We just wanted to say a big THANKYOU to everyone who is commenting, whether you're a passionate Leopard owner (of which there seems to be many!) or a hardcore monohull sailor- or perhaps you're just watching for our charm and wit and don't care less about the boats. Understandable. It's fair to say, this video has generated a lot of discussion over the forward facing cockpit in particular and Leopard catamarans in general. We just want to reiterate that our opinions are merely that: opinions. You're allowed to disagree- in fact, we encourage all opinions, so that anyone reading the comments gets a rounded view, and not just ours. So thankyou to all of you who have put forth an opinion different to ours, and have done so in a productive and civilised way, inkeeping with our goal of generating useful and practical information for anyone who's interesting in boats and sailing. Much love, Nick & Terysa
Thanks for these great reviews. Ofc there will always be different views about different boats. Fellow channel Sailing Sisu is specifically referring to you at 3:15 in ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-JXs5_Yx7cS0.html about the forward facing cockpit.
@22:13 you say that you can have delivery by sea from S. Africa, but my sales rep told me they ship them freight. I'm not sure if that's true across the board or if it was just the 2021 Leopard 45 I was on.
Regarding the forward cockpit - Word on the water is - it's one of the best places on the boat. Your safety and weight concerns are misplaced. The boats are built in freaking South Africa - the harshest sailing conditions in the world. There is zero problems with water - drainage - or the door. There are a dozen reasons why the forward works well. Here's at least one reason - when you're med docked you have a private outdoor area to relax. You don't have to feel like a fish in a bowl when docked in tight quarters. Another reason - at anchor - the wind often blows towards the setting sun - and your boat stern will gravitate that way - the forward cockpit gives you shaded protection from the sun. If you follow any of the channels that have a forward cockpit they are used constantly - and the owners (people who have them) say they would never have another boat without that space.
Exactly. One of the key reasons I plan to get a used Leopard with it. Should help to not need air conditioning running. I’ll probably be looking at a 44...
We own a new Leopard 45 2017 and disagree with comments on forward cockpit. We've crossed the Gulf Stream at least 5 times; the Gulf twice and in serious storms with 40kt winds; 10'ft seas. This boat is a beast and handled it greatly. Water that enters forward cockpit drains as fast as it enters. Not a drop of water through the door or any issues. Waves were crashing over sun window in salon & everything was good. I suggest you ride on one and get a feel for how it performs. you won't be disappointed. We are getting ready to do a 800 nm trip across Caribbean to Bonaire non stop. I have no worries on how this boat will handle it. We are circumnavigating around the world on it and I know of others that are doing the same. Comments regarding performance are way off. In regard to where the emergency life raft is stored - you know it can be moved right? We moved ours to behind the helm seat. Easy access but out of the way for on top deck.
We've done 7.2k nm in 4 months in our Leopard 45, crossing over 60 latitude degrees (meaning, no weather prediction is working as promised and one finds oneself almost every day in a different wind zone), also the last 1,250nm passage was upwind. You are right, we could not go lower than 45 degrees off true wind, but we also found that at 45 degrees at 7kts boat speed, we were prone to slamming into the first quarter cross swells. But the forward cockpit, we still love it, especially Trade downwind sailing. Into the wind or beating, we do not use it at all.
PS. during our 31 day passage we did a lot of downwind trades sailing and during that phase, we had every night a sunset dinner in the forward cockpit. It is perhaps the view, or the safety of be kind of inside (almost the as you feel about the helm enclosure), while having dinner with a view. ..anyone crossing the oceans on the milk route, will love the forward cockpit during long passages.
Sounds like you have never been out on the ocean and experienced the power of the ocean. Take a gander at some RU-vid videos showing the damage to ships made entirely out of steel.The kinetic power of a large wave is incredible. Unless that door is made of steel, mounted in steel, a huge wave will crush that salon door like a pretzel.
I have watched a bunch of magazine boat reviews and they have nothing over you two! A intelligent couple researching the best purchase for a cruising live-aboard boat, are the best people to go to for advice.....especially when you find yourself agreeing with most everything they are saying. Thank you two for all your efforts!!
Yes, the forward cockpit issues are worst-case-theoretical, but they are still something to consider. If you plan on sailing around the Horn to the Pacific, it requires even more thought. When you are spending this much on a boat, it has to be capable for the mission you intend.
