The best way to get on board is by the back skirts. The skirts are quite wide with, on the port one, a solid swimming ladder with handrail to facilitate the ascent. The space between the two skirts is dedicated to the dinghy, which can be hoisted using the davits. On the other hand, there is no central platform, either as standard or as an option.
The cockpit itself is of a decent size with a bench seat for three people and a table that can easily accommodate six or eight people. The whole is well protected by the flybridge and access to the skirts, gangways, flybridge or saloon is very easy. There is also a passageway behind the bench seat for maneuvering or nautical activities.
A Well Thought-out Layout
From the cockpit, the sliding doors open wide for easy access to the main deck. Organized in much the same way as the 46 PC, this level features an L-shaped galley on the port side, just by the entrance, perfect for service in the cockpit. In addition to its easy access, this galley includes plenty of storage and high-end appliances.
A little further forward, there is a small L-shaped saloon with a coffee table, all of which can turn to an additional sleeping space, just in case. This layout, mainly made for the boat show is in fact replaced by a classic high table. This arrangement has the merit of being able to be used as an office - too bad the builder didn't think of installing plugs on the port side. On the starboard side, the Leopard benefits from a real helm, well equipped, a good idea when sailing in cool or rainy weather.
Finally, a glass door gives direct access to the foredeck. Using a Leopard design, this foredeck includes two seats on the front of the hulls and a few sunbeds with head cushions under which we can find several storage compartments, thus a huge locker, ideal for storing the fenders. Access to the electric windlass is also very easy, a good point in case of problems. Note that if you have to access the foredeck from the sides, the gangways are wide and comfortable and you can easily find something to hold on to.
The flybridge is probably one of the largest in its class. It extends over the entire main deck and to the rear of the cockpit. Another good point, the access staircase from the cockpit is really comfortable which makes things easy. Taking advantage of its generous surface, this flybridge features a large U-shaped bench in the middle of which a table is placed. This saloon can also be transformed into a large solarium. On the port side, a cabinet integrating a grill, a sink and a refrigerator allows you to cook while enjoying the view.
A chaise lounge, also on the port side, represents a place of choice to talk with the captain or to tan. The last element of this fly is of course the helm. It is complete, relatively ergonomic and benefits from an entirely clear view. The seat can accept two people, ideal for a long trip. Small detail that changes everything, the windshield type windjumper allows us to stay protected from the wind. There are also a few storage spaces here and there and the whole space is protected by a hardtop in which indirect LED lighting is integrated. If necessary, the flybridge can be completely closed with a transparent canvas, which can be useful.
Available in three cabins… for now
There remains the cabins and there again, the shipyard took the same recipe as on the 46 by developing hulls wide enough to increase the available interior space. The result is clear: on a 40-footer, you can enjoy a queen-size bed with even a little space available on the sides. As for the distribution of space, the catamaran is currently available in a 3 cabin version.
The owner's suite occupies the starboard hull with a large double bed, a small desk, a large television and a bathroom with a toilet, a sink and a large shower. Everything is well lit thanks to the long hull windows and there is also storage spaces everywhere, starting with the drawers under the bed and the closets in the hallway. For more privacy, simply slide the sliding door to isolate this cabin from the rest of the boat.
On the port side, the living space is divided into two cabins, each with a double bed and a shared bathroom. At this stage, the shipyard has not formally specified whether or not the Powercat will be available in a four-cabin version, which would make sense for the charter market.
Overall, the finish of this catamaran is very good. The woodwork has a modern look and the execution is in line with what we expect from such a powercat. The same is true for the fabrics, which are well made and for all the decorative elements. On the practical side, there are a sufficient number of electrical outlets (except for the sofa area) and small, well-placed ambient lights. As for the equipment, it is in the good average range and can be discussed at the time of ordering, with many options available.
