C-Dory TomCat 24:
Not Just A Cuddy But A Cat With A True Cabin

This cat from the Northwest doesn't try to hide its interior space. The result is 6' 2 " of headroom and a profile that's surprisingly sleek.

A small boat-building company on the outskirts of Seattle, C-Dory Boats has established a reputation among fishermen for building strong, reliable dory-style monohulls that retain their resale value.

After three years of tinkering with a prototype, the company has now entered the multi-hull marketplace with 24' and 30' foot catamarans that have found quick acceptance; more than a dozen 24 footers were produced during the first six months following its introduction in December 1996, and the production line is backlogged. Five of the 30-footers have been produced; however, since that model is still in its evolutionary stage we chose to evaluate the 24.

Ten 24’ TomCats were built in the first 18 months of production with several more still to be built. We have sold five of the TomCat 30s and have delivered three of them at this writing (Sept 29-98)

Though the new TomCat 24 is primarily targeted for use among the fishing crowd, our first impression was that it's a sporty looking craft with a large cockpit and cabin that is equally suitable for couples, or families with small children, for use on overnight trips.

The Company

Roy Toland founded Marben Marine in the 1970s, and the company has since produced more than twenty different models of boats, ranging in size from 10-foot row boats to 27-foot sport-cruisers.

Operating with Puget sound as a test ground in an extremely competitive market, in a state in which boat registrations nearly equal those for automobiles, the company made it's first impression on Northwest boat builders in 1979 when Roy Toland introduced a flat bottom 22' C-Dory. He positioned the boat as an alternative to the semi-displacement hulls (a.k.a. Northwest Cruisers) most commonly found in the marketplace; dory designs have since become a standard among northwest boat builders.

Toland continued refining the product for several years before eventually introducing the C-Dory 22'Angler, which had a rounder bottom. He tested the new model by personally delivering it to a client in Alaska via the Straits of Georgia and the Inland Passage to Ketchikan. The company has since produced more than 750 hulls, and continues to market it, along with a 16-foot version.

When we first encountered Toland, he was tinkering with a 33-foot multihull he hoped to introduce to the Alaska fishing fleet. However, obstacles to receiving USCG certification precluded pursuit of that project, so the company, now under direction of son Mark, is focusing on the TomCat 24' and TomCat 30'

The 33’ cat mentioned here is actually the 30’ hull with motor brackets. The 30’ hull as designed does not have the minimum deck height above water line for the USCG certification of vessels for passenger hire (More than 6 paying passengers). This boat was designed to be used as a six pack charter. Our exploration into the feasibility of building an inspected vessel led us to the conclusion that the "Cost of development of an inspected hull" exceeded the potential return on our investment.

 Article had picture insert of boat running with the caption

"The TomCat 24 cuts typical cat turns, with no heel and great stability. You can speed in this boat without the pounding of a monohull, and the widely-spaced outboards are great for low-speed handling."

Mark Toland describes the cats as multi-purpose fishing boats or sport cruisers that are more stable, comfortable, and roomier than monohulls. The downside is that it also costs twice as much, reflecting a labor intensive production process: The C-Dory 22 requires 260 man-hours during construction, the multihull approximately 400: there are also additional material costs because of the larger surface area of the hulls.

Design & Construction

The first boats the company built were designed by Edwin Monk, a Seattle designer, who, with his father and associates, were noted for the Northwest Cruiser boats that combined the seaworthiness of coastal fishing boats with flat sections for improving speed. However, since modifications to existing shapes and new models were variations on an old theme, Roy Toland assumed the duties for boat design several years ago, and is responsible for the TomCat 24.

Ed Monk Jr. & associates designed our Marben inboard diesel models. Roy Toland designed all of the C-Dory designs as well as the TomCats.

Viewed from the forward quarter, the boat presents a pleasing shape to the eye; the sheerline flows aft from a high bow to a rounded shape at the stern that culminates in a reverse chine, and the upward slope of the deck compliments the aft-flowing line of the cabin. The sponsons (pontoons) have a fine, 28-degree entry, compared to the rounder, 14-degree entry of the dory; on the cat, they flatten aft for a 14-degree deadrise at the transom. The sponsons are asymmetrical, with the interior sections at the bow having a wider angle than the exterior.

