Moorings 4700 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The 4700 is widely regarded as a "sailor's catamaran" within the context of production multihulls. Because it shares the same hull and sail plan as the private-market Leopard 47, it benefits from a hull form that emphasizes tracking and stability over raw light-air speed. According to archival reviews from Cruising World, the design excels in "blue water" conditions, where its substantial displacement provides a predictable and comfortable motion.

The boat features a powerful high-roach fully battened mainsail and a balanced jib, typically controlled from a centralized cockpit station that allows for short-handed operation. With a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio that leans toward the conservative side of performance, the 4700 requires a steady breeze to truly come alive. However, once established in 15–20 knots of wind, it is capable of consistent 8-to-10-knot speeds on a reach. Its underwater profile features shallow-draft keels rather than daggerboards, which simplifies maintenance and protects the saildrives but limits upwind pointing ability to roughly 45–50 degrees off the true wind. Owners often note that the boat handles heavy weather with a sense of security that modern, lighter-weight cats often lack.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Moorings 4700 was engineered for high-occupancy luxury. The standard layout for this model is a four-cabin, four-head configuration, where each hull contains two double berths and two ensuite heads. This symmetry was designed to provide equal accommodations for four couples on charter. The bridge deck salon is expansive, featuring a wrap-around settee and a galley-up arrangement that allows the cook to remain engaged with the social environment.

A notable sibling variant is the Leopard 47 "Owner’s Version," which replaces one of the four-cabin hulls with a master suite featuring a large desk, lounge area, and a more spacious head. While the Moorings 4700 primarily utilized more durable, low-maintenance finishes like molded fiberglass and hard-wearing laminates to withstand charter use, many have since been refitted with wood veneers and custom cabinetry in the secondary market. Ventilation is a highlight of this model, with numerous opening hatches and the signature Robertson & Caine forward-facing salon windows that provide panoramic views and natural cooling.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Moorings 4700 and its Leopard 47 sibling have attained a cult-like status among long-distance cruisers, largely due to their proven longevity. The model gained visibility through various YouTube sailing channels and blogs where circumnavigators selected the 4700 for its reliability. It is frequently cited as the "sweet spot" in the Robertson & Caine legacy—large enough for world cruising but simple enough for a couple to maintain. Its presence in the iconic "Moorings" branding across the Caribbean for over a decade made it the face of luxury multihull vacationing for an entire generation of sailors.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a Moorings 4700, the primary concern is the vessel's history as a charter boat. High engine hours and wear on the standing rigging are expected, but several specific technical areas require scrutiny:

• Bulkhead Tabbing: In older models that have seen heavy offshore use, the tabbing (the fiberglass bond) between the bulkheads and the hull can show signs of stress or separation. This is particularly common in the forward sections of the hulls.
• Rudder Bearings: The 4700 is known for developing "play" in the rudder bearings. If the steering feels loose or if there is a noticeable clank when the boat is hauled out, the bearings likely require replacement.
• Balsa Core Integrity: While the hulls are solid below the waterline, the decks are balsa-cored. Buyers should use a moisture meter around all stanchion bases, windlasses, and cleat attachments to ensure no water has permeated the core.
• Electrical Systems: Original Moorings units were often fitted with basic electrical systems designed for simplicity. Prospective buyers should check for "charter-grade" wiring patches or outdated charging systems that may need upgrading for modern lithium-ion or solar integrations.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Moorings 4700 often congregate within the Leopard Catamaran owners' network, as the technical specifications are nearly identical. The Leopard Catamarans official site remains a primary resource for historical data and structural information. Additionally, because so many of these vessels were phased out of the Moorings fleet and sold into private hands, there is a robust secondary market knowledge base centered around the South African builder’s community in Cape Town.

The Verdict

The Moorings 4700 is a "workhorse" of the sea that successfully transitioned from a high-use charter vessel to a coveted blue-water cruiser. While it lacks the contemporary "open-concept" cockpit-to-salon flow of newer models, it makes up for it with a superior motion at sea and a level of structural robustness that is increasingly rare in production boats.

Pros:

• Proven blue-water capability with excellent bridge deck clearance.
• Extremely robust hull construction from a world-class shipyard.
• Four-cabin/four-head layout provides excellent privacy for guests.
• High resale value due to the enduring reputation of the Simonis Voogd design.

Cons:

• Most examples have high engine hours and significant wear from years in charter fleets.
• The interior aesthetic can feel dated compared to modern "light and bright" multihull designs.
• Weight-to-power ratio makes it sluggish in light winds (under 10 knots).