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World Cat 400DC-X Island (2025-)

2 x 450-hp XF Yamaha V8 XTO



Brief Summary

Starting in early 1998, when the first World Cat hull hit the water, it did not take long for the company to gain traction. In fact, several months later, it officially launched its 246 Sport Fisherman, 266 Sport Cuddy, and 266 Sport Fisherman.

Today, housed in a 140,000 state-of-the-art facility located in Tarboro, North Carolina, and, according to World Cat, there are some 80,000 boaters around the world who own their boats with the 400DC-X Island, the latest dual console to join the fleet. Known for its comfortable ride courtesy of a wide footprint, more deck space as the beam is carried fully forward, greater stability, and fuel efficiency, which are all hallmarks of World Cat hulls, the 400DC-X Island is ready to take you places.

Test Results

RPM MPH Knots GPH MPG NMPG SM NM dBa
650 3.7 3.2 2.9 1.3 1.1 533.7 463.7 57
1000 5.6 4.9 4 1.4 1.2 585.5 508.8 56
1500 7.6 6.6 5.8 1.3 1.1 550.9 478.7 61
2000 9.8 8.5 9.4 1 0.9 436.1 379 68
2500 11.3 9.8 13.5 0.8 0.7 347.7 302.1 68
3000 21.9 19 23.1 0.9 0.8 394.5 342.9 71
3500 27.7 24.1 29.3 0.9 0.8 394.6 342.9 79
4000 33 28.7 37.3 0.9 0.8 369 320.7 76
4500 38.4 33.4 49.7 0.8 0.7 322.6 280.4 77
5000 42.7 37.1 56.2 0.8 0.7 317.3 275.7 78
5500 47.9 41.6 80.5 0.6 0.5 248.1 215.6 78
6150 53.2 46.2 97.5 0.5 0.5 227.6 197.8 80
Consumption Curve for the World Cat DC-X 400 Island

Specifications

Length Overall 39' 8"
12.09 m
Beam 12' 8"
3.86 m
Dry Weight 16,500 lbs
7,484 kg
Tested Weight 18,852 lbs
8,551 kg
Draft 25"
0.64 m
Bridge Clearance 8' 6"
2.59 m
Measured keel to top of fiberglass hardtop w/ no outriggers or electronics installed (not including trailer)
Fuel Capacity 464 gal
1,756 L
Water Capacity 52 gal
197 L
Total Weight 18,852 lbs
8,551 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

0 to 30 8.0 sec
Props Merc Revolution X SS – 18x18 (Diameter x Pitch)
Load 3 Persons and Gear: 555 lbs; Fuel: 1,380 lbs
Climate 90°; 75% humidity; wind: NW 5-8 mph; wave: 1-2 ft; fresh water

Engine Options

Tested Engine 2 x 600-hp Mercury Verado V12
Std. Power 2 x 450-hp XF Yamaha V8 XTO
Opt. Power 2 x 400-hp Mercury Verado V10
2 x 600-hp Mercury Verado V12

Dual Console Cat

Captain's Report World Cat 400DC-X Island

by Capt. Ken Kreisler

World Cat 400DC-X Island cruising

Clean exterior lines, a sea-proven cat hull design, and amenities for cruising, fishing, or spending some quality time with family and friends for a day out on the water, the World Cat 400DC-X Island will deliver on all counts.

Major Features

  • 2 x 450-hp Yamaha XF450 V8 XTO outboard engines
  • Thru-hull anchoring system w/stainless windlass and fresh and raw water washdown
  • Two, bulkhead-mounted bow tables
  • Bow gunnel cup/rod holders
  • Starboard head and walk-in shower
  • Aft door to port berth w/convertible couch/day bed
  • Hardtop w/remote sun roof
  • 12,000 BTU cockpit air conditioning
  • Twin Garmin GPSMAP® 8616xsv touchscreens
  • Molded-in, extended swim platform w/ladder
  • Four aft cockpit cup/rod holders
  • Raw water washdown
  • MarineMat decking
  • Walk-thru sliding deck-to-hardtop windshield
  • Bridge deck entertainment center w/refrigerator drawer, aft facing seat w/storage under, storage drawer, helm air conditioning vents, & tilt-out trash can

