Leopard 40 PC Power Catamaran Review

Catamaran appeal has been growing for the better part of a decade and once the sailing cats demonstrated the benefits of two hulls (stability, space, system redundancy and easy maneuverability), they paved the way for their power brethren. Powercats have outpaced growth in all other segments of boating and have been catching the eye of cruisers looking to explore on two hulls. Understanding this trend, South African multihull builder, Robertson & Caine, has introduced the third model in their power lineup, the Leopard 40 PC which promises to be a hit.

Vessel Design

Above: 2023 Leopard 40PC power catamaran. Photo by Leopard Catamarans.

The Leopard 40 PC is a from-scratch design by naval architects Simonis Voogd who took on the challenge of duplicating the comfort and performance of the two larger models (46 and 53) but on a much smaller platform. Squeezing the same amenities into a smaller package is always a challenge as is getting the same ride characteristics out of shorter hulls that are more weight sensitive. Nevertheless, the designers managed both well.

Performance

Standard propulsion includes 250-hp Yanmar diesel engines but our test boat was fitted with twin 370-hp models that did well on the flat water of Biscayne Bay in Miami. At 1000 rpm, we slipped along at 5.7 knots making 4.8 mpg. We found the top end at 3880 rpm and 22.7 knots making .6 mpg. At 15 knots, we settle in around 1 mpg which would provide an approximate range of 350 miles at cruising speed depending on conditions.

Above: 2023 Leopard 40PC power catamaran. Photo by Leopard Catamarans.

Handling while on plane was precise with no slipping or digging in. Visibility was good forward and along the starboard hull. When driving from either the upper or lower helm, it would be beneficial to add a backup camera. Slow speed maneuvering was excellent with the twin screws set so far apart, but you can add a tunnel thruster to the port bow for extra control when docking in windy conditions. If you add the thruster, you can also spec a Yanmar JC20 joystick although that’s really not necessary because it’s easy to get comfortable driving with just the twin engines in a short time. The engine rooms are insulated to minimize noise and vibration and they’re accessible when it’s time for engine maintenance.

On Deck

Above: 2023 Leopard 40PC power catamaran. Photo by Leopard Catamarans.

On the foredeck, you’ll find twin sunbeds, an enormous locker to stow fenders and dock lines, and a well-designed mooring arrangement. The windlass, anchor and pre-rigged bridle are out of the way but safely accessible. High stainless steel rails run along the perimeter of the deck which is appropriate for an offshore boat so anyone (big or small) can move along the deck safely.

Above: 2023 Leopard 40PC power catamaran. Photo by Leopard Catamarans.

The cockpit is on the smaller side and that’s because most guests will want to relax up on the flybridge which the builder says is the largest in its class. The forward starboard corner up here is dedicated to the upper helm with twin Raymarine MFDs, thruster and engine controls, and autopilot. The seat is extra wide for two or more, and the backrest flips forward to create a seat that then faces aft toward the U-shaped dinette. A galley module is optional.

The whole flybridge is protected by a hardtop which can also support a large solar panel array that will keep the batteries topped up so the genset doesn’t need to run as long ort as often and that will save at the pump.

Onboard Living

Above: Stateroom head on the 2023 Leopard 40PC power catamaran. Photo by Leopard Catamarans.

The Leopard 40 PC offers only one layout and that includes three cabins and two heads. The starboard hull is dedicated to the owner’s suite with a vanity desk amidships that may be replaced with drawers and cubbies for extra storage. As a bonus, there’s additional drawer stowage below the large bed aft.

The head in the master cabin uses nearly a third of the hull length and offers a massive shower stall which can be used as a wet locker. However, the toilet is right next to the door which isn’t ideal and it would be worth a discussion to see if the basin could be moved farther forward.

Two guest cabins and a single head occupy the port hull. The decision to forgo trying to insert two heads on this side was a good one and means there’s now plenty of room for a decently sized shower stall.

The salon is deceptively large on a such a compact cruiser. An inside helm is in the starboard forward corner and it’s a feature that will be present in both private boats and the ones destined for charter. It’s an unusual but excellent addition to a boat in this class and will be welcome on passages in excessively hot or cold weather and when it’s raining. The dash holds a single MFD, engine throttles, and the optional joystick control.

Above: Interior of a 2023 Leopard 40PC power catamaran. Photo by Leopard Catamarans.

The whole salon is bright thanks to the large vertical windows and airy due to the forward centerline door. Not only does this door lead forward and directly to the sunbeds, it also brings in loads of fresh air and cools the boat quickly in the tropics.

In the port forward corner, you’ll find an L-shaped settee that wraps around a table and faces a single bench seat on the opposite bulkhead. An L-shaped galley is aft. It features a ceramic cooktop, a separate oven, a single sink and a large side-by-side refrigerator just like at home. There’s lots of stowage space for provisions as well chef’s tools and dishes. This well-thought-out space is only steps away from the dining table in the aft cockpit and that allows for single-level living.

Try Before You Buy

The Leopard 40 PC is the third model in the line to feature the builders’ new aesthetic and it’s impressive that the designers have brought so many big boat features and upmarket amenities to this compact cruiser. Able to entertain 20 at a time, this is also the perfect powercat for two adventurers with an eye toward speed and style. As tested, expect a price tag around $1 million. You can try it before you buy it because half of the production volume is destined for charter with The Moorings. Why not take one out for a spin on a weeklong vacation to decide if this is the powercat for you?

Specifications:
LOA: 40' 0"
Beam: 21’ 8”
Draft: 3' 7"
Displacement: 30, 488 lbs.
Bridgedeck clearance: 2’ 4”
Fuel: 370 gallons
Water: 170 gallons
Engines: 2 x 250 hp up to 2 x 370 hp
Base Price: $789,000 base or $1,049,000 as tested

View Leopard power catamarans for sale on YachtWorld now

Written by: Zuzana Prochazka

Zuzana Prochazka is a writer and photographer who freelances for a dozen boating magazines and websites. A USCG 100 Ton Master, Zuzana has cruised, chartered and skippered flotillas in many parts of the world and serves as a presenter on charter destinations and topics. She is the Chair of the New Product Awards committee, judging innovative boats and gear at NMMA and NMEA shows, and currently serves as immediate past president of Boating Writers International. She contributes to Boats.com and YachtWorld.com, and also blogs regularly on her boat review site, TalkoftheDock.com.