The galley being forward was a smart design. Love the forward cockpit vs just having slanted windows with steps! If the forward facing cockpit floods then you get a Jacuzzi😏
I’m smiling while I watch this looking at you in your “cherry wood coloured boat “ . I have a late 2009 Leopard 40 which is one of the last 40’s of this style. Mine is also cherry wood. From 2010 all the new Leopards are this “ modern light colour with square interior. It certainly makes the boat seem MUCH roomier. I think you have to get used to it. Personally I prefer the cherry dark wood. I was lucky enough to be in Cape Town in Feb this year with Lenny and Randy to view their brand new performance 50 Leopard. Alex Simonis the designer spent an hour chatting with us about the boats. Just out of interest they sailed the 50 with a full main and full Genoa in 30 knots off Cape Town before the rope clutch slipped so these boats can for sure handle heavy weather. The reefing for the 50 actually starts at 15 knots for safety sake. There are things I prefer on my Leopard proper lexan shower doors in both showers. The new ones don’t have this. I like my U galley in the back corner of the saloon as you can cook in any weather out there. The new ones don’t allow for this. I see the value of the bimini of being level with the coach roof as in open sea it helps with water but on anchor that open gap gives you loads of fresh cool air. The new davits like Nicky and Jason have is also a huge improvement. Personally I would hate an engine in my living space so having the engines outside the boat in their own compartments for me is a big plus. This pretty much rules out drive shafts. As you can see I am a leopard fan and owner but will be renting a FP in September in Turkey so I will compare a bit more then 😊👍
Something overlooked with the forward cockpit is that it is a great spot to douse misbehaving sails. Just lower the code zero/parasailor/whatever in the fwd cockpit, where there is no wind and deal with it later. Also it's the best cool shaded seat in the house after spending the day in the sun. They should have kept the stainless posts to support the forward rooftop. Good luck with your search!
Oh, yeah, that happened to us on a few occasions! We are only two people on board. A Code D unfurled in a high wind in Cape Town and on another occasion, the spinnaker halyard snapped and we had to get that sail back. Both times the forward cockpit was absolutely a safe haven to get that sail out of the wind.
I'm with you Nick on the aesthetics. I live in Australia and it reminds me of a lot of the new apartments they build over here where they try to be stylish while at the same time hoping not to offend anyone's taste. The result is this rather bland, light veneered, slightly off white and grey that is inoffensive but also lacks any sense of character. Another great review. Keep 'em coming!
Sail drives are awesome as it moves the engine out of the cabin & into the very rear of the boat - that weight shift now gives you options like forward facing cockpits & bigger salons.
Hi guys. We just finished 8 days on a Lagoon 45 in the BVI. This 45 had the forward cockpit but no door into the saloon from the bow. The ladies love it for lounging, I found it great for an afternoon cocktail at anchor as the breeze blows right on you. Safety wise I felt very exposed at the helm, this was the sport version which has the helm station very similar to the Leopard 45. The feeling of exposure came from the fact that with a beam seaway catamarans tend to have a jerky motion which made me feel like I could be thrown out of the helm station overboard if we had more severe conditions. I think a safety bar across the opening would be appropriate. The Lagoon did have the life raft cage on the stern which is easily accessible whether right side up or vice-versa. Sailing performance sucked (full disclosure - I have raced my entire life and have always owned well behaved/performing mono-hulls), it was like driving a tank. Even in 20-25 knot winds we were lucky to hit 8-8.2 knots. The crew agreed (but they are all from the same background as myself). As for livability. There were eight of us and the saloon layout and cockpit layout worked well. The galley had enough room for several chefs, the saloon table was large enough for all, we had plenty of storage (needed it as when we arrived our cockpit was the talk of the dock, stacked high with cases of beer and liquor), water and fuel capacity were enough for eight people for the week. Overall experience was good (we reserved another 45 Lagoon for next year). Love your videos. Thanks.
A couple of things I’ve noticed: this example you’ve toured appears to be the 2018 layout, 2019 version changed a few things - it now has Island beds, for instance. Leopard claims that the boat was designed to float as if the front cockpit was filled of water. I’d like to see someone try it for real. The other thing I’ve found interesting was the life raft position - another RU-vid channel called Sailing Sisu had their life raft moved to the transome - freeing up an additional locker and solving the life raft concern. I’ve watched a few of your videos now and I’m pretty sure that a charter cat isn’t really for Nick. He seems too much of a sailor, and too into sailing for that. I suspect they’ll wind up on a boat with dagger boards - probably an Outremer or similar. Full disclosure - the leopard 45 is my circumnavigation fantasy boat because it will do the passages well enough and give me an awesome home at anchor. But I’ve never sailed a day in my life and I might take a different view after some sailing lessons.
we have ab 2017 L45 and have sailed it in serious winds & waves (40kt; 10-ft waves) Waves crashed over sun roof in salon thats how serious it was. The forward cockpit drained as fast as water entered. I wish I videoed it so that others could see. Maybe on another trip. The designer Alex Simon also sailed it in serious conditions with intent of filling the front cockpit area. Couldn't be done, it drained as fast as it filled. This boat is da bomb! Open floor plan; easy access to all mechanical items for ease of work; great airflow. Recommend you take a sail on one & see how great they are.
