Leopard 46 / Moorings 4600 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Leopard 46 is widely regarded as one of the better-performing production catamarans of its generation. With a reported Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 30.56, it carries significantly more canvas relative to its weight than many of its contemporaries. This power, combined with the fine entries of the Morrelli & Melvin hulls, allow the 46 to perform admirably in light air. In a 2007 sea trial by Cruising World, reviewers noted that the boat’s speed nearly equaled wind speed in light conditions, a rarity for a cruising multihull weighing over 24,000 pounds.

Tracking and sea-kindliness are enhanced by the boat's high bridge deck clearance, which minimizes "slamming" in choppy conditions. The steering is often described as responsive and communicative, thanks to a well-balanced helm and a raised steering station. This "mid-level" helm provides the skipper with an excellent 360-degree view of the vessel and direct access to all primary sail controls, including the mainsheet traveler situated on the hardtop. While it does not point as high as a daggerboard-equipped performance catamaran, the Leopard 46’s fixed keels are optimized for a respectable upwind angle, making it a capable passage-maker across varied wind regimes.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Leopard 46 was a departure from previous R&C designs, moving toward a more integrated, open-concept living space. The galley-up configuration is standard, featuring a large U-shaped workspace that serves both the salon and the cockpit through a folding countertop. A hallmark of the Robertson & Caine design language is the use of forward-facing louvers on the coachroof; these serve as both a shading system and a functional step to access the boom.

The boat was produced in two primary configurations:

• Owner’s Version (Leopard 46): This layout dedicates the entire starboard hull to the owner, featuring a queen-sized island berth aft, a dedicated desk/study area amidships, and a massive head with a separate walk-in shower forward.
• Charter Version (Moorings 4600): This four-cabin/four-head layout maximizes accommodation for the charter industry, providing four identical en-suite cabins.

Ventilation is a particular strength of this model. Three large opening ports in the forward salon windows allow for exceptional airflow, a feature emphasized in early reviews by Blue Water Sailing as critical for comfort in tropical climates. The use of cherry-finished cabinetry and durable laminate flooring reflects a balance between maritime tradition and the high-wear requirements of charter service.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Leopard 46 has maintained a strong presence in the sailing community, frequently appearing in long-term cruising logs and social media. It gained renewed attention through the YouTube channel "Zingaro," where a salvaged Leopard 46 (the Zingaro) was extensively documented during a major refit and subsequent voyages. The model’s reputation for durability is also reinforced by its selection as a Sail Magazine Top 10 Best Boats winner in various iterations, further cementing its status as a benchmark for the "blue-water capable" production catamaran.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Leopard 46, particularly those coming out of the Moorings or Sunsail charter fleets, should focus on several technical areas identified by long-term owners:

1. Portlight Leaks: A common complaint involves the original Lewmar portlights. Over time, the seals can fail, or the acrylic may develop crazing. Owners frequently report needing to rebed or replace these units to prevent cabin sole damage.
2. Saildrive Maintenance: Many units were equipped with Volvo Penta or Yanmar saildrives (commonly the SD-50). These require rigorous maintenance of the cone clutch and seals. Buyers should verify if the thrust washers have been upgraded or if the units have been serviced to prevent slipping.
3. Balsa Core Integrity: While the hulls are solid GRP below the waterline, the decks and topsides are balsa-cored. It is vital to check for moisture ingress around aftermarket-installed solar racks or davits where hardware may not have been properly bedded.
4. Bulkhead Tabbing: In older models that have seen heavy offshore use or hard chartering, a survey should include an inspection of the bulkhead-to-hull tabbing to ensure there is no delamination or movement.

Community & Resources

The Leopard community is highly active, supported by the Leopard Catamaran Owners Group, which provides a repository of technical manuals and refit guides specific to the 46. Additionally, the Moorings Owner Association offers resources for those navigating the transition of a vessel from a charter fleet into private ownership.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Performance: Exceptional SA/Disp ratio for its class, providing genuine sailing capability in light air.
• Visibility: The raised helm offers superior sightlines for docking and sail trim.
• Ventilation: Innovative forward-facing opening ports ensure excellent airflow in the tropics.
• Redundancy: Separate engine rooms and robust electrical systems designed for offshore autonomy.

Cons:

• Aging Systems: Older Moorings 4600 units may require significant electrical and plumbing overhauls.
• Interior Light: The louvered windows, while excellent for shade, make the salon slightly darker than more modern "vertical window" designs.
• Weight Sensitivity: Performance can degrade significantly if overloaded with heavy cruising gear.