Design and Construction
The 9.7’s hull form emphasizes efficiency. She measures 31.5 feet on the waterline and has a 16-foot beam. Her 12:1 fineness ratio makes her slippery for a cruising cat.
Semi-circular midsections provide maximum displacement with minimum drag, while a relatively full bow entry counters pitching and U-shaped aftersections reduce wetted area. The prismatic coefficient is about 0.58, squarely within the ideal range for hulls of this type.
Practical Sailor credited the TomCat with quality construction and noted the clever engineering of its rudder and centerboard assemblies, which expands the boat’s capabilities.
Rig, Foils, and Handling
A single pivoting centerboard with a thin NACA-foil section sits beneath the bridgedeck. It will kick up rather than fracture or hole the hull. With the board raised, an 8-foot fin still draws 16 inches, allowing the boat to sail on all points in 30 inches of water. The rudders draw 3 feet when down but kick up to under 2 feet, with steering retained.
The mast is stepped well forward, avoiding the need for a compression post in the saloon. It’s raked aft two feet to keep the center of effort low. The full-roach mainsail is cut to lift the boom 8.5 degrees for cockpit clearance. Shrouds lead to the quarter, eliminating the backstay but creating a risk of mainsail chafe when the sail is eased.
Test sailors reported positive, precise steering, with just enough weather helm to make the boat feel alive. They also found her easy to tack in winds under 10 knots. The 9.7 is a performance cat rather than a high-performance one, and its configuration makes shoal-water sailing safer and more relaxing than on most rivals.
Accommodations
Strain began with ergonomics, providing headroom throughout and clear sightlines for occupants from 5-foot-2 to 6-foot-3. Side windows in each hull provide a view from anywhere you stand. In the saloon, seated occupants get views of the water, along with 360-degree and cross-hull outlooks through dual companionways.
The standard layout includes three generous, private double berths. The helm station opens to either side and into the saloon, while an opening hatch forward allows for wind-in-the-face sailing.
Ventilation from hull ports and overhead hatches is admirable. Galley lockers have clear-acrylic closers, so their contents can be checked at a glance. The boat has no interior liner; instead, brushed-white gelcoat and veneers help the cabins avoid an ice-box feel.
Customization and Ownership
Owners have considerable input into their boats, choosing everything from resin type to layout, décor, and outfitting. As a result, individual boats vary widely.
Hull No. 8 was delivered to a Miami owner with a faux-teak sole, an upgraded Isotherm refrigerator, Sunbrella fabric, a custom-mounted TV, air conditioning, a 5-kw generator, Imtra lighting, Caframo fans, and a Freedom Atlantis Raritan head.
Base weight is 4,800 pounds, though boats have been built as much as 800 pounds lighter or heavier to suit their owners. In cruising trim, they weigh around 8,000 pounds.
Known Issues
The sidedecks are perilously skinny and demand care when working forward.
The outboard engines burn gasoline, which is more flammable than diesel, and they have shorter service lives. They also don’t provide hot water, so many owners install propane heaters.
The rig is shorter and smaller than average. The boat lacks sail area in drifting conditions, and propulsion isn’t a strong suit.
The Verdict
The TomCat 9.7 is a thoughtfully engineered small cruising cat that trades outright speed for shoal draft, good visibility, and extensive owner involvement. Its centerboard and rudder systems are genuinely clever, and the accommodations make good use of a compact platform. The skinny sidedecks and gasoline outboards are the main caveats.
Pros
- Shoal-water capability with the board raised, including effective sailing in 30 inches
- Bright, open interior with headroom and panoramic views
- Owner-driven customization, from resin choice to finish
- Kick-up centerboard and rudders that protect the hulls
Cons
- Skinny sidedecks
- Gasoline outboards: more flammable than diesel, shorter-lived, and unable to provide hot water
- Limited sail area in light air; propulsion isn’t a strong suit