Notable Options

  • Engine packages including twin 400-hp Mercury V10 Verado or twin 600-hp V12 Mercury Verado
  • Choice of five hull colors, available in solid or two tone, and five hardtop underside colors
  • Starboard transom model includes 200 qt insulated fish box, molded-in transom seats, dive center module, summer galley w/sink, electric grill, and refrigerator, bait prep w/30 gal livewell. Port transom model includes 200 qt insulated fish box, molded-in transom seats, dive center module, 60 gal aquarium or 30 gal livewell.
  • Fischer Panda 8kW generator
  • Seakeeper 6 gyro
  • Stowable or integrated electric sun shade
  • Integrated SureShade in Pearl White or Harbor Grey
  • 50-amp Glendinning CableMaster
  • Reverso automatic outboard flushing system
  • Twin Garmin GPSMAP® 8617 screens, Garmin B175M Transducer, Garmin 315 VHF with (2) AIS Antennas, AIS 800, GSD- 25 Advanced Sonar Module, GMR 24 XHD Marine Radar

Vessel Inspection

World Cat 400DC-X Island deck layout

With unobstructed access going from fore to aft, and back again, on its single level deck, the World Cat 400DC-X Island presents the kind of space, courtesy of her 12'8" beam carried fully forward, not found on monohulls of the same LOA.

Bow

One of the many perks of the cat hull design is carrying the beam fully forward. Here, on the World Cat 400DC-X Island that means a full 12’8” is found forward, amidships, and at the stern. 

World Cat 400DC-X Island bow

Getting to and from the bow is via a framed, sliding glass panel, with a locking door below, and provides a 29” wide passageway. Using a slider means eliminating the possible banging of a hinged segment when the conditions get a bit rough. To either side are these lounges with a large storage space under the starboard cushion.

World Cat 400DC-X Island extra bow space

Utilizing all available space means extra bow room for spacious seating on the World Cat 400DC-X Island.

World Cat 400DC-X Island the forward bench seats have large storage space below

The forward bench seats have large storage space below.

World Cat 400DC-X Island easily stowed and mounted, this bulkhead table creates a nice eating space while at a favorite anchorage

Easily stowed and mounted, this bulkhead table creates a nice eating space while at a favorite anchorage.

World Cat 400DC-X Island twin bow hatches

Easy access is also provided to the twin bow hatches. The port hatch gains access to the anchor and remote control, while the one to starboard houses the chain rode and windlass.

Helm & Cockpit

Being the flagship of the fleet means the control center of the World Cat 400DC-X Island is a stand out and it starts here at the helm, with this upscale, bolstered seat.

World Cat 400DC-X Island double wide helm seat

The double wide, double bolstered, mechanically sliding helm seat offers the driver and co-pilot excellent sightlines into the seaway from any direction.

World Cat 400DC-X Island helm console features a pair of 16" Garmin GPSMAP® 8616xsc touchscreens

The helm console feature a pair of 16” Garmin GPSMAP® 8616xsc touchscreens, a row of backlit push buttons across the top, centered Mercury display between the screens, and throttles, VHF, and joystck are located to starboard of the wheel. All in all, and with superior visibility into the seaway, a very functional and well-thought out design.

World Cat 400DC-X Island joystick and throttles

Here you can easily see how close the joystick and throttles are to the wheel giving the driver easy access and control for safety while underway.

World Cat 400DC-X Island sunroof

With the push of a button at the helm, the sunroof opens and closes, allowing lots of fresh air to circulate here.

World Cat 400DC-X Island helm seating

Completing the helm seating to port is this double wide seat. Those seated here also have excellent visibility into the seaway ahead and to either side.

