where are leopard catamarans made

Who Makes Each Brand of Catamaran and Where They’re Built

Boating Guide Presents: Who Makes Each Brand of Catamaran and Where They’re Built. Catamarans are gaining popularity among seasoned sailors. Their speed and reliability made them the top choice for family cruises and long distances voyages. Let’s dig deeper into their fabrication, shall we?

Among the acclaimed Catamaran brands is Lagoon, Privilege, Gemini, Bali, Seawind, Leopard, Gunboat, and Balance. These companies manufacture their watercraft around France, parts of the US, Southeast Asia, and Africa. 

Top Catamarans: Who Makes Each Brand of Catamaran and Where They’re Built

• Lagoon – is a boat building company d in Bordeaux, France.
• Privilege- builds their Privilege Marines boats in their boatyard in Les Sables D’Ollone, France.
• Gemini – is manufactured by Hunter Marine Corporation; building their boats are in Largo, Florida.
• Bali- is made by the CATANA Group; with a shipyard in Canet en Roussillon, France
• Seawind – Corsair Marine manufactures for this brand. They make their boats in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.
• Leopard – is built by 2 top design teams, Robertson and Caine and Naval Architects Simonis Voogd, and they make their boats in Woodstock, South Africa.
• Gunboat- Owned by Grand Large Yachting, their production is at La Grande Motte, France.
• Balance – Most of their flagship models are in collaboration with Nexus Yacht. Their shipyard is mainly in Cape Town, South Africa.

Read more about what makes each brand unique and its famous flagship models.

Lagoon Catamaran

Lagoon catamaran was born out of a request from a Hollywood film Waterworld to build trimarans. Since then, they have banked on cutting-edge technology to create the best boat. They have also incorporated a sustainable type of boat by adding solar panels and electric engines. ( source ) 

Best Lagoon Catamaran

This boat provides more value for money. Although not as expensive as the other type of Lagoon catamaran, the watercraft can still give great design with functional appliances. ( source )

Lagoon 440 

This boat can maximize volume to provide more space for the family. Like other designs, the interior and design are beautiful and carefully laid out. The downside- it is on the heavy side, and some may not like the pill-box square design. ( source )

Lagoon 450 F

The 45 feet boat marries luxury, style, and comfort. The ample space allows the boat to accommodate 8 to 12 people. The design is functional where you can access the bridge, engine control, and steering station in seconds. ( source )

Privilege Catamaran

The boat company is dedicated to research and technology to create the best boat that allows its owners to sail style and efficiency immediately. The company stands by being authentic, unique, and making an iconic brand. ( source )

Best Privilege Catamaran

Privilege 615.

If you like an elegant wood finish Privilege, 615 is for you. The boat is reliable for offshore sailing with its advanced navigation system. Its well-thought design enables navigation while conversing with friends and family. ( source )

Privilege 435

Tony Smith from the United Kingdom founded the company as he brought his family to sail across the Atlantic. He got the love of catamaran in United Stated, and ever since then, the brand has remained an all-American trusted brand. Their goal is to build a boat not just for the sailors but for their entire family. ( source )

Gemini Catamaran

Tony Smith from the United Kingdom founded the company. He is known for sailing across the Atlantic with his family. He brought the love of catamaran to United Stated, and ever since then, the brand has remained an all-American trusted brand. Their goal is to build a boat not just for the sailors but for their entire family. ( source )

Best Gemini Catamaran

Gemini 105 mc.

This catamaran brings in more value for money. The 35 feet catamaran is best for weekend sailing or long sail life on the seas. The boat’s definition is somewhat like a cabin making its owner feel cozy, safe, and comfortable. ( source )

Gemini Freestyle 399 Power 

The newest model Gemini has to offer. It is a catamaran in steroids. It has a Suzuki motor DF20A that allows it to sail at 22.5 knots. The design is luxurious and functional. The open cockpit allows you to steer the boat while talking to friends. ( source )

Bali Catamaran

Under the CATANA Group, Bali catamaran anchors its brand through years of research and development. Their core is performance, innovation, and comfort. They use the latest technology to find the best material to build cutting-edge sailboats. They also make sure that they produce comfortable and safe boats by prioritizing interior and external fittings. ( source )

Best Bali Catamaran

The open plan allows everyone to have fun and party in style. It is also both a sailing and motor yacht. It has big windows and a place for sunbathing. ( source )

The cockpit has direct access to the saloon, a flagship model that provides space, allowing entertainment while navigating. Just take note of the high helm stand results in the smaller mainsail. ( source )

Seawind Catamaran

An experienced pro sailboat Richard Wards created Seawind. Their design philosophy is for long sails in the sea, even for the not-so-experienced sailors. They also adhere to maximizing space while providing good indoor and outdoor areas. ( source )

Best Seawind Catamaran

Seawind 1260.

