leopard catamaran review

Are Leopard Catamarans Good? A Complete Review

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site.

Catamarans are popular with boat owners due to their excellent performance, stability, comfort, and airy living spaces. Leopard catamarans boast a long tradition of producing easy-to-handle vessels with spacious layouts and superior cruising capabilities. You’ve probably heard a thing or two about these popular boats, but let’s get the real deal about them in this review. 

Leopard catamarans are good because they are robust, spacious, well-built, and deliver an exceptional cruising performance. These cats are excellent for ocean crossings since they are safe, easy to handle, and fast. The main downside is that they are expensive.

Throughout this article, you’ll also discover the following about Leopard catamarans:

• The pros and cons of these catamarans
• How they compare with similar catamaran brands
• Frequently asked questions about Leopard catamarans plus their answers

Why You Might Want To Consider Getting a Leopard Catamaran

If you are in the market for a sailing catamaran, you may want to have a Leopard Catamaran among the options to consider. These ruggedly-built vessels are roomy, robust, and deliver superior cruising performance – some of the many reasons that would make any sailor want to get their hands on one. 

To understand more about these unique vessels, let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of owning a Leopard Catamaran. 

They Boast a Solid Construction

Leopard Catamaran boats boast a superior and solid construction using advanced materials such as infused glass or PVC core construction. The boats come in innovative designs meant to be appealing, fun, spacious, and comfortable. Capable of ocean crossings, these sea-worthy blue water cruise boats have superb build quality, and they sail all over the world .

Robertson & Caine Factory in South Africa, producers of world-acclaimed racers and cruisers, are the boat builders behind Leopard Catamarans. These innovative, high-quality multihulls are serious contenders in the global catamaran market and enjoy dominance as the best-selling catamaran brand in North America. Indeed many Leopard cat owners are pretty happy with their model’s performance.

Balsa-­cored hulls and decks characterize these boats. This feature helps to provide maximum firmness while keeping weight to the minimum. In addition, solid fiberglass appears in all places with mounted hardware. 

Leopard catamarans provide one of the best examples of compromise between sail performance and interior volume. The hulls feature fine entry points and are deep and narrow beneath the waterline for enhanced performance in all conditions. However, they curve higher up to provide more accommodation space in the cabins and ample deck space. 

Most of the boats have shallow keels and are packed full of closed-cell polyurethane foam that helps boost buoyancy as well as hinder water ingress . Furthermore, both the stern and bow feature watertight bulkheads that play a crucial role in keeping out water in the unlikely event of a collision. The bulkheads thus go a long way in enhancing the vessel’s safety. 

Leopard Catamaran Boats Are Extremely Well-Built

If you are looking for a practical, efficient design and a stable platform, then you can’t go wrong with a Leopard Catamaran. Everything is laid out thoughtfully and logically in a way that makes perfect sense. For instance, the layout, starting from the helm placement, engine set up to the winches, is simple, well-organized, and easy to understand. 

Unlike most production catamarans that don’t offer great finishing touches, Leopard Catamarans are in a class of their own. Not only are the boats appealing and beautifully designed, but their finishing is also top-notch and depicts keen attention to detail. You will be hard-pressed to find exposed plywood in the drawers or nails that stick out. Instead, what you will find are sleek, luxurious finishes.

Everything on the Leopard cat is easily accessible through panels. The top-quality components also bear clear labels making them easy to identify. Better yet, the raised helm station provides panoramic visibility with sight lines clear and unobstructed and quick access to winches and sheets. An accompanying manual is at hand to offer wiring, plumbing, and mechanical diagrams, and all the parts are readily available. 

They Deliver a Great Performance

These boats come with a robust sail plan that allows for good sailing speeds. They are quite reliable, and their simple systems ensure that the boats perform admirably in all wind conditions, whether in a marina or out in the ocean. 

The efficient hulls deliver maximum speeds of 24knots+ (44.4 km/hr) and cruising speeds of 18knots ( 33.3 km/hr). This translates to lower fuel consumption, less horsepower, and a much longer range than similar sized power catamarans.

It’s important to note here that most catamaran buyers are first-time owners looking at their catamarans as second homes. As such, they are far more concerned with their comfort at anchor than speed underway.

They Are Spacious and Comfortable

A Leopard Catamaran boat is built to provide optimal livability and adequate space for both friends and family. And for those who choose to live onboard, it’s the perfect home away from home. The boat’s easy-to-handle features and handholds offer immense practicality and enhanced safety for those sailors desiring to venture out on long cruising voyages or ocean crossings.

The boat’s spacious cabins are both functional and comfortable. They offer adequate storage space in cabinets, under the beds, and on the floor. The galley has favorable spacing, too, including large counter spaces, and can accommodate more than one person at a time without a hassle.  

To ensure lower resistance and less pitching motion, these vessels come with sharp bows. Also, the transoms are wide and offer excellent access to the water, while wide aft sections allow optimal load carrying.

The rock-solid hulls provide superior bridge deck clearance , which is critical for many boat owners. What this means is that you hardly hear slamming except in stormy weather. The anchoring system has a suitably concealed location on the forward deck, thus preventing rust, mud, and fouling of chain on hulls. And depending on the weather, the main saloon can either open or close to the aft cockpit.   

No-maintenance hard tops cover the aft and forward cockpits and the helm station, thus providing protection from extreme sunny conditions. 

The Boats Offer Excellent Social Areas

A Leopard Catamaran comes with two areas that are suitable for all your social needs; the forward cockpit and the topside lounge. The large, well-laid cockpit offers direct access into the main saloon and presents an excellent area for kicking back and relaxing due to its lavish spacing. The opportunity to have fresh flowing air throughout the boat is delightful. 

In addition, it allows direct access to the transoms as well as adequate room for dive tanks, a BBQ, and additional tankage. You can enjoy incredible sunrises or sunsets here as well as privacy while in marinas or at anchor, not to mention the excellent ventilation. 

The other superb social spot is the spacious lounge space which comes equipped with permanently fixed cushions and tables. This space offers an additional area for all your socializing and entertaining. Located at the roof, the lounge provides great visibility, plus you can access it directly from the deck. 

This lounge poses no interference with the helm station, and you can still communicate with the latter from here. What’s more, it’s perfectly safe to stay here while the vessel is under sail. You can choose to spend quiet evenings relaxing or listening to music at anchor. 

They Are High on Safety

A great plus with these catamarans is that they come with in-built safety features. For starters, the forward cockpit provides a natural, safe zone for you and your family to sit and enjoy your breakfast as you watch the horizon. You don’t have to worry about your kids going on deck untethered.

Secondly, every line comes back to the helm. This well-thought-out safety feature means that you can control everything on the boat from the helm station. Hence, you never have to be out there in foul weather adjusting the sails. 

Again, the centrally-located helm station provides additional safety, and the person on sailing watch does not get cut off from the rest of the people. In any case, having the helm station placed towards the edge of the boat is not safe since it makes overnight passage in rough seas rather dangerous.

Overall, the high-quality construction plus outstanding stability in a wide range of sea conditions make you feel safe at all times.

They Are Comfortable in All Conditions

Leopard Catamarans are comfy while out at sea and anchor. They come designed in such a way that the door to the forward access plus the sliding glass door aft maintain a steady and comfortable airflow. Furthermore, the protected helm station is quite useful when the flybridge gets too cold, or there’s pouring rain. 