World Cat 400DC-X Island handy storage draw below and that stainless rail folds down as a foot rest

There is a handy storage draw below and that stainless rail folds down as a foot rest. Note the well-placed grab just forward of the seat.

Cockpit & Aft Section

With 12’8” of beam to work with throughout the World Cat 400DC-X Island, the cockpit and aft section, and as the layout shows, is also the beneficiary of the expanded space.

World Cat 400DC-X Island the usable space begins just aft of the port and starboard helm seats

The usable space begins just aft of the port and starboard helm seats.

World Cat 400DC-X Island wide bench seat and accompanying table

To port is a wide bench seat and accompanying table. Note the amount of drink holders found in this space. The back rest of the bench can easily flip forward, creating an aft-facing seat. There is also a large storage area under the cushion, and as well, beneath the starboard bulkhead seat.

World Cat 400DC-X Island to starboard is another bench seat

To starboard is another bench seat, this one slightly angled. There is storage space under the cushion. That hatch in the deck at the transom opens to yet another large storage compartment.

World Cat 400DC-X Island slide out refrigerator

A slide out refrigerator is just aft of the seat. Note the handy stainless grab just above it.

World Cat 400DC-X Island boarding door

A robust boarding door is found to starboard.

World Cat 400DC-X Island summer kitchen with sink and electric grill and a fishbox and livewell

At the transom and to port is the summer kitchen with sink, electric grill, pull out refrigerator drawer, and storage. To starboard are a fishbox and livewell. This entire unit can be optioned out for additional seating. The aft bearding door separates the two consoles.

World Cat 400DC-X Island stainless ladder

Installed between the twin 600-hp Mercury V12 outboards, is this optional stainless ladder for getting in and out of the water. While designed for diving, it is almost a necessity for those whose World Cat 400DC-X Island is going to see lots of in-water activity.

Living Accommodations

Each of the consoles provides a different function aboard the World Cat 400DC-X Island. The starboard houses a stand-up head while the port offers access to a berth.

World Cat 400DC-X Island head offers 6'4" of headroom, an electric toilet, and stand-up shower

The head offers 6'4" of headroom, an electric toilet, and stand-up shower.

World Cat 400DC-X Island shower compartment has a removable wand and privacy curtain

The shower compartment has a removable wand and privacy curtain.

World Cat 400DC-X Island vanity has storage, a sink, and hot and cold water

The vanity has storage, a sink, and hot and cold water.

World Cat 400DC-X Island in the port console, with 6’1” of headroom, is the modified berth. Providing a cool space in which to relax is an 8,000 BTU air conditioning unit

In the port console, with 6’1” of headroom, is the modified berth. Providing a cool space in which to relax is an 8,000 BTU air conditioning unit.

World Cat 400DC-X Island a cushion insert in place, an ample resting place is available if necessary

With a cushion insert in place, an ample resting place is available if necessary.

World Cat 400DC-X Island the bulkhead hatch reveals a microwave and storage space

Opening the bulkhead hatch reveals a microwave and storage space.

World Cat 400DC-X Island the electrical breaker panel for shore and AC power as well as the Fusion stereo controls is also located here

The electrical breaker panel for shore and AC power as well as the Fusion stereo controls is also located here.

A Word About Performance

Our test conditions were about as good as it gets. With 3 people on board and a pair of 600-hp Mercury V12 outboards for power turning Merc Revolution X SS, 18x18 diameter x pitch props, with calm seas and wind between 5-8 knots, 90° air temp and 76% relative humidity, and approximately 225 gallons of fuel, our out-of-the-hole shot gave us a 0-30 mph result. Sliding the throttles up through the rpm range to 2500, we noted an 11.3mph/9.8kt speed and a 347.7sm/302.2nm range. But this cat was designed to prowl and at 4000 rpm she posted 33.0/mph/28.7kt speed with a 369sm/320.7nm range. 5000 rpm saw us jump up to 42.7mph/37.1kts speed, range 317.3sm/275.7nm, and when we opened her up to WOT at 6150 rpm, her vitals came in at 53.2mph/46.2kts with a range of 227.6sm/197.8nm. The speed is there if you want it but with prevailing conditions ever changing, you will find your sweet spot while at the wheel. She proved to be all that a cat hull design delivers, that being a wide, stable platform able to perform and provide safe operations while underway. 