A wide, stepped chine forward, which has the appearance of a strake, provides lift under acceleration, and adds stability in turns. It also acts to deflect spray away from the hull in heavy seas. In contrast to the appearance from the quarters, the high profile of the cabin, when viewed from the beam, gives the appearance of stubbiness, though that is somewhat softened by the stainless steel bow and stem rails, and not unlike a typical WalkAround in overall effect.

Toland describes the lay-up of the TomCat as being similar to the C-Dory. "If you take away the pontoons, the wing panel (bottom of the main deck), would represent the bottom of a C-Dory." The addition of the pontoons to the bottom acts like a "hat channel" stringer that adds rigidity to the hull, he says. Since the wing is a primary structural component, when completed it is a two-inch thick section, which exceeds density we've seen on larger vessels.

The entire structure is laid by hand following a schedule that includes varying layers and amounts of mat, roving, Corebond, and Baltek balsa core laid over a smooth Gelcoat surface. Despite the growing use by builders of vinylester resins in barrier coats to prevent blistering, Toland remains unconvinced of that material's bonding properties. As a consequence, during the initial stages of the lay-up Cook High Buff Gelcoat is sprayed on the mould to a thickness of 20 mils. A second layer of Gelcoat, usually tinted gray, is then applied to a thickness of 15-20 mils, until no light can penetrate the two layers.

"Using this method produces an exterior coat with more solids, which prevents fading and light transmission to the interior. We have never had a blister problem," Toland says.

The sides of the sponsons are constructed of two layers of 1.5-ounce mat and three layers of 24-ounce roving. The bottoms are reinforced with half-inch balsa core and an additional layer of three-ounce mat; a similar schedule is used on the wing panel. Corners are bonded using three layers of 1.5-ounce mat and roving.

The sponsons have additional internal reinforcement: five solid fiberglass bulkheads, three-sixteenth inches thick, are located approximately four feet apart and glassed to the hull. Then, light cut white foam wrapped in plastic is mounted between the bulkheads to add flotation. The removable flotation can be accessed by removing hatch covers located under the galley and dinette. C-Dory says the boat, with its full flotation, is unsinkable. Two plastic 49-gallon fuel tanks can be accessed, or removed, through the same hatches. As an option, tankage can be increased to 124 gallons (two 62-gallon tanks).

Both the standard and optional fuel tanks are made of aluminum.

The decks, sides of the hull, and the cabin sides are constructed of mat and roving cored with half-inch balsa; the cabin top is solid fiberglass.

One result of this design is a heavier boat: the TomCat weighs 3,200 pounds dry, compared to the C-Dory 22, which weighs in at 1,850 pounds in fishing trim. The cat is disproportionately heavier, even considering the additional two feet of length. On the other hand, this is par for many

cats: The Sea Cat 23 (23'6" LOA), for example, weighs 3,3 50 pounds, a Glacier Bay 25-foot Cuddy 3,800. C-Dory offers the industry-standard five-year warranty on its hulls.

The comparison of the TomCat 24’ with a 22’ C-Dory does little to convey the difference in scale of the two boats. It is true that there is only a 2’ difference in length but there is also a 12" difference in beam and more than 2’ difference in height. To look at both boats side by side would reveal that the 24’ is twice the size of the 22’ C-Dory. Most all cats are quite large for their length.

Article had insert showing performance, it incorrectly showed the "OMC" 150 Hp Fichts motors as the tested motors when the actual motor package tested was a pair of Honda 90 four strokes.

Article had picture insert of boat cockpit with the caption

"You give up a lot of fishing advantages because of the large cabin, but you still get a cockpit that measures 8'4 " x 6' 4 ". There's a large fish box under the aft bench seat, but that's about it for on-deck fishing related stowage."

