The World Cat’s customizable layout features a single-level deck and any of 12 different transom designs—with port and starboard modules abaft the centerline transom door—to best suit the owner’s needs.
The big cat also incorporates a number of seating options. For starters, there are four double-wide benches—two facing aft and two forward—sporting dedicated backrests, and there’s substantial storage with overboard drains beneath three of them. Recessed grab rails line both sides of the bow area, and a pair of tables, which rise from the deck on electric actuators, serve as fillers for twin sun loungers or tabletops for as many as eight crew to grab a bite or enjoy a cold beverage.
The windshield opening between the dual consoles makes it a cinch to move fore and aft. Walking through it from the bow along the dedicated center aisle brings you under the integrated hardtop with sunroof and electric shade that extends aft to cover the cockpit. The port console houses a stateroom with queen berth, storage cabinetry that includes a hanging locker and drawers, microwave, dedicated rod stowage, and entertainment center with TV and sound bar. Meanwhile, the starboard console contains a head compartment with sink, vanity and walk-in shower.
An 8,000 Btu air conditioner cools both cabins and the helm, which has been ergonomically designed to put the tilt steering wheel, throttle, digital gauges, switches and electronics within easy reach. The dash is spacious enough to house dual 17-inch multifunction displays, and a double seat with flip-up bolsters and armrests accommodates the skipper and a companion.
A second air conditioner cools the bridge deck, also furnished with numerous conveniences and creature comforts, creating a shaded social zone highlighted by a large U-shaped lounge with electrically adjusted backrests to port, an electrically adjusted pedestal table and double-wide helm bench, and an entertainment center complete with counter, storage, and drawer fridge to starboard, plus additional bench-style seating and storage.
While there is some room for casting at the bow, the aft cockpit is the World Cat’s primary fishing area. Aside from a portside door, it features a transom door to the swim platform and four flush-mount rod/drink holders on the covering boards, and allows for the optional 25-gallon livewell/cooler with chiller plates, one or two 200-quart insulated fish boxes, cooler modules, and a summer kitchen on the transom.
Standard features include molded-in transom seats, through-hull anchor system with windlass, fresh- and raw-water washdowns, 8 kW diesel generator, pull-out hot and cold aft-deck shower, multicolored LED lighting, sea chest to supply water to the livewell, cup holders, USB ports and 12-volt outlets, as well as twin port and starboard mechanical hatches to access batteries, pumps, the generator and an optional Seakeeper stabilizer.
Other options include Helm Master joystick control, Strataglass curtains, a Mediterranean- style bow shade and Black Pearl woven sea-grass flooring.
Upon completing our survey of the 400 DC-X, it came time to take it for a spin. The test boat was powered by twin Yamaha 425 XTOs, which proved a good match, supplying the necessary pep to bring the big cat to life.
With the big outboards on the transom, we averaged 11.1 seconds to reach 30 mph from a standstill. Squatting proved inconsequential, never hindering vision at the helm. Hole shot was even and steady—rather than whiplash-sudden—but midrange acceleration contributed to the spirited and responsive handling, and led to a top speed of 45.2 mph.
The tight turning radius for a boat of sizable dimensions was quite impressive, and the World Cat’s smooth-riding hull lived up to its reputation, rendering the 2-foot chop practically unnoticeable, and taking on big wakes from yachts and sport-fishers without pounding.
All told, the 400 DC-X was a pleasure to drive. Clearly built with comfort in mind, it’s sporty enough to get you to the fishing grounds before the bite shuts off. And if you’re not in a hurry, the fuel efficiency at slower cruising speeds yields a fantastic range, which makes this World Cat an excellent choice for island hopping.
Specs
Length: 39’8″
Beam: 12’8″
Draft: 25″
Fuel: 464 gal.
Water: 60 gal.
Max HP: 850
Weight: 15,000 lb.
Price: $866,773 w/ twin Yamaha 425s
World Cat: worldcat.com
Test Conditions
Weather: Partly cloudy
Location: Sarasota, Florida
Wind: Southwest 11 knots
Sea State: 2-foot chop
Test Load: Three adults, 300 gallons of fuel
