leopard 48 power catamaran

• Articles and Guides

Leopard 48 Review: Features, Performance and Tech Specs

21st mar 2024 by samantha wilson.

The Leopard 48 is a robust bluewater cruiser mindfully designed for serious comfort on long-range voyages. In fact, everything about the 48—designed by Simonis-Voogd and built by renowned South African shipyard Robertson & Caine—focuses on stability, safety, and performance, with an obvious emphasis on elegant living spaces. 

In 2013, the 48 was named the Multihull of the Year by Cruising World magazine, an accolade that saw it catapult into the limelight, not just with private owners but for the charter market too. It was designed to replace the popular 46, building off its successes and adding yet more practical solutions and increased space. 

The layout was revolutionary when it was first built, and remains industry-influencing to this day. With a private owner layout of three cabins, including a vast state cabin, as well as twin cockpits, spacious decks, and several dining options, there is ample space for large families or groups. But the 48 is also well-designed for solo sailing too, with the twin Yanmar engine controls, Raymarine instruments, and sail-handling hardware easily accessible. Add to that the 360-degree visibility from the helm and it offers impressive control even for a solo watchstander. The 48 ultimately manages to balance high speeds and ease of handling with the comfort and space of a much larger cat.  

The Leopard 48 is a capable and award-winning bluewater catamaran. Leopard Catamarans Brokerage photo.

Leopard 48 Key Features 

One of the stand-out features of the 48 is the twin cockpits. An unorthodox design, it has proven hugely popular with a smaller, luxurious forward cockpit with seating and a drop-down table offering shade as well as privacy from other guests. The main aft cockpit has a large dining table with wraparound seating, perfect for those balmy evenings dining by the setting sun. 

The clever use of space on the 48 continues inside, with a large main saloon and aft-facing L-shaped galley to port. The galley in particular deserves mention for its high spec appliances including Force 10 burner stove and oven and spacious freezer for long-haul storage. An starboard dining table with U-shaped seating is bathed in natural light from the large wrap-around windows.

Heading into the cabins, the private owner set-up has three cabins (as opposed to the four in the charter set-up), including an expansive en-suite owner’s cabin which runs the length of the hull. Designed in rich woods and plush furnishings, the 48 offers a true home-from-home vibe for long-term living and voyages. 

The leopard 48 can be sailed shorthanded thanks to easily accessible sail-handling hardware. Rightboat seller photo.

Image 5: The owner’s set-up on the Leopard 48 has three cabins including one large owner’s suite. 

Leopard 48 Performance

Designed with the charter market as a major consideration, the 48 (along with its Leopard sisters) was built to withstand heavy use, have high safety standards, and offer a stable ride. It has intuitive handling for even a solo sailor, with over 1,500 square feet of sail area allowing for consistent speeds of up to 10-12 knots in 10-15 knots of wind. Safety performance is high, with the 48’s shallow keels filled with closed-cell polyurethane foam to keep the water out, as well as sealed bow and stern bulkheads to do the same thing. 

The Leopard 48 features a spacious and light-filled saloon and L-shaped galley with high spec appliances. Rightboat seller photo.

Leopard 48 Why Buy It

• Three cabin layout including a vast owner’s suite and full-sized head
• Award-winning design and high performance 
• Twin cockpits allow for additional space, privacy, and shade
• Light-filled, spacious saloon and galley with high spec finishings, instruments, and appliances
• Designed for bluewater voyages
• Strong build focus on safety
• Buying Used? There are both owner and charter versions to be found on the used market, offering different layouts and furnishings, so look through the different options to see which works best for you. For other tips when buying used, read our Boat Inspection Checklist

The Leopard 48 features a unique two cockpit design. Rightboat seller photo.