I thought you were going to say it was your favourite so far! We chartered one a few years ago and I wish I could support your optimism of 'should be quick offwind'. We only had white sails and had a lot of folks on board but holy crow, you couldn't say it was quick. Very, very comfortable to live on in a marina but bouncy and lots of windage at anchorage and we had to keep resetting through the night. Close quarters handling under motor in a breeze is hard because of the windage, which caught me out and I hit a fuel dock (not proud of that). We had a lot of water over the boat one day and I never once feared the forward-looking cockpit filling up. Motoring upwind into 30 knots the biggest problem was refracting waves off the hulls coming right over the boat and sluicing off the top of the bimini. it was like standing on a dock wall on a stormy day. This was my first ever foray in a cat and I didn't get the buzz, but the family loved it. I was so tired from staying on anchor watch and then sailing that we paid out EUR 300 for a night in Porto Romana in Ventotene, IT. That alone was enough to put me off cats for life although it's an amazing place to stay.
I love these reviews. So much better than those I have seen before. But I think those channels were more into the coastal cruising and comfort at anchor and not thinking about ocean crossings. They worry about whether it is one or two bay sinks and if there are seats at the bows. And they almost never look at the build quality of the steering and those things. So yours are much more thorough. Can't wait for the next one. I think Chshrkt has a good point about looking at an older boat. Refit it to what you want and save a ton that can be applied to traveling instead. Seems to be better economics. Plus the older TDI Lagoons from the 80"s have solid FG hulls so are much stronger so I heard. Never seen on in person so I could be totally wrong about that. But a solid non cored hull would be my choice for crossing oceans. Anyway I can't wait for the next one and to start seeing the vids on your journey through the French Canal system. Take care!
@@sailingrubyrose the sailing family recently put out an interesting video on cat comparisons. they are now in an outremer but were in a lagoon 38 like a decade ago. have you seen it??
That forward cockpit is a game changer for leopard, full grab rails are another nice touch. Seawind and exquisite are faster than a leopard but it's hard to beat.
Great job. A good, fair and balanced review, using your own criteria and based on your sailing objectives and preferences. Disappointing a few can’t seem to grasp that different people can have different criteria etc, and seem to think anything less than worship is justification for abuse - please ignore and block them. Keep doing what you’re doing.
ALL CAUGHT UP! Officially waiting for the next Vlog to come out . love you guys... so fun to watch. Fantasizing about the Seawind 1600...wow! 23kts!!!!! Can't wait to see what you both choose and to see how you handle the new boat and what it has to offer. Also to see what you may miss in the monohull and old faithful..Ruby Rose...One. Keep up the great videos, editing, and amazing charisma you both share! Cheers to you both!!
I like the interior furnishings of Ruby Rose. Looks well made, nice wood, rounded corners, quality fittings. The quality is still enjoyed long after the price is forgotten.
Love your reviews though I find a bit of ambiguity in ranking various components amongst production brands. Also your comments on forward cockpits - all the production brands have them in one form or another now and many semi custom brands are following. Think about how much time you spent forward on Curiosity! In my thoughts while initially I liked the Leopard covered front cockpit I know lean towards a non-covered cockpit to give a different experience from the rear cockpit. My thoughts.
@@FeelItRising Would never even consider a Cat but what would I know Im looking for a 28ft Bristol Channel Cutter. But have lived on the Ocean am a boat builder and composite technician and know what I want to put my life in the hands off single handing around the world.
My wife and I have been looking for a catamaran for a few years now. Loved hearing your feedback on the leopard. We are looking for a live aboard catamaran. We need all the advice we can get to grab the perfect vessel. I'll keep watching all the info you give helps. Thank you.
Remember, even these sailors who come back to "ocean crossing" many times in all of their reviews note that 90% of the time they are at anchor or mooring. Most others say 95% as I would say. The wider hulls and more spacious saloon together with the forward cockpit that always has a breeze (if there is one) since that is the part of the boat with the anchor is forward, make the Leopard ideal. The Corian countertops have rims that allow firm grasp. The corners may be a theoretical injury risk but have never been an issue for us. Just one more opinion...
