Tomcat 9.7 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The TomCat 9.7 began its production run in 2004, emerging from TomCat Boats' philosophy of crafting high-quality, affordable sailing vessels. The design, spearheaded by Ted Strain, drew on his extensive experience as a kayaker, canoeist, and multihull owner. The design team had a clear objective: to create a cruising catamaran that was light, fast, and fun to sail, without compromising on essential living accommodations. Ted Strain focused on ergonomics, understanding the challenges of designing a comfortable cruising cat at the 32-foot mark.

TomCat Boats utilized a consistent construction methodology for the 9.7, employing a foam core, fiberglass skin sandwich construction. This technique is central to their vessels, providing an optimal balance of lightness, strength, and inherent flotation, underscoring the builder's commitment to durable and capable boats. While the primary model is the TomCat 9.7, references to a "9.70 s" suggest potential minor variations or naming conventions within the production series., 10]

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 32 feet and a waterline length of 31.5 feet, the TomCat 9.7 is designed for efficient performance. Its light displacement of 4,800 pounds, combined with a reported sail area of 460 square feet, contributes to a favorable sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 26, indicating good light-air performance and responsiveness. The displacement to length ratio, around 68, further categorizes it as a light-displacement vessel, typical of a performance-oriented catamaran. These characteristics contribute to its reputation as a performance-oriented, entry-level cruising catamaran.

Equipped with a fractional sloop rig and twin centerboards, the TomCat 9.7 offers fine sailing characteristics across various wind conditions and points of sail. Sailors often describe the boat as light, fast, and enjoyable to sail. However, some observations suggest that optimal speed when sailing downwind may often require the use of a gennaker or spinnaker. The dual Yanmar 19-horsepower diesel engines provide reliable auxiliary power, contributing to ease of maneuvering in marinas and light wind conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its relatively compact size for a cruising catamaran, the TomCat 9.7 was designed with ergonomics and reasonable living accommodations in mind. The interior layout typically features a large owner's double berth located forward, which runs athwartships and can be privatized with curtains. The galley is conveniently situated only two steps down in the starboard hull, contributing to an open feel within the saloon area. The clever design, including a cockpit-roof and a center-mounted steering pod, further enhances the onboard experience by maximizing usable space and comfort. While specific headroom figures vary, the design aimed to provide adequate interior space within the constraints of a 32-foot cruising catamaran. The use of foam core construction also contributes to good insulation, a benefit for both temperature and sound within the accommodations.

Owner's Perspectives

The TomCat 9.7 has fostered a loyal and active community among its owners, a testament to the satisfaction derived from these Canadian-built catamarans., 5] Owners consistently praise the boat's solid construction and its ability to provide an enjoyable sailing experience. The company's "small workforce and close supervision" has translated into a gratifyingly good production quality, contributing to the boat's reliability. Owners often highlight the boat's ease of handling, even for single-handed sailing, and its robust build quality. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the TomCat 9.7 is relatively low-maintenance, with routine tasks like bottom cleaning and antifouling often described as straightforward annual endeavors. The strong community aspect provides a valuable resource for sharing experiences, tips, and modifications, further enhancing the ownership experience.