatch, and some of the water in the trim ring was yellow--which indicates that it leaked thru the core. This is the type of mistake which will lead to deck delamination and serious damage to the boat. This type of finding worries me greatly, because if it was done on a hatch, it could be done on any one of the deck fittings, and cause eventual failure of the deck.

I have added photos of this problem in the album

The majority of problems I have found are due to carelessness by the work force, and a lack of quality control. There may be one or two which are design problems, but not the majority. Some of these problems are serious enough to cause marked detiorration of the boat in time. I also am well aware of "new boat" problems--but my hull is #39.

Regards to all.
 
Bob,

This sort of thing should NOT happen. Period!!

I've been down the manufacturing street too and fully understand quality control - and employee problems. It's much easier for the factory to have product at 100% out the door, and I've been around C-Dory for a lot of years and know that's the way they want it. Your hull number shouldn't be having this sort of thing and I know Jeff will be upset. NO one is more concerned.

The Tomcat is a great boat, and my guess is they (factory) will do whatever it takes to make it right. I had a very early hull number on the TC24, and they were great to work with. A good QC division should have caught most of mine, but the only people who are competent at QC have to be on the line in a small company. Sad, but true.

If you come back to the Pac NW stay in touch.

Good luck!

Dusty
 
Back
Top