I agree with you about the interiors of the leopards being a bit IKEA. In the same size range, the lagoon 460 has a nicer interior. As far as the forward cockpit is concerned, I do like them as they provide a very well ventilated space at anchor. The Leopard version isn’t nearly as good as the Chris White designed sailing cockpits. Best, Maldwin
in my opinion the best and safest catamaran in the price range, with a good price performance ratio. Qualitatively clear about Lagoon and FP. The cat has a good sailing performance and is safe for Oceancrusing.
So guys, help me out here. Are you telling me because of the forward cockpit, it’s not an offshore boat? Has there ever been a reported incident with that? There are a ton of these boats everywhere. I do know the forward cockpit is wildly popular when underway.
I beleive when building your dream boat you put the features YOU THE OWNER WANTS NOT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE WANT.....It doesn't get any simpler than that !!!
Let’s agree to disagree on this. This is my (basic) take on this.... 1 cubic metre of water weighs one tonne. This cockpit is about 3 cubic metres, so 3 tonnes. In a heavy breaking beam sea, or beating into it, you could end up getting a 3 tonne weight at the front of the boat every few minutes or seconds. That to me would push the rudders out of the water, affect steering etc. In addition to this, I know from Ruby Rose that our scuppers get blocked all the time. Leaves, bits of paper, peanuts, you name it. If you even partially block a scupper that cockpit won’t drain as effectively. Similarly, if you have a couple of tonnes of water in the forward part of the boat it is going to be more prone to submarine. I totally see the benefits of the cockpit for lounging at anchor, but not in heavy weather.
Just saw the 2021 Leopard 45 this weekend and agree with your assessment about it feeling like it was IKEA. I was NOT a fan of the angular/contemporary lines, I bumped into things and hurt my thumb at one point. And that's just with the boat sitting in the marina. The other thing I personally wasn't a fan of was how 'cramped' the cockpit lounge and salon were. They have these huge oversized tables and tight seating everywhere. Tables aren't removable for just lounging around. There's plenty of space below and plenty of storage space, but the up-stairs area is just 'busy.' Hard to explain. The lounging areas I expected were really in the flybridge, but then you're exposed to the elements. This feels to me more like a day boat than what I'd expect of a proper live-aboard cruiser - but again, I'm new to this... still learning. Just my initial impression.
Thank you for creating these videos. Your reviews are some of the best I have seen for the cats. On the front cockpit, I think you should enjoy them first hand. We have gone several times on vacation specifically renting the Leopard 444 because of the front cockpit. There is shade, there is wind, speakers are right next to you if you like to enjoy music while you sail, table is great for a drink or snacks, the occasional splash makes it fun too, is by far the best place while sailing between islands. I understand the seaworthiness point. Horses for courses.
Good honest review. My question is always what am I paying for? Without access to the factory, I cant judge construction materials and fabrication Technologies. The French dominate CAT Market, but what is the cost of labour in France? Vs. China, Vietnam or South Africa? The labour is major cost of boat. However the French s builders are like the Silicone Valley of Sail boat manufacturing. They certainly have decades of experience and technology to offset some of the labour advantages of developing countries. New boats depreciate 20-25% first year and 10 per cent per year thereafter for 3 or 4 years So I rather spend $600,000 or a million on a Used, quality boat like PRIVILEGE. Than buy a new charter boat. Cheers From Toronto
You guys are quite right to focus on the aspect of living on this boat. The bleached looking wood is cheap appearing in some ways? A dishwasher and dark wood found on Privilege cats is more eye appealing from a living aboard perspective.
Get the Leopard 50 , cruisers pick their weather windows so I really dont see what the issues are here. 90% of the time you are going to be at anchor , not pounding into 40 knots of head winds.
He said he doesn't like the boat, and went into details as to why. If that's not enough for you, then you're clearly biased or unreasonable. Either way, if a buyer does not have confidence in a boat, they generally won't consider purchasing. That's reasonable and in my opinion, extremely easy to understand.
@@venomguysydney Really, that's all you could muster? Why did you even bother responding if all you're going to say is something elementary and pointless?
I would just say working in the automotive industry volume is an advantage. Getting parts, service is a lot easier if there are a lot of your kind of vehicle (or boat) out there and it’s likely to be cheaper than a custom or less popular make. Ocean going is not a priority for me, at least I’m the five years ownership window most advisors recommend. So for me the L45 or Lagoon 46 will be perfect. Maybe I’ll get the blue water bug later and trade up to an Outremer or Seawind.
