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World Cat
270 HT
This new
catamaran slices through head seas economically
How many boat builders pay
their dealers to take prospective customers on sea trials? World Cat, a
company that calls its boats the “intelligent alternative,” is the only
one of which I know. World Cat representatives like Pete Peterson, who
was at the recent World Class Catamarans dealer meeting in Atlantic
Beach, N.C., believe that once “lookers” are out on the water, they’ll
become buyers. They have a point—the ride is the clincher, because the
hulls slice through waves like samurai swords and reduce the hard knocks
of head seas to mere undulations. With a World Cat, you can kiss
head-sea slam good-bye. The World Cat ride has afforded many former
monohull owners a new lease on offshore life.
The Tarboro, N.C., firm is on an upward trajectory on all fronts. Not
only is the quality of its boats better than ever, but the line is being
pumped up (look for a more livable new model in the 30-foot range in the
near future), and propulsion options are expanding. Four-stroke
outboards have been ubiquitous on World Cat transoms; cruisers as well
as anglers will appreciate the better fuel economy and added range that
this propulsion system offers. And they’ll love the 12-inch draft.
There’s a new dash with expansive electronics mounting space. The seat
boxes have been raised and will accommodate new genset, air-conditioner
and live well options. Atop them are new, higher quality, adjustable
chairs. There’s now a helm-level L-lounge option, and the interior has
been remodeled to include a Corian counter, stainless steel sink, head,
fridge, storage cabinets and new lighting, but the rectangular berth is
still playing-field-sized. A hardtop with full windows on three sides
(side windows slide; the center section opens) is standard. A
Strataglass drop-curtain enclosure makes the forward half of the cockpit
completely weatherproof and allows it to be air-conditioned.
Fishing features include a provision for a second live well (or a
cooler), a laundry bin-style tackle drawer compartment, a
raw-water/freshwater washdown with 15 feet of stored hose and a
300-quart transom fish box that’s slightly pitched for complete
overboard drainage. Rod holders are standard, as are 12-volt plugs in
the transom corners for electric reels or downriggers. Both gunwale
height and freeboard are fishing friendly.
In tight turns in the Atlantic off Morehead City, the 270 took seas from
every direction ...With 225-hp Honda outboards, World Cat has
clocked the boat at 48.5 mph (6000 rpm, 1.2 mph); cruising speed with
the four-strokes was 34.5 (4000 rpm, 2.0 mpg). The outboards have the
speed, ...the World Cat has the ride.
©Motor Boating Magazine, November 2004
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