Leopard 42: Here’s What You Need to Know

The Leopard 42 is a mid-sized cruising catamaran built by Robertson & Caine, designed in collaboration with Simonis & Voogd. It fits into the popular 40–45 ft range and offers a practical mix of comfort, sailing performance, and livability—without pushing too far into luxury for luxury’s sake.

It shares design cues with the larger Leopard 50, but scales things down with a focus on efficiency and ease of use. Whether you're considering it for private ownership or charter, the Leopard 42 offers clean lines, a bright interior, and well-planned spaces that make sense for real-world cruising.

It’s not the flashiest catamaran in its class, but it doesn’t need to be. Here’s what stands out—and what to keep in mind.

Design & Layout

The Leopard 42 features a thoughtful layout that prioritizes space and light without overcomplicating the design. The saloon is open and bright, with wraparound windows, a skylight, and a forward-facing galley that keeps the social flow intact. Cabins—offered in either a 3- or 4-cabin configuration—are well-proportioned, with island berths and private heads in each.

Storage is generous throughout, and access between the cockpit, saloon, and foredeck is seamless. It’s a smart, user-friendly layout that works well for both extended cruising and onboard living, though some might find the interior finishes more functional than luxurious.

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Performance on the Water

Under sail, the Leopard 42 performs reliably for a cruising catamaran of its size and weight. With a total sail area of just over 1,200 square feet and a standard square-top mainsail, it moves well in moderate conditions and maintains steady speeds without feeling overpowered.

Twin Yanmar 45 hp engines provide solid propulsion under power, useful for close-quarters maneuvering or calm passages. While it's not a high-performance multihull, the helm is responsive, and the boat feels stable and predictable—a sensible choice for sailors who prioritize ease over excitement.

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Features & Amenities

The Leopard 42 includes a range of features aimed at comfort and practicality. The fly lounge above the saloon is a notable addition at this size, offering a relaxed space with good visibility, though it’s more suited for lounging than navigation. The cockpit and aft deck are well-protected, with ample seating and dining space.

Inside, the galley is equipped for long stays onboard, and each cabin has its own head with a separate shower—an appreciated detail. Finishes are modern and durable, leaning more toward functionality than high-end polish, but everything feels well-assembled and easy to maintain.

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Who It’s For

The Leopard 42 is best suited for cruisers who want a capable, comfortable catamaran without the complications of a larger or more performance-driven vessel. It’s a practical option for families, couples, or charter operators looking for a reliable layout, manageable handling, and good onboard living.

While it may not appeal to those seeking top-tier luxury or cutting-edge innovation, it delivers where it counts: space, functionality, and solid cruising performance—all in a well-balanced, thoughtfully designed package.

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Technical Specifications

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Takeaway

The Leopard 42 is a well-executed cruising catamaran that favors balance over boldness.

It doesn’t try to impress with extremes but delivers steady performance, a smart layout, and enough onboard comfort to support extended voyages or charter use. Ideal for those who value practicality, space, and ease of handling over flash, it’s a solid, dependable choice in the mid-size catamaran category.