Hi guys!! Thank you so much for your review!! Its nice to see a truly "neutral" review! Although we believe the Leopard is a "sexy sexy" cat but your comment about it appearing as a "Ikea" boat really rings loud. We have watched and drooled over them for years and have not taken the plunge. We learned to sail on a cat and have never sailed a monohull. Then we saw your boat is for sale 🧐❤️
We just finished 2 weeks sailing a Sunsail version of the 45 in varying winds in Croatia. We could hold 45° upwind. At 50° it moved along very well, but the 38 and 41 ft mono hulls cleaned our clock upwind. When we were doing 9.4 on a beam reach they were left in the dust. On a reach were could often do 2 knots under wind speed with no problems. Using the full sized sails that it is designed to carry I would suspect performance is better.
It would be really cool if you guys would add a bonus video where you review a Neel 47 trimaran. Often wondered if it’s the best of both worlds (mono and cat) or the worst. It’s the first Tri that is truly appealing to a lot of folks considering full-time sailing, and it seems to be a bargain due to the relative obscurity of the trimaran market.
Would the lack of expanding foam in the conduit be a function of adding wires etc after purchase? Then once the mods are complete you simply spray expanding foam into them.
It's possible, but they should have something to cap it since a hole that size allow a lot of water to enter the boat in a short amount of time... it also allow critter to enter the boat too...
Not sure, but don't forget these boat show catamarans belong to someone- they've already undergone commissioning and so should be a completely finished product. So I'm thinking no. Leopard have kindly offered to have us onboard for a sail later in the year, so we can interrogate them then :)
@@sailingrubyrose Oh... So these are boat already sold to someone... my bad... hum... I wonder if they could get into trouble for allowing a flaw like that not to be fixed because for me, a place that let water enter easily in the boat from a hidden spot (or hard to see) it's a flaw from my point of view...
@@sailingrubyrose They don't fill the holes for after market installation purpose and beyond that point it is up to the new owner. That is why the hole is so large as well. Some good advice please pan your camera back to show more of the boat, you are to close or get a wide angle lens. Also In one video on another cat you are commenting how small the Trampolines were and you didn't even show them. I'm sure I speak for most when I say we would rather see the boat than watch you explain a detail of the boat, In other words show what you're talking about. Just some friendly advice. Other than that great videos and thanks for the effort I know it's not easy!
The liferaft is an optional extra. Skip buying from the manufacturer and buy through your outfitter. Then you can choose to get a case mounted on the raids. You also get to choose your features such as guaranteed self righting.
Excellent review!!! As always, you guys are very thorough! Its a very nice looking catamaran, although I am not a fan of the wet head. I need to have separate showers in all the heads! Thank you for sharing.
Met a couple here in SXM recently who sailed over from USVI on their Leopard 45. When they arrived they discovered that one of their rudders had simply fallen off. No thanks!
Love these reviews! You guys bring out some really good points about the boat (both positive and negative). Wouldn't it be something if the manufacturers made changes based on your review without a price increase! Like milling a rounded edge from the start on all the joinery or relocating the liferaft. Little changes can make a big positive impact. Thanks for sharing.
Really informative n great pics to show you around. I personally would choose ( without seeing the rest) a sleek cat, with exceptional pointing. Once you get a big 45 ft cat you won’t be at the dock. ( expensive)You will prefer to cruise . I would think pointing n speed to be your best friend. Also a more maneuvering cat would be safe in a heavy mixed sea with high winds. Just my personal feeling which you have brought out in your videos. Thx
Awesome review like usual. Quick thought on the conduits. While I agree I’d like to see them filled before taking the boat on a long voyage, when taking delivery of a new boat it would be nice having the conduits empty for accessories and customization, and filled after the first few months of ownership once you know you don’t need to run new lines. You could also use a rubberized epoxy that stays pliable instead of an expanding foam so the waterproofing can be removed at a later date if more lines need to be ran.
I am totally with Nick on this one - angular ain't my thing, I think the theme is pretty/stylish but it would bug me after a while - I think the Lagoon beats this one. This hasn't got the Chill Factor! Having said that, you would be arriving in style no matter which harbour you pulled into.
