Boat Review - World Cat 280 CC-X

One of the biggest hurdles catamaran boat builders have had to overcome is esthetics. Many people dismiss a catamaran before they ever get to appreciate the ride based on looks alone. This is unfortunate but true and World Cat has tackled this issue head on with some dramatic styling changes that have former doubters taking notice. At the center of this new look is the World Cat 280 CC-X and it's quite a departure from its less curvy predecessors. From the side, you immediately notice the broken Sheer Line which is enhanced by the use of a two-tone color pattern on the hull. This gives the 280 CC-X the appearance from the beam profile, of a mono hull while the inward curving cockpit lines with tumble home at the transom continue this effect. A sleek hard top frame and three-sided glass enclosure continue the racy look.

Fortunately for World Cat, the boat sells itself on features and comfort. One of the first things you notice is how large it seems for a 28-foot boat. At 27'6” by 9' 2” the deck seems much more spacious than the numbers say it is. A roomy lounge area forward provides seating for a large group and is extremely comfortable. This boat is built to handle a crowd and may be the perfect boat for divers who travel in numbers. The amount of gear required for a group of divers is considerable and this boat can handle every bit of it. In addition to forward storage compartments under the seating and a walk-in console storage area with a fresh water Head, are two 355-quart insulated storage boxes below deck. Combine that fact with their walk through transom door leading to the World Cat On-Ramp swim ladder which is virtually like walking up stairs to board, and it would be hard to argue for a more dive friendly design. This model is set up with a fishing friendly, 360-degree center console layout and features a helm station rigging area, a 30-gallon live well, and tackle storage all built into the rear of the helm seating.

It would be impossible not to consider the one thing everyone seems to love about this hull, the ride. For starters, this is one of the easiest handling boats in this size class at the dock I have run in recent memory. The boat backs and spins in tight quarters effortlessly. From a running standpoint, I was impressed with the sea kindliness of this model. Sure like all Cat hulls you are going to deal with a slight sneeze occasionally at slow to moderate speeds but once you get running you will see what all of the fuss is about. On our test days we ran this boat in every direction and at speeds from slow idle to 35-mph through a very confused 3-4' ocean and never made her pound once. At times we launched headlong into some larger swells looking for dramatic wave smashing shots for the cameras and the 280-CC-X simply sliced through them uneventfully. If you are a boater who likes plenty of room to store gear and stretch out, fish and dive ability, and want a soft riding offshore platform built to handle less than ideal sea conditions, a sea trial on this model should be in your future.

World Cat 280 CC-X Specifications:

Length: 27 feet 6 inches

Beam: 9 feet 2 inches

Draft: 14 inches

Dry Weight: 7300 pounds

Max Horsepower: 400

Fuel: 220-Gallons

Fresh water: 17-Gallons

Efficiency at cruise (30 mph)- 2.18 MPG

MSRP: $213,345.00 w/ 200 Yamaha's



For more information on this boat visit www.worldcat.com