Created by its founder Richard Ward, this model is the perfect combination of what a catamaran should be. It is stylish and efficient; it allows its owner to entertain friends and family for a daysail and allows it for an extended sail offshore. ( source )

Seawind 1600

It is not your usual catamaran with its 52 ft length. People seem skeptical about its size and are afraid it may be harder to control. However, the innovative and intelligent design allowed Seawind to create a state-of-the-art boat that could accommodate 14 people yet be functional for any oceanic adventure. ( source )

Leopard Catamaran

It is one of the catamaran brands certified in Europe and America. They take their designs seriously, from the sailing power to its living space. Their materials and techniques are well thought out and backed by science resulting in a spacious, robust, and high-performing boat. ( source )

Best Leopard Catamaran

Designed by Simonis-Voogd, this is one of the top contenders for the best catamaran for 2021 after numerous reviews. The designers made plenty of innovations like new technology to make the boat lightweight and streamlined for long cruises and voyages. ( source )

Robertson and Caine designed this model. This boat design is adjusted to provide the not-so-ordinary four-cabin space. They also increased the cabin top, which gives the boat an angular and sharper look. The open cockpit offers easy access while stirring; however, it may be an issue for kids and dogs. ( source )

Gunboat Catamaran

Owned by Grand Large Yachting, Gunboat catamarans are built for spacious and comfortable living while using the latest race boat technology. The combination of functionality and science makes Gunboat a leader in innovation for catamaran design. ( source )

Best Gunboat Catamaran

It is another contender for the best catamaran for 2021. This boat is suitable for a long voyage out in the sea as it is sturdy yet lightweight. Space also provides sailors to pack more gear and equipment. Like all of the love for speed Gunboat models, this boat can reach up to 20 knots. ( source )

This watercraft is another lightweight-designed boat that promotes safety, simplicity, and accessibility. More like a luxury cruiser, this boat can also be suitable for sailing with family or participating in races. ( source )

Balance Catamaran

This company is led and designed by seasoned sailors in the world. They value design, safety, and comfort over aesthetics. They are also a few brands that offer buyer specifications before building the boat. The result is a bespoke boat that perfectly suits the customer’s wants and needs. ( source )

Best Balance Catamaran

Balance 526.

As mentioned, no two Balance cats are the same. Each boat undergoes customization to align with the owner’s specifications. Owners can add more systems in navigations or allocate living space according to the owner’s priority. However, all Balance 526 is a lightweight material that allows safe short hand blue water sailing. ( source )

While many companies make catamaran boats, always look for those built by credible and respected designers and builders. Each company has its flagship models representing its beliefs and ideas for the perfect catamaran boat. Your job as a sailor is to choose a catamaran that matches your vision for that ideal catamaran.

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• Lagoon Company Website, March 12, 2021, https://www.cata-lagoon.com/ https://theboatdb.com/blog/top-catamaran-brands-of-2019-2020/  
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Leopard Catamarans were born from the charter market: Robertson & Cain was briefed to design and build specially designed yachts for The Moorings: a global charter company.

6 years later, the company branched out into developing catamarans for Private use, and in 2000 the Leopard brand was born.

Lex Raas jumped ship from the Beneteau and became operational director accelerating the growth of the company.

The History of Leopard Catamarans: a Timeline

• 1997 – Leopard 45
• 1998 – Leopard 38
• 2000 – Leopard 47
• 2001 – Leopard 42
• 2003 – Leopard 62
• 2004 – Leopard 40, 43
• 2006 Leopard 46
• 2009 Leopard 38
• 2010 Leopard 39, 44
• 2012 Leopard 48, 58
• 2014 Leopard 40
• 2016 Leopard 45
• 2018 Leopard 50
• 2020 Leopard 42

1997 Leopard 45

The first Leopard Catamaran model was the first 45. Shown here is “Wolf Pack”. The earlier designs have a lower bridgedeck than the later boats. This is a strong, sturdy boat, but it is susceptible to slamming going upwind in waves.

1998 Leopard 38

An example includes “Ant Legs”. The 38 was redesigned by Morelli and Melvin in 2009. The first 38 was the second model out of the south African yard. This blog gives a great summary of the boat: SV Rover .

Leopard 47 2000

Basically a 45 with lengthened sterns. The extra length allows the 47 to soak up more as cruising weight is added. Very seaworthy, strong boat although you will experience more slap with that lower bridgedeck.

2001 Leopard 42 (Moorings 4200)

Designed by South Africans Simonis-Voogd who are the architects behind Kinetic Catamarans . They continued along the same sleeker lines for this tough cruising boat. The mainsheet traveller is overhead on the trademark wing arch at the aft end of the cockpit.

Leopard 62 2003 (Moorings 6200)

The 62 was pitched against the up and coming Sunreefs – large luxury yachts with flybridges which were starting to become popular at the time. This 60 footer has plenty of living space.

Leopard 40 (2004)

Designed by Morrelli and Melvin, the 40 remains one of the most popular leopard Catamarans on the second hand market. The hulls have chines to increase the living space while maintaining a good speed through the water. This catamaran had a hard top bimini as standard.