Again another great video love the way you break things down into the different categories and just your perspective on certain things so keep up the great work and keep having fun sailing
Good information thanks for sharing I really liked that forward cockpit area but I never thought about taking a wave over the bow and filling it up that could be dangerous in my humble opinion one of the smartest things I've seen in a catamaran is a Helm inside like on the gunboat in the H&H and a few others possibly you could put another Helm in the cockpit or if you have one inside you could put one on the rear swim platform like the Nauti Tech
Again I would say some fair and well meaning review. Your cons I agree - but would have some more: - the engine room was not well accessible - the push rod of steering just across the hatch? And nearly no space to stand easy beside the engine? - Yes, navigation forward is absolutely preferable. But it seems to be too tiny. And the seat is a nogo. There you should sit long hours? Nearly no back rest? - You don't like the front cockpit. I could arrange with it, if it wouldn't fill up - 45 seconds is a long time. But other comments about sail handling are also remarkable. What seems to be fine is the large ceiling that covers the windows against sun - that's super. - Interior: Well - looks like IKEA. I would be afraid about the durability of that. - You were pleased about the grabrails, I would ask to build them all the way in one piece. - Helmstation: yes in parts ok, but looks extremely windy; complains about the safety are due in my eyes. - Your complains about storing the live raft - absolutely valid. Also: I would pretend on a storing location were you even can get it if capsized. - Aesthetics - well for me it seems to be a permanent problem - you own a superior boat; I can't imagine a production catamaran that has nearly that aesthetics and build quality inside as the Southerly. - Furniture: When I saw details in your walk around on the surfaces I was disgust. It looks like other charter boats. That top surface of the furniture picks up sweat, dirt and so on - my concern would be that it will look shabby soon. I have additional question - perhaps to many of that catamarans: You are talking about a sea going vessel. Always that huge front windows, in that cat very rectangular. Will they absolutely stand any wash at sea?
Liked the overall Leopard design and styling, but yes the woodwork is a bit Ikea. Can see why they're popular as charters. Helm looked sensible. Gunboats collectively have sailed the world many times over with a forward cockpit. Lifeboat is absolute last ditch survival if the boat is burning or sinking, particularly during a passage. It makes sense that a dinghy would get used before a lifeboat during a fire given the greater convenience, particularly at anchor. Of course a lifeboat would be far more beneficial than a dinghy when ditching in the middle of the ocean.
I just subscribed after watching several of your episodes. You are such an attractive couple and I enjoy your videos. I try to limit how many cruising video channels I subscribe to because I'd just sit in front of my computer all the time otherwise. Adding your channel brings me up to ten cruising channels I'm following. I have 50 years of sailing, sadly precious little of it off shore. 40 years ago I had begun a series of steps which should have led to sailing a 51' Wharram cat, with some friends, to the South Pacific. That plan fell apart. Photography is my main hobby. Both of my interests coincide with cruising these days. I've really enjoyed watching your episodes evaluating catamarans. Your method is quite like something I would do. Most of my major purchases (car, boat, house) involve spreadsheets. I've thought quite a bit about mono-hull vs cat for cruising. It really began to grab my attention when the SV Delos crew did a few episodes on catamarans. To me the bottom line is answering the question are you "sailing" or "cruising". I love the motion of a mono-hull. There's nothing that matches having the boat healed with the rail in the water. A nice heavy and lengthy sailboat smooths the action. On the other hand, after watching so many channels with cats it is quite apparent that having a the stable platform of a cat makes cruising much more comfortable. One thought on the (hopefully) avoidable big weather. Yes a cat can flip over but it is unlikely to sink. On the other hand a mono is much more likely, if holed, to sink. I successfully lived through holing the starboard hull of the Wharram cat (my fault entirely), sailing it 80 miles with a temporary patch and lots of bailing, and beaching it with the tide so I could repair it. As for my "ratings" of the boats you've critiqued I would add just a couple of personal comments. I have a bit of claustrophobia. So much so that I had to turn down a month aboard my friends cat which is currently in the Caribbean. I would find the V berth of a mono hull easier to take than the narrow hull of a cat. I agree with Terysa about the ventilation in the birth area. So when you show a berth in any of the cats I always choose those which are not of the performance/narrow hull variety. But there are so many things attractive about a cat. Key things about a cat for me are redundant engines, lots of deck and structure space for solar panels, a dingy mount between the hulls, and as you mentioned the ability to stay on the same level as the cockpit when in the salon or galley. I look forward to your choice and your future adventures. Thank you for your video editing which I know takes so much time.
Leopards have had a forward cockpit since 2011. Other manufacturers longer than that. Leopards have crossed every ocean and do so everyday. HOW MANY LEOPARDS HAVE BEEN LOST DUE TO THE FORWARD COCKPIT? Answer: 0 You need to interview Lenny and Randy. That'd be good content too.