Featuring a wide array of creature comforts, the cruising vessels provide you with access to amenities such as a large and efficient refrigerator and freezer, ice maker, washing machine, water storage, and air conditioning. The expansive living spaces are also quite appealing to live-aboard cruising families and couples.

They Are Easy To Handle

You can sail a Leopard Catamaran single-handed. This feature endears these sailing vessels to many sailors who might prefer minimal crew or to have a boat all to themselves. Moreover, the dedicated, well-protected helm station comes specially designed for offshore single-handed sailing, while rudder positioning behind the prop allows for better maneuverability. 

The helm station provides direct access plus visibility to the aft cockpit as well as ready access to the foredeck and side decks. You also get full visibility to the upper lounge, stearns and bows, and the mainsail through the skylight.

The Boats Have a High Resale Value

Both chartered and privately-owned Leopard catamarans offer a high resale value though owner version catamarans tend to command a much higher price. This is primarily due to their comfort and ease of handling. The Leopard Catamarans brand is also well-known thanks to their award-winning models.

Leopard Catamarans Are Easy To Maintain

Leopard cats are pretty easy to maintain and only require regular cleaning and routine maintenance to remain in good working condition. The boats have easy-to-clean interiors and exteriors, which makes this routine maintenance less of a chore.

Additionally, boat parts are easily available given the standardized systems across the Leopard line of boats and the considerable quantities the company manufactures. You can replace most of the parts on your own, too, if you have mechanical skills.

As an owner, you also get support at any corner of the world as Leopard Catamarans has offices and bases worldwide.

Downsides of Leopard Catamarans

Some of the disadvantages of Leopard Catamarans boats include the following:

• They tend to be more expensive than other catamaran brands.
• Balsa-­cored boats tend to suffer moisture incursion. Hence it would be best if you inspected deck fittings regularly.
• Some boats experienced structural issues on the aft bulkhead and between the saloon and cockpit in the areas above the door frame.
• The saloon seat cushions are too narrow, soft, and slippery in some models.

How To Maintain Your Leopard Catamaran

A well-maintained Leopard Catamaran can last for many years. But that’s not all. Following basic yacht maintenance rules ensures that your boat doesn’t depreciate , thus fetching you a better price if you decide to upgrade. To keep your vessel in top condition, follow the below suggestions:

• Keep your Leopard Catamaran clean and updated with routine maintenance. Wash the boat, keep it clean, tidy, and well-organized, and don’t forget to conduct oil, fuel, filter, and zinc changes. Ensure to keep the stainless steel appliances clean and lubricate equipment like the wrenches, autopilot, lines, and rigging to avoid rust buildup.
• Install solar panels plus a wind generator. This is especially key if you plan on going on long cruises since it allows you to be more self-supporting while at anchor.
• Conduct preventive maintenance. This includes fixing window seals to prevent leaks and replacing recurrent wear items such as the rigging, anchor chain, sails, and seadek.
• Consider doing upgrades to make your boat more comfortable, stylish, and even more marketable. These include items such as electronics, air conditioning, upholstery, and the engine.

Here is a video giving a detailed look into the kind of maintenance costs you might incur with your Leopard Catamaran:

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Leopard Catamarans, plus their answers:

Is a Forward Cockpit Safe for Long Passages?

Yes, the boat is safe for ocean crossings. A Leopard Catamarans forward cockpit comes with a sealed hatch that prevents water from getting inside. Furthermore, the space has numerous structured openings that allow any storm waters that get in to drain out super fast.   

Is It Possible To Sail a Leopard Catamaran on Your Own?

Yes, it is. All lines lead back to the helm station so you can control everything on the boat from a single point. The presence of two independent engines and propellers also makes it easier to maneuver the boat, particularly in a marina. 

Can a Leopard Catamaran Sail Fast?

A Leopard Catamaran is designed for cruising. Therefore, the boat might sacrifice some level of performance for the comfort of the owner and his family or guests. However, this boat is still faster than a similar-sized monohull though upwind journeys might be slower due to a lower capacity to point towards the wind.

Can a Leopard Catamaran Cross the Ocean?

Most certainly! These great vessels are not only safe, stable, and fast, but they are also capable of taking long cruises and ocean crossings. What’s more, they have the fuel and water storage capacity to allow for such an undertaking.

What Is the Difference Between a Leopard Sail Catamaran and a Power Catamaran?

Sail catamarans like the Leopard 40, 45, 50, and 58 have additional space below for more convenience. This includes a lounge with a seating area, sunbed, and table, a well-protected helm station that’s integrated into the cockpit, and even a lounging flybridge accommodation.

Power Catamarans like the Leopard 39, 43, and 53 are mid-sized catamarans featuring the stepped hull design. This allows for more accommodation space without decreased yacht performance, tremendous speeds -up to 24 knots ( 44.4km/hr) – and outstanding fuel efficiency. They all boast stability, durability, space, efficiency, luxury, and ease of handling. 

Leopard Catamaran boats have a better build than other similar catamaran brands. They also provide a better performance, more comfort, and higher value. With the experience garnered from producing numerous charter boats, plus their active response to customer feedback, Leopard Catamarans has learned to build the kind of boats that people genuinely enjoy sailing. 

So, if you are keen to get yourself a Leopard Catamaran, start by determining your budget. Next, look through the various models within the Leopard line, attend boat shows, and you are sure to find a Leopard Catamaran that meets your fancy. To happy sailing!

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

2 thoughts on “ Are Leopard Catamarans Good? A Complete Review ”

You tube travel sketch would disagree with you 🙄 😒 😑

Which video are you thinking about? Would be interesting to see 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

Must-Have Boat Gear for Catamaran Sailors!

Sailing is probably the most gear-intensive activity I've ever done; there are so many decisions to be made about what gear to buy now, for tomorrow, and what to definitely never buy. The gear on...

6 Best Trailerable Trimarans For Bluewater and Coastal Sailing

Having a boat costs a lot of money, even when you are not using it, marina fees, etc. And once it is in the water most sailors never go very far from their "home marina" and sailing will be somewhat...

LEOPARD CATAMARANS REVIEW

Our experience buying a new Leopard 45 Catamaran was nothing like what we'd expected. This page contains a compilation of information about our experience, including review videos, surveyor and testing reports, and the offer we sent to Leopard Catamarans as a peace offering. Scroll down the page or use the menu to skip to the section you want to see. ​

Leopard 45 Catamaran Review Videos

These videos explain some of the new boat warranty issues we faced which impact almost all areas of the yacht. ​

< Want to watch the original version?

Click here to see the original cut of the engine video

< Dry fiberglass on a 2021 AND 2023 Leopard 45

While in Trinidad we came across two other Leopard 45's

with fiberglass issues; one a few years older and the other

a 2023 model that'd come straight from Cape Town. This

video features the 2023 Leopard 45, as well as our own.

Our Leopard 45

Since new our yacht has been hauled out in South Africa, Italy and Trinidad. During our time in Italy, Robertson & Caine requested a marine survey be done one our Leopard 45 as part of the warranty process.

SV Liger Fiberglass Hull Scan

​These are the fiberglass hull scans and report for our Leopard 45 catamaran after one ocean crossing. It only covered a limited area around the bridge deck and crossbeam mounts. The report was written by SGP Testing, an Italian company, within 6 months of the yacht leaving V&A Marina in Cape Town where the yacht was handed over.

