2000 World Cat 266 SC vs 2000 Baha Cruiser 27' King Cat

[buda615]

I have been looking for a good used 23-27' Sea Cat or World Cat here in the Fl Keys for approximately three months. I did a lot of research, sea trialed a new WC 25' CC and found both a 2000 WC and 1997 Sea Cat that seem to be in good shape and are fairly priced. My dilemma is that just as I was getting ready to make an offer on the WC I was presented a seemingly good deal (39K) on a like new condition 2000 27' King Cat with 310 hours along with all the bells & whistles option wise. Since I haven't researched the King Cat I am at a loss as to comparing it quality and value wise against the World Cat.

I have seen very little positive input regarding Baha Cruiser King Cats in the threads on this site. I am seeking any input/feedback whether it is positive or negative on King Cat to assist in making my decision.
Thanks.

[Onewolf]

I have never seen a Baha Cat but I have read some very negative things about their engineering, construction and durability. People who have experienced Baha Cat quality seem to think they are one step below ProKat which would raise enough doubts for me. YMMV.

On the other hand I love my World Cat and I have no trouble recommending them to others. I think World Cat and Glacier Bay produce the best all-around WA/cuddy cats.

Doug --- www.onewolf.net ---

[tony@idealgraphics.com]

I researched most of the cats last year and found that you could tell about how good the ride will be based on the hull design.

- Full planing hull. Procat, Kevlacat. etc. These boats ride on top of the water the same as a full planning monohull. They don't ride any better than a decent monohull boat, in my opinion. Good fuel economy. Good top end speed. If you are interested in a full planning hull, I would look for a good monohull boat.

- Semi-displacement hull. Worldcat. A compromise between the smooth ride of a full displacement hull, with the speed of a full planning hull. The hull partially cuts through the water resulting in a much smoother rough water ride than a full planning mono or cat hull. Good fuel economy, draft at rest of only 12" on 27' boat. Good top end.

- Full displacement hull. Glacier Bay. Best rough water ride out there. Major compromise is that you are limited due to the hull design to twin 150hp motors on the 27' boat. If you put larger engines on, you void the boat warranty and make the boat extemely unstable at top end. This is because the water must be pushed out of the way, similiar to a trawler. This is a great boat if you don't have a long way to go to your fishing grounds and want the best rough water ride out there.

I bought a Worldcat because I wanted a good rough water ride and still be able to get offshore and back in a hurry.

[pimpin aint ez]

One thing I can add is that the baha cats have 25 degrees of deadrise at the transom which should help tremendously with smoothing out the ride. The prokats only have about 12 degrees. They don't however have very much "V" in the bow. This could help handling, but I am not quite sure.

[buda615]

on King Cats

Thanks for the input and I think I will stay in pursuit of a good used World Cat 266 SC. I have a line on a nice boat however it is outfitted with year 2000 200 HP Johnson FICHT OBs. My mechanic buds are telling me that 2000 was the year that killed OMC as it was trying to refine the FICHT technology. I am hoping for the best.
Thanks again.

[Harry Brosofsky]

Check out http://forums.worldclasscats.com there are several owners moving up or getting out of boating with 270s advertised.

Harry