With its new 46-footer, Leopard Catamarans has launched a sporty and stylish sailing vessel that also stakes out some significant turf in the evolving realm of auxiliary hybrid propulsion.
Built by Robertson and Caine, the Simonis Voogd-designed Leopard 46 reflects the DNA of its 45-foot predecessor—fine sailing performance and solid construction—but includes a lot of versatility in terms of options for gear, systems and layouts. In doing so, it meets the needs of the South African boatbuilder’s sole customer, which sells its cats to private owners under the Leopard Catamaran brand and into sailing charter fleets run by two of the industry’s biggest players, the Moorings and Sunsail.
Aside from the technical challenges of building a boat available with multiple interior layouts and sophisticated technical systems, the cost to produce the 46 had to be kept low enough for it to be a profitable vacation-fleet workboat while offering all the optional comforts and features expected on a yacht selling in the $1 million-plus range.
In that regard, the 46 checks all those boxes, available as the Leopard 46, the Moorings 4600 and, the Sunsail 465.
The first to be unveiled was the Leopard 46, introduced at the 2024 Annapolis Sailboat Show. To make a real splash, the boat came outfitted with a cutting-edge hybrid propulsion system that relies on two 25-kilowatt electric motors, each with its own 27-kilowatt lithium battery bank, and a 24-kilowatt diesel generator to extend the boat’s range. Power to the motors, which run at 400 volts, and to the batteries, charged by four 400-watt solar panels on the Bimini or by the genset, is managed by sealed control boxes at each engine.
It’s a complex system that includes not only multiple sources of energy—solar, diesel, and shore power when at the dock—but also DC-to-AC inverters and DC-to-DC transformers to meet the needs of lighting, instruments, air conditioning and other systems throughout the boat.
In practical terms, though, an owner needs to only monitor a display screen mounted at the helm station and decide how much or how little power to draw from batteries vs. the diesel generator when underway. The goal when passagemaking is to use as little fossil fuel as possible and still arrive with a topped-up battery bank that will take care of house loads.
Hybrid cruising and living has its cost, of course: An option-loaded Leopard 46 like this carries a price tag of right around $1.2 million.
By contrast, a standard Leopard 46, powered with optional 57 hp Yanmars and saildrives, is priced just under $1 million, as are charter versions, which come standard with 45 hp Yanmars and saildrives but include all the necessary vacation-fleet gear, such as bedding, dishes and the like.
A number of other interesting features are included in the new 46. The aft bulkhead in the salon has been replaced by a structural frame around a four-panel glass door that allows the salon to flow into the cockpit. Inside, a long dining table to starboard has a leaf at its aft end that can open to meet a second large table in the cockpit. When combined, there’s banquet seating for a crowd. A smaller cockpit table is also available for owners interested in more-intimate gatherings.
The 46 also offers multiple layouts. There’s a four-cabin version with en suite heads and showers, including an owner’s stateroom located aft in the starboard hull with its own companionway. A variation allows for the forward cabin in the port hull to become a utility room with cabinets, a countertop, and washer and dryer. There is also a five-cabin version, with a stateroom with bunkbeds amidships in the starboard hull.
All of Robertson and Caine’s models feature a forward-facing galley. The 46 can be equipped with a dishwasher; an induction cooktop, a convection microwave oven and an electric plancha or grill in the cockpit are options for owners who want a propane-free boat.
Topside, the 46 features a helm station located to starboard at deck level, with an adjacent raised flybridge lounge on the Bimini over the cockpit. This arrangement keeps the helmsman in contact with crew above and below.
With all sail control lines led to three winches located near the wheel, the 46 is an easy boat to sail, whether on a bluewater passage with family or friends, or from tropical island to tropical island while on vacation. Opt for the hybrid package, and your dream voyage can be a green one too.
For more information on the Leopard 46, visit leopardcatamarans.com/catamarans/leopard-46.
