A "one of a kind" model
With the Leopard 53 Powercat, Robertson and Caine launches the 4th generation of catamarans. This model is the successor to the 51 PC, launched in 2013 and with a production of 137 units. If 10 years ago sailing and motor models shared the same hulls, this has not been the case for a few years now. Each range has its own hull mould.
The same applies to this model for the interior design. While its predecessor, the Leopard 51 PC, shared some features with the Leopard 48, this new 15.4-metre Powercat breaks with that habit. New exterior and interior design, new interior layout, new interior layout..
Today, the power catamaran market is in full evolution, even if it is still a niche market compared to the sailing catamaran. At Robertson and Caine, the powercat sector now represents 1/3 of the production of the 180 boats produced each year. A production not négligeable?!
A new design
The Leopard 53 PC introduces a new, more modern design where the glazing has been maximized. Like the large hull glazing or the almost uninterrupted glass superstructure. The modern interior has been redesigned to offer the same comfort as at home, while the exterior offers ample space for relaxation.
Very large outdoor areas to relax
Starting with the large flybridge topped by a rigid bimini with an outdoor cockpit offering a panoramic view of the water. Here you can have lunch around the large U-shaped saloon or relax on the aft sundeck or simply enjoy the navigation on the co-pilot's bench. Access is via the starboard staircase, directly integrated into the superstructure and equipped with handrails.
The emphasis is clearly on the exterior with a huge cockpit, protected by the roof cap and extended by two beautiful skirts and a hydraulic bathing platform. The large central saloon is positioned just in front of the cockpit bay window, thus allowing direct communication with the saloon.
Access to the large forward bathing area is via large, well-protected catwalks, which are not flushed. 3 steps separate the catwalk from the cockpit.
A bright interior with 3 or 4 cabins
Inside, made very bright by the many windows, there is a galley at the stern with a double fridge/freezer and a cabinet with sink on the port side and an L-shaped cooking area on the starboard side fully equipped for cooking like at home.
At the front, the layout is distributed on either side of the wide central passage, which allows direct access to the front deck from the inside, thanks to the central door inserted in the glazing. An L-shaped saloon to port and a second steering position (optional) to starboard with a second sofa make up the layout of this forward section.
The hulls can accommodate 3 to 4 cabins, a modularity appreciated according to the type of property (private or charter). In the owner's version, the main cabin occupies an entire hull and offers a large double bed, a wardrobe and a double head. Finally, it is possible to opt for a crew cabin, separated from the rest of the cabins.
High speeds and long range
With its narrow hulls below the waterline that widen out of the water, the Leopard 53 Powercat has all the advantages of a multihull - stability and space - and the advantages of a powerboat - ease of handling and speed. The shipyard announces an important range of 2?000 miles (fuel capacity of 2?130 L) and speeds much higher than the Leopard 43 PC, the smallest model of the range. With two 370 HP engines, this new model sails at a cruising speed of 17.5 knots and a top speed of 25 knots.
A European presentation in September 2020
Presented in its world premiere in Miami, it will make its appearance in Europe in Cannes next September, as the multihull boat show has been cancelled due to the health crisis that the world is going through in April 2020. The next available model, currently in Cape Town, South Africa, is already awaiting its future owner.
Count a basic price excluding VAT ex worksite (i.e. in South Africa) of 799?000 euros.
