Handling Characteristics; Turning Characteristics; Adverse Sea Conditions - World Cat 2009 boat Owner's Manual

HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS

World Cat's patented Vectroflo™ hull is a semi-displacement hull, which exhibits characteristics of
both planing and displacement hulls. Planing hulls provide speed and economy of operation since a limited
amount of the hull is in contact with the water. However, they feature flat sections along the chine which
can result in poor handling at low speeds and harder impacts at high speed. Displacement hulls provide
superior handling characteristics, even at low speed, and an improved ride in rough water. Speed and econ-
omy suffer however, since more of the hull is submerged. World Cat has taken the best characteristics of
these two designs and incorporated them in the Vectroflo™ hull. Our proven design provides a superior
ride, excellent handling characteristics in a variety of conditions, and speed with economy of operation. To
help you experience "The Ultimate Ride", study the following sections.

TURNING CHARACTERISTICS

Turning a catamaran is slightly different than cornering on a conventional vessel. Imagine the differ-
ence between an automobile and a motorcycle. Automobiles take turns in a flatter, more stable, man-
ner similar to catamarans hulls, while motorcycles pitch hard into a turn similar to a monohull. Do
not underestimate a catamaran's cornering ability however, hard adjustments to the steering wheel
can make a World Cat bite quickly and execute high performance turns. Experiment with the han-
dling ability of your cat so you are prepared for any situation on the water.

ADVERSE SEA CONDITIONS

Catamarans are designed to handle some of the roughest waters in the world, but that is no substitute
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
attention to the weather and sea conditions is paramount. If you are forced to operate in dangerous
seas however, you can be confident that your World Cat, when operated properly, can handle them
safely. Following are some tips on how to handle your boat in adverse sea conditions.
• When traveling into the wind, changing your direction a few degrees to allow one sponson to
settle 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, position your vessel on the back of a wave and match its speed to remain
ahead of the trough. Speed is paramount. Work the throttle to avoid going over the wave or
being thrown down the face of a following wave.
• When entering an inlet, use the same method of matching wave speeds. Often there are breakers
in an inlet so be aware of shallow water conditions.
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