 On Deck

Arriving at the docks, we were immediately impressed with the amount of space available in the cockpit and cabin of the TomCat 24. Compared to a monohull, catamarans benefit greatly from the additional volume inherent in their boxy, four cornered, design. From a recreational standpoint, however, some of that advantage may be lost on boats furnished with wraparound cushions that fill a cockpit with vinyl.

Not so with the TomCat which, compared to convertible models, is almost spartan.

Except for a 41" by 18" bench between the motor wells on the stem that conceals a fish box (which drains overboard), the 8' 4"-long cockpit, which is 6'4"-wide, is empty. Fishermen will have plenty of space for four-six passengers; alternately, there's space for a barbecue, deck chairs, and a table. One owner, who uses downriggers rather than fishing poles, has both. Regardless of the intended use, there's plenty of leg support from the 30-inch tall gunwales.

Article had picture insert of boat interior with the caption

"The helm station is compact but workable, with room for flush-mount gauges. The galley aft isn't much to write home about (nor is the head concealed in the helm console), but the dinette to port is a comfortable place to get out of the weather."

 Access to batteries, oil tanks, filters, and pumps, is through watertight hatches in each motor well. The cockpit is self-bailing, via three-inch scupper drains in the corners. You can order a factory-installed fiberglass swim platform, always a nice option, as well as a safety feature that provides a barrier over the outboard tie bars and comes with a three-part stainless ladder, two stainless hand rails, and a ski tow.

Movement forward is along an eight-inch-wide side-deck that is well scribed with diamond pattern nonskid; however, real security comes in the form of two stainless steel handrails mounted atop the cabin that are within easy grasp.

The bow rail, a custom design constructed by Railmakers of Everett, Washington, extends aft to the front of the cabin, providing additional security. Four bow and stern cleats are recessed below the height of the toe rail, and out of the way of toes.

The bow is also accessed from below decks through a 24-inch Bomar hatch placed in the center of the 7'2"wide deck; while the hatch provides access and ventilation, it inhibits use of the space for sunbathing. An enclosed, wedge-shaped anchor locker is 22 inches wide, deep, and tall, so there's room for more than 200 feet of rode. However, the opening is only 10 inches by 12 inches, so a 13-pound Danforth-style anchor, for example, can't be stowed below; we'd prefer to be able to store the anchor in the well on long passages, rather than elsewhere on the boat. A bow roller is standard equipment.

Specs: TomCat 24

LOA 25- O" Actually 24’ 0"

Beam 8'6"

Dry Weight (console) 3,700 lbs. We don’t have a console version (?)

Vertical Height (Cuddy) 7'9"

Draft (Eng. up) 12'

Fuel capacity 180 gal. Standard 98 gallons, optional 124 gallon.

Power (as tested) OMC Ficht 150s Honda twin 90s

Contacts

C-Dory, Inc., 25 37th St. NE Auburn, WA 98002 Pacific Hwy. S., Kent, Washington 98032; 2531839-0222.

Article had picture insert of boat's bow with the caption

"The bow of the TomCat does provide some casting space, but in general there's less fishing room (and smaller side-decks) than on most WalkAround. The roller is standard and the anchor locker deep, but smallish."

 The Cabin

Though hardly luxurious, the plain Jane appearance of the boat's interior does not detract from her overall appearance. The interior finish consists of a speckled Gelcoat, serviceable, but hardly polished. You can opt for a full hull liner, which will provide a much more finished look, and you can order your fabric in any color Sunbrella makes.

Gelcoat surfaces are smooth, as are wood trim pieces employed to accent cabinetry. Wiring runs are easily accessible behind the dashboard and along the starboard hull, where they are bundled behind cabinetry.

Because its spaces are surrounded by 360 degrees of gray-tinted windows, and the cabin has 6'2" of headroom, the interior of the boat feels spacious, especially for a 24-footer equipped with dinette, galley, helm station, enclosed head, and a double berth in approximately 56 square feet. C-Dory has done something different here from other cats with accommodations we've seen: This boat has a genuine cabin, not just a cramped Cuddy, for interior space.

Each of the three windshield sections is 31 inches wide and 56 inches high; side windows, which slide to provide ventilation, and windows on the back of the cabin and on the door complete the panorama.

