Leopard 38 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Leopard 38 distinguishes itself from its predecessors through a hull design that incorporates a pronounced "step," a signature Morrelli & Melvin feature. This design keeps the hulls narrow at the waterline for reduced drag and better slicing through chop, while flaring out above the waterline to provide the interior volume necessary for comfortable living. When evaluated by Cruising World, the boat demonstrated a surprising turn of speed for a production catamaran, capable of maintaining 7 to 8 knots in moderate breezes.

Handling is characterized by a high bridge deck clearance, which significantly reduces the "slamming" effect common in smaller catamarans when sailing into a head sea. The sail plan is dominated by a large, fully-battened mainsail and a modest overlapping genoa, managed from a raised helm station on the starboard side. This configuration provides the skipper with excellent 360-degree visibility and places all control lines within reach, making the boat manageable for a solo sailor or a couple. The use of fixed skegs rather than daggerboards simplifies operation and provides protection for the sail drives and rudders during accidental groundings.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Leopard 38 was a departure from the darker wood finishes of earlier Robertson & Caine models, opting instead for light cherry veneers and large, vertical windows. These vertical panes are a functional design choice; they maximize internal headroom and significantly reduce the "greenhouse effect" by preventing direct overhead sunlight from heating the saloon. The "galley-up" layout places the preparation area on the same level as the saloon and cockpit, facilitating social interaction.

The boat was produced in two primary configurations. The "Owner’s Version" (3-cabin) dedicates the entire starboard hull to a master suite, featuring a large double berth aft, a desk/vanity area amidships, and an expansive head with a separate shower stall forward. The "Charter Version" (4-cabin) features two symmetrical hulls, each containing two double cabins and two heads, maximizing guest capacity. In both variants, the transition between the saloon and the cockpit is nearly seamless, thanks to a large sliding glass door that creates an integrated indoor-outdoor living space—a hallmark of the Leopard Catamarans design philosophy.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Leopard 38’s legacy is inextricably linked to its role in the Moorings and Sunsail charter fleets. As the Moorings 393, it became one of the most widely recognized silhouettes in the British Virgin Islands and the Mediterranean throughout the 2010s. Its robust construction and ease of use made it a frequent subject of technical reviews in sailing periodicals focusing on the "charter-to-ownership" pathway. It is often cited in cruising guides and YouTube voyaging channels as the quintessential "entry-level" bluewater catamaran for families transitioning from monohulls to multihulls.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should conduct a focused survey on several areas common to used Leopard 38 units, particularly those coming out of charter service:

• Bulkhead Bonding: While Robertson & Caine is known for robust builds, some units have shown signs of movement in the secondary bonding where bulkheads meet the hull. Look for "dust" or tabbing separation in the bilge areas under the berths.
• Escape Hatches: Located on the inboard side of the hulls near the waterline, these hatches are a safety requirement but are known to leak or corrode over time. Many owners choose to permanently seal them for peace of mind.
• Sail Drive Seals: The Yanmar engines are generally reliable, but the rubber diaphragm seals on the SD20 sail drives have a recommended replacement interval of 7 years. Check the maintenance logs for these specific service records.
• Deck Crazing: Extensive "spider cracking" in the gelcoat near the trampoline fixings and the helm station can indicate high stress or sun fatigue, though it is often cosmetic rather than structural.

Community & Resources

The Leopard 38 benefits from an exceptionally active secondary market and owner community. The Leopard Catamaran Owners Group is a primary hub for technical exchange, providing a collective knowledge base for DIY repairs and modifications. Additionally, because the boat was a mainstay of The Moorings, technical manuals and parts lists are often more accessible than those for boutique catamaran brands.

The Verdict

The Leopard 38 remains a benchmark for the sub-40-foot catamaran class, offering a rare balance of South African build quality and American performance design.

Pros

• Superior Visibility: The raised helm station provides excellent sightlines for docking and sail trim.
• Ventilation: The forward-facing saloon window and vertical panes offer some of the best airflow and heat management in its class.
• Robust Construction: Built to withstand the rigors of heavy charter use, making it a durable choice for private offshore cruising.
• Ease of Handling: All lines lead to the helm, allowing for efficient short-handed sailing.

Cons

• Weight Sensitivity: Like all cats under 40 feet, performance degrades significantly if overloaded with heavy cruising gear or oversized dinghies.
• Engine Access: While functional, the engine rooms at the stern can feel cramped for major mechanical overhauls compared to larger models.
• Charter Wear: Many units on the market have high engine hours and interior wear from their time in rental fleets.