Boat & Sail

Builder · Mid · Cape Town, South Africa

Leopard

South African cruising catamaran builder, 1991-founded. Built by Robertson and Caine. Cruising cats 40 to 53 feet, popular charter platform.

Leopard cruising catamaran at sail
Founded
1991
Headquarters
Cape Town, South Africa
Ownership
Robertson and Caine
Tier
Mid
Website
leopardcatamarans.com

Leopard is the South African cruising-catamaran brand built by Robertson and Caine in Cape Town. The R&C-Leopard partnership produces cats for The Moorings (charter fleet) and for direct-to-owner sale. Founded in 1991, the brand has been part of the R&C portfolio throughout.

The brand argument is South African build value and charter-fleet operational pedigree. Leopard cats compete with Lagoon, Fountaine-Pajot, and Bali on the volume cruising catamaran segment.

Our reviews

Leopard hulls we have on the water.

Leopard 45

Leopard

Leopard 45

The South African-built cruising cat that dominates the Caribbean charter fleet. The 45 is the boat owners buy when they want a Leopard between the 42 and the 48.
Leopard 46 PC

Leopard

Leopard 46 PC

The Leopard 46 PC ranked #3 in our best power catamarans 2026 guide. The Robertson and Caine power-cat that anchors the charter and liveaboard market.

Lineup

Current platforms.

Model breakdown

Each platform, what it does and where it falls short.

Leopard Leopard 40 / 42 / 45 / 50 / 53

The Leopard line is the volume cruising-cat range. Twin Yanmar diesel saildrive, full master suite plus guest cabins.

Things we like

  • · South African build value at competitive pricing
  • · Charter-fleet operational pedigree through The Moorings

Things we don't

  • · Hardware grade mid-segment
  • · Charter-fleet returns dominate the used market

Leopard Leopard 46 PC (Power Catamaran)

The 46 PC is the brand's power-catamaran flagship. Twin Yanmar diesel inboard, semi-displacement hull, master suite plus 2 to 3 guest cabins.

Things we like

  • · Power-cat layout gives flat-stable ride at coastal cruise
  • · Semi-displacement hull gives 800-mile range

Things we don't

  • · Pricing competes with motor-yacht equivalents at LOA
  • · Smaller used market than the sailing Leopard line

Buyer's guide

The Leopard story and what to know on the used market.

Origin and ownership

Robertson and Caine was founded in 1991 in Cape Town, South Africa. The Leopard catamaran line was developed in partnership with The Moorings charter fleet.

The R&C-Leopard partnership has stayed consistent throughout. Production has stayed in Cape Town.

Design philosophy

Leopard catamarans use Robertson and Caine-designed hull forms. The brand differentiates on charter-fleet operational pedigree rather than novel hull architecture.

Yanmar diesel saildrive (sailing) and Yanmar diesel inboard (power) are the standard rigging.

Used-market notes and known issues

Yanmar saildrive seal pattern on 2017 to 2020 hulls warrants inspection.

Charter-fleet returns dominate the used market. Survey by catamaran-experienced surveyor is non-negotiable.

Hardware grade in saltwater service runs slightly shorter than Fountaine-Pajot equivalents.

Dealer network concentrated in the Caribbean (charter-fleet placement) and Mediterranean.

Resale

Leopard holds resale at the cruising-cat mid-tier average. Three-year depreciation runs 18 to 24 percent. Five-year depreciation runs 28 to 35 percent.

Where Leopard fits

Buyers cross-shop Leopard against Lagoon, Fountaine-Pajot, and Bali on the cruising-cat segment. The argument is South African build value and charter-fleet pedigree.

FAQ

Frequently asked.

Are charter-fleet Leopards a good buy?
Charter-fleet returns are the dominant Leopard used market. Pre-purchase survey by catamaran-experienced surveyor is required. Documented charter service history can support the buy decision.
Leopard vs Lagoon?
Both volume cruising-cat builders. Leopard has the South African build value; Lagoon has the larger production volume and Beneteau Group parts pipeline. Cross-shop on dealer proximity and intended use.
What's the maintenance cost on a Leopard 45?
Annual service on twin Yanmar saildrives runs $3,500 to $5,500. Bottom paint $1,500 to $3,000. Sail service $1,500 to $3,000. Storage $3,000 to $8,000. Insurance for a $650K hull runs $4,000 to $7,000.
Where are Leopards built?
Cape Town, South Africa. Robertson and Caine facility.

Compare

Categories Leopard fits.

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