Click to download the scan report.

SV Liger Surveyors Report

This survey was done by Rebulla Surveyors in Italy within 6 months of the yacht leaving Cape Town where it was handed over. It was prepared by after Robertson & Caine requested we submit a surveyors report as part of our warranty claim documents. We've redacted the personal information of the surveyor and detailed the R&C response in a  video .

Click to download the surveyors report and the list of deficiencies .

Keep in mind that this report was just what was visible to the surveyor, and further investigations by JS Marine in Trinidad found more.

Offer to Leopard Catamarans

2 July 2024

Earlier this year we made an offer to Leopard Catamarans. It was a peace offering made in recognition of all of the good and decent people that work in the industry, including at Travelopia, Leopard Catamarans and Robertson & Caine, who shouldn't get dragged down due to the poor workmanship, disgraceful behaviour and inaction of others.

It is not something that would make us feel like it was okay, acceptable or worth it to have gone through what we have.

At the time of publishing no further response has been recieved.

Did You Know That We Offer Contract to Closing Services? Click Here to Find Out More.

Need Marine Financing? Apply Here With Our Partner, First Approval Source

• Catamaran Interviews
• Catamaran Reviews
• Buying Advice
• Selling Advice
• Woods Design Advice
•     Admiral 38
•     Admiral 40
•     Admiral 50
•     Americat 3014
•     Antares 44
•     Aquila 44
•     Aquila 48 Power Catamaran
•     Aventura 37
•     Balance 442
•     Balance 482
•     Balance 526
•     Bali 4.0
•     Bali 4.1
•     Bali 4.2
•     Bali 4.3
•     Bali 4.4
•     Bali 4.5
•     Bali 4.6
•     Bali 4.8
•     Bali 40 Catspace
•     Bali 5.4
•     Bali Catsmart
•     Beneteau Blue II
•     Broadblue 346
•     Broadblue 38 Prestige
•     Broadblue 385
•     Broadblue 435
•     Broadblue 46
•     Rapier 400
•     Rapier 550
•     Catalac 10M
•     Catalac 11M
•     Catalac 12M
•     Catalac 8M
•     Catalac 900
•     Catalac 9M
•     Catana 381
•     Catana 39
•     Catana 401
•     Catana 40S
•     Catana 411
•     Catana 42
•     Catana 42 S
•     Catana 431
•     Catana 44
•     Catana 471
•     Catana 50
•     Catana 521
•     Catana 531
•     Catana 55
•     Catana 581
•     Catana 65
•     Catathai 44
• Chris White
•     Chris White 48 Voyager
•     Chris White 55
•     Condor 40
•     Contour 34
•     Corsair F28 R
• De Villiers
•     Dean 365
•     Dean 400
•     Dean 440
•     Dean 500
•     Dix DH550
•     Dolphin 380
•     Dolphin 460
•     Edel 35
•     Endeavour 30
•     Endeavour 35 Victory
•     Endeavour 36
•     Endeavour 44
•     Endeavour 44 TrawlerCat
•     Endeavour 50 Pilothouse Trawler
•     Excess 11
•     Excess 15
•     F-41
•     Fastback 43
•     Fastcat 445
•     Fisher 28
•     Fisher 32
•     Fortuna 36 Island Spirit
•     Fortuna 401 Island Spirit
• Fountaine Pajot
•     FP 32 Maldives
•     FP 35 Tobago
•     FP 36 Mahe
•     FP 37 Antigua
•     FP 38 Athena
•     FP 39 Fidji
•     FP 40 Isla
•     FP 40 Lavezzi
•     FP 40 Lucia
•     FP 40 MY
•     FP 40 Summerland MY
•     FP 41 Lipari
•     FP 42 Astrea
•     FP 42 Venezia
•     FP 43 Belize
•     FP 44 Helia
•     FP 44 Orana
•     FP 45 Elba
•     FP 46 Bahia
•     FP 46 Casamance
•     FP 48 Salina
•     FP 50 Saba
•     FP 56 Marquises
•     FP 57 Sanya
•     FP 58 Ipanema
•     FP 60 Eleuthera
•     FP Saona 47
•     Fusion 40
•     Gemini 105
•     Gemini 3000
•     Gemini 3200
•     Gemini 3400
•     Gemini Freestyle 37
•     Gemini Freestyle 399 Power
•     Gemini Legacy 35
•     Grainger 420 Mystery Cove
•     Gunboat 55
•     Hirondelle 7M
•     HopYacht 30
• Island Packet
•     Island Packet Cat 35
•     Kennex 420
•     Knysna 440
•     Knysna 480
•     Knysna 500
•     Knysna 550
•     Lagoon 35
•     Lagoon 37 TPI
•     Lagoon 380
•     Lagoon 39
•     Lagoon 40
•     Lagoon 400
•     Lagoon 410
•     Lagoon 42
•     Lagoon 42 TPI
•     Lagoon 420
•     Lagoon 421
•     Lagoon 43 PC
•     Lagoon 44 Power Cat
•     Lagoon 440
•     Lagoon 450
•     Lagoon 46
•     Lagoon 470
•     Lagoon 50
•     Lagoon 500
•     Lagoon 52F
•     Lagoon 55
•     Lagoon 560
•     Lagoon 570
•     Lagoon 620
•     Lagoon Seventy 8
•     Lagoon Sixty 7
•     Leeuwin 42
•     Leopard 38
•     Leopard 39
•     Leopard 39 PowerCat
•     Leopard 40
•     Leopard 42
•     Leopard 43
•     Leopard 44
•     Leopard 45
•     Leopard 45 Classic
•     Leopard 46
•     Leopard 46 Lion PowerCat
•     Leopard 47
•     Leopard 47 PowerCat
•     Leopard 48
•     Leopard 50
•     Leopard 51 PowerCat
•     Leopard 53 PowerCat
•     Leopard 58
•     Lidgard 73 Executive
•     Looping 50
•     Maine Cat 30
•     Maine Cat 38
•     Maine Cat 41
•     Manta 40
•     Manta 42
•     Matrix 450 Vision
•     Matrix 760 Silhouette
•     Maverick 400
•     Maverick 420
•     Maverick 440
•     Moxie 61
•     Nautitech 40
•     Nautitech 40 Open
•     Nautitech 44 Open
•     Nautitech 442
•     Nautitech 46 Open
•     Nautitech 47
•     Nautitech 47 Power
•     Nautitech 475
•     Nautitech 65
•     Neel 45
•     Neel 47
•     Outremer 40
•     Outremer 45
•     Outremer 50 Standard
•     Outremer 55
•     Outremer 5X
•     PDQ 32
•     PDQ 36
•     PDQ 42 Antares
•     Privilege 37
•     Privilege 39
•     Privilege 42
•     Privilege 43
•     Privilege 435
•     Privilege 45
•     Privilege 465
•     Privilege 48 Transcat
•     Privilege 482
•     Privilege 495
•     Privilege 510
•     Privilege 65
•     Privilege Serie 5
•     Prout 31 Quest
•     Prout 33 Quest
•     Prout 34 Event
•     Prout 35 Snowgoose
•     Prout 37 Snowgoose
•     Prout 37 Snowgoose Elite
•     Prout 38
•     Prout 38 Manta
•     Prout 39 Escale
•     Prout 45
•     Prout 46
•     Royal Cape 45
•     Royal Cape 500 Majestic
•     Royal Cape 530 Majestic
•     Sailcraft 30 Iroquois
•     Sailcraft 32 Comanche
•     Sailcraft 35 Cherokee
•     Sailcraft 41 Apache
•     Sailcraft 44 Apache
•     Scape 39
•     Wildcat 350
•     Seacart 30
•     Seawind 1000
•     Seawind 1160
•     Seawind 1190
•     Seawind 1200
•     Seawind 1260
•     Seawind 1600
•     Simpson 48
•     Solaris 36 Sunrise
•     Solaris 36 Sunstar
•     Solaris 42
•     St Francis 44
•     St Francis 48
•     St Francis 50
•     Stealth 11.8
•     Sunreef 60
•     Sunreef 62
•     Sunreef 70
•     Sunreef 74C
•     Sunreef 82 DD
•     Sunreef 88 DD
•     Switch 51
•     Switch 55
•     TRT 1200
•     Heavenly Twins 26
•     Ocean Twins 38
•     Vaan R5
•     Vision 444
•     Voyage 380 Maxim
•     Voyage 400 Norseman
•     Voyage 430 Norseman
•     Voyage 440
•     Voyage 450 Cabriolet
•     Voyage 47 Mayotte
•     Voyage 480
•     Voyage 500
•     Voyage 580
•     Voyage 590
•     Kronos 45
•     Wharram 38 Tiki
•     AMI 320 Renaissance
•     Woods 22 Wizard
•     Woods 35 Banshee
•     Woods 35 Flica
•     Woods 36 Scylla
•     Woods 36 Vardo
•     Woods 38 Transit
•     Woods 40 Meander
•     Xquisite X5
•     Xquisite X5+

