Design and Construction
The hulls are vacuum-bagged over a balsa core. By carefully controlling the amount of resin in the layup, this method aims to maximize rigidity while minimizing weight.
Below the waterline, the hulls are deep and narrow. Higher up, they curve outward to meet slab-sided topsides along a distinct chine. In practical terms, this shape reduces wetted surface area while still providing generous room for accommodations and deck space. The hull flare helps deflect spray and adds reserve buoyancy when the boat is hard pressed.
The shallow keels are filled with closed-cell polyurethane foam to prevent water ingress and add buoyancy. Sealed bulkheads at the bow and stern are intended to keep water out in the event of a collision.
Rig, Sailing Performance, and Handling
The Leopard 48 carries a fractional sloop rig with a double-bridle mainsheet. Testers found the bridle robust and easy to fine-tune for mainsail shape.
In 10 knots of wind, the boat made a respectable 8-plus knots while close reaching through a light chop. At a 45-degree apparent wind angle, it held 6 knots. Testers described the helm as responsive, with satisfying feedback when working the shifts, while the motion in a chop was easy and predictable.
One delivery captain reported that the Leopard 48 regularly exceeded 17 knots for hours in heavy weather without burying its bows in the troughs.
Under power, the twin Yanmars drove the boat at 4 knots at 1,000 rpm, 6.9 at 2,000, and 8.1 at 2,500. Working the throttles also allowed her to spin around effortlessly.
Accommodations
The saloon departs from convention with a doorway in the middle of the cabintrunk that leads forward. The door is glazed, so it doesn’t obstruct the view. Inside, a forward-facing nav station sits to port, while a large table and settees occupy the other side of the saloon.
Robertson and Caine built both three- and four-cabin versions. In the three-cabin layout, the starboard hull is devoted almost entirely to the owner’s accommodations. Additional crew space is available in the bows.
Cherry and cherry veneers are used for the trim and woodwork. Overall joinery and workmanship are excellent.
Deck Layout and Access
The forward cockpit is a standout feature, with steps opening onto the bows and a sliding overhead hatch in the forward roof. Aft, the main cockpit provides easy, unobstructed access to a pair of wide side decks. These have flush-mounted hatches and hefty toerails or mini bulwarks for safer movement forward.
A large transverse passage aft allows the crew to cross between the hulls or hoist the dinghy into its davits without disturbing passengers. Testers also praised the abundance of stainless-steel handholds along the cabintrunk.
The Verdict
The Leopard 48 is a serious bluewater catamaran that combines a cleverly chined, foam-filled hull with a practical deck plan and a genuinely well-built interior. It offers predictable motion and strong light-air performance, while its twin-engine maneuverability is exactly what a good cruising cat should provide.
The forward cockpit and transverse aft passage are thoughtful cruising features. The central saloon doorway is more unconventional, however, and some sailors may need time to adapt to it.
Pros
- Balsa-cored, vacuum-bagged hulls with foam-filled shallow keels and sealed collision bulkheads
- Chined hulls reduce wetted surface while preserving interior room and deck space
- Strong light-air and heavy-weather sailing record under professional observation
- Twin Yanmars provide progressive speed and effortless throttle-steered turning
- Excellent joinery
- Versatile three- and four-cabin layouts, with additional crew space in the bows
Cons
- The central forward saloon doorway is unconventional and may not suit every buyer
