2015 leopard 44 catamaran

SAILING BLOWN AWAY

Nov 22, 2020

Why We Bought a 2015 Leopard 44 Catamaran - Tame the Cat

My wife Eileen and I searched Leopard catamarans almost exclusively because they represent a combination of blue water cruising capabilities with production efficiencies. In other words, they were a good affordable catamaran to sail around the world. As proof of their seaworthiness, most have been delivered to their owners by sea from Cape Town, South Africa either by their owners or a delivery captain. Because of their outstanding reputation, we also considered the 450 Lagoon; however, we steered away from them mainly as a result of their fly bridge helm positions which we think is less ideal for ocean crossings.

WHY WE CHOSE THE LEOPARD 44 OVER THE 39, 40 AND 48

Check out our Leopard catamaran's video below on our first day touring Leopard catamarans with our buyers broker Bill Regan and be prepared to be entertained and informed of the specifics on why we chose the Leopard 44 and in the process learn more about the rest of their line.

On this crazy busy day, we toured a 2014 Leopard 39 and were glad we had rescinded on our contract last spring on one in the Moorings / Sunsail Belize fleet. We loved it's design, price ($215K) and sailing reputation; however, it was too small for us as a full time home. For someone who lived in Ft. Lauderdale and took one to two-week sailing trips to the Bahamas this would definitely be a boat to consider.

After we let go of the 39, we latched onto a 2018 Leopard 40 ($225K) with contract that had been damaged and repaired in Irma and included had a new mast, boom, standing rigging and generator and we by far the cheapest of the limited Leopard 40 lot being phased out by Moorings / Sunsail. After having toured it, we realized that it too was too small for us as a live aboard and in addition we were leery that there might be some undetected trauma from from Irma that might compromise our blue water safety so we released that contract also.

Reluctantly we drove 2 1/2 hours north of Ft. Lauderdale to the Ft. Pierce Marina where we looked at a 2015 Leopard 44 with owners cabin on the hard for sale for $575K which was MUCH more than we were willing to pay but at least we could see the layout. Initially, we didn't like this model because we thought it has wet bathrooms but were soon relieved to find that that wasn't the case and were delighted to discover the front cockpit whose innovation catapulted this popular sized 44 footer to a dual "Best Boat of Year" fame with both Sail Magazine and Cruising world in 2012. Most importantly it seemed to have enough from for our new permanent life at sea and was affordable purchasing from Sunsail Charters for $315K on a model we found in St. Lucia so we quickly placed this cat in a cage with a contract on an no hurricane damaged model which had just been released from the Grenada Sunsail fleet and was heading to Sunsail St. Lucia to undergo phase out repairs.

Make sure you also click on the following links to read critical reviews about this special boat:

Sail Magazine - May 2011

Cruising World - December 2011

Boats.com - July 2011

Ultimately, the Leopard 44 was the boat we chose, but let's learn more about the Leopard 48 which we REALLY liked and the main reason we did not chose it.

We loved the Leopard 48 because it was so enormous compared to the previous one and almost seemed to be as large as our apartment in China. Not only did the rear cockpit seat 10 and have plenty of room for all of our water toys, but the combined saloon and galley with nav station was cavernous and in our opinion, leaving nothing to be desired. Add to that a large front cockpit and full size rooms and bathrooms in the hulls, this cat had us in a trance and all we wanted to do was to stroke and pet its luxurious fur while it purred with delight. Our only issue was that the price on these are mid $450K for the cheapest non hurricane damaged and older with the medium cherry veneer interior which we liked the least and will touch on a bit more later. That extra $135K+ represented a lot of cruising kitty (perhaps 3 years) and this being a larger cat means that both repairs, upkeep and insurance are all part of what comes with owning this pampered puss. Add to that the opportunity cost of investing what we save in a lively stock market over the next 5 to 10 years, and the price of this one increases way more than we care to spend especially when the Leopard 44 has everything we need, albeit it's smaller size.

At the end of the video, we tour the Leopard 58 which was due to be surveyed the next day. As you can see from our comments and reactions, it was pure joy touring this regal feline because the 58 was an ocean palace nicer than most homes, but just way out of range for our pocketbook and limited knowhow.

DESIGN AND COLOR

One of the reasons we LOVE and chose the 2015 Leopard 44 year is that it was the first year of only two years (2015 & 2016) out of seven years total that the Leopard 44 was made which incorporates the new modern sophisticated, yet casual light gray aged driftwood interior which is now standard on all Leopard catamarans which certainly inspired by Restoration Hardware's sophisticated modern, yet casual neutral shaded gray color pallet. Also special, as shown below, is the generous use of LED lighting which makes the salon below sparkly, dazzling and uplifting as well as easy on the energy being supplied by DC power. The pre 2015 versions with the traditional medium cherry cabinetry and finish just seemed too outdated and spending an extra $15K for this new boat and overall look and feel was totally worth if for us. In addition, we think it will eventually add to its resale value.