Leopard 44 Catamaran Review

• Post author By BJ Porter
• Post date July 28, 2020
• No Comments on Leopard 44 Catamaran Review

History / Background

South African boat builders Robertson and Caine have built over 2,000 catamarans over the last three decades. The Leopard 44 results from another successful collaboration with American catamaran designers Morrelli & Melvin. The goal was a solid, affordable mid-sized catamaran capable of blue water sailing and good for the charter market. Multiple awards and the boat’s enduring popularity show how well they hit the target.

The Leopard 44 starts with a hull construction of vacuum-bagged balsa cored e-glass with vinylester resin. This makes for a light, strong and blister resistant foundation to bond the fiberglass liner. The interior layout is open, to make a galley and living area combination which keeps the cooks in the mix with everyone. The common area living plan feels open, and social and light, like a casual dining room and open kitchen plan in a house.

They built two versions of the boat—a three cabin, three head Owner’s Version, and a charter version with four cabins and heads, branded as the Sunsail 444.

Talking with the owners of a Leopard 44 on a mooring, I couldn’t miss the attention to quiet and comfort. The whole time we chatted, the generator was charging the batteries. I only knew because they were monitoring the charge progress, I couldn’t hear or feel any vibration or noise from the generator.

First built in the 2010, Leopard produced from 2010 through 2016, with 185 boats built. Ex-charter four cabin models are easier to find on the secondary market.

Forward Cockpit

The forward cockpit on the 44 is the innovation that drew eyes to this boat. The forward cockpit on the boat does so much more than give more place to sit. It puts you in the breeze the way an aft cockpit can’t, but still keeps you out of the sun. Sitting at anchor in the tropics, this would be the best place for sundowners every night. Even the slightest breeze would dissipate the last of the day’s heat as you watch the sun set.

The other important thing the forward cockpit does is open the boat up for through breezes you can never get in monohulls or a cat without a similar cockpit. In the tropics, comfort is all about getting air moving through the boat. With any kind of light breeze opening both fore and aft cockpit doors, the airflow is fantastic. Many cruisers don’t like to use their ovens in tropical conditions, but with this kind of ventilation pizza may be back on the menu.

The construction of that forward door is impressive. The 12mm Perspex has three heavy duty dogs to hold it shut, and up-close it looks more like a great big hatch than a cabin door. Given the risk of taking water over the bows, this safe construction is a big comfort. The cockpit itself has raised edges to keep water out and oversized drains to quickly drain anything that comes in during heavy weather sailing.

Raised Navigation Center

One of the must-have features for the Leopard owner I spoke with was the raised navigation center on the starboard side of the boat. The visibility from up there was near total. At first, it felt a little isolated. But looking around, it’s clear a lot of thought went into setting this workspace up for easy and comfortable handling the boat from one place.

All the sail controls lead back to clutch blocks in the navigation center. One crew member can handle almost all the cat’s functions from a single seat. A hard dodger over the space and removable isinglass panels guaranteed good comfort in almost all conditions.

Standing at the helm on the starboard side, I could see the bow on the port hull, with a good 360-degree view around the boat. My preference would always be to dock on a starboard tie-up with this layout, but if I had to come on for a port tie-up, the visibility is good enough to keep me from touching the dock before I intend to.

The only line handling that requires a little help is furling the headsail, since the furling line needs to be hauled in as you tension the sheets. But with practice, even that could be a one-person job.

Living Space

The living spaces on the Leopard 44 are well thought out for groups of adults or for family cruising. With three distinct areas to “hang out” – the aft covered cockpit, the front cockpit, and the saloon – there are plenty of places to both gather for meals and drinks, or to separate for boat schooling and work. Open the cabin doors and you’ve got an enormous open-air living room, close them and you’ve got separate spaces for different activities. Either of the tables in the saloon or aft cockpit will seat six to eight people.

In the hulls, the owner’s side has good sleeping and storage space, a comfortable standing shower, storage, a desk/workspace, and a day couch. On the boat I toured, the owners didn’t use the couch much; they were thinking of ways to turn the space into storage, with additional padded sleeping space on top if needed.

It’s hard to picture feeling crowded on this boat, even with six adults or a family with several children.

The Leopard 44 is designed to sail, and reports very good numbers on most points of sail. While most cruising cat like this don’t point into the wind like monohulls, they make up for it with better sailing speeds a little more off the wind.

The standard dual twenty-nine horsepower standard engines carry it along on an easy 6-7 knots, the optional thirty-nine horsepower upgrade has no problem cruising at eight knots. The larger engines are a better choice for passage making and blue water cruising, where you may want the extra punch for waves and chop.

This boat is a solid mid-sized cat for family cruising and is easy to sail with a couple.

• Tags Catamaran Reviews

By BJ Porter

Owner of Hallberg Rassy 53; world explorer.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

• Sailing Blogs
• List Your Catamaran For Charter
• List Your Catamaran For Sale

Leopard 50 owner’s review

Owner’s Review: Leopard 50 Catamaran

A big thanks to Tony for helping us with this  Leopard 50  Owner’s review. There are some fantastic insights here if you are looking at Leopards or any other cruising cat for that matter.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your boat, Dracarys.  I’m a 52-year-old business consultant that recently became an empty nester. After selling my business in 2014 and more recently sending my two youngest children off to college, I decided that it was time for some adventure travel.

Since I consult remotely, I placed my order for my Leopard 50 sailing catamaran in October of 2020 and took delivery in September of 2021. The name, “Dracarys” (pronounced “Druh-KARR-is”), is a Game of Thrones reference, and yeah, most people don’t get it – but those who do are enthusiastic about it!

