WOW! First time out in our tomcat!

c-ness

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Jul 21, 2010
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C Dory Year
2002
C Dory Model
24 Tomcat
Vessel Name
C-weetness
Penny and I finally made it out in our new [to us] Tomcat 24. It arrived Christmas Eve but we were in the process of downsizing homes for our impending semi-retirement and so on, so today was the first day we were out on the boat. All I can say is that the Tomcat is a very different feel from our classic CD22. What a wonderful stable ride. What a subtle transition to being on step. I'll admit that Bellingham bay was really calm today, but even going back over our wake led me to believe that things were going to be different. So very smooth.

Ok, not everything was as rosy as I expected. I have never piloted a boat with twin, counter-rotating engines. I tried and tried to master maneuvering the boat with just the throttles. I got close to docking that way, but no real luck. I ended up putting one engine in idle and using the other to dock. I'm still a single engine guy. But practice, practice, practice, and we should be able to master the technique of the twins. But for now, the ride, tracking, and general handling are so much better...so far. WOW.
 
Great to hear about your experience.

The Tomcat sponsons act like a keel, you cannot 'walk' the Tomcat very much. I approach the dock perfectly parallel and reverse one or two engines depending upon my mood and speed. (If the wind is blowing me away from the dock I come in a little hot and use both engines to stop forward motion for example). You definitely do not approach the dock with a bow angle as you would a monohull.

Have a great time!
 
congrats on your 24 TomCat. There is no doubt in my mind that you will love it. It took us 5 years before we found our 24 tomcat, with it being our 3rd cat (a 45' and a 26'). For us it is the perfect size and balance between inside and outside space and economy. Good luck and be safe.
 
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