Leopard 40 (2015-2020) Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Leopard 40 is frequently praised for its balance between comfort and surprising agility. With a sail area-to-displacement ratio (SA/D) that leans toward the performance end of the production catamaran spectrum, it avoids the "slug" reputation of some contemporaries. The rig is a conventional fractional sloop, often equipped with a square-top mainsail on private versions to capitalize on light-air performance. According to testing by Cruising World, the boat exhibits respectable pointing ability for a cat without daggerboards, thanks to its deep, high-aspect keels.

Handling is centralized at a raised helm station to starboard, which offers excellent visibility of all four corners—a critical feature for short-handed docking. All control lines are led back to this station, allowing the skipper to manage reefing and sail trim without leaving the safety of the cockpit. Under power, the twin Yanmar engines (typically 29hp or upgraded 45hp units) provide a cruising speed of 7–8 knots. The hull design features a stepped-hull configuration, which keeps the waterline narrow for speed while flaring out above the water to provide significant interior volume.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Leopard 40 (2015–2020) was a radical departure from traditional catamaran layouts of its time. By moving the galley aft and facing it toward the cockpit, Sail Magazine noted that the designer created a seamless indoor-outdoor living area. The most distinctive feature is the forward-facing door, which provides direct access to the trampoline and forward seating area, effectively doubling the ventilation throughout the saloon.

The boat was offered in two primary configurations: the "Owner’s Version" (3 cabins, 2 heads) and the "Charter Version" (4 cabins, 2 heads). In the Owner’s Version, the entire starboard hull is dedicated to a master suite, featuring a large queen berth aft, a desk/vanity area, and a spacious head with a separate shower stall forward. The 4-cabin version utilizes symmetrical hulls with two guest cabins and a shared head in each. Interior finishes transitioned during this production run from a traditional cherry wood to a lighter "ash" or "grey" aesthetic, reflecting contemporary design trends.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Leopard 40 earned significant industry recognition upon its debut, most notably winning the Cruising World Boat of the Year award in the "Best Cruising Catamaran" category for 2016. Its popularity is bolstered by its ubiquity in global charter fleets; however, it has also gained a following among "sea-vloggers" and long-term cruisers who value the Robertson & Caine build quality for transoceanic passages.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While the Leopard 40 is built to high standards, prospective buyers should focus on several model-specific areas:

• Forward Door Seals: The signature forward cockpit door relies on a high-quality rubber seal. In older units, these can perish or become misaligned, leading to water ingress during heavy weather or when washing the deck.
• Sail Drive Maintenance: The Yanmar SD20 or SD60 sail drives require meticulous attention to the lower seals. Buyers should check for "milky" oil, which indicates water contamination.
• Balsa Core Integrity: Robertson & Caine uses balsa-coring in the topsides and decks for weight savings. While the hulls are solid GRP below the waterline, any aftermarket deck hardware installations that weren't properly sealed can lead to localized core saturation.
• Electrical Systems in Ex-Charter Units: Many Leopard 40s come from the Moorings or Sunsail fleets. While professionally maintained, these boats often have high engine hours and may require an overhaul of the 12V house systems and battery banks to suit private cruising needs.

Community & Resources

Owners of this model benefit from a robust global support network. The most prominent technical resource is the Leopard Catamarans Owners Group, which serves as an unofficial technical wiki for sharing maintenance tips and modification ideas. Additionally, because the boat is a staple of the The Moorings and Sunsail fleets, spare parts and technical drawings are generally more accessible than those for boutique or low-volume catamaran builders.

The Verdict

The Leopard 40 (2015–2020) remains one of the most sought-after mid-sized catamarans on the brokerage market due to its innovative layout and proven blue-water durability.

Pros:

• Innovative Ventilation: The forward cockpit door is a game-changer for tropical cruising.
• Ease of Handling: Centralized helm with clear sightlines makes it one of the easiest 40-footers to sail solo.
• Resale Value: Strong demand in both the private and charter-exit markets keeps residuals high.

Cons:

• Cockpit Space: The aft cockpit can feel slightly more cramped than competitors because of the space dedicated to the forward cockpit.
• Bridge Deck Clearance: While adequate for most conditions, some slamming may occur in short, steep head seas compared to larger models in the Leopard range.