But Lenny and Randy are exactly who Terysa and Nick say the Leopard is designed for... coastal cruisers and holiday sailors. When SV Happy Together needs to cross a large body of water they hire a delivery skipper. Of course if they sail their new Leopard 50 across the Atlantic from SA I'll eat my hat. 8-p
@@oceandrew get your appetite ready. They announced their circumnavigation plans already. They hired that captain due to their job schedules not sailing capability of themselves or the boat. (I think they went back the other direction thru the canal by themselves with the help of Randy's son?) Their new 50 is in Fort Lauderdale now at Just Cats. It came across on a boat.
I think the issue isn’t that the new Leopards aren’t capable of crossing oceans- of course they are. But they’re designed for coastal cruising and chartering. Not circumnavigation. Does that mean you can’t circumnavigate in a Leopard? Of course not. You definitely can. But it’s not specifically designed for that purpose and the forward cockpit is an example of that. That’s what we were attempting to convey.
The design and purpose of a Leopard is no different than any of the big 3 production cat makes (yes, I've too have been on all 3). I wouldn't compare a Leopard as it were a Gemini. & the answer is still 0 losses due to a forward cockpit. Leopard catamarans are the only catamaran brand certified both in Europe and the Americas (NMMA Certified - ABYC Standards & CE Certified - CE Standards) - from their website
Roger, we had our previous boat which was a lovely Hanse 320. Certified cat A in Europe, and as they sold them in the USA I guess the same. I wouldn’t have taken that boat across an ocean. It wasn’t up to the job. It’s strange how the Leopard review has really rattled people’s cages. I have removed some of the more offensive remarks, but jeez, it’s a good boat. I just don’t want a forward cockpit for heavy weather sailing.
Wow, what a crowd, I would think that a couple powerful media types could get an early boat show viewing! I wish the BoatTEST folks were as succinct and down to earth as you two are...great content!
Trinidad...great prices for cushion covers and curtains. Stainless steel work is excellent in workmanship and price. They can probably create a great life raft cradle with a two-way gate and float-away capabilities.
Hey Guys..nice review. We just crossed the Atlantic in our 44 Leopard and will be cruising the Med for the next year or so. If we cross paths out there, we can give you a first hand review! Always enjoy your videos. We stopped in Alvor for a few days based on your review and loved it. Thanks!
Great video. Would love to see a review of the Leopard 40 when you get a chance which is more our size and price range. I love your video on the Seawind 1260; however, I still cannot convince my wife of galley down.
Fascinating review guys - so honest and backed up with your thought process. This one is clearly not suited to your particular requirements, but I can see its appeal to users with different priorities.
Great work & thanks for these reviews. Seawind 1600 still my fave so far.Big enough to live on in comfort but also a good sailing boat that very seaworthy.
Without reading all the comments and replies below I will say that the first law(?) of searching for an ocean crossing blue water cruiser is: Is it safe? Everything else is secondary, nice to have, etc. In my opinion, if you want a condo, get a condo. I am also looking for a "sail away boat" so I wish I one of these were safer, but I don't see anything (in my perceivable price range, e.g. Anteres) that has the safety margin I am looking for. I would buy a cat even though the sail to wind angle is a lot wider and with the capsize/rouge wave issues, but I have doubts of safely single handing one of the newer leopard/lagoon/fontaine catamarans.
Maybe I have just gotten spoiled with Nikki and Jason's wonderful videos of their time in their Leopard 43, but none of the boats you have shown so far come close to making me want them more than Curiosity. I would seriously consider just getting an older cat and completely refitting it, rather than buying a newer "built to a price-point" boat.
So that's that one out then Nick :) I don't know of you have access to South African boats, but because the Rand is through the floor they offer incredible VFM, one called the Maverick 400 / 420 I think it was
Galley is too small: no dishwasher, no microwave oven, and not enough work area. I saw your follow up video on this Leopard, and I agree on the emergency raft. The forward facing cockpit has a reason for its popularity. Imagine that you have solar panels over the davit and you are anchored somewhere. While anchored, the boat will be oriented to minimize shading on the solar panels. This means the forward facing cockpit will be facing north, and this will become the cooler side of the boat during daylight hours. If you are somewhere on the Northern hemisphere during the summer, this might be just the place to go during the day.
