Tomcat - Aspen Cat

C

crowleykirk

New member
Hello:-) Was able to sea trial an Aspen CAt 107, the outboard version. Holy smokes. Impressive, holy smokes, expensive. We’d be in the used market for a C90 maybe.

Curious if any of you Tomcat owners have been on the Aspen and what your thoughts are between the two.

I realize, totally different boats but still like to know your thoughts.
The wife loved it. Of course the boat we went on was used, one year old and just under $400K. Not gonna happen. But she was really excited about the ride of the CAT.

I went my Master Marine because they recently had a TomCat but it was sold and gone before we got there. Love to sea trial one but I’m finding that is near impossible to sea trial any C-Dory unless a current owner offers.

As I’ve mention we were in C-Sharp a couple time, a 22 and I personally liked it we are just looking for bigger, for lots of reasons. I’m heavily leaning 25 Dory but that sea trial really got me to thinking. Sell the house, hock the wedding rings, sell our organs, and the kids.... we can do this:-)

I don’t need to breakdown between the two boats, I’ve read this forum till I’m blue in the face,, good stuff. But I haven’t seen a comparison between the two.

Did I just open a can of warms? Sorry. Maybe just respond if you’ve actually been on both boats and I don’t want to waste anyone’s time.

Thanks
Kirk
 
IIRC, one of our C-BRATS (maybe Kevin) ran a TC=255 from over in the LaConner area, sold that and went to an Aspen. Doesn't check in here often, no contact info, but maybe someone has a handle on that.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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I have not been on Aspen Cat--but did run several of Larry Graff's designs in the past. The Aspen cat 29 is 10' beam, and going to probably close to 12,000 # on the trailer, if you go that way.
 
there are a few in SB harbor. They look nice. Really a different animal than a tomcat; one can fit on a trailer barely, the other is in big rig territory.
 
I've done a lot of research and comparison between the two. Almost pulled the trigger on a Tomcat. But, we've decided to wait and save for the Aspen. It truly is another breed of cat (sorry). We will likely wait 1-2 more years with our existing boat, then get a C90 or perhaps C100 when we can pay cash.

The boats are not really very similar except they are both bi-hulled. The Aspen is actually a displacement proa, where the Tomcat is a planing catamaran. Suffice it to say, there are very valid reasons for the price difference.

The Aspen will involve a much bigger commitment to moorage, as it's not really what I'd call a "trailerable" boat, though they do fit on trailers.

Best of luck with your search!
 
We probably should not have sea trialed. it was amazing.

Trying to be the “admiral” back to Dory land where the normal people live.

Maybe I’ll win the lotto this year.. guess I better start playing.’

It was truly an amazing ride and boat. Set up perfect. You either like the looks or you don’t. I’m a bit mixed but once inside and on the water.... SOLD:-)

But I think a 23, 25 or 26 way more realistic.
 
cmetzenberg":2ca4k982 said:
What is with the big engine small engine!? gross!
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The asymmetrical hull design has some advantages. From the web site of Aspen - "The 28′ C90 weighing in at 7,900 labs. cruises comfortably at 16 mph while only burning a stingy 4.6 gph." I'm not going to get that in my Tomcat. That said, I do get an extra 10MPH on the top end which sometimes (rarely) is nice.
 
Just watched an Aspen factory tour video on YouTube. It was almost 40 min. long with extensive detail around hull construction and component selection/installation. No need to wonder why they're so expensive. Larry Graf is an engaged, passionate, and demanding boat builder. To say I'm impressed would be an understatement.
 
Because you'll want to sell your organs to get an Aspen:-) Wait, is that a thing? I might look into that:-)

The Aspen is what my wife and I really want. But.... just not in the budget yet. If I could have any boat... under 500K... that would be it without question. In fact for us if we had an Aspen 107 I would never need another boat.

I've been on a ton of boats especially in my younger years as a diesel tech on large yachts and some small.

I've never in my life been on a boat like an Aspen.... dang.. I should work there, I'm that passionate about their boats.

For now, we are in the process of quoting on a new C-Dory Venture 23 for our first San Juan boat. If all works out. I really like the C-Brats and the community here. Looking forward to cruising with many of you in the future. I made some friends here already. So supportive of all my constant questions. Much appreciated.

For now the Aspen is just a dream and a goal.
 
crowleykirk":1zbbtcxo said:
Because you'll want to sell your organs to get an Aspen:-) Wait, is that a thing? I might look into that:-)

The Aspen is what my wife and I really want. But.... just not in the budget yet. If I could have any boat... under 500K... that would be it without question. In fact for us if we had an Aspen 107 I would never need another boat.

For now the Aspen is just a dream and a goal.
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Okay, Ill bite. For $500k and below I wouldn't choose that. So many other interesting options to me. Cool idea but the asymmetrical thing is kinda weird to me on a Cat.
 
We were beside an Aspen at Hornby Island last week. I don't bother taking too long a look they just are not in my price range. If you like the stability I would agree you should go for a Tomcat over a Cruiser. But it is like comparing a truck slide-in camper to a A class motor home. If your wife likes the space and stability of the aspen there are lots of tugs and large boats that are more spacious and almost as stable as CAT, but more in the Tomcat price range.
 
But as we are quoting the Venture 23 things are adding up and reality is setting in. I think at this point in life if we can manage it the Venture 23 would be great for now.

There were some used C90's on the market and that's what got us looking. They were a little closer to the price range. They are gone. That's what we were supposed to sea trial but Nick invited to go out on a new C107. Of course we were going to love it, what's not to love? Just not there financially and now that I'm working the numbers on a new C-Dory and the electronics and all the other new boat gear it adds up and she is getting cold feet a little. I suppose used would cover some of this.

So... I'm pushing hard for the Venture. If it doesn't work out we'll go a different direction. Kind of a green light red light situation. We are contemplating a full time move for health reasons to the islands so we have a lot on our plate. I was hoping to secure a boat order so we have a boat ready to go when we are there next year.

Sorry to share my life story. I feel if we are there full time a boat is a must have item. The Tomcat is really nice as well. I'd love to ride on one. I've been working on the quote and details with Marty now for a couple of weeks. Applications submitted, insurance quotes done, name on marina wait lists done etc...

So now we wait... we are price negotiating right now so we'll see if that can be at the price we want. I will not share that because it's probably not fair to the dealer or C-Dory if we all start doing that. IMO

Anyway.... thank you for your input. We will be on the water one way or another:-)
We will also keep an eye out for a used boat if necessary next year.
 
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