Leopard 42 2004 (Moorings 4200), Leopard 43

A comfortable and decent passage maker that can be sailed short-handed. The bridgedeck is low, so some reports of slamming going into the weather.

The 43 is an evolution of the Leopard 42, built by Robertson and Caine. If you watch sailing channels on Youtube, you may have come across this yacht on the “ Gone with the Wynns ” channel. They had a 2005 Leopard 43 which they sold in 2022.

The next boat? An HH Catamaran . I guess the sailing channel is going well! Built from 2004 to 2007. 74 Units built.

Leopard 46 2006

Designed by Morrelli and Melvin with the familiar cat like eyes when seen from the side. The hulls are narrow at the waterline- then flare to a chine above the water to maximise living space (an old Catana trick).

Built with vacuum-bagged E-glass over balsa core.

Leopard 38 (2009)

Morrelli and Melvin next turned their design pens to the 38, available in 3 or 4 cabin layout. The designers continued with their mission of increasing the bridgedeck clearance on the 38, reducing the wave slap issues of earlier models. Also known as the Sunsail 384. This isn’t the prettiest design, in my opinion, but is a very capable boat.

Leopard 39 2010

Easily recognisable as a Morrelli and Melvin design, the Leopard 39 was an evolution of the Leopard 38 with a single level bimini over the cockpit, and a hard top over the helm. The 39 was in production until 2014.

Leopard 44 2010 (Sunsail 444)

The overhanging roof over the new forward cockpit is not to everyone’s taste, but it is a popular feature with owners.

Once again designed by Gino Morrelli and Pete Melvin, this boat is famous for introducing the forward cockpit to the cruising catamaran market. Perhaps it was their Gunboat designs that inspired them?

Let’s just say that Leopard haven’t looked back since they introduced this new space forward. It’s very popular with charter customers and private owners alike.

Development on the exterior styling, forward cockpit, and interior, the 45 is more angular than her predecessor and prettier than the 40.

A complete upgrade from the 48, the Leopard 50 manages to look pretty sleek despite that forward cockpit overhang. A seaworthy boat with a huge amount of living space that performs well when the wind is up.

Read our Full Leopard 50 Review

Like the 50, the 42 manages to look sleek, even with her boxy design and the forward cockpit overhang. Designed by Simonis Voogd. Construction is foam-cored vacuum infusion covered with a single nacelle mould. SA/D is 22, D/L is 179.

Read our Leopard 42 Review

if you enjoyed that summary of Leopard, take a look at some of our other catamaran histories:

Balance Catana Dazcat Fountaine Pajot Gunboat HH Kinetic Lagoon Marsaudon Nautitech Outremer Prout Sunreef

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This New 40-Foot Power Cat Was Built to Tackle Rough Waters

Leopard's new 40 was designed and built in cape town, south africa, known for its big coastal waters., kevin koenig, kevin koenig's most recent stories, maserati’s first electric boat delivers style and fun on the water—we took it for a spin.

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Capetown, South Africa, is surrounded by some of the world’s most notorious waters. If a boat builder calls this area home—as Leopard Catamarans does—you can rest assured that its hulls are designed to be seaworthy.

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Trim tabs typically don’t work well on catamarans, so Leopard used a computational fluid dynamics algorithm in a virtual test tank to ensure that this model would run level in big seas, with the twin goals of maximizing guest comfort and solidifying lines of sight. Leopard says the process also increases fuel efficiency. The model comes with multiple Yanmar diesels, including twin 250-horsepower, 320-horsepower, and 370-horsepower versions. With the twin 320 powerplants, top speed is 23 knots while cruise is about 16.

The 40’s main deck is flush, leading from the fairly sizable cockpit into a salon that is filled with windows, providing exceptional views from this glass sanctuary. The windshield flips open for ventilation, and the forward door creates a passage to the boat’s broad foredeck.

The lower deck has three staterooms, each with its own head and shower, with the main suite being on the starboard side, running the full length of the pontoon.

The foredeck makes excellent use of the boat’s generous beam. There’s a sun lounge, of course, for enjoying the area. Perhaps more interesting is the stowage beneath the cushions, where a deep, wide locker is designed to hold toys, extra clothing, dive tanks, or whatever other equipment needs to be stowed. Two other lockers forward of this one let you really load the boat for long-distance cruising. Sturdy, thigh-high guardrails encircling the bow providing an element of safety for with family cruises.

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Leopard 42 Boat Review

• By Herb McCormick
• Updated: July 23, 2021

Mick Jagger was not singing about boat tests and wind speeds when he ­belted out the title lyrics to the classic Rolling Stones tune “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” Far too often during many years of conducting sea trials on new boats—when you’re locked into a tight, non negotiable schedule for getting on the water—I’ve shown up just in time for a languid spell of very light air or, even worse, zippo breeze whatsoever. Definitely not what you want.

But there are also those lucky ­afternoons when you get what’s required for a sweet sail. Which pretty much describes the conditions this past spring when I rolled into a marina near Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for a test run aboard the new Leopard 42 catamaran , and was greeted by windswept palm trees and a stiff 20- to 25-knot easterly whipping up whitecaps on the deep blue Atlantic.

