Leopard 47 Powercat Review

<p><u>Robertson and Caine – Leopard 47 Power Cat</u></p><!--more--><p>The Leopard 47 Power Cat is a yacht born from many innovations, and a design that has won over many owners (even sailors) and charter companies too.</p><p>The Leopard 47 PC is a collaboration between South African boatbuilder Robertson and Caine and California sail- and power-catamaran designers Morelli &amp; Melvin.&nbsp; Debuting in 2009, the 47-footer forms the basis for island charter fleets and is found in private ownership all over the world.</p><p>The Leopard 47PC was designed from the ground up to be an open water yacht with the displacement necessary to carry endless cruising gear, and maintain its waterline.&nbsp; Being a multihull means it’s very comfortable on the move and also stable at anchor, a feature that monohull power-yachts cannot compete with unless equipped with expensive active stabilizers.&nbsp;</p><p>For the power plant of this vessel, the early model of 47PC were fitted with the Volvo 150’s.&nbsp; These were then switched to the amazing Cummins 150’s, which powers the majority of the four cabin 47PC’s built.&nbsp; Then due to EPA compliancy regulations they switched to the John Deere 150’s the last year of the run.</p><p>Of the yachts powered by two straight drive Cummins 150HP turbo charged four cylinder engines, this yacht offers high reliability and efficiency, especially in the 12-15 knot cruising speed.&nbsp; Higher speeds (17-18 knots) are achievable, at the expense of higher fuel consumption, though still massively lower than equal size power boats.&nbsp; If you chose to cruise at maximum fuel efficiency, you can run on just one engine at half-throttle (2000 rpm), which gives a healthy 8 to 9 knots.&nbsp; At this speed you’re only using 2-3 GPH, which means you have&nbsp; range of roughly 1000 nautical miles using the built-in 320 gallon tanks only.&nbsp; With these numbers, suddenly a stable and comfortable power-boat makes sense, for those looking to make the jump from sailing to power, or those looking for a more efficient power-boat.</p><p>For those looking for more power, there was the option to upgrade the engines to 2 x Volvo D4-260’s.&nbsp;&nbsp; These are found more often in the three cabin owners layout.&nbsp; Powered by these engines, the yacht can reach speeds of 22-23 knots, cruising at 15-18 knots.&nbsp; Cruising using the same one engine running trick, at 2000rpm also only burns 3 GPH, which is remarkable.</p><p>Being a wide beam catamaran hull, means this yacht has really generous space for both living areas and storage.&nbsp;&nbsp; There are two layout versions for the 47PC, an owners three cabin layout (where the starboard hull is very open plan, and features a study/lounge area and huge forwards head/shower), and a more conventional 4 cabin/4 head version.&nbsp; The main salon has plenty of natural light through the large side and forward windows, with galley aft and table seating forwards.&nbsp; There is a full sized nav station in the starboard forward part of the salon, and the option to fit a second internal helm here.&nbsp; The yacht is fully air-conditioned and is powered by a 9kw Northern Lights generator, proving quiet cool living on the water.&nbsp; There are crew quarters on both sides, with the starboard side having its own head, sink and bunk.&nbsp;</p><p>The side decks are extremely wide, for a yacht this size, with a solid deck between the bows giving immense floor space, and high stainless tube guard rail providing safety whilst under way.&nbsp; The fixed GRP dinghy davits are an ingenious design, where the forward facing bench seat can be folded flat and then lowered into the water to become a boarding platform.&nbsp; The aft cockpit is very spacious, with comfortable seating for ten around the table to port and additional seating to starboard, for al fresco dining.&nbsp; Where this yacht really shines is the flybridge, which becomes the living area in all but the most adverse conditions.&nbsp; Here you have a commanding view of your surroundings, and can helm the yacht from the three person helm seat, whilst also being able to socialize with your guests sitting in the forward area.&nbsp; The forward area of the flybridge features luxurious wrap around seating to port and an additional bench seat facing forward.&nbsp; There is also a wet bar to prepare food and drinks, and there is provision to fit stove/BBQ and fridge/ice-maker, so you have all you need to make the flybridge your elevated home on the water.&nbsp;</p><p>The Leopard 47 power cat is unquestionably one of the more exciting power-cats out there, and today offers tremendous value, being priced at a third of the cost of a similar new design, whilst also being an incredible strong and efficient design. &nbsp;Speaking with delivery crews and owners they all talk highly of the performance, sea-worthiness, build quality, and livability of the yacht. Those with a family looking to explore this blue planet under power, should check out the value that the brilliant Leopard 47 power cat gives.</p><p><img src="https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2435475/Picture1.png.jpg" alt="Picture1.png" width="527" style="width: 527px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></p>