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World Cat
270 Express Cabin
This cat offers
a smooth, solid ride and plenty of creature comforts.
The folks at World Class
Catamaran are continually developing their line of boats by bringing out
new models aimed at an owner’s specific needs. The new 270 Express Cabin
is a great example of filling a niche in their product line that is
geared toward the weekend traveler and his fishing pursuits. Completely
hand-laid, the 270 EC is constructed with various core materials,
including Klegecell and Divinycell, that are encapsulated in multiple
layers of multi-directional knit fiberglass fabric, creating a wood-free
structure.
We got our chance to test the 270 EC on a balmy summer day last July off
Beaufort, North Carolina. Our test boat was rigged with a pair of
whisper-quiet 225-hp Honda VTEC four-strokes that offered great
acceleration and handling. The setup produced a nice, slow trolling
speed with a quiet wash, even on a downsea course. At 1900 rpm the 270
EC did eight knots, a great lure-trolling speed for billfish. On plane,
the boat cruised effortlessly at 3300 rpm while making 23.6 knots. The
normal cruise of 4200 rpm with the twin Honda package pushed the 270
along at a brisk 31.6 knots. On the pins at 5400 rpm, the same power
produced a speedy 41.1 knots.
With an overall length of 28 feet, the 270’s hull is designed to scoop
air at the bow and channel it aft past the Vectorflo pod. As air enters
the chamber and passes between the two hulls and the water surface, it
is compressed and accelerates aft, reducing the mist-producing affect
known as “sneezing.” According to World Class, the compressed air
passing through the tunnel also provides a cushion that softens the ride
and enhances the inherent stability of the boat.
On our test run, the 270 EC performed nicely in all directions, slicing
through the head seas with little effort. By trimming the engines up and
lifting the bow, the 270 EC ran downsea comfortably while tracking
straight and throwing little spray. As expected, the 8' 6" beam of the
270 EC makes the boat very stable, both at rest and underway.
The Express Cabin configuration offers an expansive interior featuring a
full six feet of headroom, a queen bed, and an electric head that fits
nicely in the port bow under the bunk cushion. The cabin ceiling is a
one-piece, molded, poly-lined unit that is easy to clean. Fully forward
in the starboard hull is a large storage locker, also located under the
bunk cushion. A large cabinet with room for a microwave and refrigerator
is set to starboard along the aft bulkhead. A countertop and sink are
positioned along the port wall. A single-burner alcohol cooktop is
stowed in a drawer under the counter. The only real lockable and
protected rod storage is located along the port hullside in the cabin,
but can only accommodate a scant three rods. More rod storage can be
added, but we’d like to see it as standard equipment on this capable
fishing rig.
The helm deck is framed by a full wraparound safety-glass windshield and
features two ladderback helm seats mounted atop aft-facing jumpseats
with built-in coolers, a tackle station and storage beneath. The port
companion seat has a large compartment in the side wing with two shelves
and two drink holders. The starboard helm seat has drink holders and
storage in the outboard wing as well. The helm is set to starboard and
features a large dash with enough room for several ten-inch screens,
plus an attractive carbon-fiber dash panel with a full complement of all
the necessary multi-function gauges. World Class uses Faria gauges
trimmed in gold, and they even include fuel-management gauges. A robust
dual-ram hydraulic Teleflex Pro helm system with tilt steering and
Kevlar hydraulic hoses provides smooth and effortless steering control.
The 270 also features a Grayhill digital control system and sealed
Deutsch connectors on all electrical bilge accessories, including the
two 1500 gph pumps with auto switches.
The 270’s ample, self-bailing cockpit has a 300-quart fishbox on the
centerline and a 25-gallon live well with 700-gph pump and flow
regulator on the port side of the transom. All deck surfaces feature a
molded, diamond non-skid for sure footing. Raw and fresh water outlets
are located on the port side of the cockpit. There are four
gunwale-mounted rod holders, coaming pads and a molded-in, recessed toe
rail on each side. A large, gasketed hatch affords access to the clean
and painted bilge area for maintenance and service. World Class uses
GemLux stainless through-hulls and double T-clamps on all hoses.
If you are interested in the stable, unique ride of a catamaran and are
looking for a boat to fish and perhaps cruise in, the 270 Express Cabin
is worth checking out. Catamarans are all they build at World Class, and
the 270 is a good-riding liveaboard that will get you to the fishing
grounds in comfort while offering a host of useful amenities.
World Class Catamarans, Tarboro, NC; (866) 485-8899;
www.worldclasscats.com.
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