Leopard 48 Technical Specifications

• Length: 48”5’
• Beam: 25”
• Draft: 4”7’
• Sail Area: 1,555 sq ft
• Fuel capacity: 185 gallons
• Fuel type: Diesel
• Displacement: 31,956 lbs
• Material: Fiberglass

Check out all the  Leopard boats for sale

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

More from: Samantha Wilson

Related Articles and Guides

3rd Jul 2024

Leopard 50 Review: Innovative, Versatile, Practical

14th May 2024

Sea Ray 220 Sundeck, Much More Than a Bowrider

21st Apr 2024

Beneteau Antares 11 Review: Features, Performance and Tech Specs

31st Mar 2024

Lagoon 46 Review, Spacious Bluewater Catamaran

• Explore Rightboat
• Boats for Sale
• Boating Articles
• Buyers Guide
• About RightBoat
• Sell Your Boat
• Boat Selling Advice
• All manufacturers
• All categories

Enter your email to keep up to date with the latest news

Join for free

Sign up now for free and discover how easy it is to keep up to date with THE latest boats for sale. Find your right boat, and tailor your voyage to finding your next boat.

Benefits of becoming a member:

• Set up tailored alerts
• Personalise your experience
• Download full specifications and broker details
• Keep tabs on your favourite boats

Are you a broker? Join as a Broker

Rightboat - join for free.

Do you have an account already? Login

Save this search

Save your search and receive new boats in your email..

You can unsubscribe from your alerts whenever you like. By pressing the button you accept the Legal Terms and conditions

• USED CATAMARANS
• BUYING A LEOPARD
• SELL YOUR BOAT

Leopard 48 Boat Review

Product Details , Leopard 48

My clients often ask the question of which Leopard model I would purchase if money were no object. My answer is always the same… the Leopard 48. After sailing a few thousand nautical miles on many different Leopard 48s in all parts of the Caribbean and US, it’s clearly my favorite model and for many reasons.

She’s quick and easy to handle on my own: Of course, we never go sailing alone, but I often take the helm of the 48 and never feel the need to leave. She’s easy to maneuver getting on and off the dock and putting up the sails is a breeze from the helm station. Since all lines lead aft and all of your electronics and controls are together, it really makes the Captains life easy. Once you’re underway, you’ll see how well she handles large swell and heavy winds. The extra waterline on the 48 really makes a difference out at sea. She has a really fast hull shape and we’ve seen consistent 12 knots of boat speed against the current, in some conditions as much as 18 knots of boat speed.

She’s got enough room for all of our friends and family, or just enough room for the two of us: We never feel over crowded on a Leopard 48. There are enough “zones” for family and friends to spread out. You’ve got the forward cockpit, the aft cockpit, the large salon, helm station and expansive coach roof to give you enough space that nobody ever feels confined. That being said, if it’s just the two of us, we spend most of our time on anchor eating and lounging in the forward cockpit. It’s the perfect spot for two or four people to relax and enjoy the breeze. The extra fold out tables make it easy to have breakfast or lunch while on anchor. We never feel like the boat is too big (or too small)!

She’s beautiful as well as practical: I don’t need to tell you the Leopard 48 is a beautiful boat, that’s clear to see. What may not be as apparent is that if you’ve ever owned a boat, you know that at some point you will have to maintain or repair the systems onboard.  The Leopard 48 has enough room in the engine compartments to change the oil, and in the bilges to clean them thoroughly, as well as access panels throughout the boat where you may eventually need to get to. This allows the savvy owner to do most of his own maintenance and repairs and save time and money in doing so. Not only has she been designed with beautiful lines, but she’s been designed with practicality in mind as well.

She has superior livability as well as sail ability : Many of our Leopard 48 owners have circumnavigated the Caribbean, the Pacific and even the World. It’s apparent that she is a blue water vessel. But her live ability is far superior to any other vessel I have ever sailed. The front door allows for ventilation like no other vessel in her range. We love to sleep with all of the hatches and doors open to allow for airflow.

View today's worldwide inventory of Leopard 48s for sale.

Moorings Brokerage Team

Subscribe for blog updates.

