Leopard 46 PC

Test location: Miami, FL (USA)
Conditions: wind 12 to 16 knots, easterly swell of 5 ft (1.5 m)

Robertson & Caine, with its Leopards, has long been a recognized charter specialist, notably through its close partnership with The Moorings. While the shipyard is already widely present in the charter sector through its sailing catamarans, it is also consolidating its positions in the powercat market, a segment that is developing a lot, including for charter. After the 53 PC, the shipyard is now unveiling its second latest generation power catamaran, the 46 PC. At the same time, the 43 PC is gone... but the three extra feet of the new model augurs probably a much smaller powercat in the future. Unlike some models on the market, the 46 PC was designed from the outset as a powercat, it is not an adaptation of a sailboat model, even if, logically, there are some aesthetic similarities - it is called a visual identity. For the rest, this model is clearly inspired by its big brother from which it takes the main lines with a modern style reminiscent of the onehull motoryachts. This is particularly evident in the long hull porthole, the imposing flybridge and the main deck windows. With its T-top, it even has a statutory look, culminating at 18.5 ft (5.64 m) above the water. Well laid on the water with a beam of 24 ft (7.34 m), the 46 PC relies on two rather voluminous hulls, that are very high and joined by a thick nacelle. These characteristics give the boat a robust look, but also suggest good interior habitability. For this model, the shipyard has clearly favored the outdoor life. This starts with the cockpit, which is relatively large, widely open to the rear and benefits from optimal circulation. The rear bench seat is arranged in such a way that you can go around it. The accesses from the sugarscoops are quite wide and finally, an electric platform at the rear can support a 12-foot tender, be lowered to form a very large swimming platform, or to access to a jet ski and to facilitate access to the tender. 

The first wakes already demonstrate the 46 PC’s excellent passage-making ability - marine qualities that will quickly be confirmed in open sea…
Thanks to its large cockpit and especially its flybridge, the Leopard has an incomparable exterior area. The stern of the 46 PC is very open, a plus for water sports.

An extensive living area

Accessible via the wide side-deck or through the central door of the main deck, the bow area includes two large sunbathing areas with reclining backrests and a recess for sitting to enjoy the last rays of the sun. You can also choose the small seats attached to the pulpits, a perfect spot to watch the dolphins.

Finally, the flybridge is undoubtedly one of the most spacious in the category. Very easy to access thanks to a comfortable staircase, it includes, in addition to the helm station, a forward-facing bench seat, a dining area for four to six people, a large sunbathing area, an outdoor galley and even a small terrace to install whatever you want. The whole thing is protected from the sun by a large T-Top. This will probably be one of the favorite places on board.

With this range of powercats, Leopard intends to follow the evolution of the market by responding to the craze for motor catamarans, but the brand also wants to offer an experience closer to the yacht while taking advantage of the surface offered by a catamaran. The 46 PC pushes this idea a little further with a remarkable organization of the space.

This translates into a very large opening that abolishes the separation between the cockpit and the main deck. Once inside, the galley is located on each side with an L-shaped section on the port side and a straight section on the starboard side. This has the advantage of not “breaking“ the space and facilitating circulation. This galley features all the necessary appliances, starting with a large refrigerator with American dimensions. The 46 PC also benefits from a water purifier with a dedicated faucet.

The forward part of the main deck is organized around two sofas, one of which is convertible, while on the starboard side, an interior helm station with a simple and modern style gathers the instrumentation necessary for driving. Finally, a door gives access to the small front cockpit, providing optimal circulation. Another advantage of this design is the large windows that provide a 360° view while ensuring maximum luminosity to this space. 

Wide open for easy circulation, the galley can integrate all the necessary appliances - it also has a faucet dedicated for purified water.
Two sofas occupy the front of the main deck. One is convertible while the other is complemented by a coffee table.

Wider hulls for greater comfort

To improve the comfort on board, Leopard has widened the hulls, which allows to offer an unprecedented volume for a 46-foot catamaran. The boat is of course available in owner’s version (3 cabins) or charter (4 cabins). The model we tested was a three-cabin version with a true owner’s suite to starboard. In fact, as you go down the stairs, you are immediately struck by the space available and especially by the width (more than 6½ feet / 2 m) which allows not only to accommodate a queen size bed, but also a real desk and even a chest of drawers in the passageway! The forward part of this cabin features a large bathroom with a double sink and a lighted mirror. There is also a toilet and an extra-large shower. Thanks to the long portholes in the hull, the entire suite is bathed in light, with a special mention for the shower, which benefits from an opening deck hatch to provide overhead light and ventilation. In short, a true feeling of luxury!

The port side hull has two cabins, one of which is the bow cabin with a bed positioned athwartships - which offers a breathtaking view of the sea. This port side space also benefits from two bathrooms to preserve the privacy of the occupants. Finally, a large storage volume located at the front of the hulls is accessible through a goodsized door. If the interior volume is obviously more modest than on the other side, it remains very correct thanks, once again, to the width of the hulls. Moreover, the large openings, the white walls and the modern woodwork again give an impression of space and luxury.

