Design Brief & Intent
The core mission of the Moorings 4000 was to bridge the gap between high-volume charter accommodations and genuine blue-water capability. Robertson & Caine wanted a boat that felt and functioned like a 44-foot catamaran but remained within a 40-foot slip profile. To achieve this, Simonis Voogd Design utilized hulls with vertical bows and a subtle hull flare above the waterline to maximize interior space without increasing the wet footprint.
The defining architectural feature of this model is the forward-access door leading directly from the saloon to the forward trampoline and bow area. This design provides unparalleled ventilation through the saloon and creates a seamless flow of movement throughout the boat. The interior aesthetic represents a departure from traditional dark timbers, utilizing light, modern ash or blonde wood finishes. Large panoramic windows wrap around the coachroof to flood the saloon with natural light, while the galley-forward layout ensures that the chef remains integrated with guests in both the saloon and the aft cockpit.
Variations & Configurations
The vessel was primarily built in two distinct interior configurations. The charter-focused four-cabin, two-head layout maximizes berth space, placing two double cabins and a shared head in each hull. This layout is highly practical for large groups but sacrifices storage space. The more coveted "Owner’s Version" (typically found in private Leopard 40 configurations or retired charter vessels) features a three-cabin, two-head layout. In this arrangement, the entire starboard hull is dedicated to a master suite, complete with a queen-sized island berth, a writing desk, dedicated storage, and an expansive forward head with a walk-in shower.
The sailplan is uniform across the run, utilizing a high-aspect fractional rig supported by a stout, deck-stepped aluminum mast from Z-Spars. Propulsion is delivered by twin diesel engines, with Volvo Penta powerplants being standard on many charter-designated hulls, typically outputting 29 horsepower per side and driving through sail drive transmissions.
Sailing Performance & Handling
With a displacement of 20,591 pounds and a sail area-to-displacement ratio of 21.98, the Moorings 4000 is surprisingly sprightly for a cruising catamaran of its weight class. It moves willingly in light air when carrying a square-top mainsail and a overlapping genoa. The capsize screening ratio of 3.22 places it firmly in the safe zone for offshore multihulls, providing excellent initial stability and peace of mind in heavy weather.
At the helm, the boat displays predictable handling, with all control lines led directly to the elevated starboard helm station. This arrangement allows for safe, single-handed sail management from a protected position. The comfort ratio of 13.45 highlights the boat's gentle motion in a seaway. High bridge deck clearance minimizes the frustrating under-deck slamming or pounding that plagues flatter-bottomed catamarans. While the fixed, low-aspect twin keels restrict the boat from pointing as high as a performance daggerboard catamaran, it tracks beautifully off the wind and handles reaching angles with impressive speed and stability.
Known Issues & Triage
For buyers looking at retired charter units, a few model-specific areas require close inspection. The signature forward saloon door relies on a heavy-duty rubber compression seal. Over time, exposure to UV radiation and salt can cause these seals to degrade, leading to water ingress into the saloon during heavy nose-to-wind sailing or deck washdowns. Replacing this seal and checking the alignment of the door latches is a common and necessary maintenance task.
Another area of concern is the balsa-cored GRP sandwich deck construction. While the core provides excellent rigidity and weight savings, any poorly sealed aftermarket equipment installations—such as solar panels, davits, or antennas—can allow moisture to penetrate the core. A thorough marine survey using a moisture meter around all deck penetrations is highly recommended. Additionally, the sail drive lower seals require routine inspection; milky transmission oil indicates water contamination, which requires immediate haul-out and seal replacement to prevent gear damage.
Modernization & Upgrades
As these vessels transition from active charter service to private blue-water cruisers, owners frequently invest in upgrading the onboard systems for extended off-grid living. The standard lead-acid battery banks are typically replaced with high-capacity lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) systems. This conversion is usually paired with a high-output inverter/charger and substantial solar arrays, often mounted on a custom-fabricated stainless steel arch over the aft davits.
Because the forward cockpit layout reduces the traditional space available for large foredeck solar arrays, the aft arch upgrade is highly recommended. To support extended cruising, owners also install highly efficient 12-volt watermakers, which can run directly off the upgraded DC lithium bank. Replacing standard halogen lighting with efficient LEDs and retrofitting modern, split-system air conditioning units are also popular upgrades that make the boat exceptionally comfortable when at anchor in the tropics.
The Verdict
The Moorings 4000 is an exceptionally engineered 40-foot cruising catamaran that successfully balances charter-born durability with liveaboard comfort. It offers an open-concept living space that rivals larger vessels, combined with a robust build quality capable of safe ocean passages. For those willing to perform the typical post-charter triage and system upgrades, it represents one of the most practical and comfortable mid-sized cruising platforms on the water today.
Pros:
- Highly innovative forward saloon door providing unmatched ventilation and deck access.
- Robust Robertson & Caine construction designed for rigorous ocean deliveries.
- Excellent bridge deck clearance that significantly reduces under-deck slamming.
- Well-engineered starboard helm station that routes all major lines for easy single-handed sailing.
- Open, single-level flow between the saloon and aft cockpit that maximizes social space.
Cons:
- Forward door seals require regular maintenance to maintain absolute watertightness in heavy seas.
- Balsa-cored decks demand careful monitoring for moisture ingress near stanchions and fittings.
- Fixed twin keels limit upwind sailing angles compared to daggerboard catamarans.
- Retired charter hulls often require immediate upgrades to electrical systems and electronics.