Summary

The World Cat 400DC-X Island is a well-appointed, dual console boat with a sea proven cat design. She is engineered to provide a stable, performance oriented  platform capable of providing a wide variety of on-water activities for all. She offers a long list of standard and optional, purpose-driven features. For example, by placing the generator on the options list, the World Cat 400DC-X Island comes with a standard lithium ion battery bank to run to air conditioning, grill, and all other house items off of. World Cat states at least 6-8 hours of use can be expected, dependent on how much time you put on the motors on your day out. 

With her 12’6” beam carried fully forward, the World Cat 400DC-X Island affords extra space for seating and deck area along with plentiful storage allotted from bow to stern. And with those outboards situated far apart, together with joystick steering, maneuverability in close quarters situations will put the driver at ease. Choose the summer kitchen aft and your days out can be filled with easy-to-prepare meals while at a favorite anchorage.

This and so much more is possible with the World Cat 400DC-X Island. Whether out for a cruise with family and friends, island hopping, engaging in exciting water sports, or rafting up with fellow boaters, this is one cat that will deliver all you expect and perhaps, a bit more. Set up your visit and sea trial to find out for yourself.

World Cat 400DC-X Island cruising

Remember, life is better on a boat!

Features & Performance Review Transcript

Overview

Captain Shelly's framing: "WorldCat claims its new 400 DCX Island has best-in-class range. So we're going to test her out and see if it's as great as they say, and if so, then with what engines." She noted WorldCat's additional claims that the dual console is "a world-class fishing platform, an entertaining venue ready for big fish or a sandbar party."

Transom / Swim Ladder

Captain Shelly, describing herself as an avid diver who dives off a WorldCat regularly, named this her favorite feature: "Every WorldCat comes with a substantial ladder... this feature, when you're climbing back on board still laden with your tanks and all of your catch for the day, this makes such a huge difference." The ladder is nestled between the twin engines.

Engine options: The test boat carried optional Mercury 600 horsepower engines. Standard power is twin Yamaha 450s, with several other options available.

Transom workspace: Approximately 12 feet of working space, 32 inches at its narrowest and 56 inches at its widest (up to the ladder). Both motors are easily accessible, with a freshwater washdown shower also located here.

Cockpit

Beam: Notably wide, providing a large cockpit space.

Convertible aft seat: Currently forward-facing; a lever releases it to slide fully aft, providing a seat facing the water/action behind the boat.

Sole storage: Two very large storage compartments for fenders, shore power cords, etc. A boarding gate is located to port, with battery switches below. Additional storage is located under the combing pad to starboard.

Additional cockpit hardware: High gunwales, rod holders, and cup holders in strategic locations.

Starboard Storage Compartment — Summer Kitchen

Lifting the lid reveals dedicated storage for cutting boards and paper towels, cup holders, and a fresh water sink. A second lid reveals a Kenyon electric grill, with additional storage and an extra refrigerator below.

Port Storage Compartment

Insulated fish box (also usable for ice and drinks) and a livewell. Captain Shelly noted the finish quality: "I like how the underneath side of all of the hatches are nicely finished, and they're resin-infused." All the way to port: a cup holder/rod holder combo (also present on the other side) and sturdy pop-up cleats.

Main Seating Configuration

With the aft seat returned to its forward position, Captain Shelly counted the total seating capacity: "There are 16 possible comfortable seating positions for people in this configuration." She noted the summer kitchen and livewells can be swapped for additional seating if preferred, but stated a personal preference: "I kinda like this setup a little bit better."

Starboard seating: Additional seating with cup holders and a USB charging port. A refrigerator (the boat's main dedicated fridge) is located below, with a large storage compartment underneath.

