Speeds measured with Stalker ProSports radar gun. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscan digital fuel-flow meter on gas inboards, sterndrives, and outboards, TechMate electronic scan tool on gas EFI inboards, Caterpillar digital fuel-flow meter on diesel engines, or permanently installed fuel-monitoring equipment. Range is based on 90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter on A scale. 68 dBA is the level of normal conversation.

Performance Chart

Test Conditions

Standard and Optional Equipment

Systems
Battery Charger/Converter
Head: Fixed
Shore Power
Galley
Refrigerator
Stove
Exterior Features
Swim Ladder

= Standard = Optional

A Trailerable Trawler

By Capt. Bob Smith

For 2006, C-Dory took their most popular model, the 25, and turned it into a catamaran model with added room inside, a more stable ride, and quite a bit faster when equipped with twin 150-hp outboards strapped to her Armstrong brackets.

Up Front

Simplicity rules on this trawler cat. Due to the catamaran design the bow has a flatter surface than her sister ship of last year. Getting forward is no big challenge thanks to the heavy-duty 316 stainless steel railings.

Cockpit Features

The aft cockpit has over 45 square feet of space, and features a pair of insulated four-foot fish lockers. And those who fish will really appreciate the macerators and overboard drains. The aft bench seat doubles as the battery locker, and the battery switch is located on the side of the locker. In the corner of the stern is a large stainless scupper to drain away water from the cockpit when you are caught in a big rain.

Diamond Sea Glaze windows and doors are across the back. These are the same style you see on the big trawlers and are designed for the vigors of long-haul boating.

Pilothouse

Inside is a comfortable area for a small family to enjoy. Storage is located in and around the dinette, which can be converted to another berth when needed. The forward bench seat back converts this seat from a dinette seat to a forward facing bench seat so your passengers can see the sights as you guide them along. C-Dory redesigned the queen berth with two portlights and a large crawl through space, to make it appear roomier than earlier models.

The Controls

The helm features a comfortable bench seat and the hydraulic tilt steering makes the drive easier. Our test boat had the Honda engine gauges installed so we had an easy view of the engines health and performance. A large flat panel offers plenty of room for flush mounted electronics of your choice. The windshield has a center window that opens for fresh air, and dual wipers keep visibility high in the rain. Just aft of the helm is a simple galley, which comes equipped with hot and cold water and a two-burner stove.

The enclosed head on the starboard side comes with a stand-up shower and a marine head with holding tank. Privacy curtains are installed, and can be drawn when the head is occupied. But when pushed to the side, visibility is excellent from the helm when backing into a slip or off the trailer when launching.

Specifications

This year’s version is still 25’5” length overall with a beam of only 8’6” making her a trailerable boat capable of getting to your favorite lakes and watering holes easier than most trawlers. She tips the scales at 6,000 lbs. dry without engines, but not including the Armstrong engine mounting brackets. She has interior headroom of 6’5”, a fuel capacity of 150 gallons, and a maximum power of 300-hp with twin outboards. C-Dory’s recommended power is at least 230-hp.

Test Drive and Performance

Our test boat had twin fuel-efficient Honda 150-hp outboards for the maximum power, and this little trawler ran like a bigger boat with unexpected speed. The Tomcat 25 was on plane in 4.6 seconds, or at least it seemed on plane as a catamaran bow doesn’t have much of a drop when on plane. She punched on past 30 mph in just 10.2 seconds. I found she cruised most economically at 20.5 mph at 3000 rpm for a cruising range of 431 miles. The 25 achieved a top speed of 47.3 mph at 6000 rpm, which I found impressive for a trawler style boat!

The C-Dory Tomcat 255 is a good match for those in the market for a trailerable trawler with speed, space, and comfort for fishing or cruising.

Line drawing coming soon...