Contact Form eList Newsletter Signup Email: [email protected]

More Boats for Sale

New Private Yachts New Charter Yachts Used Charter Yachts

LIKE / FOLLOW

• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Newsletters
• Sailboat Reviews
• Boating Safety
• Sails and Rigging
• Maintenance
• Sailing Totem
• Sailor & Galley
• Living Aboard
• Destinations
• Gear & Electronics
• Charter Resources
• Ultimate Boat Giveaway

• By Herb McCormick
• Updated: August 30, 2013

Solid. When it comes to Leopard cats, that’s the collective judgment of our Boat of the Year panel. Two years ago, they named the Leopard 44 the Import Boat of the Year. And for 2013, they awarded the prize as the year’s Best Full-Size Multihull to South African builder Robertson and Caine’s follow-up effort, the Leopard 48. After my own inspection, I had to agree: In form and function, the 48 is a robust cruiser.

Let’s begin right in the middle of the action. Ascending four steps to starboard, the raised steering station, with its clever hardtop dodger (adorned with a series of four solar panels), comfortable chair, and ample handholds, is terrific. There’s more than enough room for a seated couple to man the station. The single-spreader Sparcraft fractional rig is simple and effective.

The boat is extremely well laid out for solo operation. All of the twin Yanmar engine controls, Raymarine instruments, and sailhandling hardware are close at hand, and the sheets, halyards, and reefing lines are intelligently organized thanks to two banks of Spinlock clutches and a pair of Lewmar self-tailing winches. There’s no traveler, but boom control is facilitated by the double-ended mainsheet that’s also ingeniously led to the helm. In 8 to 12 knots of Chesapeake Bay wind, the 48 topped off at well over 7 knots upwind. Nice.

The forward cockpit/lounge has become a distinguishing characteristic on the Leopards, and the one on the 48 has been exquisitely rendered. On this newest Leopard, the forward cockpit table has been halved, and a clever overhead hatch opening allows unimpeded egress to the foredeck and trampoline. The second, aft cockpit has a large dining table with a wraparound, U-shaped settee to port. A smart touch is the roomy seat locker beneath the aft portion of the settee for storing life rafts and power cords. Creating lavish spaces for kicking back and relaxing was clearly a major priority, and one that’s been fully addressed.

A substantial sliding door is the entryway from the rear cockpit to the large main saloon; it’s directly adjacent to an aft-facing, L-shaped galley to port. Cooks will enjoy the Force 10 three-burner stove and oven, the double stainless-steel sinks, and the vast freezer. To starboard is a resounding U-shaped settee and dining table. Large windows allow plenty of natural light, especially the forward “picture window” near the door to the forward cockpit, next to which is the nav station/office space. An airy atmosphere permeates the floor plan; nothing feels cramped or close.

To starboard, down four steps, is the large owners suite that runs the length of the hull, with an ample double bed aft, a large central couch, a desk, plenty of lockers, and a massive head with big shower stall forward. On the port side on our test boat was a pair of double staterooms with their own en suite heads. It’s impossible to think of anything that Leopard forgot; as with the other cats in the growing Leopard line, this one has earned its spots.

Click here to see more catamarans from Leopard.

• More: 2011+ , 41 - 50 ft , Boat of the Year , catamaran , Coastal Cruising , leopard catamarans , multihull , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats
• More Sailboats

For Sale: Little Harbor 63 Ketch

Sailboat Review: Fountaine Pajot Aura 51

A Superyacht Approach at Southerly Yachts

Sailboat Review: Seawind 1170

Off Watch: School Daze

Paradise Pummeled

A Guide to Cruising Paperwork

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Technical specifications - Leopard 48

Photos of the boat, technical features.

• Length HT : 48ft (14.75m)
• Max. width : 25ft (7.64m)
• Weight : 17.00 tons
• Draft : 5ft (1.47m) to 5ft (1.47m)
• Max. sleeping capacity : 8
• Number of cabins : 3 to 4
• Bathrooms : 3 to 4
• Water capacity : 780L

Standard motorisation

• Engine Power : 39hp
• Fuel capacity : 700L

Standard canopy

• Total sail area : 5078sqft (1547.85m2)
• Mainsail area : 3207sqft (977.36m2)
• Genoa/jib area : 1872sqft (570.49m2)

