Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
World Cat 290EC Express Cabin 2012 vs WorldCat 280 DC-X 2021 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The World Cat 290EC Express Cabin 2012 vs WorldCat 280 DC-X 2021 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 500 hp, the World Cat 290EC Express Cabin 2012 has a 300-hp advantage over the WorldCat 280 DC-X 2021's 200-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 25 gal and 22 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: The World Cat 290EC Express Cabin 2012 at 29,1 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The WorldCat 280 DC-X 2021 at 27,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakeWorld Cat
Makenot available
Model290EC Express Cabin
Modelnot available
Model Year2012
Model Yearnot available
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 6 in
Beamnot available
Beam - Meters2.9
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Inches114
Beam - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Detail9 ft. 4 in
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.84
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches112
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail15 in
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.38
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Inches15
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail10,200 lbs. with twin 250 engines
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg4626.64
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.102
Weight - lbs.not available
Height - DetailTrailering: 10 ft. 6 in. (keel to top of fiberglass hardtop with no outriggers nor electronics - not including trailer itself)
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Meters3.2
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Inches126
Height - Inchesnot available
Height [transom]27 in
Height [transom]not available
Length - Feet29.08
Length - Feet27
Length overall - Detail29 ft. 1 in
Length overall - Detail27.00 ft
Length overall - Meters8.86
Length overall - Meters8.23
Length overall - Inches349
Length overall - Inches324
Body / Hull
Hull materialComposite
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeCatamaran
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail250 gal. (2 x 125 gal.)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters946.35
Fuel tank capacity - Liters832.79
Fuel tank capacity - Gal25
Fuel tank capacity - Gal22
Drive typeOutboard - Twin
Drive typeoutboard
Engine max500 hp (2 x 250 hp)
Engine maxnot available
Engine makenot available
Engine makeYamaha
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower200 hp
Performance
Cruising speed26 mph
Cruising speednot available
Operational Info
Water capacity35 gal
Water capacity17
Holding tank capacity - Detail15 gal
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters56.78
Holding tank capacity - Liters34.07
Holding tank capacity - Gal15
Holding tank capacity - Gal9
Boat typenot available
Boat typePower