We first reported here on July 19th (2016), that a new Leopard model was launched in Cape Town, South Africa. We now we have confirmation! Leopard Catamarans announced today that the new model 45 will be unveiled at the Annapolis boat show in October 2016. As we have mentioned before, the new Leopard 45 is probably going to replace the Leopard 44 (not confirmed) and is no doubt a model to compete with the very popular Fountaine Pajot Helia 44.
The exterior styling for this new model is more angular than the current line of Leopard catamarans. They have added a new sleek hardtop bimini, which extends all the way from the forward cockpit to the aft cockpit. Yes, they kept their signature forward cockpit with the opening door into the salon, one of the most popular features of the Leopard catamaran range. They also have kept the semi-raised helm station, another very popular feature for cruising couples.
The pictures show an attractive catamaran design with nice interior styling and space. At first blush it looks like the main differences between the Leopard 44 and 45, are the more angular hull design, the newly designed salon windows, and the square windows in the hulls. The galley is now forward rather than at the salon entrance.
I have noticed on the new Leopard 45, just how small the trampolines have become in this model as well as on all their newer models. But they are not alone. Most modern production catamarans are following the same trend and the reason they do that, is to create more living space. So many people have ridiculed and criticized the Bali catamaran designs sans the trampolines, as being dangerous. As we now see, that is a totally bogus argument. Read our explanation here on why modern catamarans can do without trampolines.
I have noticed that the Leopard catamarans, built for Sunsail and Moorings, have been advertised at rock bottom prices lately, so we are curious about what this new model will price out at. We are very excited to see the new Leopard 45 at the show in October!
As for pre-owned Leopards, we usually highly recommend them (pre-“porch” design) to our brokerage clients and have over the years, sold many of the ex-charter Leopards. They are considered to be some of the best deals on the pre-owned market! Contact us if you are in the market for a pre-owned catamaran and need a buyer’s broker.
LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!
*Pictures courtesy Leopard Catamarans
| DIMENSIONS
L.O.A. : 45 ft. 0 in. L.W.L. : 42 ft. 11 in. Beam : 24 ft. 2 in. Draft : 4 ft. 10 in. ENGINE Engine : 2 x Yanmar Diesel 45HP each Fuel : 185 gal. |
LAYOUT
Berths : 8 to 12 Heads : 3 or 4 Showers : 4 or 5 Cabins : 3 or 4 MORE DETAILS Water : 206 gal. Displacement : 36156 lbs. Holding Tank : 45 gal. |
4 thoughts on “First Pictures Of The NEW 2016 Leopard 45 Catamaran”
https://youtu.be/8QMBYOXS3o8
New Promo vid from Leopard
The new Leopard 45 appears in the videos to be very bow-heavy when sailing. Then when you see how the front cockpit area forces the generator and water tanks very far forward, it seems to make sense. What’s the story here?
My thoughts.. It’s a lot of weight forward. When you add up the weight of full fuel tanks, full water tanks, genset, anchor and chain, all placed forward means it would need larger hull volumes forward. This will translate into slower hull speeds for a given wind range.
Then you add in the safety concerns of the water collecting tub of a front porch when beating up wind, lower than average bridge deck clearance and you have a cat that seems destined to only work for the protected waters of the Caribbean. But if your main customer is the Moorings i guess you don`t bite the hand that feeds you.
Speed is your friend, I’m still waiting for the pendulum to swing back toward safety and performance while still keeping the good looks and space of the modern production cat. Balance, Outremer, and to a lesser extent Nautitech seem to be on that path.
Guys, thank you for the comments on the Leopard 45. After taking a quick look at the boat in the boat show, I have to agree with the weight issue up forward. I have not been able to sail on the boat, so really I should not judge yet but generally you would want less weight up forward to ensure maximum buoyancy forward. As soon as we can take a proper look at the boat as sail it, we will give an informed opinion – Catamaran Guru