Ideal destinations for renting a Leopard 48

2013 Leopard 48 | Kemah, TX

Boat Name:  Pete the Cat

Boat Model:  Leopard 48

Model Year:  2013

Asking Price: US $495,000 tax paid

Length: 48 ft

Beam: 25 ft 0 in

VESSEL SPECIFICATIONS

Current Use of Boat: Cruising Condition: Ready to sail

2013 Leopard 48, 4-Cabin 4-Head, Privately Owned, Fully Upgraded, No Hurricane Damage Ever

Pete the Cat is the most upgraded 4-cabin 4-head Leopard 48 in the World, as far as I know! After spending the first 4 years in St Lucia Crewed Charter fleet (No Bareboat Charters), Pete the Cat was phased out and has been fully equipped for blue water sailing. Lying in Texas, ready for her new owners to continue the adventures.

         Some Features / Upgrades Include:

• Upgraded 54 hp Yanmar Engines (only apx 3,600 hrs) with new Yanmar Engine Panels
• 110v Electrical System with 2000 Watt Inverter/Charger
• Custom Solar Stainless Arch with 1825 Watts Solar and 2000 Watt Xantrax Inverter/Charger
• Northern Lights Generator ( 8,600 hrs)
• 2x 12,000 BTU and 1x 16,000 BTU Air Conditioners with Reverse Cycle Heat
• B&G and Simrad Electronics with Radar, Autopilot, AIS and Fusion Stereo + Iridium Certus for internet and Satellite phone
• LG Washing Machine installed in one head, easily reverted
• March 2020: Fresh Bottom Paint, Engines and Saildrives Serviced, Maxprop Folding Props Added, new rudder bearings and hatch seals
• Mack Sails Code 0 and Bowsprit for Downwind Sailing, New 2019
• New Running Rigging 2019 and Standing Rigging Inspected/ Serviced
• Electric Dinghy Davit System with AB Dinghy 1+ 9.9 hp Yamaha Outboard
• Hot and Cold Stern Shower with 320 Gallons of Water Storage
• Faux Teak on the aft deck/ cockpit
• Custom Aft and Forward Cockpit Cushions new 2019 …. and More!
• Full Inventory of Spares Included in the sale: Impellers, starter, alternator, pumps, belts, relays, fresh water pump etc.

NOTE: two of the heads have been converted to storage/shelving, easily reverted back to 4 full heads by replacing the toilets and removing the shelves, plumbing is all still in place

Additional Specs, Equipment and Information:

Boat Name PETE THE CAT

Specs Keel: Twin Keel Hull Shape: Catamaran

Dimensions LOA: 48 ft 5 in Beam: 25 ft 0 in Bridge Clearance: 74 ft 10 in

Engines Engine 1: Engine Type: Inboard Engine/Fuel Type: Diesel

Tanks Fresh Water Tanks: (320 Gallons) Fuel Tanks: (185 Gallons) Holding Tanks: (45 Gallons)

Accommodations Number of cabins: 4 Number of heads: 4

Electronics Depthsounder Log-speedometer Wind speed and direction Navigation center Plotter Autopilot Compass GPS VHF Radar TV set Radio Cockpit speakers

Sails Fully battened mainsail Furling genoa

Rigging Steering wheel Electric winch

Inside Equipment Electric bilge pump Manual bilge pump Battery charger Air conditioning Heating Sea water pump Washing machine Microwave oven Electric head Refrigerator Deep freezer

Electrical Equipment Shore power inlet Generator Inverter Electrical Circuit: 110V

Outside Equipment/Extras Solar panel Cockpit cushions Cockpit table Cockpit shower Davits Tender Liferaft Electric windlass

Covers Mainsail cover Lazy bag

Manufacturer Provided Description

Leopard Catamarans is excited and proud to introduce the award winning Leopard 48. Focused on blue water performance and comfortable living, the Leopard 48 is a welcome addition to the award winning Leopard line.

For more than 30 years, we have been a part of the catamaran community and created Catamaran Guru™ to encourage and educate all the aspiring sailing out there. We understand the dream of traveling the world by catamaran and created a one-stop-shop to make that dream a reality for you.

