Leopard 46 Powercat Boat in Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 US
Built in --
46 Powercat
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42.6 feet
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Leopard 46 Powercat: BoatTEST Review
Overview
The Leopard 46 PC represents the fourth generation of Leopard's power catamarans, evolving from the original 53 PC model. This latest iteration incorporates lessons learned from previous designs, aiming to deliver refined handling and performance characteristics. The vessel measures 46 feet 4 inches in length overall, with a beam of 24 feet 1 inch and a draft of 3 feet 1 inch. Its empty weight is approximately 36,945 pounds, with an estimated test weight of 40,497 pounds including half fuel, full water, and three people aboard.
Exterior Design and Operational Features
The Leopard 46 PC features a symmetrical deck layout with easy access to side decks, each rising 29 inches above the waterline, exceeding ABYC standards. Both sides include opening gates and multiple cleats for secure mooring. The bow houses a well-designed anchor system with a Lumar windlass, chain stopper, dual rollers for a dual anchor setup, and a quick hose connection for rinsing the ground tackle. A notable operational convenience is the door providing direct access to the ground tackle from the lower helm station. The engine compartments on both the starboard and port sides are thoughtfully arranged with heavy soundproofing under the hatches, gas struts, perimeter drainage leading overboard, and easy access to engines and steering gear. The engine room layout includes dual engine start batteries on each side, a generator start battery, and an elaborate inverter system supporting the vessel's electrical buses. The exhaust and water intake hoses are designed with upward curves to prevent water backflow, and all hose clamps have protective ends to avoid sharp edges.
Bridge and Helm Stations
The lower helm is equipped with two 12-inch multifunction displays integrating charting, radar, navigation, and control of onboard systems including lighting. A Raymarine autopilot with a detachable remote control, a Fusion stereo, engine controls, and a large Raymarine VHF radio are ergonomically arranged. Engine start and stop buttons are positioned well out of the knee strike zone, enhancing operational safety. The steering wheel is mounted on a tilt base, paired with a fixed seat of approximately one and a half seat width, though the reviewer suggested that a flip-up bolster might improve comfort. The companionway to starboard houses the ship's power panel, generator and inverter controls, and air conditioning controls. On the flybridge, the helm features larger 16-inch displays, a Fusion stereo remote, electrical switches, charge ports, a tilt steering wheel, VHF, Yanmar engine displays, autopilot, thruster control, and digital engine controls. Interestingly, the bow thruster control is only available on the flybridge, with no control at the lower helm, a design choice noted as unusual.
Power and Performance
The Leopard 46 PC offers engine options starting at 250 horsepower, with upgrades to 320 or 370 horsepower Yanmar engines. The test boat was equipped with twin 370 horsepower Yanmar 8LV370 engines. Performance testing revealed a top speed of 22 knots at 3700 RPM. The most efficient cruising speed was found at 3000 RPM, achieving 16.8 knots with a fuel burn of 22.5 gallons per hour, translating to 0.7 nautical miles per gallon and a range of approximately 329 nautical miles. Slowing to 1750 RPM yielded 8.8 knots and extended the range to over 736 nautical miles, while an even more economical 1500 RPM speed of 7.7 knots increased the range to nearly 968 nautical miles, maintaining a 10% fuel reserve from the vessel's 489-gallon fuel capacity. Acceleration tests showed the boat reaching 20 miles per hour in 12.4 seconds. Despite challenging conditions with 15 to 20 mile per hour winds and choppy seas, the vessel demonstrated excellent handling, with minimal spray intrusion when heading into waves and predictable behavior in beam seas. The narrow bow effectively sliced through waves, providing buoyancy and comfort without bow stuffing or excessive side-to-side motion in following seas.
Conclusion
Overall, the Leopard 46 PC impressed with its thoughtful design, operational convenience, and strong performance in less-than-ideal sea conditions. The vessel's symmetrical layout, soundproofed engine compartments, and well-integrated helm stations contribute to ease of handling both underway and at the dock. Its efficient fuel consumption and comfortable ride make it a capable and enjoyable power catamaran for cruising. The reviewer found the boat fun to drive and praised its handling characteristics, recommending it as a well-executed evolution in Leopard's power catamaran line.
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 Leopard 46 Powercat | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Price on request | Price on request | Price on request | Price on request | Price on request | $85,900 |
| Location | Fort Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale | Clearwater | Fort Lauderdale | Stuart |
| Nominal Length | 43' | 43' | 43' | 19' | 41' | 22' |
| Draft | 5' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Engine Make | - | - | - | Suzuki/Yamaha/Mercury/Honda | - | Suzuki |
| Total Engine Power | - | - | - | - | - | 200 hp |
| Days on Market | 0 | 0 | 0 | 622 | 0 | 41 |
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Boat Location
Contact Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show about Leopard 46 Powercat
Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33316
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