Moorings 4000 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Moorings 4000 is engineered for predictable, stable passage-making rather than high-performance racing. Built with a vacuum-bonded GRP sandwich construction and a balsa core, the hull features the signature Robertson & Caine "stepped" design. This allows for a narrow waterline to reduce drag while flaring out above the water to maximize internal volume. On the water, the boat is characterized by its high bridge deck clearance, which significantly reduces the "slamming" effect often found in smaller catamarans when sailing into a head sea.

According to technical reviews by Sail Magazine, the sail plan is designed for ease of handling by a couple or even a single-hander. The mast is stepped further aft than on previous models, allowing for a larger, more efficient headsail and a shorter, more manageable boom. The raised helm station to starboard offers excellent visibility of all four corners of the boat, which is essential for docking in tight Mediterranean or Caribbean slips. However, like most cats in this weight class, it requires a significant breeze to come alive; in light air under 10 knots, the relatively high displacement-to-length ratio means sailors will often reach for the ignition of the twin Yanmar diesels.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Moorings 4000 is a study in "galley-up" efficiency. Because this model was primarily configured for The Moorings’ fleet, the standard layout is a four-cabin, two-head configuration (often referred to as the "Club" version). This maximizes sleeping capacity for large groups, with each hull containing two double berths. In contrast, its sibling, the Leopard 40, was frequently sold in a three-cabin "Owner’s Version," where the entire starboard hull is dedicated to a master suite.

The hallmark of the interior is the seamless integration between the aft cockpit, the galley, and the forward cockpit. Large wrap-around windows provide nearly 360-degree visibility from the saloon, a feature noted by Cruising World as a major contributor to the boat's "open-air" feel. The materials are chosen for longevity, featuring hard-wearing Corian countertops and synthetic floorboards that resist the wear and tear of sandy feet and salt water.

Popular Mentions & Media

The design foundation of the Moorings 4000 (as the Leopard 40) earned it the prestigious "Boat of the Year" awards from both Cruising World and Sail Magazine upon its debut. It is a frequent subject of YouTube cruising channels focusing on the Caribbean and the Bahamas, where it is often cited as the entry-level "blue water" catamaran for families transitioning from monohulls. Its cultural footprint is firmly rooted in the "shared economy" of yachting, as one of the most successful 40-foot platforms in the history of global chartering.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a pre-owned Moorings 4000 should focus their inspection on areas common to high-use charter vessels:

• Forward Door Seals: The signature front door is a masterwork of ventilation, but the rubber gaskets and locking mechanisms require regular inspection to ensure they remain watertight in heavy weather.
• Engine Hours: As many 4000s spent their lives in charter fleets, engine hours are often high. Inspect the Yanmar sail drives for any signs of seal failure or "milky" oil, which indicates water ingress.
• Bulkhead Bonding: While Robertson & Caine is known for robust construction, owners on technical forums often recommend checking the secondary bonding where internal furniture meets the hull to ensure no tabbing has flexed loose during heavy offshore passages.
• Standing Rigging: Given the age of many units now hitting the secondary market, the standing rigging may be nearing its 10-year replacement interval.

Community & Resources

The Moorings 4000 benefits from one of the most robust support networks in the multihull world. The Leopard Catamaran Owners Group serves as the primary technical hub for owners of both the Leopard and Moorings-branded variants. Additionally, because so many units were built, Robertson & Caine maintains an extensive parts catalog, and technical support is widely available through the global network of The Moorings and Sunsail (where the boat was often branded as the Sunsail 404).

The Verdict

The Moorings 4000 is a quintessential "living platform" that happens to sail remarkably well for its size. It trade-offs extreme light-air performance for unparalleled social space and ventilation.

Pros:

• Innovative forward cockpit provides superior airflow and social space.
• Robust construction capable of long-distance blue water cruising.
• Excellent visibility from the raised helm station.
• High resale value due to the global reputation of the builder.

Cons:

• Requires significant wind to perform well without engine assistance.
• Four-cabin charter layout can feel cramped for a private owner compared to the three-cabin version.
• Internal aesthetics lean toward "functional" rather than "luxury custom."