INSIDER INFORMATION FROM EXPERIENCED SUNSAIL TECHNICIAN

Once we arrived in St. Lucia and took possession of our boat, we was further reassured of buying Leopard after talking with Moorings / Sunsail St. Lucia base long term employed technician affectionately nicknamed "Small Change".

This beloved senior maintenance manager of 35 years is chief Leopard tamer and is master of the ins and outs of Leopard repair and maintenance. I mean, he even meets with senior management and technicians of Leopard South Africa to provide valuable feedback that help Leopard's renowned manufacturer Robertson and Caine make manufacturing improvements to future models that will require less maintenance, ultimately leading to less warranty work and resulting in unnecessary repairs from busy bases saving both time and money for everyone. For these reasons, I really trusted and took to heart every nugget that left his mouth.

WHY VERY FEW LAGOONS ARE IN THE ST. LUCIA FLEET

First, he said their company used have a lot of Lagoons in the fleet but switched to Leopards almost exclusively because of their improved build quality and performance. Leopards more narrow stepped hulls allow them to perform better under sail and overall they require less maintenance over their charter tenure.

HOW THE LEOPARD MODELS COMPARE - BUILD QUALITY

When asked to rank his favorite Leopard catamaran models, Short Change pays with big bills as he draws from his wellspring of experience and knowledge that goes back to Robertson and Caines inception back in 1991. He ranks his favorite Leopard models by build quality and gives the following reasons.

In his opinion, the best made Leopard (10 out of 10) is the Leopard 43, known to Moorings as the 4300 and made famous by Nicki and Jason Wynn of the popular YouTube channel Gone with the Wynns has the highest quality build in the history of the company with regards to hull strength.

In addition the Leopard 46, made from 2006 to 2012, is a 10 out of 10. Not affected by the devastating Irma, St. Lucia has more in use than any other base in the world so he should know.

I was happy to know that he considered our Leopard 44 an 8 out of 10 with regards to build quality and used the fact that most all along with the older models such as the 43 have been delivered at sea by a delivery captain and then put to grueling charter use and then sold to private owners.

When asked about the Leopard 48 and current, Leopard 40 and 45 he gives them all a 4 out of 10 backing that up with the assertion that they now are almost exclusively delivered from the factory to their owners by ship because they cannot stand the grueling 7700 mile sail without substantial repairs before delivered to the owner. It seems that possibly the bean counters have taken over in their attempt to balance new design innovation with profitability.

2015 Leopard Catamarans 44

2015 Leopard 44 Owner’s Version

February 9, 2024.

Plane Nauti is a rare 3 cabin owners version. Experience the epitome of luxury and performance with the 2015 Leopard 44 sailing catamaran. This remarkable vessel has 2805 watts of solar and 1200 amps of lithium batteries making it truly self sufficient. Plane Nauti seamlessly combines elegance, comfort and top tier sailing capabilities. With its spacious layout and meticulously designed interior, this 3 cabin owners version offers unparalleled relaxation and entertainment options for you and your guests. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, top notch amenities, and so many extras, this Leopard 44 ensures a smooth, effortless sailing experience. Whether you are seeking a peaceful escape or adventures on the high seas, Plane Nauti provides the perfect balance of serenity and excitement. Don't miss the chance to own a true gem in the world of sailing- the 2015 Leopard 44 Elevate your seafaring lifestyle and make unforgettable memories aboard this extraordinary vessel.

Highly desired 3 cabin owners version
Front door/Front Porch
Light colored cabinets
12 volt Fans in salon and all cabins
TV Led 48″
Sony Sound system
Freezer 110L
Refrigerator 155L
Additional stand alone Dometic fridge/freezer in Cockpit
3 -Burner gas cook top
Stainless Steel Oven
Stainless steel double sink
Microwave Oven
Multiple floor storage spaces

Electronics

12″ Garmin Chart Plotter GPS
3 x Garmin instrument displays
AIS transmit and receive
Garmin Doppler Radar
VHF with handset
Garmin Autopilot control with remote
Starlink antenna in Trac Vision Dome
(6) Underwater spotlights
Deck wash pump salt and fresh
3 x 395 Watts Solar
4 x 405 Watts Bifacial Solar on aluminum solar tower
2805 Total Solar with 7 Victron MPPT charge controller
New Eisen Glass at helm station 2023

