The resulting design was nearly 4,000 pounds lighter than its predecessor despite being two feet longer. It quickly captured the industry's attention, winning Cruising World’s Best Overall Import and Best Multihull 40 Feet and Under in 2005. Built as a sister ship to the first-generation private-market Leopard 40, the Moorings 4000 featured a robust build quality designed to withstand the brutal demands of a charter fleet. The interior, distinguished by cherry-finished cabinetry and highly durable laminates, is arranged with practicality in mind, focusing on heavy ventilation, generous headroom, and direct access from the saloon to the cockpit.
Variations & Configurations
Designed primarily to maximise occupancy for charter parties, the Moorings 4000 is almost exclusively found in a symmetrical four-cabin, two-head layout. In this configuration, each hull contains two double cabins sharing a central head and shower, a layout that works exceptionally well for groups but can feel slightly confined for long-term liveaboard cruisers. Conversely, the private sister-ship version (the Leopard 40) was available in a three-cabin owner's version that dedicated the entire starboard hull to a master suite.
All versions of the 2005–2009 model feature a fractional sloop rig with a standard fully-battened mainsail and a furling genoa, supported by twin fixed keels that draw a highly versatile 3.87 feet. Propulsion was typically delivered by twin Volvo Penta diesel engines (ranging from the standard 19-horsepower to optional 30-horsepower units) driving sail transmissions, though some models in the fleet were delivered with twin 29-horsepower Yanmar engines.
Sailing Performance & Handling
The influence of Morrelli & Melvin is immediately apparent when sailing the Moorings 4000. Boasting a highly potent sail area to displacement ratio of 24.86, the boat feels light, responsive, and unusually agile for a cruising catamaran of its vintage. On a close reach in moderate winds, it easily tracks at 8 to 9 knots, with some owners reporting double-digit speeds under ideal conditions without feeling overpressed.
A capsize screening ratio of 3.14 highlights the boat’s inherent beam-derived stability, while its displacement to length ratio of 142.06 indicates a slippery, easily-driven hull form. Unlike many production catamarans of the early 2000s that suffered from low bridgedeck clearance and aggressive, tiring pounding in a head sea, the Moorings 4000 features generous under-wing clearance and "tulip-shaped" stepped hulls that deflect spray and cushion the ride through a chop.
However, because weight is the enemy of catamaran performance, the boat can develop significant weather helm if overloaded with heavy cruising gear. When sailing upwind, the lack of daggerboards means the boat is best kept at a sailing angle of 50 to 60 degrees off the wind; attempting to pinch closer can stall the boat out and drag it into irons.
Market Snapshot & Economics
On the brokerage market, the Moorings 4000 is highly regarded as an accessible entry point into blue-water multihull cruising. Because these vessels almost universally started their lives in demanding bareboat charter fleets, they trade at a relative value discount compared to privately owned, single-owner Leopard 40s.
Buyers must budget for what is colloquially known as "charter aging." While Robertson & Caine’s structural engineering is incredibly tough, five to seven years in a charter fleet can equal decades of private use in terms of cosmetic wear and tear, engine hours, and system fatigue. Consequently, an attractively priced Moorings 4000 often requires an immediate capital injection for major refits. However, because the boat enjoys a strong reputation and high brand recognition, well-refitted models command a premium and are highly liquid when it comes time to resell.
Known Issues & Triage
Prospective buyers must conduct a rigorous structural survey, specifically focusing on the balsa-cored construction. Robertson & Caine utilized vacuum-bagged, balsa-cored fiberglass sandwich panels for both the deck and the hulls. While the builder took precautions—such as using solid fiberglass under load-bearing hardware—decades of subsequent owner modifications or poorly sealed deck fittings can lead to water intrusion and localized balsa core rot. Moisture readings should be taken meticulously around stanchions, cleat backings, and the sugar scoops.
Another model-specific vulnerability lies in the steering system 5. Over time, water can penetrate the fiberglass rudder skins, causing internal delamination or separation from the metal rudder stocks. This shows up as a wobbly or unresponsive helm. The lower plastic rudder bushings, typically sourced from JP3, are also prone to cracking and wearing down, requiring haul-out replacement.
Additionally, the original routing of the refrigeration lines is a known annoyance. On many units, these lines were run too close to the main electrical panel without sufficient insulation, leading to chronic condensation issues that can trigger wiring corrosion if left untriaged.
Modernization & Upgrades
For owners looking to take a Moorings 4000 off-grid for long-range cruising, several modernization paths are well-documented within the owner community. The most common upgrade is a complete overhaul of the electrical system. Replacing the original heavy lead-acid house bank with a 900 Ah to 1,300 Ah lithium (LiFePO4) battery bank, paired with high-output alternators and DC-to-DC chargers, significantly improves energy density. To support this setup, owners frequently construct a custom aluminum arch over the stern. This arch serves a dual purpose: it acts as a robust davit system for the tender and provides a rigid mounting platform for up to 1,400 watts of modern solar panels.
Auxiliary machinery upgrades often focus on the sail drives and propulsion. Replacing the original fixed two-blade props with three-blade folding propellers greatly reduces drag under sail and enhances reverse thrust maneuverability. Finally, many owners choose to bypass the high power demands of legacy 110V watermakers by installing modern 12V energy-recovery systems, such as a Spectra Catalina unit, which can easily run directly off the upgraded solar and lithium bank.
The Verdict
The Moorings 4000 (2005-2009) remains one of the most successful entry-level cruising catamarans ever built, representing a masterclass in how to merge charter-ready durability with genuine sailing performance. It is an exceptional choice for couples or families seeking an affordable, stable, and quick coastal or blue-water cruiser. While buyers must be prepared to tackle the maintenance realities of an ex-charter boat, its robust build and pedigree ensure that any structural or system upgrades will be well rewarded in the long run.
- Excellent sailing performance with a high sail area to displacement ratio and minimal bridgedeck slapping
- Robust structural construction built to handle the rigors of ocean deliveries and charter fleets
- Shallow draft under four feet, perfect for Bahamas cruising
- Highly ergonomic, single-level flow between the saloon and aft cockpit
- Strong resale value and liquid market appeal
- Symmetrical four-cabin charter layout lacks the dedicated space and storage of an owner’s suite
- Susceptible to core rot if deck penetrations and hardware are not meticulously re-bedded
- Rudders and lower bushings are prone to water intrusion and wear
- Limited payload capacity; performance drops significantly when overloaded with heavy cruising gear
