World Cat 296DC Review

The World Cat 296DC is a power catamaran that is ready to capture a big chunk of the offshore family boat market.

Catamaran hull designs offer many advantages over traditional V-hulls, including a smoother ride, greater stability, superior fuel economy and a shallower draft for running in shallower waters. As one of the world’s leading proponents of the type, Tarboro, North Carolina-based World Cat builds no less than 18 different models of power catamarans, from 23 to 40 feet. The latest is its all-new World Cat 296DC dual console, which might just be the ultimate day boat for families who like to fish, wakeboard or just explore.

Stretching 29 feet, one inch in overall length and riding on a wide nine foot, six inch beam, the World Cat 296DC is among the most spacious dual consoles in its class, thanks to the versatile catamaran design. Up front, the massive bow seating area offers plenty of room for six adults to stretch out in comfort, while generously upholstered, full wrap-around cockpit coaming and an ample interior depth make these the best seats in the house for stretching out and enjoying the summer sun. Lift the seat cushions and you’ll find all sorts of storage space in the seat bases, including a 25-gallon live well under the port seat and a huge 125-quart fish box on the starboard side.

The spacious bow offers plenty of space for six adults to stretch out in comfort.

The bow deck provides a perfect spot for mounting an anchor roller and an available windlass, while a pair of large fiberglass lids on gas support arms open to reveal substantial storage lockers. There’s even a pair of flush-mount stainless steel rod holders. Pop-up cleats fold flat when not in use, ensuring no one stubs a toe or snags errant fishing lines.

Enter the main cockpit through the boat’s large walk-through windshield and you’re greeted by twin, double-wide seats for the driver and navigator, each with fold-down arm rests. A bi-fold door between the console allows the bow to be closed-off altogether, providing greater comfort when running during cool weather early or late in the season.

The large passenger console houses a roomy head compartment for comfort and convenience.

The passenger console contains a large changing room with a 23-inch wide entry door and ample space to house an available head with a 15-gallon holding tank. A pair of stainless steel cup holders keep a cold drink always within reach. But make no mistake, it’s the driver who gets spoiled in this boat. The large helm console offers tons of flat dash space for one or more flush-mount MFDs, and without being obstructed by the 15-inch stainless wheel with a turning knob. Steering is hydraulic power assisted, of course, while overhead, a fiberglass top with a powder-coated frame and overhead lights provides protection from the mid-day sun. Dual cup holders and an integral foot rest in the console for the driver are a nice touch. Overhead, a new low-profile hardtop provides welcome relief from the mid-day sun.

Look at the size of that dash! With plenty of space for adding flush-mount touch-screen displays, the World Cat 296DC is definitely built for drivers.

The main cockpit of the World Cat 296DC provides still more seating options, starting with twin rear-facing seats on seat boxes and dual aft fold-down seats with backrest cushions. There’s a built-in cooler under the port-side seat, with a gas ram to support its lid while fishing out a drink.

Transom jump seats fold out of the way when fishing or swimming off the large rear platform. Note the available boarding ladder upgrade that mounts between the engines.

Twin jump seats on the transom fold flat out of the way when they’re not needed, opening up the stern for serious fishing. Between them, a transom door opens to provide access to the stern swim platform. An optional boarding ladder fits nicely between the twin engines.

With top speeds in excess of 50 mph the big Cat is definitely a performer. Yet speed comes with comfort and excellent fuel economy, making a rare combination indeed.

As a catamaran, the World Cat 296DC is built for twin engine installations, of course, and with maximum power of twin 300s this boat reaches a top speed of over 50 mph at wide-open throttle. Best of all, because of its cat footprint there isn’t a lot of boat in the water causing drag at planing speeds, so it will get where it’s going in a hurry while still delivering exceptional fuel economy.

Are you a cat person? If you like performance, interior space, fuel efficiency and a stable, smooth ride, then you might just find the World Cat 296DC highly compelling.