• Stephen & Estelle
• Testimonials

Get Started

• Yacht Sales
• Used Yachts
• Charter Management
• Boat as Business Programs
• Seminars & Events

• European Union
• South Africa
• Photos & Videos

Virtual Tour

• Cabins: 3 or 4
• Heads: 3 or 4
• Berths: 6 or 8

Leopard 46 Powercat

You’ve never experienced freedom quite like this before. Whether it’s leisurely cruising or an adrenaline-filled jaunt, the Leopard 46 offers possibilities like no other catamaran. Expertly built by Robertson & Caine and designed by naval architects Simonis Voogd, the powerboat styling of the Leopard 46 is inspired by the majestic waters off the coast of South Africa where Leopard Catamarans are meticulously sea-trialed. If it’s style you seek, look no further. Clean and modern lines give definition to the sleek profile that is unmistakably a Leopard Catamaran. The hull side window is a full-length rectangular shape with the option of different portlight configurations. Vertical coach roof windows allow for easier fitment of the forward cockpit door. All coach roof windows are flat toughened glass for optical clarity. Entertaining is effortless. The Leopard 46 provides ample outdoor living space that can be relished under the sun or stars. Comfortable seating is conducive for conversations about the day’s conquests or just a place to quietly reflect on life at sea. Venture inside and discover every anticipated detail, from the recessed LED task lighting to the new, soft furnishing for the settees. Gloss white galley locker doors and countertops can be upgraded to a matte beige finish. The Galley Serving Area, an additional space at the aft end of the saloon, provides an extended entertainment area complete with a large counter for food and drink preparation, ample storage lockers for crockery and food and a drinks locker. Private quarters, available in three- or four-cabin layouts with ensuite heads, are inviting with generous floorspace and wide bunks that are accessible from each side. Here, you can move about effortlessly and set up home with all your personal effects. Most notably, cabins feel like true private quarters, with comfortable beds, soft furnishings and smart lighting that avoids glare and dark spots and instead casts warm, consistent lighting throughout the room. All cabins include their own private ensuite heads, with the primary suite head featuring a vanity mirror with a semi-translucent perimeter strip and concealed lighting. The three-cabin owner's suite boasts a large walk-in closet, desk, and double vanity. A separate engine room is completely sealed off from the living space, substantially reducing engine noise and odors. Here, access can be found via a large deck hatch with a step ladder for easy entry. All major systems, complete with intuitive functionality, are housed in the engine room.

SPECIAL OFFER

• LOA: 46 ft 4 in / 14.13 m
• LWL: 46 ft 2 in / 14.06 m
• Beam: 24 ft 1 in / 7.34 m
• Draft: 3 ft 1 in / 0.94 m
• Bridgedeck Clearance: 2 ft 6 in / 0.75 m
• Max height above W.L. (excl. antenna stalks): 18 ft 6 in / 5.64 m
• Engine: Yanmar 250hp x2
• Engine Upgrade: 320hp, 370hp
• Propeller Dimensions: 4-blade 22in x 20in (370hp option)
• Maximum Speed (in light ship conditions): 23.5 Knots
• Cruising Speed (in light ship conditions): 16 Knots
• Engine Max Power: 250 HP
• Max Power RPM: 3800 rpm
• Engine No. Cylinders: 4
• Consumption Curves:  View Leopard 46 Powercat Performance Curves
• Fuel: 475 gal / 1800 L

EXTRA DETAILS

• Water: 185 gal / 700 L
• Displacement: 36945 lbs / 16758 kg
• Load Carrying Capacity: 10679 lbs / 4844 kg
• Holding Tank Capacity: 42 gal / 160 L

All Leopard Catamarans are NMMA and CE Certified. Speed and range figures can vary depending on measurement conditions and fuel quality. All specifications are to be confirmed by customer prior to purchasing.

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

Related Boat Reviews

Leopard catamarans feature - passagemaker, leopard 46 powercat - nautilus marine magazine, multihulls world feature - leopard 46 powercat.

Make an appointment for a boat show, a sea trial, or simply receive a phone call from our expert agents.

Other Leopard 46 Powercat Buying Options

Check for current availability of used Leopard Catamarans and new Leopard Catamarans in charter programs on our sister sites