Aft and Forward Cockpi t

Large folding teak table
Forward or reverse seating option
Aft cockpit & transom in synthetic teak
Propane locker (2 tanks)
Forward front porch with covered seating area with 2 fold down tables
Locker access to fresh water and storage
Locker access to generator

Moorings and Anchoring

Quick Windlass (2022)
Rockna 35 with Mantus Bridle
230′ 3/8 chain
Misc dock lines & fenders
Anchor roller

Sails and Rigging

Lazy jack for mainsail
Main sail 2105
Genoa with UV strip replaced 2023
ICW Compliant mast height
120 V electrical circuit
Norhtern Lights Genset 6 KW 2159 total hours
Lithium Batteries (4– 300 Amp for 1200 total house batteries)
2x Victron B2B chargers 30 Amp
Victron Multi Plus Inverter 12/120V – 3000 watts
2 x Air conditioning 16000 BTU
Electrical windlass with remote at helm
Watermaker Rain Man 140L/hour
Deck wash pump sea water/fresh water
Electric Toilets (3) Electric flush
Washer/Dryer
2 x 23 Liter Hot Water tanks

Additional Equipment

OC Tender Dinghy with 20 HP Yamaha
Brownies third lung Hooka system with 24 volt Lithium Battery
Liferaft –needs servicing
Misc Tools, Engine spares, kitchen supplies etc
Engine Make – Yanmar
Engine Model – 3JH5E
Total Power – 39hp
Engine Hours – 1270
Engine Type – Inboard
Fuel Type – Diesel
Propeller Type – 3 Blade Folding Gori Propeller
Engine 2
Engine Hours – 1264

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Catamaran For Sale By Owner – 2015 Leopard 44

Catamaran for sale – 2015 leopard 44 owners version, location: st georges, grenada, west indies price: $529,000 sold.

Contact Owner

Nick Meyers: Phone: 1-303-601-8393 (serious buyers only)

Boat Information

After just two wonderful sailing seasons, we have made the difficult decision to sell our beautiful boat. The perfect live-aboard cruising catamaran is FOR SALE BY OWNER: 3 cabin owner’s version, 2015 model Leopard 44. Single owner, well maintained, never chartered, boat of the year winner. 110V version. She is outfitted for passage making and blue water tested. With over $50K in factory upgrades and another $50K after-market upgrades, she is better than new: (teak floors, gen-set, power davits, Air conditioning, bowsprit, spinnaker, code zero, electric heads, custom cushions throughout, full weather enclosure, SSB, Water-maker, Radar, HDTV, etc.).

The Leopard 44 was named “Boat of the year” when it was introduced in 2011. The judges were raving over the speed on the water, easy handling and the revolutionary “forward cockpit.” The perfect balance of comfort, luxury and performance the L44 is the perfect live aboard solution. 6’3″ of headroom throughout. Sailing the L44 is easy as both the main and jib sheets lead stoppers and a self-tailing winch, at the helm station. The galley-up has ample storage and a huge Seafrost 12v drawer-type fridge & freezer means it’s easy to provision for long passages.

The 3-cabin layout features an owner-dedicated starboard hull with master stateroom, extra storage, office and large head with separate stall shower.

Wreckless Faith is ready to sail and in excellent condition. Fully equipped for Blue-water passage making with generator, air conditioning, water maker, radar, full eisen glass weather enclosure, SSB radio, bowsprit with both an asymmetrical spinnaker and a Code Zero

Only 750 total engine hours.
She was safely south (Grenada) this summer, so never faced any tropical storms.
USCG Registered. Florida Registration paid & current.
Available December for this cruising season, currently in the Eastern Caribbean.

Serious inquires only

Specifications

LOA: 45.5′
LWL: 41’8″
Beam: 23′
Draft : 4′
Mast Height: 70′
Displacement: 27,000 lbs
Voltage: 12v / 110v with 2 x 50′ shore power cords
Batteries: 5 (3 House & 2 Engine) all AGM
Inverter / charger: Magnum 110v/ 2.5kW / 124Amp, with remote panel
Charging methods: Engine Alternator, Generator or solar inverter/ charger
Generator: Northern Lights 6kW in sound shield (700 hrs)
Aircon: CruiseAir 2 x 16000 Btu
Solar Panels: 4×70
Engines: 2 Yanmar Diesel, 3JH5E, 39 HP, w/ SD60 sail drives, 750 hours each
Fuel tanks: 2 Aluminium, 185 gallons each
Fresh Water Tanks: 3 Roto-molded plastic tanks with 250 gallon capacity
Holding Tanks: 2 @ 23 gallons each, with tank monitor lights
Fresh hot and cold pressurized Jabsco Parmax 3.5G / minute with Accumulator
H&C fresh water swim shower, port transom
2 five gallon water heaters, 110v and engine heat exchangers