What’s the line, “When you try sometimes…you get what you need”? Exactly. And in this instance, then some.

Generally speaking, cruising cats are different than their spindly racing siblings: more tankage, more machinery, more furniture, more stuff. Which means they don’t maximize sailing performance in lighter conditions (nor are they ­attempting to…that’s why they’re cruising boats). But give a well-designed, well-built cat with liveaboard ­capabilities some legitimate air ­pressure to play with, and the results can be eye-popping. (Or not, ­frankly. Lots of wind can be too much for some lesser vessels.) Which was most certainly the case with the latest Leopard under sail in the double-­digit gusts. Where she thrived.

Naval architect Alex Simonis—based near the wild, windy waters off Cape Town, South Africa—is the longtime designer of Leopard cats, and a man who relishes drafting solid boats that sail and perform exceedingly well (for proof, have another look at this month’s ­cover shot of a Leopard 42 hauling the mail in the shadow of iconic ­Table Mountain). His willing partners in this crime of nautical passion are the artisans at Robertson & Caine, the boatyard that in 2022 will build approximately 120 to 130 sailing cats ranging in size from 42 to 50 feet. It’s true that the company could probably expand production based on the current and ongoing demand for Leopards, but that would run counter to the builder’s very ethos: Quality is the aim here, not quantity.

As we motored out of the inlets and into the open sea for the trials, I’ll admit that I was so relishing the sail that it never occurred to me to jot down the relevant statistics—speed, high and low RPM, etc.—for the twin 45 hp Yanmar diesels. My bad. Let’s just say we got out there smoothly and quickly.

Leopard was conducting a mini boat show at its docks in Dania Beach that upcoming weekend, so there was an all-star crew of sailmakers and company reps aboard, including Franck Bauguil, an executive at travel conglomerate Travelopia, whose brands include the ­privately owned Leopards, and chartering giants Sunsail and the Moorings, and whose duties include product ­development—a fancy title that actually means he spends a lot of time hanging with Simonis while sailing around and dreaming up cool boats. As we powered into the chop, I mentioned something about a reef, and Bauguil gave me a sidelong look of disappointment, like a resigned parent inspecting a horrible report card. Full hoist it was. As the full-battened, deeply roached, square-topped mainsail was raised, I had a brief thought about singer/songwriter Cat Power, for it was abundantly clear what was powering this darn cat.

It’s interesting to note the difference between the Leopard’s sail plan and, say, the current approach from one of the big French production-cat builders like Lagoon. In recent years, Lagoon, as a brand, has made a conscious decision to slide the entire rig aft, depending more on an ­expansive foretriangle for drive and grunt, and taming the entire arrangement with a self-tacking headsail. With the ­Leopards, including the 42, the rig remains comparably forward, and it’s the mainsail, with a ­relatively longer boom than a Lagoon, that supplies the muscle (we’re talking ­basically a low-aspect main and rig on a ­Leopard versus a high-aspect one on the ­Lagoon), aided and abetted by an overlapping 110 percent headsail that’s tacked like a traditional sailboat. I honestly can’t say if there’s a right or wrong answer here, but it’s fascinating to recognize and compare the differing philosophies.

Back in the real world, I’d ­ascended the four steps to the starboard helm station, which is where you’ll find the wheel on every Leopard; in such matters, these guys are unabashed creatures of habit. The surrounding view was expansive but, more pertinently, within arm’s length I had everything—and I mean everything —required to sail and command the boat: a trio of electric winches (two of which are standard), mainsheet and jib sheets and rope clutches, a nifty traveler setup, dual engine controls, chart plotter and related sailing instruments, and so on. For the most part, across the board, catamaran designers these days lay out decks with the notion and objective that it takes only one sharp sailor to run the whole bloody show, and the Leopard 42 certainly perfects that concept.

After motoring off the coast for sea room, we hardened up to a close reach, and matters became extremely ­interesting, not to mention noisy and blowy. Which was great. The cat trucked along at a ­solid 8.5 knots, but what struck me the most was how solid and steadfast she felt as she cleaved through the chop; the sensation of the twin hulls of a fine cat in exquisite balance really does feel like a freight train on its rails.

But the real fun happens when you crack off and free up the wind angle, and the Leopard leaped at the course change and eased sheets, flirting with 10 knots on a screaming reach. We did have a bit of a fire drill when a blast of wind caught the corner of the furled code zero—which then, of course, started to ­totally ­unfurl—and I got my day’s ­cardio helping drop and corral the beast on the trampolines. ­Extremely good times.

Back at the dock, all ­systems once again calm and ­shipshape, I had a chance to wander the decks and ­interior. The look and feel of the features and ­accoutrements are ­totally ­modern, as in ultra-­contemporary (more than once in my notebook the word “angular” appears). The profile is enhanced by tinted, continuous side windows in the hull, and the coach roof segues into the hard Bimini that’s carried aft and canopies the cockpit. Up top—on the penthouse, so to speak—there’s an inviting lounge space. There’s a marvelous afterdeck and swim ­platform, features for which I have an extremely soft spot. The cockpit has a fine-dining area to port, opposite the helm.

