Why sail a motor catamaran?

Leopard 43 PC

The catamaran market is currently on the rise. If customers are moving towards this type of unit, it is because these multihulls offer many advantages for their owners: comfort, space, safety And why not go further in the process and consider buying a motor catamaran rather than a sailboat?

Two hulls are more efficient than one

We are not going to praise the multihull here, which offers better performance than a monohull. But when we talk about engines, we are necessarily interested in their efficiency and consumption. And then, the catamaran became more interesting than the monohull. Indeed, it is cutting its course without consuming very interesting averages, often unequalled by monohulls, which have to slow down to offer a more comfortable passage through the sea.

Catamaran à moteur Leopard
Leopard 43 PC

More mast = less cost and weight

A mast is used for sailing. But when you're on the boat, when you live on it, it becomes more embarrassing than anything else. Indeed, the mast increases the weight of the boat, it generates movements in the swell and produces noise in the rigging when the wind rises. Sailing catamaran enthusiasts will agree that the mast should be removed once at anchor or in port. The mast also offers a strong windward grip that causes dunnage when at anchor or when you want to take a poorly exposed berth.

Not to mention that this rigging is also a source of expense when it comes to the care and maintenance of the boat. A set of sails to renew, wear and tear problems...

Catamaran à moteur Leopard
Leopard 43 PC

Sailing where there is no wind

Sailing is great, but you need wind. And often, we like to sail by beautiful sea, to enjoy the anchorages when there is no wind. That's why we often see sailboats sailing without sails. Taking advantage of a motor catamaran means getting rid of this problem. Whatever the weather, you can be sure to keep up with the average and arrive on time at the right place.

Catamaran à moteur Leopard
Leopard 51 PC

A boat to live on

On a motor catamaran, all the space is dedicated to the crew and their comfort. Unlike a sailboat, here you will not find winches or ropes that could hinder comfort. Apart from the steering station (quite limited since it is a steering wheel and throttle), the crew can take advantage of the entire platform to relax, sunbathe, eat..

Catamaran à moteur Leopard
Leopard 53 PC

Motor catamarans offer very beautiful spaces for idleness since the platform between the hulls runs from the bow to the transoms. Here the front deck is not just a trampoline, but is equipped with tables, seating and sunbathing.

Let us highlight the step forward taken by the Leopard brand, which has integrated a door to pass on this front beach from the saloon. In addition to the ease of movement, this forward door provides a fresh draft throughout the boat to the aft cockpit. This is particularly pleasant when you are wet end to wind in heavenly places.

Catamaran à moteur Leopard
Leopard 53 PC

Search for a hull designed for the engine

The hulls of a good sailing catamaran do not match those of a good motor catamaran. Indeed, to support the power of the engines, you need a different design with a much larger rear end. It is therefore not enough to remove the anti-drift plans (keels or daggerboards) on a sailing catamaran to transform it into a motor catamaran.

While some shipyards are trying this solution to reduce costs by using the same moulds, it is not the choice of the shipyards who think above all about the performance and behaviour of their boats. This is the case, for example, of Leopard, whose sailing catamarans are not built on the same production line as those with motor. At Leopard, there is a production line dedicated to motor catamarans with specific tools. The design of the hulls is also very specific with stepped hulls for better passage into the sea, so as to reduce the wet surface and maintain a generous volume in the hulls above the waterline. On the new 53 PC, the hull is designed above all to support the power of the 2 engines of 370 hp each. This choice offers great performance since this boat of more than 16 m will have a top speed of 25 N and a cruising speed of 17.5 N. But these peaks must also be related to autonomy. The Leopard 53 PC is announced to be more than 2000 M...

More articles on the theme