Dracarys is my first sailboat, and to date, I’ve taken her 14,000nm, including multiple trips between the Gulf side of Florida and the Chesapeake Bay, Mexico, and the Exumas. I ordered her after gaining a grand total of about three weeks of sailing experience – one week of ASA classes and two charters in the BVI. The largest boat I’d owned previously was a 23-foot wakeboarding boat.

https://www.tiktok.com/embed/v2/7044981426986585350?lang=en-GB&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.katamarans.com%2Fowners-reviews%2Fleopard-50-owners-review%2F&embedFrom=oembed

Why did you choose the Leopard 50? Did you look at any other catamaran brands? I seriously considered several production catamaran brands: Leopard, Fountaine Pajot, Lagoon, Nautitech and Bali. Each brand has its unique features and configuration differences, each with their own appeal.

In my final analysis, the features that I valued most  pre-purchase  were: 1) The helm location situated between the bridge deck and the upper lounge provides excellent visibility, is easy and safe to access from the salon/cockpit, provides easy access to the deck, and allows me to easily communicate/ socialize with companions in the salon, aft cockpit, or upper lounge.

2) The forward hatch (or “front door” as we call it) allows for convenient and safe access to the foredeck and provides excellent ventilation.

3) The forward cockpit provides an additional living area at anchor, and a safe location to experience being forward in rough seas.

After a year aboard, I feel that these three features are even more valuable to me than I thought they would be. The ability to easily and quickly move between the helm and salon, and between the helm and deck is a convenience that I’d never give up. I find that I spent much less time “at the helm” than I expected I would (thank you autopilot), and the ability to easily grab a drink, use the head, adjust a fender, or run to the bow to enjoy the dolphins is a “must have” for me.

Likewise, the “front door” makes the entire forward area of the boat easily accessible. I can’t imagine having to exit the salon aft, walk along the side deck, do whatever I need to do, and then reverse that process each and every time I want or need to go forward.

Another consideration in my brand decision was, of course, build quality. I certainly have no expertise in boat construction, however, to a layman, everything on and in the Leopards feels solid. The rig, cleats, stanchions, hatches, doors, cabinetry, cushions, fixtures, etc., all felt “beefier” than the analogous items on the other brands.

One brand had caulk joints wider than my thumb throughout. On another brand, the veneer on the cabinets was already chipped and flaking at the edges on a brand new boat after just a few days of boat show traffic.

Maybe because so many Leopards are built to withstand charter use and abuse, they appear to my eye to be built to a higher standard.

Regarding size, I really struggled over the decision between the Leopard 45 and 50. I was initially intimidated by the size of the 50. But the difference in living, galley, and storage space and the knowledge that the larger boat would be more comfortable in big seas eventually won out. Thankfully, the intimidation factor disappeared after a couple of weeks and I’m extremely happy that I went with the larger of the two models.

When was she launched? She arrived in the US in August of 2021 and I took delivery in early September.

What’s the best thing about her? I’ll answer that the same as if asked about any other lady: “Everything”

What would you change if anything? I selected the four-cabin version and if given a do-over, I would select the utility room option in lieu of the fourth cabin – it’s become a de facto utility room anyway.

There are a couple minor annoyances:

1) the refrigerators/freezers have an “off” button on the front panel that sometimes accidentally gets pressed. Who wants an “off” button on their fridge?

2) Also, the boat is delivered with all galley outlets on a single 20-amp breaker, which is probably fine for charter. However, after I added an induction hotplate, microwave, Breville oven, Starlink, computers, etc., I was tripping that breaker daily. But this problem was easily and inexpensively resolved by Just Catamarans by added a few more dedicated 20-amp circuits to the galley to accommodate my power-hungry lifestyle.

3) In a “wave a magic wand” world, I would have loved to have had the option to have the starboard hull configured like the Leopard 45 owner’s version. It could be a massive owner’s suite with a sitting area apart from the salon.

What are the “Must Have” Options buying new in your opinion? eg square top mainsail, engine upgrade, folding props, Gas BBQ , A/C, heating, watermaker, bowsprit, gennaker, code 0 inverter, solar, gen set, washing machine etc….  I think the engine upgrade (to 80hp turbo-charged Yanmar 4JH80s) is a no-brainer. I’ve never felt underpowered, but I’ve sometimes wondered how the smaller engines would feel going through tight drawbridges with a strong opposing current.

For me, air conditioning is a lifestyle must-have; I’m not one to tolerate sweating in bed. In addition to staying cool (or warm), having air conditioning allows me to close all the doors, windows, and hatches to keep mosquitos and no-see-ums outside where they belong!

I kept the stock props for about 2,000 nm just so I would fully appreciate the spend for the feathering Maxprops. I absolutely love the Maxprops and would put them high on my list of must-have aftermarket options. I estimate that I’ve picked up an additional knot (or very close) under sail, and since the prop/transmission doesn’t free-wheel, there’s zero noise (or transmission wear) under sail.

A generator, lithium-ion batteries, solar panels, a water maker and washing machine are also must-haves for my lifestyle. I like the comforts of home (Condomaran?) and anything that makes providing my own utility services easier makes life better.

I opted against the square-top mainsail and I’m glad I did. I know some who have it and wish they didn’t – reportedly, it can be finicky.

What do you have in your sail locker? I currently have only the stock sails. I ordered the boat rigged for a bowsprit but didn’t purchase a sail because I had no idea which kind of sail I might want.

14,000+nm later and I’m still undecided. I get conflicting opinions from other owners, so I’m convinced it’s very much a personal preference thing – I just don’t know mine yet.

What are the “Nice to Have Options”? I’d put the faux teak option in the “nice to have” category. It looks great but comes with some drawbacks: it’s expensive, heavy, and can be hot on bare feet. I opted against the factory faux teak thinking that I’d install one of the cooler options, but I’ve found that I don’t often wish that I had it, so I doubt that I’ll move forward with it.

I think underwater lights also solidly fall into this category. Expensive, yes, but they really set the ambiance at anchor.

Which options are not worth bothering with? Many are sure to disagree, but for me, the dinghy lifting platform is one that I easily live without. It was a $50,000 upgrade at the time of my purchase, and I just didn’t see the advantage. It’s a lot of weight on the stern, and since it can accommodate more dinghy weight than the davits, a heavier dinghy choice adds even more weight.

Also, though I’ve not done it myself, I’ve often wondered how hard it is to position the dinghy on the platform chocks in rough water.

Though I didn’t order it from the factory, I was so convinced that I’d want the wireless remote helm control unit that I purchased it and installed it myself. As it turns out, I don’t think I’ve used it since the day that I tested it.

On a friend’s suggestion, I did not order any interior blinds from the factory and instead installed cellular aftermarket blinds. In my opinion, they look much nicer, and without question, they make a huge difference in keeping the interior temperature down. Pricey, but I think worth it.

How are the electrics, plumbing etc With the exception of the entire salon/galley being on a single 20-amp breaker, the electrical system is good, and I’ve had no issues. I ordered the second 3,000W 120V inverter option from the factory and then added a Victron Quattro for 5,000W of 240V inversion capability.

With an 1,800 Ah Lithium-ion battery bank, I can usually run the air condition off battery (on eco mode which works great) for the entire boat all night, depending on ambient air temperature.

I’ve had no issues at all with supply or waste plumbing. Some friends “dog bag” their toilet paper rather than flush it. I chose to gamble and not do that.