Some details including factory options and upgrades

Extra storage lockers in lieu of settee in owner’s stateroom
Interior saloon blinds
Saloon table convertible to coffee table and/or double bunk complete w/cushions
Engine & Drive: Yanmar 3JH5CE 39hp engines with SD-60 sail drives (approximately 750 hours each)

Additional Inventory included

Shore power cord splitter
Flat screen HDTV with swivel mount
Winegard HDTV antenna

Navigation & Electronics

Sony AM/FM/CD player with two poly planar speakers in saloon and two Bose marine speakers in aft cockpit complete with auxiliary jack input
Marine speakers (2) added to forward saloon
Raymarine Base Pack: includes Ray55 VHF at navstation, ST6002 autopilot, e7 chart plotter with WiFi, ST60 wind instrument & ST60 Tridata speed, log & depth instrument with retract. Depth & speed transducers
Raymarine Color Upgrade: 2xi70 color instrument displays, p70 color autopilot all in lieu of ST6002 autopilot control, ST60 Tridata and ST60 wind system.
Digital Radar: includes 4kw 18” 48nm digital Radome scanner c/w mast bracket and Genoa protection.
SSB iCOMM 710/AT140 – Shakespeare Commercial Whip antenna
110 volt Shore Power Pack: includes 2 heavy duty 50 ft 30 amp shore power lines, AC switch panel, AC outlets in cabins, galley, at freezer and switch panel
Heavy duty “Y – pigtail” to convert 2 30amp to a single for 50 amp power locations
Shaver outlets in heads, 110 volt with GFI protection for 3 cabin layout
Inverter/Battery Charger: Trace 110 volt/2.0 kilowatt/100 amp, including remote operation panel with battery monitor (only for boats with 110 volt systems,
Upgrade standard Lead Acid house and engine batteries to AGM batteries
One additional AGM house battery (210 Ahr)
Ventilation fans in saloon (2) and cabins (3) for Three Cabin Layout
Windlass “up” footswitch
Genset – Northern Lights 6 kW supplied from aft fuel tank (Approximately 700 hrs)
Air-conditioning System Cruisair – 16,000 BTU 110 volt
Provision for TV/DVD in saloon – bracket and AC outlet
Amplified Omnidirectional HDTV antenna installed on mast and pre-wired to TV
4 Flexible Solar panels (70w each) fitted to hard top
Underwater Lights – (4 ) Blue Lumishore SMX50 mounted in stern
Islandtime PC WiFi extender
2 Electric flushing toilets: Jabsco quiet flush (seawater option) in lieu of standard toilet
Combination mixer shower faucet in galley in lieu of standard faucet
Extra / auxiliary water tank 220 liter/58 US gallon
Deck wash fitting and pump – dual fresh/salt water system
Stern shower: hot/cold water in lieu of cold only
Water Maker: Cruise RO Seamaker 30 (30 gallons/hr)

Heating, Refrigeration & Gas

LPG Gas outlet on stern rail for optional barbecue

Deck & Hull

Cockpit side and back shade curtains
Helm seat cushion – white
Custom stainless steel davit system with tackle complete with electric winch
Composite teak decking in aft and forward cockpits, helm platform and transom steps
Full custom made Isinglass enclosure (aft saloon) with private curtains – white
Custom made Isinglass enclosure (helm station/cock pit)
Magma Gas Grill w/Grill cover
Custom made aft & forward saloon cushions and pillows

Sails & Rigging

Standard fully battened main and Jib / Genoa on roller furling
1.5oz Gennaker (Asymmetrical Spinnaker) – complete with dousing sock
Gennaker running rigging
Adjustable main outhaul led to helm station
An $11K Bowsprit, Code Zero w/ roller furling and running rigging.
Boom Cover (Quantum stack pack)
eneral Equipment:
Life Raft – Plastimo 6 man Model # 52389 inc

Let Us Help You Buy This Great Used Boat!

Nick Meyers: Phone: 303-601-8393

Disclaimer: Our “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) Listings are published purely as an additional service to Catamaran Guru readership. Catamaran Guru does not act as the broker in these transactions. Catamaran Guru is not responsible for the accuracy of the listings and has no control over responsiveness or lack thereof from the boat owners.

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