Port L-shaped seating: Includes one of three tables set up, with integrated cup holders and a non-slip pad. Additional cup holders fore and aft, and a cubby underneath for small items.

Seat Redesign (2025 Model Year)

Captain Shelly relayed information from WorldCat regarding a prior configuration: "This actually used to be a C-shaped seating configuration, and like the aft seat, this backrest moved forward and aft as well, but it was much lower seating. So when you were underway and wanted to be facing forward, you were basically just staring at the dash. So in the 2025 model, they've lifted it up so that when you're in this seat — and it's a comfy seat, even though you're not the operator — you've still got great visibility up and over the dash, and you can get that breeze moving over to the helm."

Audio: A subwoofer is located below, with speakers throughout — Captain Shelly noted the boat has "a great sound system."

Helm Seating

Bolstered helm chair with flip-down armrests and a raised, angled footrest, which Captain Shelly specifically noted liking.

Helm Controls

  • VHF radio, all the way to starboard
  • Digital throttle controls
  • Joystick piloting for outboards
  • Air conditioning — one vent at the helm, two more at the companion seat, allowing cooling while underway if it gets too warm

Power System — Generator-Free Design

Captain Shelly highlighted this feature: "A cool feature about this model and a couple of other WorldCat models is they've actually turned the generator into an option [rather than] standard. The air conditioning, the grill, all of your kind of house items runs off of a big lithium battery bank." She relayed WorldCat's estimate for battery duration: "Depending on your usage, you're gonna get at least six to eight hours, especially if you put in some time on the motors [to recharge]."

Helm Electronics (Detailed)

  • Two 16-inch Garmin displays
  • Center Mercury display
  • Retained physical push buttons across the top (illuminated when active) — Captain Shelly's assessment: "I think this is a really aesthetically pleasing helm station."
  • Four cup holders in the captain's area
  • A notable feature Captain Shelly said she doesn't see on many boats: the VHF speaker is mounted up above, supplemented by an additional satellite speaker for better audibility

Moon Roof

Located over the helm area; kept closed during testing due to heat, but can open fully for fresh air while running.

Starboard Console — Head Compartment

Headroom: 6 feet, 4 inches at maximum.

Features: Electric flush toilet, pedestal sink with storage below, additional storage areas, and an AC vent. A large shower space is included, with a removable wand. Behind the mirror: access to helm station electrical panels and DC switches.

Port Console — Cabin/Berth

Captain Shelly relayed a design change from WorldCat: "They originally had just a static bed in here." The current setup functions as a couch, with a cushion and mechanism underneath that folds out into a sizable bed — Captain Shelly noted: "Maybe not ideal for two, but in a pinch it could fit." Additional features: storage, a microwave (running off the lithium battery), some natural light, a Fusion stereo, AC power, and AC vents on the aft bulkhead.

Forward Walk-Through

Width: 29 inches. An air dam is fitted to block the elements when desired.

Forward pass-through window: Captain Shelly noted WorldCat's distinct approach compared to a typical hinged door design: "Most boats out there use a hinged kind of door, and that glass ends up sitting and usually bouncing on this other window. WorldCat has [more of] a slider approach" — lockable in the open position and easy to slide fully open.

Bow Seating

Captain Shelly identified this as the boat's primary social hub: "This is where everybody's gonna hang out on this boat... this is where I'm always at, if I'm not off the back diving."

Beam translation forward: The boat's 12-foot, 8-inch beam carries forward, providing significant deck space. Captain Shelly cited a comparison: "When comparing the square footage of a 40-foot monohull dual console to the 400 DCX, the WorldCat has about 35% more usable space on deck."

Seating capacity: At least eight guests comfortably. A second table is deployed on the port side; a third is stored under the starboard seating. Charging power is built into the cubby/cup-holder area.

Finish: Diamond-stitch upholstery pattern carried forward; armrests praised specifically; combing pads that don't extend too high, paired with stainless steel grab rails set into the gunwales for safety and comfort.

