Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q - What performance can I expect from my TomCat under power and sail?

A - TomCat 6.2 sailing speed on a reach will be about 0.8 of the windspeed, depending of course on how heavily the boat is loaded, and on the wave size and shape. At or just above 12 Knots of boat speed (18 - 24 knots of windspeed), you will approach the stability limit and should begin to spill some wind or reduce sail area. A 9.9 hp outboard will provide motoring at 8-10 knots, again depending on load, wind and waves, with a 15 hp giving 10-12 knots.

TomCat 9.7 sailing speeds are similar or a little less when loaded for cruising. The stability limit is higher, and is approached at about 14 knots of boatspeed (24 - 30 knots windspeed). Motoring will be 7-8 knots with one 9.9 hp and 8-10 knots with twin outboards.

2. Q - How do I get to see and sail a TomCat?

A - We do not use dealers, but sell mainly through boat shows, owners and the Internet. Most of our owners are happy to show you their boat (we pay them a finder's fee if a boat is sold as a result). Go to the page Owners/Locations to see if there is a boat near you. Our typical boat show schedule is as follows:
January - Toronto International Boat Show
February - Miami Strictly Sail Boat Show
September - Sandusky, Ohio, N. A. Sail and Power In-Water Show (Cleveland, Detroit Area)
October - Annapolis, United States Sailboat Show and Multihull Demo Days
November - St. Petersburg, Florida, Sail Expo
Contact us for owners in your area or specific boat show dates. We are considering adding other shows and demo sail opportunities.

3. Q - How long does it take to launch or retrieve a TomCat 6.2 on the trailer?

A - An experienced crew of two can go from driving to sailing in under an hour and a half, but plan on longer your first few times. While it can be done by one person, it will take longer. The process breaks down into the following operations:
Getting ready - Position at launch ramp, remove ropes and ratchet straps, unload stored equipment from hulls, clean off some road dirt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15 min. Assembly - Extension bars, roll out hulls and rotate upright, lower in bridgedeck with winch, fasten hull/bridgedeck bolts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20-30 min. Rig - Raise mast, bend on sails and running rigging, mount trampoline, stow mast carrier, wash road dirt off outside of hulls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-30 min. Launch - Back into water, roll off trailer and secure, stow trailer racks, move trailer and tow vehicle into the parking area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-20 min. Go sailing - Total time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 hr. 15 min to 1 hr. 45 min. We do not recommend trailering every time you want to go sailing - you will soon grow tired of the process. Keep your boat in the water, or dry sail it (you can leave it assembled in a yard on the trailer). Use the trailerability for a trip to a new cruising ground or to reduce winter storage costs.

4. Q - How do you provide service for my TomCat?

A - We use a combination of overnight shipping of parts or materials, instructions for replacement or repair, and contractors near your location when required. Problems can usually be resolved quickly by e-mail, Fax or telephone.

E-Mail us: info@tomcatboats.com
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