Primarily dedicated to the charter market, the 46 PC offers few customization options. Thus, it is not possible to change the color of the woodwork. On the other hand, you can choose between six different upholsteries. The equipment, although relatively complete from the start, can be further completed with numerous options including a Fusion audio system, an air conditioning system, a wine cellar, a dishwasher, a watermaker and a rear electric platform.

Even though this is the first model, the finish is pretty good and corresponds quite well to the price level of this powercat.

The port hull is dedicated to the two guest cabins, each with its own bathroom.
The owner’s suite is bathed in light. It also benefits from a real desk, a chest of drawers and a magnificent bathroom.

Drivetrains from 2 x 250 to 2 x 370 HP

With a displacement of less than 17 tons, the Leopard is still in the right ballpark. In addition, the manufacturer has designed the hulls to obtain optimal efficiency, both in terms of performance and range. For the motors, the choice was made for two Yanmar 250 HP engines in the standard version, a power that can be increased to 2 x 320 HP or 2 x 370 HP according to the customer’s wishes. Located at the rear of the hulls, the engine compartments are accessible from the cockpit. These holds also contain all the vital systems of the vessel,including the (optional) generator. Particular care has been taken with the soundproofing, so that when underway, you can hardly hear the engine, a real plus for comfort on board.

For our test, we had the most powerful version (2 x 370 HP V8 Yanmar), a pretty generous drivetrain for a 46-foot catamaran. The manufacturer also wanted to keep the classic shaft line, a solution that has largely proven itself on this type of boat. Thus propelled, the 46 PC, without talking about sportiness, shows a good reactivity. Acceleration is strong and it doesn’t take long for the powercat to reach its cruising speed, which is about 16 knots at 3,000 rpm (18 mph). A correct speed that gives you a good range, thanks to the 489-gallon (1,852-liter) tank. At peak speed, the catamaran is even able to reach 22 knots, which is more than enough. In fact, if you want to prioritize fuel consumption and range, you can opt for the intermediate power, or even the 2 x 250 HP version if you want to make range a priority. Apart from its performance, the Leopard seduces by its comfort when under way. During our test, the Florida waters were not very welcoming with about 5 ft waves. Conditions that would repel more than one ship. Here again, the 46 PC surprised us. Not only is it capable of handling bad weather, but it also has the luxury of remaining fast and above all comfortable for the crew. Literally cutting the wave with its bows, the Leopard goes from ridge to ridge without pitching up or getting stuck, which is reassuring and makes things more pleasant for long trips where you don’t always control the conditions over the whole course. The roll also remains very well controlled. With better conditions, the powercat takes off without dragging a lot of water thanks to the fine entry bows and the almost gliding hulls on the aft sections. A good point also when turning: the catamaran remains flat while keeping a nice reactivity at the end of the curve. The twin engines make maneuvers in the marina relatively easy, especially since visibility from the flybridge is excellent. In short, this catamaran is really well made and easy to handle, even for someone who does not yet have a lot of experience. 

The electrically powered aft platform can be fully submerged: handy for storing the dinghy, for swimming or other nautical activities.
The sugarscoops are easily accessible and provide a good starting point for swimming, especially on the starboard side with a beautiful swim ladder.

Conclusion

With this model, Leopard proves that it is a standardsetter in the multihull world, including in powercats. It also offers an optimal use of space which gives the catamaran a luxurious feeling. Its performance is also very honest, which further increases its versatility. A recipe that appears to be seducing lots of people since the shipyard has already registered more than fifty orders.

The flybridge of the 46 PC is one of the largest in its class. From here, you can pilot the powercat, eat, cook, sunbathe or just enjoy the scenery.
The good size cockpit offers plenty of room to move around. It is also almost entirely covered by the flybridge.
The cockpit on the flybridge has excellent visibility and is well sheltered, even in rough weather. 

THE PLUSES: 

+ Interior volume
+ Performance
+ Circulation on board

THE MINUSES: 

- Only one wood color
- Many options
- Cockpit table that doesn’t lower

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Builder: Robertson and Caine (South Africa)
Overall length: 46’4’’ (14.13 m)
Overall beam: 24’ (7.34 m)
Draft: 3’1’’ (0.94 m)
Air draft: 18’5’’ (5.64 m)
Light displacement: 36,945 Lbs (16.76 t)
Fuel: 489 US gal (1,850 l)
Water: 185 US gal (700 l)
Standard engines: 2 x 250 HP Yanmar
Max engines: 2 x 370 HP Yanmar
Berths: 6 (3 cabins) to 8 (4 cabins)
CE Category: A
Price: $969,000 (ex-tax) for the standard version

Principal options (ex-tax)

2 x 320 HP version: $8,676
2 x 370 HP version: $23,066
Bow thruster: $15,362
9 kW generator: $40,674
220 V electrical package: $17,600
Dishwasher: $3,163
Spectra Newport watermaker: $29,226
Optional upholstery: $531
Desk stool: $683
Solar panels (2 x 150 Wp): $5,348
Electric rear platform: $57,817
Flybridge refrigerator: $2,528
Flybridge electric grill: $2,006