Both the World Cat 255DC Dual Console 2013 and the World Cat 270SD Sport Deck 2008 are catamaran designs, the first built in composite and the second in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - World Cat 255DC Dual Console 2013 at 26,0 ft versus World Cat 270SD Sport Deck 2008 at 28,0 ft. At 6 500 lbs and 6 500 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class - either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 450 hp, the World Cat 270SD Sport Deck 2008 has a 100-hp advantage over the World Cat 255DC Dual Console 2013's 350-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 200 gal and 200 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The World Cat 270SD Sport Deck 2008 is rated for 8 passengers, while the World Cat 255DC Dual Console 2013 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the World Cat 270SD Sport Deck 2008 could be the deciding factor.