The galley is forward in the roomy central cabin, with the dining table aft to port. The 42 doesn’t have the forward cockpit employed on ­larger models, but there is a watertight front doovate owner’s cabin to starboard (with desk, ­vanity, flat-screen TV, huge head, etc.) and a pair of staterooms to port, but you can spec out the interior in multiple ways: tr that leads to a pair of sun lounges, the tramps, and an optional fixed bowsprit if you’re going with the performance package that includes the code zero. Our test boat had the pretty awesome private owner’s cabin to starboard (with desk, ­vanity, flat-screen TV, huge head, etc.) and a pair of staterooms to port, but you can spec out the interior in multiple ways: three or four cabins, three or four heads, six or eight berths, three or four showers. The four-cabin, four-head configuration is likely what you’ll find if you charter one; about half the production run is bound for the bareboat fleets.

The Leopard 42 replaces the Leopard 40 in the brand’s ­quiver, and is certainly a more substantial ride in every ­notable way. The only problem, really, is that as the world emerges from these pandemic times, they’re going fast. The 42 might be quick, but if you want one, you need to be even quicker.

Specifications Leopard 42

Herb McCormick is CW ’s ­executive editor.

• More: Boat Reviews , catamaran , leopard , multihull , multihulls , print June 2021 , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats
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SAILING BLOWN AWAY

• Nov 22, 2020

Why We Bought a 2015 Leopard 44 Catamaran - Tame the Cat

My wife Eileen and I searched Leopard catamarans almost exclusively because they represent a combination of blue water cruising capabilities with production efficiencies. In other words, they were a good affordable catamaran to sail around the world. As proof of their seaworthiness, most have been delivered to their owners by sea from Cape Town, South Africa either by their owners or a delivery captain. Because of their outstanding reputation, we also considered the 450 Lagoon; however, we steered away from them mainly as a result of their fly bridge helm positions which we think is less ideal for ocean crossings.

WHY WE CHOSE THE LEOPARD 44 OVER THE 39, 40 AND 48

Check out our Leopard catamaran's video below on our first day touring Leopard catamarans with our buyers broker Bill Regan and be prepared to be entertained and informed of the specifics on why we chose the Leopard 44 and in the process learn more about the rest of their line.

On this crazy busy day, we toured a 2014 Leopard 39 and were glad we had rescinded on our contract last spring on one in the Moorings / Sunsail Belize fleet. We loved it's design, price ($215K) and sailing reputation; however, it was too small for us as a full time home. For someone who lived in Ft. Lauderdale and took one to two-week sailing trips to the Bahamas this would definitely be a boat to consider.

After we let go of the 39, we latched onto a 2018 Leopard 40 ($225K) with contract that had been damaged and repaired in Irma and included had a new mast, boom, standing rigging and generator and we by far the cheapest of the limited Leopard 40 lot being phased out by Moorings / Sunsail. After having toured it, we realized that it too was too small for us as a live aboard and in addition we were leery that there might be some undetected trauma from from Irma that might compromise our blue water safety so we released that contract also.

Reluctantly we drove 2 1/2 hours north of Ft. Lauderdale to the Ft. Pierce Marina where we looked at a 2015 Leopard 44 with owners cabin on the hard for sale for $575K which was MUCH more than we were willing to pay but at least we could see the layout. Initially, we didn't like this model because we thought it has wet bathrooms but were soon relieved to find that that wasn't the case and were delighted to discover the front cockpit whose innovation catapulted this popular sized 44 footer to a dual "Best Boat of Year" fame with both Sail Magazine and Cruising world in 2012. Most importantly it seemed to have enough from for our new permanent life at sea and was affordable purchasing from Sunsail Charters for $315K on a model we found in St. Lucia so we quickly placed this cat in a cage with a contract on an no hurricane damaged model which had just been released from the Grenada Sunsail fleet and was heading to Sunsail St. Lucia to undergo phase out repairs.

Make sure you also click on the following links to read critical reviews about this special boat:

Sail Magazine - May 2011

Cruising World - December 2011

Boats.com - July 2011

Ultimately, the Leopard 44 was the boat we chose, but let's learn more about the Leopard 48 which we REALLY liked and the main reason we did not chose it.

We loved the Leopard 48 because it was so enormous compared to the previous one and almost seemed to be as large as our apartment in China. Not only did the rear cockpit seat 10 and have plenty of room for all of our water toys, but the combined saloon and galley with nav station was cavernous and in our opinion, leaving nothing to be desired. Add to that a large front cockpit and full size rooms and bathrooms in the hulls, this cat had us in a trance and all we wanted to do was to stroke and pet its luxurious fur while it purred with delight. Our only issue was that the price on these are mid $450K for the cheapest non hurricane damaged and older with the medium cherry veneer interior which we liked the least and will touch on a bit more later. That extra $135K+ represented a lot of cruising kitty (perhaps 3 years) and this being a larger cat means that both repairs, upkeep and insurance are all part of what comes with owning this pampered puss. Add to that the opportunity cost of investing what we save in a lively stock market over the next 5 to 10 years, and the price of this one increases way more than we care to spend especially when the Leopard 44 has everything we need, albeit it's smaller size.