The center section of the windshield maybe equipped with an opening window; owners reported that they appreciated having the additional ventilation on 90 degree days, but one also mentioned experiencing small leaks, so the tradeoff may be additional maintenance.

We have been unable to stop the leaking of the forward opening window and have removed it from the options list, replacing it with an option to have the two windows in the aft cabin bulkhead open. (You can still get an opening front window, but you are forewarned about the leak problem)

To port, a dinette that converts to a berth, is in three sections. The aft section is a fixed seat measuring 33 inches wide and 25 inches deep; its forward counterpart is the same size, but it may be positioned facing forward during a passage, which we think is a good modification. The table is the same dimension, and lowers to convert to a smallish berth that's adequate for one adult or two small children.

If the boat has one major draw back for those considering it for overnight use, it's the head. The cabinet housing the instruments and steering wheel doubles as a storage area for a chemical toilet, which can be up graded to a marine toilet; it is equipped with a fan and light, and vents overboard. However, since the space is only five feet high (after you step down into the hull), 28 inches wide, and 32 inches deep, we think "compartment" is a misnomer. Except for the forward berth, there's no other place on the boat with privacy.

Aft of the helm is the galley, an uncomplicated arrangement that includes a single stainless steel sink, fed by a 20-gallon water tank and foot pedal, and a two-burner Origo alcohol stove. A cutting board, which fits over the burners, provides a bit of counter space; additional counter space is created by tilting the driver's seat forward. There's storage below the galley in two compartments.

One owner who lives on the northern tip of Vancouver Island, (British Columbia), opted for the optional diesel stove and heater upgrade ($1,450). He reported that the heater is adequate for heating the boat in northern climates, and is appropriately vented into the cockpit through the cabin's aft bulkhead. Owners who totally enclose the cockpit with canvas covers will be forced to find another method of venting the heater, however. The 24 comes with an ice box under the helm seat, which can be upgraded to a Norcold refrigerator.

Sleeping accommodations in the bow are spacious enough: A double berth running athwartships (alas) measures 51 inches fore and aft, and eight feet wide, providing space for two adults. There's 35 inches of headroom above the berth. The compartment may be enclosed by a fabric cover. A storage locker is located beneath the cushions. The forward part of the cabin opens to the bow, but you can opt to have that closed off.

The dinette also makes into a 6’4" berth and with a added cushion the forward berth can be made into a "L" shaped berth 6’7" X 7’8".

Performance

Having tested one TomCat and talked with the owners of two boats that have been in service in moderately rugged conditions during a rainy Pacific Northwest spring and summer, we think the catamaran concept and C-Dory's construction methods merit the close scrutiny of a potential buyer.

Toland contends that the primary strengths of his boats are stability, economy, ride, and handling.

"Running on long, thin hulls with a cushion of air trapped beneath the boat, results in a much smoother ride," he says. (Builders offer varying explanations for a cat's soft rides; whatever the reasons, they normally are much smoother-riding than a monohull.) At low speeds, the widely-spaced outboards (lined up on the centerlines of the sponsons) provide exceptional maneuverability for docking.

We tested a boat equipped with two Honda 90 four-stroke motors, although the boat can be powered with 70 hp motors. The twin 90s will top out at about 38 miles per hour on a fairly well-loaded boat, and produce better than 20 mph at cruising rpm of 4,000; with the 70s, to speed will be closer to 20 mph, cruising speed about 15. Or, if you really want speed, you might opt for 115 hp Hondas, although the added weight on the transom (488 pounds compared to 358 pounds for a 90) might adversely affect performance or weigh the stern down, as we saw with Honda 130s on a ProLine 240 we tested earlier this year.

We do not think that the Honda 115s would be a good choice of power for this hull, do the weight of the motors.

As advertised, the TomCat moved from floating adrift up onto plane within five seconds. Though that's typical performance for a planing hull, we noticed that the boat remained level under acceleration, without a lot of bow rise to impede visibility.

Though it didn't carve turns, as quickly as slalom boats we have tested, it will turn as quickly as a typical monohull fishing boat, and does so without sliding sideways or hopping across waves.

