Leopard 39 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Unlike many high-volume catamarans that sacrifice performance for interior space, the Leopard 39 utilizes a "stepped hull" design. This allows for narrow, efficient hulls below the waterline to reduce drag, while widening above the waterline to provide the necessary volume for cabins. According to editorial reviews by SAIL Magazine, the boat exhibits surprising agility for a cruising multihull, capable of tacking through 90 degrees without the sluggishness often associated with smaller cats.

The helm station is situated in a raised position on the starboard side, providing excellent visibility of all four corners of the vessel—a critical feature for short-handed docking. All control lines are led back to this station, enabling a single sailor to manage the square-top mainsail and the 120% overlapping genoa without leaving the cockpit. While the Leopard 39 is not a racing machine, its relatively light displacement of roughly 20,000 lbs and a generous sail-area-to-displacement ratio allow it to maintain respectable speeds in light-to-moderate air, reaching 7 to 8 knots comfortably on a reach.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The Leopard 39 was offered in two primary configurations: the three-cabin "Owner’s Version" and the four-cabin "Club" or charter version. In the Owner’s Version, the entire starboard hull is dedicated to a master suite featuring a queen-sized berth, a study area, and a large head with a separate stall shower. The four-cabin variant, commonly seen in the Sunsail 384 fleet, utilizes two symmetrical hulls with four berths and two shared heads, maximizing occupancy for group charters.

The bridgedeck salon features a "galley-up" layout, which ensures the cook remains part of the social activity. The large, vertical wrap-around windows offer panoramic views and significantly reduce the greenhouse effect common in slanted-window designs. Ventilation is a standout feature, with two large forward-facing hatches in the salon that force a breeze through the interior when at anchor. Materials typically include hard-wearing laminates and cherry-finish cabinetry, designed to withstand the rigors of tropical environments while maintaining a modern, airy aesthetic.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Leopard 39’s reputation was solidified early on when its predecessor, built on the same hull, swept the major industry awards. The model is frequently cited in cruising literature as the "gold standard" for entry-level offshore catamarans. It has been featured extensively in technical reviews by Cruising World, where judges praised the Robertson & Caine build quality and the integration of the solar-ready hardtop, which was a relatively innovative feature for its size class at the time of launch.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on several technical areas specific to the Leopard 39's construction and its history in charter service:

• Sail Drive Seals: The boat is typically powered by twin Yanmar 3YM30 engines with SD20 sail drives. Buyers should check the service history for diaphragm replacements, which are recommended every seven years.
• Bridgedeck Slamming: While the Leopard 39 has respectable clearance, like all catamarans under 40 feet, it can experience slamming in short, steep head seas. Inspect the bridgedeck understructure for any signs of stress cracking or previous repair.
• Bimini Drainage: The large hardtop bimini is designed to collect rainwater, but the drainage channels can become clogged with debris, leading to overflow into the cockpit.
• Electrical Loads: Charter-retired vessels may have high hours on the PAGURO or Northern Lights generators. Check the wiring behind the main panel for "owner-added" modifications that may not meet ABYC standards.
• Gelcoat Crazing: Some Robertson & Caine models of this era exhibit minor cosmetic crazing around the deck fittings and stanchion bases, usually resulting from high-stress loads or UV exposure.

Community & Resources

The Leopard community is exceptionally active, providing a wealth of technical support for new owners. The Leopard Catamarans Owners Group is the primary hub for technical discussions ranging from engine maintenance to blue-water modifications. Additionally, Leopard Catamarans maintains an archive of technical specifications and provides direct support for parts through their global network, which is a significant advantage for owners cruising in remote locations.

The Verdict

The Leopard 39 is a robust, well-engineered catamaran that bridges the gap between a weekend coastal cruiser and a legitimate blue-water voyager. While it lacks the massive interior volume of newer 40-plus-foot models, it compensates with better sailing sensations and ease of maintenance.

Pros:

• Exceptional visibility and ergonomics from the raised helm station.
• Superior natural ventilation via forward-facing salon hatches.
• Narrower hulls provide better-than-average sailing performance for a cruising cat.
• High build quality from Robertson & Caine, capable of enduring heavy use.

Cons:

• Limited interior storage compared to larger 40-45 foot siblings.
• Susceptible to bridgedeck slamming in specific sea states.
• The "Club" version (4-cabin) can feel cramped when fully occupied.