World cat 280cc-x
World Cat dedicated more than two years to designing and fine-tuning its new flagship, the 280CC-X, the first X design in its lineup of power catamarans. The payoff was a head turner of a center console that, along with dazzling looks, offers the latest in marine technology, a wealth of creature comforts and well-thought-out fishing features, and the smooth ride that has become World Cat’s hallmark.
Looking at the 28-footer head on, the twin-hulls design with a tunnel and the sports-car-like grille nestled between forward-protruding stems give the boat the appearance of a Formula One roadster and set the tone for its dynamic styling.
The radiused tunnel enhances overall strength; meanwhile, a lip at the underside of the tunnel serves to direct spray downward and keep the crew dry and comfortable. To take on big waves, the sheer line starts high at the bow and slopes gradually toward midship where it levels at a gunwale height of 25 inches, affording enough aft freeboard to tread offshore safely and still let the designated gaffer reach the water to haul in fish.
The bow, with its U-shaped lounge seating for seven, is the designated gathering spot. A recessed grab rail tr
Is one hull better than two? That’s the monohull versus catamaran conundrum. Early catamaran designs certainly handled differently than monohulls: They were typically slower and tended to generate a lot of hull noise when running.
Those characteristics turned off some potential buyers. But the all-new World Tabby 280CC-X is a game changer. It offers fishing amenities and creature comforts with a redesigned hull and a new construction schedule that could sway even the most ardent monohull devotees. Case in point: me.
Yes, I plunge firmly into the opposition camp. I’ve tested several power catamarans and fished a lot more over the years with mixed feelings. So, would the opportunity to spend a day thrashing this new World Cat just reaffirm my preference for single-hull deep-V boats?
After running the 280CC-X in extremely windy and tough conditions and fishing it at drift and at anchor, I can honestly report this is one cat that is going to win a lot of converts.
Perfect Day
Rain poured down as I left my house on a cool November morning for the 90-minute drive to Pier 47 Marina in Wildwood, Unused Jersey. Forecasters said the rain would stop around 9 a.m. and the wind would pick
WorldCat 280CC-X
Though the principle of the catamaran has long since conquered the world of sailing, its appearance in the world of powerboats is more recent, and mostly focused on large cruising boats - 40 feet and above. For smaller boats, the multihull concept has exploded in the United States with pontoon boats and is gaining market share among fast offshore fishing craft. In Europe, it’s taken longer to get going... If we’re presenting the 280CC-X here, it is because this boat, which is part of a range of a dozen models, is destined for a more international career. As the first WorldCat to be officially approved in Europe, the 280CC-X is being distributed on the Old Continent – but it is soon to be followed by a 40-foot model, then a smaller 23-footer. The WorldCat 280CCX (CC for center console and X for latest generation) is at the heart of the WorldCat family and combines everything that makes powercats so interesting.
When viewed at sea from the deck of another boat sailing parallel,there’s nothing immediately apparent to distinguish the WorldCat 280CC-X from any standard American fishing boat: There’s fairly significant freeboard with a bow well projected forward, a c
Performance Bulletin
Engine: Yamaha F200XCA / LF200XCA
Boat: World Cat 280 CC-X
Configuration: Twin
Test Date: 20-Aug-2018
Boat Manufactured By:
1090 West St. James Street • Tarboro, NC
(252) 641-8000
www.worldcat.com
World Cat 280 CC-X
| Length | 27' 6" |
|---|---|
| Beam | 9' 2" |
| Dry Weight (Boat Mfr. Pub) | 6,322 lbs |
| Maximum HP | 400 hp |
| Fuel Capacity | 220 gal |
| Weight as Tested | 8,367 lbs |
F200XCA / LF200XCA
| Horsepower | 200 hp |
|---|---|
| Induction | EFI/VCT/DOHC |
| Displacement | 2.8L |
| Weight (Estimated) | 489 - 489 lbs |
| Gear Ratio | 1.86:1 |
Engine Mounting Height
| Mounting Hole Position | #3 |
|---|
Propeller(s)
| Series | Reliance® Series |
|---|---|
| Diameter x Pitch | 14-1/4 x 17 |
| Yamaha Part # | 68F-45972-20-00 / 68G-45972-20-00 |
| Propeller Material | Polished Stainless Steel |
Test Conditions
| Number of People | 2 |
|---|---|
| Air / Water Temperature (Fahrenheit) | 82° F / 84° F |
| Elevation (in feet above sea level) | 0' |
| Wind Velocity | 5-10 MPH |
Comments
Engine: Yamaha F200XCA / LF200XCA
Boat: World Cat 280 CC-X
Configuration: Twin
Test Date: 20-Aug-2018
Performance Data
RPM | M World Cat 280CC-X — The FishermanWORLD CAT 280CC-XI hooked up with World Cat Marketing VP Dave Tuchler at the 2016 Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show and spent some quality time on this next-gen fishing catamaran, getting totally immersed in her bluewater capabilities. By Capt. John N. Raguso She is definitely more than just a one-trick pony. Sure, she will give you the smooth and stabile ride of a catamaran when things get bouncy offshore. But the 280CC-X will also do it in style, with striking good looks and a new level of comfort features that will make this newbie equally as adept at entertaining a half dozen friends on a sunset cruise, as well as being the ultimate beach water taxi for family adventures. GO FISHWhen called upon to head offshore, the 280CC-X can fish with the best of them. Standard features include a total of four flush-mounted rodholders in the gunwales, plus an additional quartet set in the transom. Fishbox capacity on this cat is totally out of bounds, with twin 355-quart in-floor insulated boxes port and starboard, accessed via flush hatches. Each fishbox has its own dedicated diaphragm pump to evacuate the icy gurry at the end of the trip. But that |
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