World cat 280cc-x
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
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 Cat 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 fall 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 rough 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, New Jersey. Forecasters said the rain would stop around 9 a.m. and the wind would pick
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 Fisherman
WORLD CAT 280CC-X
I 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 FISH
When 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