Moorings 4000 (2005-2009) Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The influence of Morrelli & Melvin—best known for high-speed racing multihulls—is evident in the 4000’s tracking and agility. The boat features a generous sail plan of approximately 1,030 square feet, supported by a fractional sloop rig. With a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of roughly 25, it possesses the power-to-weight ratio necessary to perform in light air, a rarity for production cruising catamarans of this vintage. Robertson & Caine highlights that the fine-entry bows and clean underwater profile allow the vessel to tack through 80 degrees, even under mainsail alone in less than 8 knots of wind.

In open water, the 4000 is noted for its "feel" at the helm, which provides more feedback than the hydraulic systems found on many contemporary competitors. The raised helm station to starboard offers excellent visibility over the coachroof and concentrates all control lines—halyards, jib sheets, and mainsheets—into a central winch pod. This ergonomics-first approach makes the boat exceptionally easy to handle for short-handed crews. Furthermore, the design incorporates a bridgedeck clearance of roughly 3 feet, a technical choice specifically intended to minimize the "slamming" or "pounding" often experienced by catamarans in a confused sea.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Moorings 4000 focuses on a "galley-up" configuration that maximizes social flow between the saloon and the aft cockpit. This model introduced the "stepless" entry, where the cockpit and saloon floors are on a single level, separated only by oversized sliding glass doors. The saloon is characterized by its large, forward-facing windows equipped with external louvers—a signature aesthetic of this era—which provide shade and serve as steps to the coachroof.

The model was primarily produced in two variations:

• The 4-Cabin/2-Head "Charter" Layout: Standard for the Moorings 4000 fleet, this configuration provides four identical double cabins, with each hull sharing a large head featuring a separate shower stall.
• The 3-Cabin "Owner" Layout: Marketed as the Leopard 40 Private version, this variant dedicates the entire starboard hull to a master suite, including a study area and a larger forward head.

Materials throughout the interior utilize a blend of beech wood veneers and solid trims, designed for the durability required in high-use environments. Ventilation is a high priority, with forward-opening ports in the saloon and multiple hatches in each cabin to capitalize on the airflow inherent to the catamaran's beam.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a former Moorings 4000 should prioritize a rigorous structural survey, as most of these hulls have spent their formative years in rigorous charter service.

• Balsa Core Integrity: The hull and deck are constructed using vacuum-bagged E-glass over a balsa core. While this provides stiffness and weight savings, any poorly sealed deck hardware can lead to localized moisture ingress. Specialized attention should be paid to the areas around the coachroof steps and stanchion bases.
• Saildrive Diaphragms: The standard twin Volvo Penta 29hp or 30hp engines utilize saildrives. The rubber diaphragms have a recommended service life of seven years; on a 2005-2009 model, these should have been replaced at least twice.
• Bulkhead Tabbing: Although Robertson & Caine is known for robust builds, the high mileage of charter work can lead to stress at the tabbing where the bulkheads meet the hull. Look for "working" or cracked gelcoat in the bilge areas and behind cabinetry.
• Window Seals: The iconic convex side windows and forward louvers can develop leaks over time due to UV degradation of the sealant. Check for water staining on the beech veneers below the window lines.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Moorings 4000 and its Leopard 40 sistership are supported by a robust global community. The Leopard Catamarans Owners Group is the primary hub for technical exchange, providing access to original manuals and modification advice specifically for the Robertson & Caine platforms. Technical data and historical context are also maintained by the builders at the Robertson & Caine official archives.

The Verdict

The Moorings 4000 (2005-2009) remains one of the most balanced 40-foot catamarans on the secondary market, offering a rare combination of genuine sailing performance and offshore durability.

Pros:

• Superior sailing performance and light-air agility compared to newer, heavier catamarans.
• Excellent bridgedeck clearance reduces slamming in heavy weather.
• Highly ergonomic "stepless" cockpit and saloon layout.
• Designed by Morrelli & Melvin, ensuring better-than-average hull efficiency.

Cons:

• Most examples on the market have high engine hours and wear from charter history.
• The balsa-cored construction requires vigilant maintenance of deck seals.
• Interior volume in the hulls is slightly lower than more modern "high-volume" designs.