World Cat 400DC-X

That line, which landed at No. 3 on Hollywood’s Top 100 Movie Quotes, is heard at countless boat shows as buyers drop their jaws in awe gazing at the newest model that somehow manages to squeeze in extra features, appliances and iterations of the kitchen sink.

In the case of World Cat’s 400DC-X, there is an uncanny resemblance between life imitating art.

While filming “Jaws,” a barge that carried all the lights, camera equipment and craft services was steadied by a small support boat that was too tiny to manage the job. The running gag among the crew was — wait for it — “you’re going to need a bigger boat.” Actor Roy Scheider ad-libbed the scene with “Jaws” and the rest is history.

World Cat knows buyers do their own ad-libbing in terms of features and options, and the new 40-foot power catamaran can be customized in 12 different ways to adapt to each owner’s basic needs.

“Whether a customer is looking for a summer kitchen with electric grill, 60-gallon livewell, chiller box, bait rigging station, dive tank storage or additional seating, there is a combination that fits each owner’s usage,” according to World Cat CEO Andrew Brown. “We build these as one-offs and offer the buyer the ability to monitor and customize their yacht as it progresses.”

Powered by Yamaha’s new 425-hp outboards coupled with a Helm Master Joystick, there are no motor wells to navigate around on the 30-square-foot aft deck. With a 12-foot, 8-inch beam boasting more than 200 square feet of usable deck space, there is ample room for both fishing and seating. For those unfamiliar with catamaran design, the large outboard sponsons create ample deck space that carries forward to the bow. Here, up to 12 adults can comfortably sit and take full advantage of two power-actuated tables that lower to the floor for bow side access. This may well be one of my favorite locations on the boat. Ideal for socializing, the two-tone upholstery has a rich feel, is comfortable on the back and creates its own “space” onboard.

Behind the sliding glass windshield enclosure, the U-lounge in the salon seats eight with multiple configurations for facing forward or reclining aft while watching the kids play off the large aft deck that features 38-inch-wide swim platforms and a power dive ladder. This is another ideal entertainment zone that gives couples a chance to visit, while the kids retreat to their own seating areas.

Standard features include the integrated hardtop with sunroof and electric aft cockpit shade. An entertainment center with a drawer refrigerator, insulated cooler storage underneath one of the aft-facing seats, and a hot and cold deck shower wand complete the ensemble. For summer’s cool mornings and warm afternoons, you’ll want to consider helm heat/air conditioning vents. Underway, the AC is powered by an optional 9kW Fischer Panda diesel generator with 24-gallon diesel fuel tank. Another option is the Seakeeper 6 gyro stabilizer that industry wide is rapidly becoming de rigueur.

While I’m spending your money, might as well throw in the two, easy-to-read, 17-inch Garmin 8617 MFD displays at the helm. There’s room for them and your eyes aren’t what they used to be.

Answering the call

Performance wise, a top speed of 46 mph and a more reasonable 30 mph cruise speed helps deliver World Cat’s soft, rough-water ride. Making the transition from skippering a V-hull to the catamaran hull is at best a one-hour lesson with your dealer’s delivery captain. I liken it to buying a new car with a wider wheelbase and larger tires. It feels different but is much easier on the joints when the seas act up.

This powercat hits the yacht mark with overnight accommodations that include a portside air conditioned queen berth stateroom that features a hanging locker cabinet with drawers, storage drawers under the berth, rod storage and a TV. In the starboard cabin is a freshwater head with walk-in shower, sink and vanity. While the hot water tank is only a 6-gallon capacity, the boat has a 60-gallon water tank. With a 464-gallon fuel tank, the 400DC-X can cruise to nearly any far-off destination. World Cat is also offering two other versions based on the 400 series hull: A 400CC-X and 400TE-X (tournament edition) center console designed for serious fishing applications, dual rows of stadium seating and three massive in-deck fish boxes that easily answer the call for a bigger boat.