World Cat 280DC-X - 5.8.5 Keep the Boat Level; 5.8.6 Handling Different Sea Conditions; 5.9 Performance Factors; 5.9.1 Engine Efficiency

2020 World Cat 280DC-X Owner’s Manual
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5.8 Handling Characteriscs
World Cat’s patented VectorFlo™ hull is a planing hull, which exhibits characteriscs of both planing and
displacement hulls. Planing hulls provide speed and economy of operaon since a limited amount of the hull
is in contact with the water. However, they feature at secons along the chine which can result in poor
handling at low speeds and harder impacts at high speed. Displacement hulls provide superior handling
characteriscs, even at low speed, and an improved ride in rough water. Speed and economy suer however,
since more of the hull is submerged. World Cat has taken the best characteriscs of these two designs and
incorporated them in the VectorFlo™ hull. Our proven design provides a superior ride, excellent handling
characteriscs in a variety of condions, and speed with economy of operaon. To help you experience “The
Ulmate Ride”, study the following secons.
5.8.1 Turning Characteriscs
Turning a catamaran is slightly dierent than cornering on a convenonal vessel. Imagine the dierence between
an automobile and a motorcycle. Automobiles take turns in a aer, more stable manner similar to catamaran
hulls, while motorcycles pitch hard into a turn similar to a monohull. Do not underesmate a catamaran’s cornering
ability, however; hard adjustments to the steering wheel can make a World Cat bite quickly and execute ght
radius turns. Experiment with the handling ability of your cat so you are prepared for any situaon on the water.
5.8.2 Adverse Sea Condions
Catamarans are designed to handle some of the roughest waters in the world, but that is no substute for
common sense. As an operator you are responsible for the safety of your passengers and vessel; therefore,
your trips should be limited by your level of experience. Planning and paying constant aenon to the
weather and sea condions is paramount. If you are forced to operate in dangerous seas, however, you can
be condent that your World Cat, when operated properly, can handle them safely.
Following are some ps on how to handle your boat in adverse sea condions:
• When traveling into the wind, changing your direcon a few degrees to allow one sponson
to sele before the other, can make the ride smoother and allow for increased speed.
• In a rough chop with short wave intervals, increasing your speed may allow the boat to skim
across the tops of each wave. This will result in a smoother ride.
• Steer to avoid larger swells and breaking waves.
• In a following sea, posion your vessel on the back of a wave and match its speed to remain ahead
of the trough. Speed is paramount. Work the throle to avoid going over the wave or being thrown
down the face of a following wave.
5.8.3 Cross-Clutching - Twin Engines
World Cats have their twin engines mounted 64 inches apart. This allows you to cross-clutch (one motor in
forward while one in reverse). To dock, reverse the boat into a slip: put the outside motor in reverse and turn
to face a. Keeping the wheel straight, steer with the inside motor pung it in forward and reverse to guide
you into the slip. Keep it simple and slow.
5.8.4 Get the Boat on Plane
• Trim both engines down (the motors act as trim tabs forcing the bow down).
This is a big advantage when operang in shallow water (roughly 14” dra for the 280DC-X).
• Quickly increase speed to get the boat on plane then slow down to 3500 RPM's.
• Adjust trim out unl the motors cavitate, then tap trim in.
• Feel / hear the motors and do not watch the trim gauges.
• A smooth ride is more important than having your engine RPM's synchronized.