C-Dory Marine's new TomCat 255 Pilothouse is a good cure for the short season blues.
By Capt. John Wooldridge
| C-Dory 255 |
| Specifications |
| Price (hull only) |
$69,640 |
| LOA (hull only) |
25'5" |
| Beam |
8'6" |
| Draft (hull only) |
1'2" |
| Disp. (hull only) |
6,000 |
| Water |
36 gals. |
| Fuel |
130 gals. | |
| Performance |
| TEST POWER: (2) 150-hp Honda BF 150 four-stroke outboards turning 15" x 19" Solas three-blade stainless steel props. |
| RPM |
MPH |
GPH |
dB-A |
| 1000 |
5.3 |
1.3 |
62 |
| 1500 |
7.4 |
2.1 |
62 |
| 2000 |
8.5 |
3.0 |
63 |
| 2500 |
10.2 |
5.1 |
65 |
| 3000 |
14.9 |
8.5 |
69 |
| 3500 |
20.5 |
10.6 |
72 |
| 4000 |
26.0 |
13.5 |
74 |
| 4500 |
33.1 |
13.0 |
75 |
| 5000 |
37.0 |
18.0 |
75 |
| 5500 |
40.7 |
26.8 |
75 |
| 6200 |
45.0 |
30.3 |
77 |
Speeds measured by GPS on Biscayne Bay near Miami, Fla., w/two adults aboard, no water and full fuel. Fuel consumption measured by the Honda electronic engine management system. Sound levels measured at the helm in dB-A.
Maneuvering: Compared with some other power cats, the C-Dory turns flat, even at 30 mph. That will increase your confidence if you ever have to quickly dodge a floating log or trap marker. Asymmetrical V-shaped hulls prevent the outward banking that some catamarans exhibit in turns. Hard chines help the boat come out of the hole smoothly and quickly, and send spray well out to both sides.
Power Boost: Twin 150-hp Honda four-strokes, the maximum number of horses available, provide plenty of smooth, quiet power and a range of 298 miles at 33 mph (4500 rpm) with a 10 percent reserve.
C-Dory Marine www.c-dory.com | When you simply have to get out on the water but the weather is a little too chilly, or wet, for an open boat and even the best set of foulies, a pilothouse design like the TomCat 255 by C-Dory is the way to go. Conversely, when the hot summer sun is glaring down and there's not a T-top or Bimini in the world that will provide enough shade to keep you from frying, the Tomcat offers a shady space that's ventilated by a forward window, side sliding windows and an aft cabin door—all are Diamond Sea Glaze.
The TomCat 255 also is a good choice for those who want to cruise, fish or explore areas where deeper-draft designs seldom venture. This boat's twin hulls draw little more than a foot of water when the engines are raised. The widely spaced hulls add tremendous stability and roll-dampening qualities, and they support a spacious cabin with 6'5" of headroom, a queen-size berth forward, teak-trimmed lockers, a convertible dinette, a galley and an enclosed head compartment.
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| TILT STEERING: Wheel adjusts so you can stand or sit. | The 45-square-foot cockpit has a transom bench seat with locker, good storage under the gunwales and two four-foot-long fish lockers with macerators in the sole. Oversized 316 stainless railings forward, on top of the deckhouse, in the cockpit and even in the cabin are a sure sign that the builder understands safety at sea. Practical in finish and easy to maintain, the TomCat 255 is a versatile design for those who'd rather be on the water than just thinking about it.
Other Sea Trials featured this month:
- More Electronics from past issues.
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