At the end of the video, we tour the Leopard 58 which was due to be surveyed the next day. As you can see from our comments and reactions, it was pure joy touring this regal feline because the 58 was an ocean palace nicer than most homes, but just way out of range for our pocketbook and limited knowhow.

DESIGN AND COLOR

One of the reasons we LOVE and chose the 2015 Leopard 44 year is that it was the first year of only two years (2015 & 2016) out of seven years total that the Leopard 44 was made which incorporates the new modern sophisticated, yet casual light gray aged driftwood interior which is now standard on all Leopard catamarans which certainly inspired by Restoration Hardware's sophisticated modern, yet casual neutral shaded gray color pallet. Also special, as shown below, is the generous use of LED lighting which makes the salon below sparkly, dazzling and uplifting as well as easy on the energy being supplied by DC power. The pre 2015 versions with the traditional medium cherry cabinetry and finish just seemed too outdated and spending an extra $15K for this new boat and overall look and feel was totally worth if for us. In addition, we think it will eventually add to its resale value.

INSIDER INFORMATION FROM EXPERIENCED SUNSAIL TECHNICIAN

Once we arrived in St. Lucia and took possession of our boat, we was further reassured of buying Leopard after talking with Moorings / Sunsail St. Lucia base long term employed technician affectionately nicknamed "Small Change".

This beloved senior maintenance manager of 35 years is chief Leopard tamer and is master of the ins and outs of Leopard repair and maintenance. I mean, he even meets with senior management and technicians of Leopard South Africa to provide valuable feedback that help Leopard's renowned manufacturer Robertson and Caine make manufacturing improvements to future models that will require less maintenance, ultimately leading to less warranty work and resulting in unnecessary repairs from busy bases saving both time and money for everyone. For these reasons, I really trusted and took to heart every nugget that left his mouth.

WHY VERY FEW LAGOONS ARE IN THE ST. LUCIA FLEET

First, he said their company used have a lot of Lagoons in the fleet but switched to Leopards almost exclusively because of their improved build quality and performance. Leopards more narrow stepped hulls allow them to perform better under sail and overall they require less maintenance over their charter tenure.

HOW THE LEOPARD MODELS COMPARE - BUILD QUALITY

When asked to rank his favorite Leopard catamaran models, Short Change pays with big bills as he draws from his wellspring of experience and knowledge that goes back to Robertson and Caines inception back in 1991. He ranks his favorite Leopard models by build quality and gives the following reasons.

In his opinion, the best made Leopard (10 out of 10) is the Leopard 43, known to Moorings as the 4300 and made famous by Nicki and Jason Wynn of the popular YouTube channel Gone with the Wynns has the highest quality build in the history of the company with regards to hull strength.

In addition the Leopard 46, made from 2006 to 2012, is a 10 out of 10. Not affected by the devastating Irma, St. Lucia has more in use than any other base in the world so he should know.

I was happy to know that he considered our Leopard 44 an 8 out of 10 with regards to build quality and used the fact that most all along with the older models such as the 43 have been delivered at sea by a delivery captain and then put to grueling charter use and then sold to private owners.

When asked about the Leopard 48 and current, Leopard 40 and 45 he gives them all a 4 out of 10 backing that up with the assertion that they now are almost exclusively delivered from the factory to their owners by ship because they cannot stand the grueling 7700 mile sail without substantial repairs before delivered to the owner. It seems that possibly the bean counters have taken over in their attempt to balance new design innovation with profitability.

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Great video's and content.

Could you give some background around the phase out process offered by Sunsail? What is included in the package? Is there a guarantee/warranty provided? I assume one of the downsides of ex charter is engine hours - would they replace the engines?

Also, do they install the upgrades such as water-maker, AIS etc. or do you need to get private contractors to do the install/upgrades?

How much budget would you suggest be allocated to making the yacht blue water cruiser ready post leaving the charter fleet?

Would Sunsail offer financing or is that up to the buyer to arrange?

Many Thanks

Hi Anthony,

Great questions. Apologies for the delay in answering.

Basically you are buying a boat with cash from Sunsail and your quality protection is your surveyor's survey so make sure you select a good one because they're are no warranties.

All additional upgrade will be done by a private contractor or yourself because those are beyond the technical and parts capability of the Sunsail base.

Make sure you don't buy too large of a boat because if you are going to have a lot of quality upgrades done, you have just began to spend. In all, we have spent $125k for the upgrades show on our site https://www.sailingblownaway.com/faq in addition to the ones below:

stainless solar arch

stainless scuba…

Catamaran Show.com

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Portofino CAT 67

Sail performance, length (ft):, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.

