Design and Construction
The 52 follows the design footsteps of earlier Leopards but with modern touches, including vertical bows and a long hull window running nearly 80 percent of the catamaran's length. Robertson & Caine employ advanced composite infusion construction with a one-piece hull mold, a reverse deck mold, and expansive glass saloon windows that together deliver hull and deck strength with panoramic views. Simonis Voogd optimized the hull shape to reduce pitching and improve turning compared with previous models, and the deck plans were completely revised to improve crew accommodation. A forward watertight door gives safe foredeck access and excellent natural ventilation, while panoramic wraparound windows flood the saloon with light.
Rig and Handling
Naval architects Simonis Voogd optimized the Leopard 52 for performance and ease of handling, and the boat is designed to be sailed short-handed or even single-handed. The powerful rig pairs an overlapping genoa with a stepped hull design and a taller mast and longer boom than the Leopard 50, delivering 17 percent more upwind sail area than the 50. The boom sits slightly lower than previous models, a tweak that improves upwind performance and gives easier access to the stack-pack for safer sail handling. An optional square-top mainsail and Code 0 in Ulman's Aramid fabric are offered, with the Code 0 capable of exceeding true wind speed. Leopard's signature protected helm station allows single-handed sailing with all lines leading aft, and the upgraded twin-seat helm provides superior visibility and easy access to both social areas and controls.
Accommodations
On deck the 52 provides 438 square feet of integrated indoor-outdoor living, with three distinct outdoor areas. The saloon's stackable sliding doors open fully to merge with the expansive aft cockpit, where an L-shaped bench to port and a seat to starboard surround a table that seats six; an optional folding table joins the interior table. A built-in chaise longue and customizable table configurations invite gatherings, while the forward cockpit offers sunbeds for solitude. Adjacent to the elevated helm, a coachroof lounge lets crew connect while underway. Below, oak flooring with rounded corners and a forward-facing galley with full-size appliances overlooking the trampoline define the interior; the saloon table converts from coffee table to full dining setup. Ten layout options span 4-, 5-, and 6-cabin configurations, with optional forward and aft utility rooms housing workbenches and a washer/dryer.
Equipment and Systems
Raymarine touchscreen navigation, digital switching, and system monitoring come standard, complementing a solar-ready hardtop with a factory-integrated array of up to 1,600 watts supporting energy independence. The optional Electric Thrust System from Joool adds 2 x 25kW electric drives, 2 x 27kW lithium batteries with integrated fire suppression, and a 24kW range-extending genset, with hydro-regeneration under sail and touchscreen monitoring at the nav station and helm. Standard engines are twin 57-hp Yanmars, with 80-hp units optional. Comfort options include a dishwasher, wine fridge, induction stove top, and a built-in grill at the swim platform.
The Verdict
The Leopard 52 is a thoroughly modern flagship that refines a proven charter-and-cruiser lineage into a boat equally at home under owner or fleet use. Her revised deck plans, short-handed capability, and genuine blue-water brief make her a serious liveaboard catamaran rather than a deck salon showpiece.
Pros
- Simonis Voogd hull optimization reduces pitching and improves turning over the Leopard 50
- 17% more upwind sail area and taller rig than predecessor, with single-handed protected helm
- 438 sq ft of integrated indoor-outdoor living across three distinct outdoor areas
- Factory solar to 1,600W and optional Joool hybrid with hydro-regeneration
- Ten layout options from 4 to 6 cabins with utility room upgrades
Cons
- Loaded optional hybrid and comfort spec implies significant systems complexity for owners
- Vertical-bow, large-window styling prioritizes light over the sheltered foredeck feel of older gens
