Aesthetically, the Leopard 46 swaps its two modest hull portholes for a long strip that occupies three-quarters of the length, as if to better embrace the yachting world. The doghouse remains quite similar, but features a straight windshield for greater interior space. Once in the cockpit, the user of the 45 will not be disoriented.
The layout is fairly classic for the brand, with an L-shaped dining area to port and a lounge seat to starboard, topped by access to the helm station. The electrically-operated aft platform can be lowered for bathing or dinghy storage, and when raised, complements the very open cockpit. Access to the sun lounge is still from the port gangway, but the small saloon itself has been moved forward a little to make room behind it for the solar panels. This modification saves the owners from having to add a hoop to support the panels.
Integrated support for solar panels
The foredeck, too, follows a familiar formula: a space combining seating and sunbathing. Too bad there's no table. On the other hand, the cushions conceal a series of lockers, a very practical arrangement for storing sails or bulky equipment. Access to the bow for maneuvering is via a classic trampoline, and there are small seats for admiring the dolphins or keeping an eye on the seabed.
A fundamental change from the previous generation is that the crew cabins are no longer located in the forepeaks, this area is now fitted with storage compartments. It's worth noting that this is a general trend: on most recent multihulls, skippers, cooks and hostesses are now housed in "decent" quarters - and that's a good thing!
The catamaran's circulation has been well thought out, whether in terms of the gangways, which are wide enough to pass each other, the cockpit or even the interior, with a door leading directly from the main deck to the forward cockpit. In fact, you can almost go from the stern to the bow without encountering any obstacles.