Luckily, I’ve had no problems at all (where’s the wood to knock?!). After about 10 months of nearly full-time use, I noticed a small amount of backflow into the toilet bowls, so I had to tackle the dreaded backflow valve cleaning/replacement.

It turns out that it was not a nasty job at all. Ok, maybe a little bit nasty, but still better than the Crossfit-like workout misery of putting sheets on the beds!

Is she easy to maintain? Servicing engines, standing rigging etc Maybe because so many units are produced for charter, everything is accessible. Some areas take more effort than others, but you  can  access everything.

I’d put myself in the “heavy DIY” category of owners – I’ve run cables throughout the boat, added lighting, installed motorized TV mounts, computer monitor swing-arms, glassed in backing for fishing rod-holder mounts (on friends’ boat).

I think I’ve been in every nook and cranny it has, even if just to see what’s there. Every space has an access panel – sometimes you just have to look carefully for it.

My height (5’7″) is sometimes a blessing and other times a curse. I can fit into small places, but sometimes I wish my arms were just a bit longer.

The engine compartments are spacious, well lit, and have safe access when underway. Some sticky-backed foam padding in key places has saved my skull more than once. Note that it took a couple of swear-word-filled events to figure that out.

The only thing that’s not easy with regard to maintenance is….cleaning! Cleaning is a never-ending job, and sometimes I think about the day that I chose the 50 over the 45! There’s a lot of boat to keep clean.

Is she easy to sail short-handed? To shorten sail? Easy to reach the boom? I have all lines run back to the helm with the exception of the lazy jacks, genoa halyard, and topping lift (none of which I use often), so sailing short-handed is easy.

I’m short but agile, so the boom height isn’t a big issue for me. I had a few extra steps/handholds added to the mast and I can reach the rest of the sailbag zipper (I added a string to it) from the top of the helm roof.

I recently replaced the main halyard with a stronger, less stretchy, smaller-diameter line than the stock halyard. This lets the sail drop more freely than it originally did, though I also added a downhaul that is run back to the helm as an extra measure.

What’s she like in heavy weather / a blow / big seas The most severe weather I’ve experienced so far was a on a sail from Key West to Sarasota – about 30 hours. There was a small craft advisory issued; winds and waves were at about 50-60 degrees off the nose at around 30kts and nine feet, respectively.

To me, she felt like a bulldozer running through marshmallow fluff. I don’t have the experience to know if that’s normal, but I was very pleased! There was minimal creaking and banging. Overall, the boat gave me the impression that she didn’t even notice the conditions.

How is the helm position. OK to sail short-handed? As mentioned, the helm position was an important factor for me in my buying decision. I appreciate the convenient and safe access, and the visibility is excellent.

Other than throw lines when docking, I operate the boat by myself without any problem.

The visibility is excellent for open-water navigation. The lounge seats create a bit of a blind spot to the port aft quarter, but the gap between the horizontal seat cushions and the seat backs provides enough of a visibility gap to check for traffic.

For docking, my height is a disadvantage for seeing the port bow, however, I’ve solved that problem with a fishing rod holder mounted vertically on the port bow railing that holds a boat hook.

Also, standing on an aftermarket footrest on the helm seat provides a better view forward for shorter people like me. View of the port sugar scoop from the helm is blocked by the cockpit roof, but here my size is an advantage; I don’t have to bend down quite as much to put eyes on it.

How does she sail in light winds? I’m running just the stock main and genoa – I have no light wind sails – so light wind performance isn’t fantastic. I’m looking forward to adding some light wind sails soon.

How does she sail close hauled? What TWA or AWA is the sweet spot in 12 knts of breeze for example ? My sail trimming skills are…developing, so my answers to “how does she sail” questions probably reflect more on the operator than the boat. With my current sails, I’m not likely to pinch in light winds.

I usually have tide and/or daylight conditions I’m trying to optimize at my destination, and I plan my routes assuming 5kts VMG – if I’m not making that, I turn on an engine. The 14,000 miles I’ve put on her are about 60% sailing, 40% motor/motorsailing (I’m not a sailing purist).

The last photos I took show me making 7.7kts through the water in 20kts of apparent wind at 40 degrees AWA, and 8.4kts through water 70 degrees AWA in the same wind, calm sea state.

What’s she like under power? Speed, manouevrability? With a 26.5’ beam, she pirouettes in place within her own length – it’s like driving a zero-turning-radius lawnmower. Underway and using rudders, the helm is very responsive; when I want to turn, she turns. I was initially intimidated by her size and seriously considering adding a bow thruster to assist with docking, however, after just a bit of practice, I feel that having one is totally unnecessary.

With the 80HP engine upgrade, I have yet to feel underpowered.

Is she easy to dock, what’s the visibility like? Do you have a bow thruster? I previously mentioned my height challenge with seeing the port bow and my rod-holder solution (along with someone calling out distance to the dock). There is maybe a time or two that I might have used a bow thruster if I had one – those “You want me to dock THERE?!” situations – but in general I think it’s unnecessary.

The differential thrust from the engines and the amply-sized rudders give me a very positive feel of control while docking. Note that I hired a training captain for my first two weeks of operation who ran me through the docking exercise grinder, and I’m glad he did.

What is she like at anchor? Does she sit well? That forward cockpit looks good for a sundowner. When rigged for a bowsprit, the bridle must fit under the bobstays. Necessarily, this creates an obtuse angle where the legs of the bridle combine to the portion of the bridle that leads to the anchor chain (think of a Y that looks closer to a T if you were viewing the boat from the anchor location.) This geometry allows the boat to pivot in place nearly forty-five degrees in each direction off center; so about ninety degrees of pivot even in light wind.

Note that this is pivot/yaw, and not swing, but it makes you  feel  like you’re swinging. It’s a bit annoying but I understand the necessity of the bridle design. For longer stays in a location, I solved this yaw problem with a Mantus bridle that I attach to the bow cleats (not the cleats on the crossmember between the hulls).

The forward cockpit is great spot for dinner for two, but for me, the best place for a sundowner is on the upper lounge which supplies a three hundred sixty-degree view!

https://www.tiktok.com/embed/v2/7177439867020840238?lang=en-GB&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.katamarans.com%2Fowners-reviews%2Fleopard-50-owners-review%2F&embedFrom=oembed

What type of anchor/weight/chain length did you go for? I chose a Rocna 40kg (88lb) anchor – I think it’s the largest/heaviest anchor that fits without modifications to the anchor roller/mount area. For chain, I went with 240 feet of Maggi 10mm. Why a random number like 240 feet? Because that’s what was available.

What kind of dinghy/power unit did you go for? I chose a Highfield Classic 360 with the FCT steering console and seat, powered by a Yamaha 25HP 4-stroke with power tilt. I opted for the davits rather than the lifting platform and this dinghy configuration is within the load limit.

Is she comfortable down below? Cabins/saloon/galley/heads. My smaller stature is an advantage for getting comfortable on any boat. Nonetheless, I think the Leopard 50 is spacious and thoughtfully laid out. The cabins live well, the galley layout is great, and the nav desk makes a great workstation.

The owner’s head is reasonably spacious, but a little tight for two people to use to the sink area at the same time.

Some other brands have a separate toilet room and double sinks, which would be great, but every boat is a compromise.

What configuration is Dracarys? Owners? Did you go for the utility room? I have the four-cabin version. If given a do-over, I’d get the utility room option.

