World Cat 260CC-X

This multihull center-console represents a refreshing new midsize option for serious offshore fishing.

-  Jim Hendricks

As the sizes of new saltwater fishing boats grow at prodigious rates, the new World Cat 260CC-X represents a welcome departure. At 25% feet in length and with a 9-foot beam, the 260CC-X is easy to trailer, easy to handle and easy on fuel.

Yet this center-console cat serves as a capable offshore fishing machine, thanks to the proven multihull that slices through rough seas and provides great stability. At the same time, the twin-outboard 260CC-X drafts just 14 inches, in case you plan to fish bay waters.

"We knew there was a market need within our own model offering for this new 260CC-X," says Chad Armstrong, vice president of sales and marketing for World Cat.

During my test in the waters off Fort Lauderdale, Florida, I not only reveled in the seakeeping ability of the 260CC-X, but also imagined how the angling features aboard this cat could enhance trips offshore for pelagics and wreck fishing.

Live bait serves as the beating heart of many offshore trips today, and the 260CC-X accommodates with a 30-gallon covered transom livewell in the starboard quarter, with a light that helps keep your pilchards or goggle-eyes milling merrily inside. There's also a 30-gallon insulated fish box in the port quarter.

The 260CC-X offers plenty of rod stowage, including four stainless-steel gunwale rod holders in the aft cockpit and two additional gunwale rod holders forward. The leaning post has a rack with four rod tubes, and there are two holders in the transom that double as drink holders.