World Cat 400DC-X Island (2025-)

• 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

• 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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Remember, life is better on a boat!

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."

Overview

The World Cat 400CC-X is a power catamaran center console with excellent handling and the stability only a catamaran can bring. BoatTEST’s Captain tested her with twin 600-hp Mercury V12 outboards.

“She’s got excellent handling characteristics and the stability that only a catamaran can bring, all coming together in the World Cat 400 CCX.”

Mission And Intended Owner

• Built To Do: Premium-level fishing, with family crossover features
• Designed For: Serious anglers who want catamaran stability
• Locus Of Operation: Offshore

Design Overview

• Hull Type: Catamaran
• Chines: Hard chines that rise at the bow to become spray rails
• Wave Piercer: Between the two hulls, eliminating much of the “sneeze effect” spray common on catamarans
• Stabilizers: Two Seakeepers, a Seakeeper 2 to port and a Seakeeper 3 to starboard, engineered by Seakeeper to give the needed roll reduction while keeping the price down
• Sea Chest: Eliminates many of the usual through-hull fittings
• Cap Rails: 9 inches wide, running from midships to the bow

Specifications

• Length Overall: 39 feet, 8 inches
• Beam: 12 feet, 8 inches
• Hull Draft: 21 inches
• Empty Weight: 14,500 pounds
• Fuel Capacity: About 604 gallons
• Bulwark Height: 27 inches
• Side Deck Clearance: A minimum of 24 inches beside the console
• Air Conditioning: 8,000 BTU

Test Conditions And Test Weight

• Sea State: Not much in the way of sea conditions
• Load: 60% fuel and two people
• Test Weight: 17,094 pounds

Performance

• Tested Power: Twin Mercury 600-hp V12s turning 26-pitch prop sets
• Optional Power: Quad 300s, twin 450s or twin 600s
• Top Speed: 52.7 mph at 5,950 rpm
• Best Cruise: 21.4 mph at 3,000 rpm, burning 21.8 gph
• Fuel Economy At Best Cruise: 1 mpg
• Range At Best Cruise: 532 statute miles, holding a 10% reserve
• Mercury’s Own Test: 57.3 mph top speed, with a 33.5 mph best cruise and a 599-mile range

Acceleration:

1. Time To Plane: 4.5 seconds
2. 0–20 mph: Almost the same as time to plane
3. 0–30 mph: 6.7 seconds
4. 0–40 mph: 10.8 seconds

Sea Trial And Handling

• Turns: Almost level, with about a 5-degree lean; more lean in performance turns
• Grab: She eases gently into a turn, then grabs, so be prepared in hard turns
• Ride: Trim up at cruise to raise the bow and get air between the hulls for a cushioned, smooth ride
• Rough Water: In less-than-ideal conditions, add speed so the hulls penetrate the waves rather than slowing down
• Docking: No slide factor, so you have to drive her up to the dock
• Spray: The wave piercer reduces the catamaran “sneeze effect”

“It handles nice and gently into the turn, but then it’ll grab, so if you put it into a hard turn be prepared for that, hold on, and it’ll force you to one side if you’re not ready for it.”

“If you get into some less than ideal conditions, slowing down is not necessarily your best option. Add speed so you can get those hulls penetrating those waves and go through it better.”

Engine Room Or Mechanical Compartment

• Seakeeper Hatches: Two cockpit hatches expose the Seakeepers; without them, these spaces are fish boxes
• Port Aft Hatch: Sea chest
• Starboard Aft Hatch: Engine start batteries, bilge pump and high-water alarm
• House Batteries: Access panel behind the drop-down helm platform
• Breaker Switches: At the back of the head compartment, with access above to the area behind the helm

Helm

• Glass: Three-sided tempered glass
• Windshield: Wiper with integrated washer, plus a vent on top
• Compass: Center-mounted, in line with the center helm
• Console Top: Padded spaces on both sides
• Dash: Soft touch, with a wood panel
• Air Conditioning: Three vents
• Displays: Two 22-inch or three 17-inch multifunction displays
• Switches: Digital waterproof
• Wheel: Tilt base
• Controls: GPS display, JPO joystick and digital throttle and shift
• Glove Boxes: Port and starboard
• Observer Positions: Padded bolsters and two levels of footrests
• Overhead: E-box with a Garmin speaker and Fusion stereo
• Seats: Three, with flip armrests and flip bolsters; the center operator seat is electrically adjustable fore and aft
• Platform: Drop-down, raising the operator 4 inches

“I’d like to see that connectivity wouldn’t be a bad idea up here.”

Anchor Locker And Ground Tackle

• Roller: Center hatch fully forward
• Windlass: To starboard
• Cleat: Samson post pull-up cleat