HopYacht 30

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SAILING RANGE

Power range, introducing the, leopard 50 catamaran, the next generation of leopard catamarans.

Designed as a versatile replacement for the award-winning Leopard 48 (Boat of the Year 2012), the new Leopard 50 is an exciting new cruising sailing catamaran taking the best of Leopard Catamarans’ previous features yet boasting new innovations and design elements both on the exterior and interior.

With naval architecture by Simonis & Voogd Yacht Design, and with exterior and a fresh new look on the interior design by the world-class design team at Robertson and Caine, the Leopard 50 proudly ushers in the next generation of Leopard Catamarans’ style and functionality.

29+ Years of Production Expertise

While the exterior of the yacht has been enhanced, Naval Architect for Simonis Voogd Design, Alexander Simonis, tells us this:

“Most of the work has been done ‘under the bonnet’ so to say by advances made in the construction geometry of the new 50. To create the beautiful open plan layouts and the nearly 360-degree view from the saloon area while at the same time have a strong and stiff yacht which is not too heavy requires advanced engineering solutions.

The new Leopard 50 makes use of carbon-infused ring frames in the most critical areas to achieve this. This type of construction has been pioneered on the larger all carbon racing catamarans and is now successfully being applied in this Leopard cruising catamaran so that we can offer the best possible mix between comfort, space and performance.”

The perfect blend of comfort and style.

“Stepping onboard the L50 will reveal an interior that is contemporary in style, with a focus that blends aesthetic detail with functionality.

Cabins are more open and spacious than ever before thanks to widening bulkhead openings as much as possible. This is achieved by combining exotic materials with new modern construction techniques.

One can appreciate the sense of ease and comfort while moving throughout the boat. This is a product of our team’s passionate approach stemming from initial sketches, to detailed 3D models, and finally life-size replicas of each area where we physically and meticulously tweaked every single feature until we were 100% satisfied that we had the best product available.”

- Michael Robertson, Tampa Design Team

The innovative flybridge on the Leopard 50 includes a lounge area, a sunbed and shade awning. Access to the flybridge is provided by floating stairs leading up from the aft cockpit. While under sail, passengers can move about the flybridge with ample headroom and never worry about interference from the boom.

The next generation of

LEOPARD CATAMARANS

She incorporates a heritage of Leopards spanning twenty five years of production expertise.

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Our List of Non-Negotiable Catamaran Characteristics 

All Catamarans are not made equal. And as every catamaran owner will tell you, before you purchase a catamaran you must first decide what it is that you want in a yacht.

 What purpose will your catamaran serve to you? Will she be a weekend getaway, will she be your home, will she sail all seven seas or will she be your retirement plan? These are all important questions to consider, as your yacht may, at one time or another, be all of these things!

While performance, space and comfort are all important factors to consider, there are some things that you should never compromise on. To help, we have compiled a list of items that a sailor should never settle on. 

1. Integrity

 In the sailing world, people put a lot of value on a company’s reputation. And this is with good reason. The sailing community is very supportive and honest, so be sure to hear it from your peers. Read all the sailing blogs that you can get your hands on and absorb all the information that you can about your boats of interest.

John Devers, writer for Multihulls World said this about the Leopard Brand, “Every new catamaran in the Leopard range contains all the top features that sailors look for, including blue water capability, high bridge deck clearance, great sailing performance, solid construction, a superb anchoring system, excellent ventilation, high quality equipment, large tank capacities and a hard top on all models. Accordingly, Leopard has optioned the very best equipment and warranty support globally. Yanmar motors, Raymarine electronics, Lewmar winches are respected brands in all markets around the world and of course standard equipment can be enhanced by a range of quality optional items including generator, air-conditioning and water-makers. The end result is that once again the bar has been well and truly raised when it comes to cruising catamarans.”

When you buy a Leopard, you are investing in a heritage of boats built on integrity. 

2. Innovation

Any yacht that you consider buying should be a fine balance between new and old. Keep what works, fix what doesn’t. That’s evolution. If you are in the market to buy a boat you should consider a brand that is innovative, as this will not only make your cruising experiences comfortable and more enjoyable, this will also help with the resale value of your yacht. Look for a trusted brand that has paved the way for the industry and other builders that have followed suit.

Leopard owner Marius Martelle affirms that Leopard is leading the pack of innovation by stating the following: “I’ve made a careful study of the Leopard catamarans over an extended period. I feel like I’ve got to know them very well and I’ve always been impressed by their design and build quality. Their designers have made it their business to lead with innovation rather than follow. They were one of the first catamaran manufacturers to lead all lines to the helm station and this is done in a logical, intuitive and entirely practical way. There is always a grab rail exactly where you need it. We love the walk through to the forward deck area. We know we will be spending a lot of time lying at anchor so a user friendly layout for entertaining and relaxing was an important consideration for us.”

Leopard Catamarans has made huge impacts in the catamaran industry by being the first to do many things. This includes building the first catamarans to have a hard top protecting the aft cockpit, an innovative deck plan that leads all lines to the helm, a forward cockpit that provides good space and ventilation, plus so much more.

3. Bluewater Capability

We are not talking about the images that you see in Cruising World Magazine of a happy skipper sailing along the edge of an island surrounded by turquoise waters. We are talking about a catamaran sailing about somewhere between Bermuda and the Azores in 15 foot swells with a reefed mainsail and a broken autopilot. It doesn’t matter what kind of sailing you plan to do, as all sailors know, one day the weather will have its way with you and there will be nowhere to hide.

For this reason, never settle for a catamaran that doesn’t tick all of the seaworthy boxes. This includes, but is not limited to: position and features of the helm station, build quality, cockpit layout, rigging, sail plan, interior layout and hull design. 

4. Customer Service

All of the i’s have been dotted. All the t’s have been crossed. What now? Hopefully you made it a point to research what kind of after purchase customer service the company provides because sooner or later you will need further assistance with some aspect of your new yacht. Make it your mission to learn about the team who handles customer support. You will want to take comfort in knowing that your contacts are helpful and accessible. Also, it is important to select a yacht and brand that carry a reputation of high-level quality control.

Additionally, look into Owner Groups. This is a great way to learn more about the boats that you are interested in and they can also serve as a tool for useful information and “customer service”.

So there you have it, our list of non-negotiable, must haves when it comes to boat buying. If you need more guidance in yacht buying, read an owner’s story about his journey to find the perfect yacht.  

Topics: Product Details

Katie Campbell

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Leopard 40 Powercat

Exhilaration at sea.  A reinvention in the Leopard Powercat series, the Leopard 40 Powercat presents a new generation of cruising possibilities. Bringing optimal reliability, speed, stability and fuel consumption, this vessel joins the successful Leopard 46 and Leopard 53 models as a world leader in the cruising power catamaran market. Built by Robertson & Caine and designed by naval architects Simonis Voogd, the Leopard 40 Powercat is masterfully engineered, maintaining an excellent weight and trim ratio rarely found in catamarans of this size. Research using computational fluid dynamics tools has enabled this feat and made the Leopard 40 PC a class leader. The Leopard 40 Powercat embodies all the distinct design characteristics of the Leopard series but with a new modernity. Superior craftsmanship and materials, including Leopard’s signature side glazing that runs the length of the planking, show off the vessel’s elegant lines. Its smart design also includes an interior steering position that provides maximum safety, with a perfect peripheral view of the sea while remaining sheltered from the elements. Enjoy outdoor living with large aft cockpit as well as the largest flybridge found in a 40-foot vessel.  Step aboard and experience exceptional living at sea. Each living space is intentionally designed with comfort and functionality in mind. Ample communal space is found throughout, including the aft cockpit, flybridge and aft decks. Unique to the Leopard line, sunbathing areas are accessible through the side decks or directly from the saloon by way of the front door. Whether for group gatherings or solitude reflection, there is always a space to manifest the next milestone in your journey. Venture further and discover accommodations that put you right at home. At the bow, the saloon brings everyone together to relish another day at sea. The fully equipped L-shaped galley is conducive to conversation and brings greater ease when preparing meals. The three cabins feature generous island beds and sea views in the hulls. Two heads are located in the passageway on the port side and forward on the starboard side and offer a spacious setting with a separate shower. Intentionally designed to avoid disturbances, the two technical areas are located at the rear and are isolated and accessible only from the outside. They are equipped with two engines of 250, 320, or 370 horsepower that satisfy the Leopard 40 Powercat’s high performance and reliability standards. With capabilities of reaching 17 knots at cruising speed and more than 20 knots at top speed, passengers will find agility and remarkable seaworthiness with the new Leopard 40 Powercat.

SPECIAL OFFER

• LOA: 40 ft 0 in / 12.19 m
• LWL: 39 ft 7 in / 12.07 m
• Beam: 21 ft 8 in / 6.61 m
• Draft: 3 ft 7 in / 1.1 m
• Bridgedeck Clearance: 2 ft 4 in / 0.7 m
• Max height above W.L. (excl. antenna stalks): 18 ft 5 in / 5.61 m
• Engine: 2x250hp
• Engine Upgrade: 320hp, 370hp
• Propeller Dimensions: 4-blade 23in x 22in (370 hp option)
• Maximum Speed (in light ship conditions): 23 Knots
• Cruising Speed (in light ship conditions): 15 Knots
• Engine Max Power: 250 HP
• Max Power RPM: 3800 rpm
• Engine No. Cylinders: 4
• Consumption Curves:  View Leopard 40 Powercat Performance Curves
• Fuel: 370 gal / 1400 L

EXTRA DETAILS

• Water: 169 gal / 640 L
• Displacement: 30488 lbs / 13829 kg
• Load Carrying Capacity: 12410 lbs / 5629 kg
• Holding Tank Capacity: 42 gal / 160 L

All Leopard Catamarans are NMMA and CE Certified.

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