Where’s your favourite spot on the boat? Up top on the lounge? Aft? Forward cockpit? Do you use the flybridge while under way in calmer conditions? I have a few favorite spots. I probably spend the most time at the nav desk when not underway. I chose to not order the optional television at the nav desk. The space to accommodate the TV and electric mount is created by moving the nav desk six or eight inches aft. This pinches the space between the nav desk and the companionway railing a bit too much for my liking.

Without the TV option, the space between the desk and railing allows for a swiveling and reclining office chair (not a high-back “executive” chair – just regular back). There are non-skid feet available on Amazon that I installed on the chair in lieu of the casters. This chair and a long, heavy-duty swing mount for a computer monitor makes for a comfortable workstation.

I definitely enjoy the upper lounge while underway as well as the bow seats. I’ve been known to tether myself to a bow seat in bigger seas so that I could dip my toes as I “ride the bull”.

Maybe an uncommon spot where I spend a significant amount of time while underway in milder conditions is on top, directly in front of the mast. Standing there, just leaning back against the mast offers a great view and I really feel connected with both the boat and the environment there.

How is the finish of the interior? Does she creak under sail? How is the storage on the boat? I’m very pleased with the interior finish. The casework is well-constructed, covered with thick and textured Formica that has showed absolutely no wear with over a year of near constant use. The caulk joints are very thin, especially compared to some other brands. My dad always said, “Caulk covers incompetence.” The thin caulk joints on this point tell me that the manufacturing tolerances are tight.

Noise under sail is minimal. There is no noticeable creaking, however, the pins that hold the sliding salon door and sliding window in position have just enough play in their receivers that it creates a faint clicking with side-to-side motion. The fact that  that  is the most noticeable noise while underway is indicative of how quiet the boat is otherwise.

Occasionally, some gooseneck or boom vang squeaking noise gets transmitted down the compression post into the salon, but not often.

Is she good for hosting guests? How is the galley layout? Nav station? Are there enough fridges/freezers Hosting is a dream. I’ve comfortably sat dinner for eight at the salon table utilizing the two movable stools placed at the open end of the table. Swinging my monitor out of the way, I was able to seat another at the nav desk.

The galley layout allows for two people to cook with only beginner-level dance skills required to navigate around each other. I opted to not order the built-in ice maker because it consumes a tremendous amount of what would otherwise be cabinet space.

I’m very happy with this choice. I have a countertop ice-maker that easily keeps up with the needs of four guests. I located it on the counter area just forward of the compression post (left of the sink) and hid the power cord by running it through a grommet that I installed in the counter.

The other reason I like this solution is that if the ice-maker fails, I have a backup unit on hand (they’re only $100.) I can’t have a backup on hand for the built-in unit and not having ice is just not an option!

How do you manage power consumption vs power use when at anchor or sailing? Do you have a gen set for example? The Leopard 50, when outfit for long-term cruising and the comforts of home, is a power hog.

As I’m writing this, I’ve been at anchor for five days. The weather has been perfect and I haven’t needed, or even wanted to run the A/C. Otherwise, living my normal power-hungry life of induction cooking, laundry, computers, etc., my Victron system is showing my daily power consumption is between 13 and 18kWh, of which my solar array has provided 4-5kWh each day (Florida in December).

With that daily deficit, and starting with around 25,000kWh in lithium ion battery power (six 300Ah batteries at full charge), I can get by running my 9kW generator every other day. The generator provides far more power than my charging system can handle, so I also use the generator time to run my water heaters which keep the water hot enough for a hot shower for about twenty-four hours after they’ve shut off.

Note that running high draw systems like air conditioning and/or water heaters off of battery requires running the generator daily.

Under sail, the same conditions exist apart from motor-sailing (or pure motoring) which uses the closed loop on the engine to heat the water in the water heaters.

At a dock with shore power, turn everything on baby! It’s like living at home.

What kind of modifications have you done and why? The majority of my aftermarket modifications have been comfort and livability related. I’ve done things like add a motorized television mount to the owner’s cabin ceiling, installed color changing LED light strips, and added Starlink (what a game changer!), and added shelves in the unused space over companionways.

Any plans for further customisation? Not at this time, but I won’t surprise myself if that changes.

If you were to swap her for another boat, what would that be? Or maybe you wouldn’t swap her? I can’t think of another sailboat, anywhere in the same price range that I’d prefer. Maybe when my long-distance passage-making itch is scratched, I could see myself in 50-55’ motor yacht. I like the Absolute Navetta line.

How was the buying process with Leopard or their dealer? The buying process was uncomplicated and, for the most part, smooth. There’s an options changes “lock out” date that wasn’t communicated to me up front, so that created a tiny amount of stress, but all ended well. No question that I’d buy again.

How is the after sales service from Leopard or their dealers? Have you had to fix much? There’s always something with boats. For a low-volume production item this complex and one with so many systems, I’m astonished at how few problems I’ve had and their insignificance.

I had a cabin door latch that wasn’t installed correctly and a lazarette catch that was broken on delivery. There were a few other minor items that needed addressed when it arrived in the US from the factory, but all were addressed promptly by the dealer before handover.

Warranty claims were previously handled by the salespersons, who let’s face it, have other priorities.  Leopard  has recently implemented a dedicated department for warranty claims and I can’t praise them enough for it. I just recently realized that my AC chiller unit was installed such that that zinc was inaccessible. I paid to have the unit moved an

inch or two and was promptly reimbursed by Leopard.

Anything else you would add to help people thinking of buying a Leopard 50? If, like me, you’re intimidated by the size of the L50, don’t be. It handles easily both under both sail and power, and the extra space and comfort in bigger seas is amazing!

Follow Sailing Dracarys

Thanks, once again, to Tony for this fantastic review. I’d mark this one down as one of the top responses we have had in our owner’s review section, it’s full of insights and tips on the Leopard 50.

Facebook : SailingDracarysOfficial , Instagram:  @SailingDracarys TikTok:  @SailingDracarys

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies
• Cookie Policy

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

More information about our Cookie Policy

CONFIGUREZ LE BATEAU DE VOS RÊVES

Not just a cat, a leopard, une gamme à découvrir, nos catamarans, gamme voile.

Partez à la découverte de nouveaux horizons à bord d’un catamaran Leopard. Testés au large du Cap, en Afrique du Sud, les catamarans Leopard sont mondialement réputés pour leur extraordinaire qualité de construction et leurs exceptionnelles performances.

Gamme Moteur

Partez à la découverte de nouveaux horizons grâce à la puissance et à l’élégance des catamarans Leopard. Testés au large de l’Afrique du Sud, les catamarans Leopard sont mondialement réputés pour leur extraordinaire qualité de construction et leurs exceptionnelles performances.

TARIFS & OPTIONS

Configurez votre catamaran Leopard.

POURQUOI LEOPARD CATAMARANS

Le chantier robertson & caine.

S’appuyant sur 50 ans de retours d’expérience, Leopard Catamarans a mis toute son expertise en commun avec les constructeurs Robertson and Caine et les architectes navals de Simonis Voogd Design pour concevoir l’actuelle gamme Leopard : des catamarans de croisière spacieux, fiables, performants et adaptés à la haute mer. Nos 30 années de partenariat exclusif avec Robertson and Caine est la meilleure des garanties pour nos clients.