Catamaran Ride Characteristics (Bow Seating)

Captain Shelly explained the ride benefit specific to the catamaran hull at the bow: "Typically when you're underway, especially if you're in any kind of larger sea state, then the bow is kind of an uncomfortable spot to be. But in a catamaran, because you're funneling that air and that water through the center of the hull, essentially that air at speed becomes a bit of an air cushion. So the ride for your guests in the bow of the boat is gonna be a completely different experience than they would have on a traditional monohull."

Turning behavior (guest comfort): "When you're at speed and you make a significant bank, your guests that are sitting up here [on a monohull] are definitely gonna lean hard over. But in the catamaran it's so much less — it more feels like you're turning a car, and then the boat stays on the same plane as you come around, versus a monohull that tends to keel over."

Anchor System

Port-side storage houses the electric windlass controls. Captain Shelly noted the smart routing of the anchor chain: "The anchor, obviously you want it to be centerline, but it comes in and then takes a direct 90-degree turn to starboard, and you have your windlass in the starboard compartment... there's ample space below the windlass for the chain to drop, and we can avoid tangles, but there's also space for fenders and lines in this area."

Hardtop / Shade

Described as expansive, spanning side to side. An optional SureShade can be added to extend coverage over the entire back area.

Specifications

  • Length overall: 39 feet, 8 inches
  • Beam: 12 feet, 8 inches
  • Empty weight: 16,500 pounds
  • Test engines: dual 600-horsepower Mercury V12s
  • Fuel capacity: 464 gallons

Performance Numbers

  • Top speed: 54 mph at 6,150 RPM (wide-open throttle)
  • Best cruise: 28 mph at 3,500 RPM, burning 29.3 gallons per hour, achieving 0.9 miles per gallon
  • Range at best cruise: 395 statute miles, with a 10% fuel reserve
  • Plane threshold: approximately 3,000 RPM, 12–14 mph
  • Hole shot 0–10 mph: 3.5 seconds
  • 0–20 mph: 5.5 seconds
  • 0–30 mph: 8 seconds
  • 0–40 mph: approximately 10 seconds

Comparative Range Analysis

The review states: with the Mercury 600 package, the 400 DCX stretched its fuel range 32% further than a monohull of the same size and weight running the same Mercury 600 engines. With the standard twin Yamaha 450 V8 XTO engines, the boat showed approximately a 30% range improvement over the Mercury setup on the same hull. The buyer tradeoff was framed as prioritizing top-end speed (Mercury) versus extended range (Yamaha).

Sea Trial — Ride and Handling

Conditions: 1–2 foot chop on the test side, with closer-together wave spacing on the Gulf side due to wind direction. Captain Shelly noted the ride quality despite conditions: "We are getting bounced around a little bit, but I mean, you really can't tell, because of the beam of this boat. We're so wide, it's such a stable platform in the water."

Hole shot: "She hops up on plane with those 600s — it feels like almost immediately... it's like a split second that just, she just pops right up outta the water. That was really fun to experience."

Turning behavior (from the helm): Captain Shelly described initial hesitancy driving the boat (noting she typically dives off a WorldCat rather than drives one), gaining confidence with larger, faster, sharper turns: "They told me that those engines were gonna bite, with the dual hulls in the water, and you can really feel it as you really start to hook around — you can feel, especially that inward hull, really bite into the water." She monitored speed loss through turns: "Maybe a half a knot as I made those bigger, sharper turns, so she doesn't really bleed off speed in those turns."

Heel/stability underway: "Because it's the catamaran, you really don't get that serious heel when you make those sharper turns... if you have a whole bunch of people, if there's a dolphin or something to look at on that side, everybody moves over there — [on] a monohull, the whole boat is gonna tip; [on a] catamaran, it's just gonna stay nice and stable."

Closing Assessment

"There are a lot of things to love about catamaran, and WorldCat has done a pretty good job putting it all together."