Boat Review: Worldcat 400DC-X - The Fisherman

Boat Review: Worldcat 400DC-X

Worldcat 400DC-X running

www.worldcat.com

SPECIFICATIONS

Length- 39-feet, eight-inches
Beam- 12-feet, eight-inches
Weight- 15,000- (with twin outboard power)
Draft- 25-inches
Fuel Capacity- 464-gallons
Water Capacity- 60-gallons
Wastewater Capacity- 13-gallons
Max Power- 850 HP (twin 425 HP outboards)


The big news from this North Carolina based catamaran builder is not just the debut of their queen of the fleet 400DC-X, but the enhanced fishing potential of her two sisters that are coming soon – the 400CC-X center console and the 400TE-X Tournament Edition center console. With almost 40-feet of overall length to work with and a 12-foot, eight-inch beam, the full-width catamaran style deck layout creates acres of usable fishing and entertaining space above, and a huge amount of storage space in the twin sponsons down under.

Both center console models take the excellent fuel capacity and range of the dual console 40-footer and take it a step up the evolutionary ladder, expanding the fuel capacity by 148-gallons (32%) up to a whopping 612-gallons that are evenly split between twin 316-gallon aluminum fuel cells that are set amidships down in each of the hulls. The center console models also offer an upgraded transom that can accommodate up to 1,200 sea ponies, which translates to quad 300s. The range and speed potential of this setup will offer owners some intriguing long-distance bluewater possibilities, or you can just stick with twin Yamaha 425 XTOs and experience almost 575-miles of truly usable range with a decent turn of cruising speed.

Two of the most outstanding features of the upcoming center console models are the insulated fishbox capacity of these beasts (2 x 254-gallons and 1 x 118-gallon), in addition to the excellent crew arrangements that consist of two rows of triple-wide cushioned bolster seats with up/down back rests for the ultimate in comfort. The entire seating area is protected by an elongated fiberglass hardtop, for the ultimate in heavy weather and sun protection. Be sure to check the Worldcat website for the latest changes, additions and updates to these breakthrough catamaran sportfishers.

The Worldcat 400DC-X features a super-wide 200-square foot cockpit deck. Starting in the bow, there’s a pair of aft-facing double-wide bench seats with convenient fiberglass storage under each, opposed by an equal number of forward facing seats, with a deep stowage area under the starboard unit. A pair of tables with electric lifts raise up from the cockpit sole to act as fillers for twin sun lounges, or to provide two tabletops to entertain a party of eight. Walking through the windshield opening in between the dual consoles, there’s a port stateroom cabin to port, and a head cabin area with an enclosed walk-in shower to starboard. Crew comfort is enhanced via a standard 8,000 BTU combo air conditioner/heater.

The bridge deck also offers excellent creature comforts, highlighted by a 12,000 BTU A/C unit, an array of cushioned bench seating port and starboard, an electrically-adjusted double-wide helm bench, a large port side U-lounge, plenty of storage, an adjustable pedestal table, an aft bench seat, plus starboard side entertainment center. The aft cockpit includes a host of goodies, including a quartet of gunwale-mount combo rodholders/cupholders; twin flush deck mechanical hatches with access to a total of five marine batteries; room for an optional SeaKeeper gyro stabilizer; an 8 kW Fischer Panda diesel generator with 24-gallon tank; a port side door, 25-gallon livewell and cooler modules in the transom; plus a starboard side transom setup that includes a sink, cutting board and electric grill.

Factory tests rigged with a pair of Yamaha’s relatively new 425 XTO V-8 four-strokes indicated that this feline can get up and run with the pack, hitting a top speed of over 46-mph spinning 17-inch pitch at 6100-rpm. Best fuel economy occurred at 3000 revs, where the big cat delivered 19.4-mph at 15.5-gph, for a net of 1.25-mpg. Most owners will probably opt for advancing the electronic controls up to four-grand, where the 400DC-X will hit 29.7-mph on the GPS navigator at 29.2-gph, which translates to 1.02-mpg, which is not bad for a large footprint, 8-ton 40-footer. Bumping up the throttles to the 4500-5500 rpm range will get you more speed, but due to the catamaran’s general running dynamics, will penalize you with higher proportionate fuel consumption and reduced MPGs.

If you are looking for a multi-mission supersized platform that can party and entertain as well as she can fish, then the Worldcat 400DC-X deserves a closer look. If serious sport fishing is your preferred mission statement, it might pay to wait a few more months to test drive this feline’s center console sisters when they are officially introduced.

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