TomCat gas tank hose and key switch installation defects

M

MJK

New member
I am the owner of a 2006 TomCat. I am writing to this forum as a courtesy to fellow TomCat owners to save them time diagnosing two particularly problematic factory installation problems. The first problem was with my gas tank. The factory installed hose that was connected to the metal fill receptacle was too short to be properly clamped, so it disconnected under normal boating conditions. After many guest complaints about gas fumes and after filling my bilge with gas one day, I finally diagnosed the problem and extended the hose. A properly installed hose of the correct length from the factory would have prevented a potentially life threatening danger. My second problem has been with the key switch installation for my two Suzuki DF 140s. The cable that leads from the engines to the key switch was not properly secured to the hull. Under normal boating conditions, the loose cable that connects to the key switch with a dozen or so bullet connectors flopped around inside the hull and caused two of the bullet connectors to disconnect. This caused my port engine to shut off completely while I was on full plane, resulting in a dark, dangerous, multi-hour trip to safety. Both problems were not overly difficult to correct, but resulted in many days of frustrating diagnosis that I hope others can avoid in the event they have experienced the same factory defects.
 
As an owner of a 2006 TomCat with 1100 hours of operation, I can report that I have had neither of these problems occur.

Maybe just lucky!
 
In the 2006 era there were a number of factory "defects". I spend almost 6 months to remedy all of the defects--none of which were like yours. My Tom Cat 255 was started in May 2006, and delivered in early July 2006 (probably the last 2006 year model laid up).

Did you buy the boat new or used? Not to excuse any factory defects, but some boats were dealer rigged, not at the factory. That would not explain a short fuel hose. The quality control was not good in that era. Interesting that it would take 13 years to find these issues. I wonder if the fuel tank had shifted?

Hopefully those are the only major issues.
 
Thank you, Bob. I bought my TomCat new from a CT dealer, who has since stopped representing C-Dory. I identified the dangerous fuel hose problem soon after I bought the boat. I only mentioned it now because I recently identified the defective engine cable installation. The combination of these two installation defects is degrading the the overall confidence that me, my guests, and fellow boaters have in the vessel. Knowing that the 2006 timeframe was a defective era for C-Dory is disconcerting, but I appreciate the feedback. I welcome any additional feedback from the C-Dory community to help me proactively identify and correct the next life threatening or dangerous mechanically debilitating installation defect.
 
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