TomCat

C

Caryn

New member
We are beginning the search for our first C Dory.
A pre owned TomCat is our first choice. We currently own a Twinn Vee and like the benefits of the catamaran hull. Are there any particular hull or system issues that I should be keep in mind as we start looking at these older boats?
Thanks for input and advice
 
Welcome
I asked the same question about a year ago before I got mine. See: http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=23490

Dr. Bob on Thataway is kind of the expert on Tomcats and is in your part of the world. Also Welfrings Marine in Apalachicola is a well respected dealer down there.

What I learned
1. Price doesn't change much based on year because there really have not been a lot of changes. It is how it is equipped and how it has been taken care of. It is a simple boat made of plastic that does not wear out and is hard to find because it fits the needs of a lot of owners.

2. Early models (2006 &2007) used Plywood for cabinets and had no headliner which some people loved because it was easy to clean and make improvements to.

3. 2008 changed to molded fiberglass cabinets and added the esthetics of headliners. Prettier but some people worried about mold behind the head liner and felt is was harder to customize cabinetry. Some people who preferred no liner so they could add specialized heat reflective or condensation reducing paint. There are multiple conversations on this and it seems more of an issue with smaller c-dories. See http://www.hytechsales.com/

4. Boats beyond 2008 are harder to find because of recession and manufacturer changes.

5. 2017 has some manufacturer changes See Photo album of "OffLeash" http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_ ... php&page=2

A lot of others can give you some great insight but this should give you a place to start.
Good Luck
 
Thanks !

Spent last night reading the threads you offered. I think I'm on the right track.
I needed a good reason to go back to Apalachicola for oysters again year this year, Ill stop in to see the folks at Welfings on our way.
Thanks again.
 
FWIW...I was all but prepared to buy a Tomcat when my employment situation got dicey, and I ended up having to back out of the deal.

That said, I've spent well over a year looking at Tomcats, Glacier Bay's, and WorldCats. As it turns out the Tomcat wasn't the boat for the wife for a variety of reasons, so I'm looking at GB and WC. All have + and -, but since this will be a pretty sizable investment you owe it to yourself to look at the other models too.

At minimum it will confirm that a Tomcat is the right boat for you.
 
I chose a Tomcat because it came closest to my wants. All boats are compromises, and I think gulfcoastjohn best summed up the advantages of a Tomcat in a previous string (listed above).

FWIW- My Tomcat is the first boat I have 'loved'. Yes, I looked at Ranger, Glacier Bay, WC,Twin Vee, Rosborough, and more, but my Tomcat came closest to what we needed/wanted. I have owned a 2007 Tomcat for two years now, and while my previous boats were mostly a 'hole-in-the-water' because they mostly sat around waiting for 'perfect-boating' weather, I use my Tomcat every chance I get, regardless of it being 'too-cold, too-wet, too-windy outside. Inside the pilot house, life is always warm and comfy, not to mention I pretty much own the water in the winter in the mid-west. I also have a roof top air and small generator and when it's hot and humid outside we cruise around in air conditioned comfort. In the "golden-years", smooth ride and creature comforts make for a much more enjoyable adventure, not to mention being able to trailer the TC to scenic places all over North America at 65 mph makes for many more scenic 'distant' adventures.
 
Ohhhhh...You right about the seafood in Apalachicola. We only got an overnight there because we had a short day November weather window to cross the gulf and have since regretted it.

If you are at all handy and you find a boat that meets most of your needs don't be afraid to buy it. If you look at the photo album and see some of the creative solutions this group has come up with, you can pretty much make the boat as you want it without spending a fortune.
The alternative is that you could loose a year or more just waiting for the right boat. Only a few a year come up for sale and often in a different part of the world.
 
FYI, "Welfings" will actually be Wefings Marine. Find their website here:

http://wefings.com/

and know that Marc is a straight shooter, super guy who believes in taking care of his customers. He has been active on this site for over 10 years, and deals in both new and used C-Dorys. He has most of the boats you have listed as interests. Go, and talk to Marc, and .....

And if you are looking for a Tom Cat, have you checked the "For Sale" list on the bottom right corner of the home page here. A recent listing is for a TC-255 that is listed for the price of many used 25 Cruisers. It won't be around long if it is in any shape at all, and your not far from it, (considering that it is not uncommon for the right boat to be moved from FL to AK in the wink of an eye.)

Welcome to the C-Brats, and enjoy your search. Finding the right boat is always a big part of the fun. Be sure to have the $$$$ in hand when you make the call as more often than not, they go quick.

Looking at other boats might help, but go get a ride on a TomCat, and the search will be quickly narrowed.

Best in that search,

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

JC_Lately_SleepyC_Flat_Blue_070.thumb.jpg
 
Marc, I could help out if you like. They can make the ones they do. I'll test drive it for about 6 months for you then I'll bring it down to you and you can take it into your "Gently used" inventory. Glad to help out, and . . .

You' re welcome :wink:

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

DSC_4180_1.thumb.jpg
 
We are in the process of selling Barrel O' Monkeys after 12 years. I love the boat, but for us it is a weekend boat. We are in the process of buying a 255 rigged up so that we can stay out 4 or 5 days at a time. I think I am gonna love this boat too.

Advice:

Check the transom for water damage. Check everywhere there is balsa core.
The anchor locker is shallow. If you use a windlass, anchor rode twists are hard to avoid.

That's about it for 24' advice.
 
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