Since we were unable to test her in steep waves, where most boats are likely to pound, we crossed our wake several times at high speed and found that the hull easily knifed through waves. This should mean an ability to handle choppy seas. (We tested three TomCats in all, including the 30, one in 3-5-foot seas and 25-knot wind and felt they were both stiff and stable.)

Several owners we talked to concurred:

"Every passenger we've had on our boat has commented on the fact that it’s more comfortable in choppy water than a monohull," we were told by the Canadian owner. "And she'll turn flat on a dime."

Toland says that the asymmetrical sponsons limit the cat tendency to lean outwards in hard turns always a surprise to first time riders.

The second, who suffers a partial disability that limits his mobility, told us that he was sold by her stability. Previously the owner of a 21-foot monohull, he says the TomCat is much more comfortable in rough waters he experienced during a 120-mile, one-day jaunt on Puget Sound.

"The only noticeable difference is that she rocks more when we're going sideways in a swell," he said.

Both commented on performance and fuel economy, as well. "Cruising at 4,500 rpm at 25 knots, we averaged six gallons per hour for 120 miles," we were told.

"We can cruise at 30 knots, as advertised," the second informed us. "But we are most comfortable cruising at 20-24 knots, and have measured fuel consumption at five gallons per hour." Nevertheless a comparison of fuel consumption figures at 3,000 rpm and 4,500 rpm shows that there's little difference, despite the fact that you're reaching your destination in half the time.

Value Guide: TomCat 24

Overall Utility 3
Overall Appearance 3
High-Speed Perf. 3
Low-Speed Perf. 4
Seaworthiness 4
Hull Integrity 3
Exterior Fit/Finish 4
Interior Fit/Finish 3
Ease Maint./Repair 4
Amount Stnd. Equip. 3
Passenger Seating 2

Design/Layout

Anchor Stowage 3
Fore/Side decks 3
Cockpit 3
Fishability 2

Below decks Layout

Berth 3
Galley/Head 2

Helm Station

Seating Comfort 3
Sight Lines 4
Instrumentation 3

Electrical Harness

Quality/Access 4
Fuel Tank Access 4

Mechanical Systems

Component Quality 4
Access 4
Warranty 3

Total Score 81

 Boats are rated on a scale of 0 to 4, with 0 = poor, 4 = excellent. A score of 70 or above indicates a better than average boat that we believe deserves consideration.

Conclusion

The TomCat 24 is the product of an evolutionary process that began when Roy Toland began building fishing boats for the Northwest and has now come full circle. The company is focusing on multi-hulls that, we think, will meet the needs of both the fishing constituency recreational users, as well (even more so once they find room for a generator).

Construction methods are solid and tested; the company has remained under the same ownership, and a second generation of management is in place; the boats perform in varied sea conditions, and provide well-conceived accommodations for crew and guests.

However, they are straightforward and utilitarian. The cabin is well finished, but will not be confused with more nicely appointed cruisers; they are outfitted with the bare necessities-alcohol stove, ice box, for instance but can be upgraded.

The roomy cockpit, a reflection of the 24's fishing pedigree, could be made more cruiser friendly with the addition of more seating, but at the expense of room to move about.

There are several considerations for potential buyers for whom cost is an issue: 1) the price is steep for a 24footer; 2) the width of a cat requires use of a special trailer. (A specially designed E-Z loader equipped with 14-inch tires that is sold by C-Dory retails for $4,300. Boat and motors weigh approximately 4,200 pounds: trailer capacity is 5,200 pounds.)

Base price for the 24 is $40,000 plus engines, which is steep, although the company is holding the line on 1998 prices. That's about $1,500 more than the World Class 26 Cuddy we reviewed in July (albeit with more interior space), and $9,000 less than the 26-foot Cuddy made by Glacier Bay, which lacks the interior accommodations but offers excellent fishing amenities. A fairer comparison might be its Pacific Northwest hardtop monohull cousins, such as an Olympic 24, which costs about the same without power, or a Sea Sport 24, which costs somewhat more.