Leopard Catamarans est la seule marque de catamarans certifiée à la fois en Europe et en Amérique (Certification CE – Normes CE et Certification NMMA – Normes ABYC). En tant que distributeur exclusif, nous sommes fiers de dire que plus de 2 900 catamarans Leopard ont été livrés dans le monde entier.

INFOS ET ÉVÉNEMENTS

Nos dernières actualités.

Victoire à Singapour !

Avril 30, 2024.

Traverser l’Atlantique à bord d’un Leopard 46 Powercat

Décembre 28, 2023.

Eau potable illimitée à bord, sans effort et sans plastique!

Mars 29, 2023.

Annapolis Sailboat Show

Août 30, 2024.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

St. Petersburg Power & Sail Show

Notre newsletter vous tiendra informé(e) des dernières actualités, offres spéciales en cours, avant-premières et salons nautiques.

Informations sur nos produits et évènements. Pas de spam.

NOUS CONTACTER

Avec Leopard Catamarans, vous pouvez configurer votre bateau sur mesure.

S’appuyant sur 50 ans de retours d’expérience, Leopard Catamarans a mis toute son expertise en commun avec les constructeurs Robertson et Caine pour concevoir l’actuelle gamme Leopard : des catamarans de croisière spacieux, fiables et performants.

• PLAN DU SITE
• Catamaran vendre
• Catamaran habitable
• Catamaran neuf
• Financement catamaran
• Actualités et événements
• Contactez nous
• Nos catamarans
• Gamme voile
• Gamme moteur
• Leopard 40PC
• Leopard 46PC
• Leopard 53PC
• Télécharger la brochure

Rejoignez-nous sur :

• Conditions d'utilisation
• Owner Warranty Claim Form

©2024 Leopard Catamarans. Tous droits réservés.

Choose Language

• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Newsletters
• Sailboat Reviews
• Boating Safety
• Sails and Rigging
• Maintenance
• Sailing Totem
• Sailor & Galley
• Living Aboard
• Destinations
• Gear & Electronics
• Charter Resources
• Ultimate Boating Giveaway

• By Andrew Burton
• Updated: August 10, 2007

The Leopard 46 has the genes of a racer. It’s built in South Africa by Robertson and Caine and was designed by Gino Morelli and Pete Melvin, who drew the record-breaking maxi-catamaran PlayStation. But make no mistake-this 46-footer’s also designed to cruise in comfort.

The Leopard is a striking boat, from the first glimpse of the high, almost-plumb bows to the streamlined, louvered house and the rakish transoms. The hulls are narrow at the waterline-skinny is faster than wide-and have a very fine entry, then flare sharply to a chine just above the water for good interior volume and reserve buoyancy for sailing in a seaway.

I sailed the boat in light airs; when going to weather, the slippery hulls and tall sail plan gave me boat speed almost equal to the wind speed at a time when most cruisers would have the engines going in those conditions. Cracked off the breeze with the asymmetric spinnaker flying, our speed was at least equal to wind speed.

Construction is of vacuum-bagged E-glass over balsa core with isophthalic gelcoat on the hulls and decks to reduce the chance of osmosis. The keels are separate, bolt-on units designed to break away and thus reduce damage to the hulls in the event of a hard collision with something solid.

The cockpit is big and comfortable, as you’d expect on a boat with a 25-foot beam. An adjustable hatch in the fiberglass bimini opens forward and acts as a windscoop to keep the crew cool when they’re relaxing over lunch. Raised to starboard is the helm seat, with room for two and its own bimini; there’s good access to the engine controls, the wheel, and the sheet winches. A neat feature is the seat along the aft part of the cockpit between the davits; it folds down to become the right height for use as a dinghy dock. Wide, flat decks are clear of impediments for crew movement forward. Large louvers in the forward end of the house restrict sun glare in the interior and are good steps to the cabin top. The anchor and windlass are on the centerline inside a hatch in the bridgedeck. The large trampoline between the hulls forward provides a comfortable place to lounge.

Access below is through sliding glass doors that essentially extend the saloon into the cockpit at the same level. Part of the galley counter folds out, enhancing this effect. The galley is in the starboard, aft part of the saloon and is large and easily worked; it’s well connected to the cockpit, helm seat, and dinette. The dinette forward provides 360-degree views around the boat and seats eight in comfort. Clearly this boat is designed to stay cool in the tropics: Three ports above the dinette in the forward part of the house open for good flow-through ventilation right through to the cockpit.

The interior’s satin-finished cherry woodwork is attractive without being too warm. The laminate flooring used throughout looks good, wears well, and makes for easy maintenance.

The Leopard 46 I sailed had the owner’s layout, including a well-lit, sybaritic cabin in the starboard hull featuring a queen berth aft that’s set at the same height as most household beds. A 6-foot settee and hanging lockers are immediately forward, and a large head with a separate shower is in the bow. In the port hull are double cabins, fore and aft, separated by a pair of good-sized heads, each with a stall shower. Opening hatches and ports provide good ventilation in both hulls. A four-cabin layout is available in which the starboard cabin mirrors the port.

All things considered, the Leopard 46 looks like it would be a good boat to mosey around the islands of the Caribbean at speed, lounge in some anchorage, or go for line honors in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers.

Andrew Burton is a Cruising World associate editor.

The handsome Leopard 46 has high freeboard, as you’d expect on a cruising cat, but it’s nicely broken up by a chine above the waterline. Above the chine, the hull flares to increase interior volume; below it, the hulls are narrower, which means better speed.

We sailed the Leopard in light air, and the slippery hulls gave us boat speed nearly equal to the wind speed. Steering a few steps above the cockpit from a comfy chair for two, we had a good view of the sails and easy access to the main and jib winches on the coachroof. This boat had a three-cabin layout: Two cabins in the port hull have double berths separated by two midship heads with showers, and a single cabin to starboard has a large double berth aft and a settee and storage amidships with a luxurious head forward.

The saloon is bright and airy, as with most cats, but this one has three small opening ports forward to provide through ventilation. A nav station with a chair is to starboard, next to a large dinette with wraparound seating. The galley is to starboard along the aft bulkhead with a fold-out countertop that extends into the spacious, covered cockpit. A table with wraparound seating is to port, with seating aft in the open air for those who want more sun but still participate in the cockpit conversation. Yes, the Leopard 46 is one comfortable cat, but that comfort comes at a price: $520,000. Still, for the owner who can afford it, this cat is a fast one that can go anywhere.

LOA 46′ 4″ (14.12 m.) LWL 44′ 7″ (13.59 m.) Beam 24′ 10″ (7.57 m.) Draft 4′ 5″ (1.35 m.) Sail Area 1,011 sq. ft. (93.9 sq. m.) Displacement 24,206 lb. (10,980 kg.) Water 206 gal. (780 l.) Fuel 185 gal. (700 l.) Engines 40-hp. Volvos Designer Morelli & Melvin Price $520,000 Leopard Catamarans (727) 530-5424 www.leopardcatamarans.com

• More: 2001 - 2010 , 41 - 50 ft , Bluewater Cruising , catamaran , leopard catamarans , multihull , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats
• More Sailboats

Pre-Owned: 1988 Hylas 47

Catalina Introduces the 6 Series

Sailboat Preview: Elan GT6 Explorer

For Sale: 1984 Camper & Nicholsons 58

At Your Service

Galápagos: A Paradise Worth the Paperwork

Around Alone

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding