catamaran leopard 40

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Boat Review: Leopard 40 Power Cat

• By Mark Pillsbury
• October 23, 2023

Sitting at the flybridge helm station aboard the new Leopard 40 power cat, taking in the view of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline, was an excellent way to spend a sunny February morning. It was the day after the 2023 Miami International Boat Show, where the latest model from South African builder Robertson and Caine had made its world debut. I was thoroughly enjoying my allotted time at the helm.

Did I mention that I was a thousand or so miles from the snow and ice back home in New England? Or that the three-person helm seat was far comfier than a similar-size chairlift on any ski hill? Or that the table, surrounded by an L-shaped couch directly behind me—never mind the adjacent chaise abutting a counter with grill, sink and fridge—promised nothing but fun times for both skipper and crew?

With another nine hulls already in the works, and more to come by year’s end when production is fully ramped up, the boat will soon be available for charter vacations with The Moorings. At first, it will be in the British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas , Croatia and Greece, and eventually, it will join the company’s bases worldwide.

Off the Florida coast, we monitored miles per gallon at 500 rpm increments. In slow motion (1,000 rpm), the twin 370 hp Yanmar diesels sipped fuel at an estimated rate of 4.8 miles to the gallon. The boat’s sweet spot—3,000 rpm, where we cranked along at 17 knots—came at a cost of 0.8 miles per gallon. Any more or less, and efficiency dropped, according to onboard gauges. Top speed was a little better than 22 knots.

At cruising speed, the boat’s hydraulic steering felt nimble and responsive as I cranked the wheel into a turn. Conditions were fairly calm, but crossing our own wake, the 40 PC plowed on through the chop without missing a beat.

At low speed, the 40 PC turned easily when I adjusted the twin fly-by-wire throttles and shifted between forward and reverse. The sailor in me wondered if the builder really needed to include a bow thruster in the port bow, though the feature had made getting out of the tight slip at the marina a simple enough maneuver. For extra-tight quarters with a shorthanded crew, cameras can ­monitor the stern and bow, and deliver the imagery to either of the twin Raymarine displays at the ­upstairs helm station.

The 40 PC joins a lineup that includes the Leopard 46 PC (also sold as the Moorings 464) and Robertson and Caine’s flagship on the power side, the Leopard 53 PC. 

A word of explanation here: Robertson and Caine enjoys a somewhat unusual relationship with Travelopia, which owns The Moorings and Sunsail, and oversees the Leopard sales team. All of Robertson and Caine’s sailing catamarans go into the charter companies’ fleets or are sold to private owners as Leopard Catamarans. Robertson and Caine’s power models are branded as Leopards or Moorings models, depending on how an owner plans to use the boat. All of Robertson and Caine’s current models—power and sail—are developed by the in-house design team, along with Alex Simonis of naval architecture firm Simonis and Voogd, and Franck Bauguil, vice president of yacht ownership and product development at Travelopia. Bauguil also manages sales of all three brands.

At present, he says, approximately half of Robertson and Caine’s sailboats are sold for charter, and half are for private use. The same is expected to be true for the 40 PC. Robertson and Caine plans to build 20 of the boats this year and increase the number to 31 next year. A well-equipped model, delivered from South Africa to the United States ready to go, comes in at under $1.2 million. 

The three current power models comprise the fourth generation of power vessels from Robertson and Caine in terms of design. Previous generations shared some furniture modules with boats from the sail side, but Bauguil says that this new line started with a blank sheet of paper. The result is increased volume for interior accommodations without disturbing performance.

The boat in Miami was powered by optional twin 370 hp Yanmar diesels. Charter models are fitted out with 350 hp Yanmars, and 250 hp Yanmars are also available. Tankage is cruiser-friendly, with 370 gallons of fuel and 170 gallons of water.

Aboard the 40 PC, the owner’s stateroom occupies the starboard hull. It has a queen berth aft and a head ­compartment forward with a shower in the forepeak. Amidships are a desk and ­television, hanging lockers, and a fair amount of stowage.

The port hull includes guest staterooms fore and aft, each with a queen berth, and a shared head between them.

It’s bright and airy in the salon, thanks to windows that offer a near 360-degree view, a sliding door that opens to the cockpit, and another door forward that leads to the foredeck, where a couple of cushioned sun beds await. The cockpit is shaded by the flybridge, with a cushioned seat across the transom, and a dining table.

The salon itself is well-laid-­out, with an indoor helm station tucked into the forward starboard corner. To port, an L-shaped couch surrounds a coffee table (a dining table is optional); opposite is an upholstered chair. The galley is adjacent to the cockpit, with a full-size, home-style fridge to starboard and an L-shaped counter to port that includes an induction stove top, a convection microwave oven, a sink, and a dishwasher.

On deck, a solid stainless-­steel rail around the boat provides secure handholds for moving about underway.

Inside and out, the lines of the 40 PC are sharp and stylish. Bauguil says early orders indicate that the boat is appealing not only to multihull sailors who want to make a jump into power, but also to powerboaters looking for the efficiency gained by two hulls. As for charterers, I can state it pure and simple: Put me on a 40 PC somewhere warm and sunny for a week, and I’ll guarantee a good time.  

Leopard 40 Power Cat Specifications

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Leopard 40 catamaran.

The recently redesigned Leopard 40 sports an increased interior volume and modern interior layout. A unique saloon to bow access door gives easy access for sunbathing and chilling out on the deck. With a bright and uncluttered design and a helm with excellent visibility, the Leopard 40 provides the safety expected for the bluewater lifestyle in a comfortable package.

Table of Contents

DESIGN – INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

Designed and built by South African firm Robertson & Caine and along with Naval Architects Simonis-Voogd, the Leopard 40 attempts to set a new standard for cruising catamarans. Based on customer and owner feedback, the most recent Leopard 40 has a redesigned configuration. As an evolution of the Leopard 39 design, the increase in hull volume, innovative interior layout, and enlarged windows and doors give the impression of a much larger catamaran.

The aft cabins have been redesigned and now have semi-island berths, improved access steps, recessed LED strip lighting as well as more space overall than the previous version. Within the owner’s suite, the desk and storage units have been repositioned to allow for a more refined and practical layout. 

Short-handed sailing is made easy as all lines run back to the helm, all within reach, and with an electric winch for convenient control. The helm offers superb visibility to all corners of the boat and is easily accessible from the cockpit and deck. The cockpit has a full hardtop cover and a hard Bimini protecting the helm station. One of the biggest drawcards of this model is the forward access door at the front of the saloon, which accesses a semi-covered outdoor lounge area, perfect for relaxing and watching the world go by.

The Leopard 40 is available in two versions, a three cabin and two head version, or a four cabin and two head version. Customizable with your choice of interior and exterior colors, as well as a comprehensive list of optional equipment from reputable brands, the Leopard 40 can be outfitted to suit your intended sailing method and lifestyle.

The well thought out design of the Leopard 40 provides the comfort and safety expected for the Bluewater lifestyle. The deck is clear and uncluttered, hatches are finished flush, and numerous grab handles are well positioned for safe sailing.

The Leopard 40 has a forward deck area accessible from the saloon, but unlike the larger boats by Leopard , this area is not a dedicated cockpit. Although, with the addition of some cushions, the area would make a great space to lounge when the sun is shining from aft and it does provide some shade with the extended brow / louvre. There is good under-deck storage in the foredeck area where the optional generator is stowed. Ample space is available on the deck suitable to store your favorite watersports equipment, such as paddleboards and kayaks.

Handholds are installed along the entire top of the cabin, providing safe access to and from the deck. However, the steps that provide access to the cabin top are challenging, especially if the area is wet. The sail controls are simple, and the helm station is raised to provide an excellent position to sail from and to simply enjoy the views.

The latest model, Leopard 40 has a reinvented saloon and galley with an open-air concept that is a fusion of the indoor and outdoor living spaces. The large forward window and access door, combined with the sliding windows and doors aft provide occupants an almost all-round view from the saloon. While the smoke grey-tinted saloon windows and rectangular side windows, give the catamaran a very modern look.

The internal volume of this catamaran has been maximized by the design that incorporates vertical sides to the saloon. The saloon lounge is L shaped and located against the aft sliding windows, it contributes to the large open space feeling, and the saloon and cockpit areas become one. The generous interior dining area can seat eight comfortably, and the dining table converts into an additional double berth.

The oversized vertical forward window and door to access the bow area increase the natural light in the interior. The galley in the latest model has been relocated, facing forward beside the foredeck door, and is also an L shaped configuration. The modern galley is well finished and supplied complete with large Corian countertops, deep stainless steel sink, front-opening energy-saving fridge/freezer, and a three burner stovetop and oven.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The Leopard 40 is available with either a 3 or 4 cabin layout. The increased volume in the hulls is noticeable in the generous size of the cabins and berths, with both layouts providing excellent comfort in all cabins with ample storage lockers. In addition, the light interior fit out in the owners, and guest cabins add to the open and airy feeling.

The three cabin layout has two guest cabins in the port hull, sharing a good-sized head complete with shower. The owner’s cabin fills the entire starboard hull. The spacious berth is situated aft and comes complete with a vanity table/desk and adequate storage space. It also has a sliding entry door for privacy. A private head and shower are located forward in the hull in the owner’s version. And this private head and shower are replaced by an additional double berth in the four cabin version.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• LOA: 39 ft 4 in / 11.99 m 
• LWL: 38 ft 1 in / 11.62 m 
• Beam: 22 ft 1 in / 6.72 m 
• Draft: 4 ft 5 in / 1.35 m 
• Mast Height: 63 ft 10 in / 19.45 m 
• Bridgedeck Clearance: 2 ft 4 in / 0.7 m 
• Engine: 2x 29 hp 
• Engine No. Cylinders: 3 
• Fuel: 95 gal / 360 L 
• Water: 206 gal / 780 L 
• Mainsail Area (Standard): 445 sqft / 41.4 sqm 
• Mainsail Area (Square Top): 607 sqft / 56.4 sqm 
• Genoa Area: 425 sqft / 39.5 sqm 
• Spinnaker Area: 1292 sqft / 120 sqm 
• Code 0 Area: 580 sqft / 53.9 sqm 
• Total Upwind Area (Standard): 871 sqft / 80.9 sqm 
• Displacement: 23215 lbs / 10530 kg 
• Load Carrying Capacity: 9612 lbs / 4360 kg 
• Holding Tank Capacity: 29 gal / 110 L 
• First Built: 2008 
• Builder: Robertson and Caine
• Designer: Simonis Voogd

PRICE RANGE

The Leopard 40 is available for approx. $500,000. Expect another $100,000 to fully equip it with everything need to be ready to go cruising.

The design of the Leopard 40 is well thought out. The open-air concept combining the interior and exterior areas creates a comfortable and enjoyable living space from the front deck, through the saloon, and extending out to the cockpit. The accommodations are well-sized, light, and well ventilated. The forward-facing galley is modern, well finished, and practical. Overall this catamaran, with its large interior volume and well thought out design, would provide an exceptional level of comfort and safety to those who wish to enjoy the Bluewater cruising lifestyle.

Leopard 40 Specs

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Leopard 40: The Perfect Couple's Cruiser

It was love at first sight.

Well, love and fate. Fate brought us to this Leopard 40, and our love for this boat provided us with the best cruising vacation we have encountered during our two short years of marriage. I suppose you can say we are lacking in the experience department, but let’s not discredit our opinion based solely on this fact.

Consider this— Andy is a yacht broker who has spent thousands of hours on sea trials, and has sold his fair share of pretty much everything from center consoles, to bow riders, to sailing catamarans and monohulls, to house boats and everything in between. It was our experience sailing a 47ft Beneteau last summer that made us give up on anything that didn’t have a sail. As a side note, I will say that I spent a few days on a Leopard 43 Powercat a few weeks back which had me warming up to the idea of giving power boating another try, but once we had the Leopard 40 moving at 10 knots under sail in 20 knots of wind, we knew that this was the end of the road for us, this was the perfect boat.  

First impressions are everything—I believe that. When we boarded the Leopard 40 that would be home to us for a week, we were blown away. The openness of the galley and the ample counter space almost didn’t seem fair when I considered the fact that this boat provides more kitchen and counter space than my actual home. Not to mention, the galley serves as an excellent makeshift dancefloor. I wasn’t sure if I would ever go home again.

The first thing we did when we stepped onboard was open the sliding glass door to give a feeling of openness to the boat. What we soon realized was that it was not just the door that could slide open. The windows attached to the door could also slide back into the boat to create an open space between the salon and the aft cockpit. We were impressed.

But what really sealed the deal on our love affair with this boat was the forward access door. It is a given that this is a good feature for easy access to the trampoline, but we quickly realized that it was much more than that! At anchorage, with the forward access door open and the sliding glass doors open, the way the breeze circulates throughout the boat is nothing short of fantastic. Add some islands and turquoise water to the back drop and, voila! We were in paradise. With the wind keeping us cool, and the solar panels keeping our batteries charged, we had no need for the Northern Lights Generator. But, we did take comfort in knowing it was there, should we need it. I will confess that we fired her up once, for 20 minutes to test her abilities, and we can confirm that the a/c was ice cold!

The spacious dedicated owner’s cabin in the starboard hull was something to write home about—so we did! The letter home went something like this: “Dear Home, We have found the perfect dwelling. It is in the form of a Leopard 40 and we may never come back. Sincerely, Andy and Katie.” Aside from the owner’s cabin, the interior also features two guest cabins with a shared head in the port hull. These guest cabins are spacious and comfortable.

The maneuverability of this cat is unlike any boat we have ever had the pleasure of cruising. The ease of pulling into a slip and the simplicity of picking up a mooring ball with the dual 29 hp Yanmar engines is a real relationship saver. Gone forever are the arguments you endure when docking a boat with one engine!

The helm station is raised to starboard side, and the hardtop cover has a window so you can keep track of your sheets. Both winches, one of which is electric, are positioned perfectly to the right of the helm for ease of use. This boat was an absolute pleasure to sail.

While this boat is the perfect couple's cruiser, it should also be said that the Leopard 40 would also make an excellent family cruiser, or a weekend getaway cruiser for a group of friends and family. What sets this yacht apart from the rest is her openness, her layout and her functionality.

Upon our return home, it took quite some time for us to adjust back to reality. On past sailing vacations it’s the islands that leaves us longing for more. But this time, it was the Leopard 40 that has us planning our next trip in June.

Topics: Owner Stories , Leopard 40

Katie Campbell

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Technical specifications.

Leopard 40 Powercat

Introducing the newest addition to the Leopard Powercat range: the Leopard 40 Powercat. Boasting sleek and modern design elements, this vessel is a smaller, yet equally comfortable and high-performing option compared to its larger counterparts, the Leopard 53PC and 46PC. Designed by Alexander Simonis of Simonis Voogd Design, the Leopard 40PC is the result of the most ambitious project to date.

The Leopard 40PC features a spacious flybridge, the largest ever seen on a 40-foot vessel, as well as multiple outside spaces including an aft cockpit, flybridge, aft decks, and sunbathing areas. Inside, the L-shaped galley is fully equipped for gourmet cruising, with high-quality finishes providing a luxurious feel. The vessel offers 360-degree visibility, allowing for stunning panoramic views, and boasts 3 cabins each with generous island beds and 2 heads with separate showers. The engine rooms are easily accessible from the outside.  

With a cruising speed of 17 knots and the capability to reach speeds of over 22 knots at top speed, the Leopard 40PC provides a comfortable, efficient, and high-performance experience.  

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
• Maximum Speed (in light ship conditions): 23 Knots
• Cruising Speed (in light ship conditions): 15 Knots
• 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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2016 Leopard 40

Clearwater, united states of america (the), $340,000 tax paid.

Yacht Overview

Leopard Brokerage is Proud to Present this  Owners Version Leopard 40 Listing "Freebird" Located in Clearwater, FL. Never Chartered, low hours and Ready to go!  Recent survey available, please inquire. 

Less than 400k for an owner version non-chartered, non-damaged Leopard 40, incredible value!

2016 ROBERTSON AND CAINE LEOPARD 40 – Freebird - Owners Version 3 Cabin

  BROKERS REMARKS:   “Freebird” is a 2016 Leopard 40, Privately Owned, Never Chartered, Owners Version (3 Cabin) Layout with with many great options installed from the factory. She has low hours on the Yanmar diesels (approx. 550hrs.), and on the Northern Lights 6kW generator (89hrs.).  There has been much recent service perfromed including; bottom job, new Vitrifrigo fridge/freezer unit, engine alternators, Victron inverter with display, engine water pumps, and many numerous odds and ends fixes that come with keeping a boat in good running order.

Some great features of "Freebird" include a bowsprit with lightly used Code 0 sail, flexible solar panels, AB dinghy with 9.9Hp Yamaha (less than 20 hours), cockpit cushions, FLIR infrared camera, radar, air conditioning (serviced), and an upgraded Raymarine Axiom 12 display at the helm.

BUILDERS REMARKS : The Leopard 40 features a unique, modern design thanks to experienced naval architects Simonis and Voogd as well as Robertson & Caine's design team. She resembles her predecessors in speed, agility, and blue-water performance, but her enhancements include an increased hull volume and an innovative interior layout.  Like the rest of the Leopard line the new Leopard 40 includes a light blonde interior with a light, modern and airy feel. However, her interior salon layout is unlike any Leopard before her. Her galley is located forward and the forward-facing settee and table are now located aft. This allows for a panoramic view with large sliding glass doors between the saloon and the aft cockpit. This arrangement promotes easy communication for guests and an open flow between the saloon and the aft cockpit, creating a fusion of indoor and outdoor living space.

In addition, the galley area includes a large forward-facing window and an access door to the forward platform of the boat. The access door enhances the open concept feel and easy navigation in and around the yacht. It also promotes ventilation throughout the interior. The raised helm station is accessible from the cockpit and side deck, allowing for easy shorthanded sailing and keeping the helmsman close to family and friends. With more than 1000 sq. ft of sail area and an optimized hull design, like all Leopard Catamarans, the Leopard 40 is built to a high standard of speed and agility.  You can customize your Leopard 40 with a choice of interior and exterior coloring as well as an extensive list of options and equipment from industry-leading suppliers to suit your needs underway, crossing oceans, on the dock or at anchor.

AVAILABILITY: Immediatey in Clearwater, FL

• AB Inflatable with 9.9Hp Yamaha (less than 20 hrs)
• 29 hp Yanmar engines
• Bowsprit with Code 0,
• 2X 70 Watt Solar Panels,
• 2KW  Inverter/Battery charger with Monitor
• 600Ah AGM house batteries
• 2X Electric Flush toilets,
• Interior Salon Blinds
• Hot/Cold stern shower
• Large Magma propane BBQ fitted aft
• Custom Aft Cockpit Cushions in Navy Blue 
• Electric Stainless Steel Davits

Recent Service: 

• Bottom Job 8/22
• Engines and AC lines flushed with Barnacle Buster 8/22
• 2 new electrical heads with pumps 8/22
• Inverter/charter 9/22
• Alternators on both engines 1/23
• New raw water pumps on both engines
• New Yanmar gauges on both engines
• New Vitrifrigo fridge/freezer 2/23
• Yamaha 9.9 dinghy outboard in 2021
• Detailed 6/23

Basic Details

• Boat Name: FreeBird
• Make: Leopard
• Length: 40ft / 12.19m
• Location: Clearwater, US
• Price: $340,000
• Fuel Type: diesel
• Hull Material: Fiberglass
• Hull Construction: Composite Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) Sandwich with Balsa core
• Deck Material: Textured GRP
• Rudder Type: Balanced spade rudder
• Keel Type: Multihull
• Designer: Naval Architects Simonis-Voogd
• Where Built: South Africa
• HIN: RACB1013G516
• Layout (Cabins): 3
• Layout (Heads): 2
• LOA: 39 ft 4 in / 11.99 m
• LWL: 38 ft 1 in / 11.61 m
• Beam: 21 ft 1 in / 6.43 m
• Draft: 4 ft 1 in / 1.24 m
• Displacement: 20,591 lb / 9,340 kg

Engines and Controls

• Make: Yanmar
• Model: 3YM30-AE
• Type: Inboard
• Drive Type: Sail
• Prop Type: 2 Blade
• Engine Hours Run / Date: 550
• Controls: Morse
• Cooling System: Heat exchanger
• Capacity: 174.13L / 46USgal
• Material: Aluminum
• Capacity: 389.9L / 103USgal
• Material: Plastic
• Capacity: 90.85L / 24USgal

Accommodations

• Single Berths: 2
• Double Berths: 3

Electronics and Navigation

• Depthsounder: Raymarine i70
• Log Speedometer: GPS
• Wind Speed and Direction: Raymarine i70 & Windex
• GPS: Raymarine Axiom 12
• Compass: Plastimo Contest 130
• Autopilot: Raymarine p70
• VHF: Raymarine Ray 55 at switchpanel & remote at helm
• Radar: HD Colour Rad and AIS 650 Transceiver
• TV Set: In salon and master stateroom
• Radio: Fusion
• Battened Mainsail: Ullman, with Antal system
• Furling Genoa: Ullman
• Gennaker/Cruising Spinnaker: Yes
• Lazy Bag: Ullman
• Genoa Winches: (2) Lewmar 45ST, 2 spd, Self-tailing – (1) Electric
• Main Halyard Winch: Electric Genoa Winch
• Type of Rig: Sloop
• Spar Maker / Material: Z Spars Z Diffusion / Aluminium
• Standing Rigging Material: Stainless steel wire
• Running Rigging Material: Cored braided line
• Mainsail Reefing: Slab single line reefing
• Headsail Roller Furling: Yes
• Electric Winch: Yes

Inside Equipment

• Electric Bilge Pump: 4 x automatic with float switches and alarms in main hulls and engine rooms
• Manual Bilge Pump: 2 x in main hulls
• Air Conditioning: Cruisair 2 x 16000 Btu
• Hot Water: (2) hot water tanks 12 gal/ 46L total
• Fresh Water Pump: Hot and cold fresh water Jabsco Parmax 3.5gal/min with accumulator tank
• Washing Machine: Yes
• Cooker Type: Eno stove top
• Microwave Oven: Yes
• Sink: (1) Basin in galley and dish drainer
• Electric Head: (2) Jabsco electric flush
• Showers: (2) plus transom shower
• Handbasins: (2)
• Upholstery/Color Scheme: Ash naugehyde in saloon and striped cotton covers in cabins
• Interior Construction/Wood Type: Ash laminate and white corian counters
• Refrigerator: Vitrifrigo DT Series 12v - 2 drawer 56gal/212L
• Blinds: In Saloon

Electrical Equipment

• Shore Power: (2) 50' 30amp cables
• Electrical Circuit: 110V
• Battery Charger: 2 kW Inverter/Battery charger with monitor
• Inverter: Victron
• Generator: Northern Lights 6kW
• House Batteries: (3) 4D 600Ah AGM
• Engine Batteries: (2) GP27 100Ah
• Generator Batteries: (1) GP27 100Ah gen

Deck Equipment

• Steering System: Wheel
• Steering Wheel: Yes
• Bimini Top: Hardtop
• Solar Panel: (2) Sunware 70w mounted on hardtop
• Swimming Ladder: Yes
• Cockpit Shower: Yes
• Davits: Yes
• Outboard Engine: 9.9hp (4) Stroke Yamaha
• Dinghy: Yes
• Fenders: Yes
• Cockpit Table: Yes
• Grill / BBQ: Large Magma propane BBQ
• Anchor Windlass: Quick 1000W, Electric
• Primary Anchor: Delta with approx. 200ft chain
• Deck Wash: Fresh/salt
• Safety Equipment: 8 Person Viking Liferaft (needs recertification), Lifejackets

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

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Leopard 40 Review and Common Problems

• Post author By River B
• Post date September 22, 2020
• No Comments on Leopard 40 Review and Common Problems

Leopard began their sailing catamaran line-up with a cruise-worthy 45-foot catamaran. When the charter industry took notice, they requested smaller sailing cats for their fleets, so Leopard provided the 38-foot model, as well as a 42-foot model.

In 2004, Leopard partnered with designers Morelli & Melvin for their Leopard 40 model. Between 2004 and 2009, Leopard produced 136 Leopard 40s before replacing it with the Leopard 39. Then, in 2014, Leopard engaged with Simonis Voogd Design to launch a newer Leopard 40 model that is still in production today with over 210 vessels produced.

The Leopard family is known for award-winning designs, and the Leopard 40 is no exception, having earned the following awards:

• Cruising World’s “Best Overall Import Boat in USA 2005”
• Cruising World’s “Best Multihull 40 Feet and Under” 2005
• Sail Magazine´s “Best Boats 2005”

The Leopard 40 was also honored for innovative achievements by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and judges for Boating Writers International.

It may be best to talk about the features of the earlier Leopard 40 models separate from the current model due to some key changes. But let’s start with some of the similar characteristics, including:

• 30-HP Volvo Engines. The Leopard 40 holds twin 30-horsepower Volvo Penta diesels that can get you moving at 7 knots to avoid foul weather. (Note: you may find a few older Leopard 40s with 21hp engines).
• Flare Hulls for Extra Storage Capacity . While the narrow bows cut through waves with ease, the hulls flare as they move aft for extra stowage capabilities and larger cabin spaces.
• Stock Hardtop Over Cockpit & Helm Station . With stock hardtops on the L40, you can say goodbye leaky canvas biminis. An integrated window provides ample views of the mainsail without having to step into weather or a mid-day tropical sun.
• 3 or 4-Cabin, 2-Head Layout. Unlike many catamarans built for the charter market, Leopard doesn’t try to cram 4 bathrooms into their 4-cabin models. This is great for cruisers who end up with a lot of wasted space with heads they don’t need.

Both the early and late model L40s have spacious interiors with over 6’ of headroom in the salon and cockpit areas. The provide good flow from the sugar scoops to the interior making it unnecessary to step on cushions to get into the cockpit. They also come with a wide walkway between the dinghy davits and the cockpit for safe travel around the vessel or a little extra storage space for jerry cans or dive tanks.

With a bridgedeck clearance of 54 cm, one would expect quite a bit of slamming. However, clearance is not the only factor in whether a catamaran slams. According to Linda and Paul Blackbeard , who crossed both the Atlantic and Pacific in their Leopard 40, they remember only three slams during the entire trip.

Many of the features mentioned in the Leopard 38 Leopard 39 articles apply to the early Leopard 40, from the wide, flat decks, sail controls led to the helm, to the warm interior appointments. As with all Leopard models, galley is up, allowing for better chef-crew interaction. In the early models, the galley is located aft with a pass-through window to the cockpit.

When the Leopard 40 was re-launched in 2014, some notable changes were made to the overall layout, including:

• Removal of the louvered portlights in favor of a more vertical window profile and a pass-thru door to the forward deck.
• Raised helm station
• Replacement of L-shaped dinghy davits with a pivot-down stainless-steel davit system
• U-shaped outdoor seating area to replace the rounded seating area of the older model
• Opening of the salon for unfettered access from aft to forward living areas
• Increased bridgedeck clearance to 3’ – almost unheard of in cruising cats

The effect of many of these changes made the new Leopard 40 far more attractive to the charter market than to the cruising market. Let’s discuss.

What to Watch Out For

Having experienced both the old model and new model L40s, I like the visibility that the new model brings with the removal of the louvers forward. In the older models, the only place you have an unfettered view of your surroundings is in the helm station. However, the addition of the pass-through door and forward, deep sitting area gives one pause about taking the newer model offshore due to the possibility of swamping in that area. While all Leopards are said to have been delivered on their own bottoms, I would want to choose my weather windows extra carefully with the new design.

The newer model also boasts a raised helm seat for added visibility. The drawback is that the design forces the boom higher, thus reducing mainsail area, raising the center of effort, and making it difficult to wrangle the sail while underway.

As with most of the Leopard models, many vessels found on the secondary market will have been in a charter fleet at one time. Watch for excessive moisture in the hulls and deck, which are vacuum sealed with a balsa core. Rot and delamination are possible. Some owners have also complained of excessive condensation and leakage associated with the refrigeration lines. As these are located adjacent to your electrical panel, it’s not something you want to ignore.

Leopards are solid, reliable boats with a strong comfort factor combined with some decent Morelli & Melvin performance. As long as you understand how you want to use the vessel and ensure it is maintained, you will find the Leopard 40 to be a great vessel for couples and small families.

• Tags Catamaran Reviews

River is a licensed USCG Captain with a lifetime of experience on the water. From the San Francisco Bay to the South Pacific, blue water to clear water, he’s sailed a wide variety of catamarans and crawled around in the bilges of more than he can count. You can follow his misadventures at www.tilted.life.

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• ACHIEVEMENTS
• MANUFACTURING

SAILING RANGE

Power range, leopard 40 catamaran, the success of the leopard 53 powercat and leopard 46 powercat has reinforced leopard catamarans’ world leadership in the cruising/blue water/offshore power catamaran market..

The Leopard 40 Powercat completes a modern range, entirely reinvented, and specifically designed to meet the highest requirements of comfort and seaworthiness.

KEY FEATURES

• New Styling
• Interior Upgrade
• Additional Area at Aft End of Saloon
• Larger Cabins
• Separate Engine Rooms

Saloon Features

• Seating and Inside Helm Station (optional)
• Coffee Table or Dining Table Options
• Forward Access to Deck
• New Soft Furnishings for Settees

Galley Features

• Forward Facing L-shaped Galley to Port
• New “Galley Serving Area” to Starboard
• Improved Interior Lighting

Accommodations have been enhanced to make you feel at-home with new soft furnishings, very comfortable beds and great use of space. The Leopard 40 Powercat comes in a three or four-cabin layout. The three-cabin owner’s suite boasts large walk-in closet, desk, and a double vanity.

Forward VIP guest cabins offer spacious, island berths and en-suite heads.

The next generation of

LEOPARD CATAMARANS

Built to provide pure comfort and performance

Engine Specifications

Load Specifications

• 3 Cabin Layout
• Flybridge Layout