Leopard 47 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Leopard 47 is widely regarded for its seaworthiness and predictable handling in trade-wind conditions. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio typically cited around 27, the boat possesses enough power to remain active in light air, a common failing of many cruising multihulls. In editorial tests by Cruising World, the vessel demonstrated a robust ability to carry sail late into building breezes, though its windward performance—like many catamarans of its vintage with fixed low-aspect keels—is modest. Owners often report that the boat feels most at home on a reach, where the slender hull entries and balanced rig allow it to maintain 8 to 10 knots comfortably.

One defining characteristic of the 47’s handling is its low bridgedeck clearance. While this keeps the center of gravity low and the profile sleek, it results in a notable amount of "bridgedeck slamming" or slapping when heading into a chop. This noise can be disconcerting to those transitioning from monohulls, but it is a known byproduct of the Simonis design that focused on stability and lower windage.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The Leopard 47 was produced in two primary configurations: the ubiquitous 4-cabin/4-head charter layout and the rarer 3-cabin "Owner’s Version." In the 4-cabin model, each hull is a mirror image, containing two double cabins with en-suite wet-room style heads. The Owner’s Version dedicates the entire starboard hull to a master suite, featuring a desk area, extensive storage, and a larger forward head.

The bridge deck salon is characterized by its excellent ventilation, provided by forward-facing opening hatches—a design hallmark that Robertson & Caine perfected to ensure airflow at anchor. Interior finishes typically utilized cherry or maple veneers, often featuring rounded "seaworthy" corners to prevent injury while moving about in a seaway. Unlike its power-focused sibling, the Leopard 47 PC, which features a massive flybridge, the sailing 47 keeps the helm station lower and more integrated with the cockpit, though it remains somewhat exposed to the elements without an aftermarket hardtop or enclosure.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Leopard 47 has a significant cultural footprint within the cruising community, largely due to its longevity in the second-hand market. It is frequently highlighted in technical reviews and owner blogs as a top-tier choice for families embarking on circumnavigations. The model gained further visibility through the experiences of long-term cruisers like the crew of Yum-Yum, whose documented multi-year voyages provided a technical baseline for prospective buyers regarding the boat's long-term durability in tropical climates.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

• Bridgedeck Slamming: Potential buyers should conduct a sea trial in choppy conditions to understand the "slapping" noise common to this hull. While structurally sound, the noise level can impact off-watch sleep for some crews.
• Liferaft Locker Integrity: A known design flaw involves the liferaft locker located in the cockpit floor. The bottom panel is often held by bolts that can corrode or vibrate loose, leading to the potential loss of the raft. Many owners choose to glass-in the bottom or move the raft to the transom.
• Balsa Core Moisture: The hulls and decks are vacuum-bonded with a balsa core. While Robertson & Caine’s process was high-quality, any improperly bedded deck hardware on a 20-year-old boat can lead to localized core rot. A thorough percussion test and moisture meter survey are essential.
• Helm Exposure: The factory-standard configuration often included a soft-top bimini, which makes zipping the mainsail stack-pack difficult and offers limited protection. Many buyers budget for a custom hardtop to improve safety and solar capacity.

Community & Resources

The Leopard Catamaran Owners Group remains the primary technical resource for this model, offering extensive archives on refitting the 47. Because the boat was so prevalent in The Moorings fleet, technical support and spare parts for the Robertson & Caine systems are more accessible than for many boutique catamaran brands.

The Verdict

The Leopard 47 is a quintessential blue-water workhorse that offers a superior balance of rugged construction and sailing potential compared to modern, more voluminous catamarans.

Pros

• Robust construction with thicker hull laminates than many modern successors.
• Excellent engine access and mechanical reliability.
• Superior natural ventilation in the salon and cabins.
• Proven blue-water pedigree with hundreds of successful ocean crossings.

Cons

• Significant bridgedeck slamming in head seas due to low clearance.
• The elevated helm station can feel exposed in heavy weather.
• Most examples are ex-charter and may require extensive electrical and cosmetic refits.
• The 4-cabin layout can feel compartmentalized for a live-aboard couple.