Another great video 😊 Looking forward to the one comparing the four big brands. We have just bought a 2107 Leopard 40 here in Australia and whilst it doesn’t have the large forward cockpit you still have the door which I love and you can sit with cushions under the overhang for shade. One of my favourite spots to sit. I agree about the wood colours and the cockpit cushions and helm seat are very hard. The helm seat should be deeper and have a more angled back not good for sitting for long periods not sure if it’s better on the 45. Looking forward to more of your very informative videos. 👍
Hi With regards to the Front Door. I see it as a safety feature rather then any thing else. on shifts i believe going through the front door is more safe then going around. where there are all the elements shaking boat, water and only thing is grab rails to hold on. thats my opinion. Happy searching
I like the Leopard only for the build strength and the way they run all wires and pipes through the boat. Not so sure about the forward cockpit, what is wrong with bean bags on the front like" Great Cirlce" do? However the new light interoirs really put me off, sterile like in a hospital, not to mention the sharp edges. For me Jason and Nikki design is still one of the best. Liking the Lagoon more and more as these reviews continue. Loving your chanel by the way as only new to it.
Hi as a 70 yr old mono sailor had to skipper a bloody cat it was a ,44 leopard. Unreal she was great superbly easy I loved her. Now gotta Rob a bank.I WANT TO OWN ONE!
Loving the reviews and not critiquing your opinions however I have noticed a fair amount of inconsistencies in reviews. For example, in the performance cats you absolutely didn’t mind a bed with no walk around but in the leopard, it was n issue for you that it was only a semi- walk around. If opening this up to your viewers, I would suggest being more consistent or honest in telling us what you like and dislike. Please don’t feel offended by this comment, love you guys and hope only the best for you both
Fair point my friend, and it is open to everyone to vote. I guess in our defence some of the cats we review are performance and we understand that you cannot get the space. Other cats are built for comfort on board and so space is a priority.
It is interesting how boat builders take the life raft as a second thought. Like they are checking a box. Yup we have one. But, it can be in the way so we are going to tuck it in here so it is out of the way. With modern engineers, you would thing they could put a water tight locker towards the stern in the side or rear of the hull where you could just hit a mechanical button and the raft ejects out and inflates. I have heard that just from the design, cats are nearly unsinkable. They have to be terribly ripped open in both hulls to completely sink so you are correct in saying sinking isn't the number one emergency. It is definitely fire and you have a matter of less than a minute to get that raft deployed and off the boat. 30 seconds is a perfect time. Maybe the designers and engineers need to go out on the open see and have a drill to see if they can get the life raft on their boat deployed in 30 seconds. If they can't, back to the drawing board. You do a great job with your reviews. Good, honest, regular people reviews.
Hi guys. Am really appreciating this series of video reviews for catamarans. Given you’re currently happy sailing a 38 ft monohull, and have previously commented that boat running costs are exponential to boat length, I did wonder what the reason is for focusing on 42-45 ft boats and not 38-40 ft versions?
Sadly i can only give 1 tombs up. :) ( i give you 10 if possible ) Great revue on everything, and way above other catamaran walkthrough you-tubers. i am on a search for a catamaran myself, and i have been looking at many walkthroughs, from different people. we all have opinions on what we want, i love the Bali concept with the enclosure , and i like the ability to go out in front from cockpit ( like on Bali 4.8-5.4 and leopard 45-50) (excuse my English,it is not my language )but anyway, love your opinions and real walkthrough. so thanks for your service. Best regards.
It’s a pleasure my friend. For sitting at anchor and coastal sailing (within 200nm of land) this boat ticks a lot of boxes. I like a lot about it, and can see the merits of the front cockpit and design. There are just better on the market for offshore sailing
Love your videos and insight..really interesting to see the differences and unique approaches to the different cats and mark-up pricing. You should check out Nick O’Kelly’s channel and his LP45 charter conversion and his insight into buying a cat for when your time comes. Nick, your focus on safety is refreshing, having circumnavigated on Chad Blyth’s Global Challenge 2004/05 edition. The seas should be never under estimated and safety is number one. Many thanks for your continued focus to keep us land blubbers happy. Nerdy is really good for driving subscribers, as the detailed focused works for that risk adverse sailors who will find your channel as a trusted adviser to those who seek information around buying decision (60%) and for both the cash rich dreamers and long term furgalists or minimalists approach ( we let the guys who made the netflix doco on minimalism crash in our place when they visited Sydney as its our approach as well). I look forward to seeing you anchored at Store beach at Little Manly in Sydney, you're more than welcome to shower in our place or i will kayak out with kids to hear your stories and enjoy your presence. As a Techie and working for a tech company and father of young kids, I really appreciate your adventures, that I would only read, but now can watch on youtube. one word to describe you both is inspiration !!
Nick is a good friend and we’ve had lots of great conversations about his catamaran and the work he’s done. And thanks very much for your kind words! 😊
