We just wanted to say a big THANKYOU to everyone who is commenting, whether you're a passionate Leopard owner (of which there seems to be many!) or a hardcore monohull sailor- or perhaps you're just watching for our charm and wit and don't care less about the boats. Understandable. It's fair to say, this video has generated a lot of discussion over the forward facing cockpit in particular and Leopard catamarans in general. We just want to reiterate that our opinions are merely that: opinions. You're allowed to disagree- in fact, we encourage all opinions, so that anyone reading the comments gets a rounded view, and not just ours. So thankyou to all of you who have put forth an opinion different to ours, and have done so in a productive and civilised way, inkeeping with our goal of generating useful and practical information for anyone who's interesting in boats and sailing. Much love, Nick & Terysa

@YellowSock66

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for these great reviews. Ofc there will always be different views about different boats. Fellow channel Sailing Sisu is specifically referring to you at 3:15 in kzread.info/dash/bejne/fIynl8GSqJrJg5M.html about the forward facing cockpit.

@brois841

3 жыл бұрын

@22:13 you say that you can have delivery by sea from S. Africa, but my sales rep told me they ship them freight. I'm not sure if that's true across the board or if it was just the 2021 Leopard 45 I was on.

@coop3014

Жыл бұрын

Ummm, who makes their bed everyday? J/k I love your videos, especially your reviews. Thanks for all your great work!

Regarding the forward cockpit - Word on the water is - it's one of the best places on the boat. Your safety and weight concerns are misplaced. The boats are built in freaking South Africa - the harshest sailing conditions in the world. There is zero problems with water - drainage - or the door. There are a dozen reasons why the forward works well. Here's at least one reason - when you're med docked you have a private outdoor area to relax. You don't have to feel like a fish in a bowl when docked in tight quarters. Another reason - at anchor - the wind often blows towards the setting sun - and your boat stern will gravitate that way - the forward cockpit gives you shaded protection from the sun. If you follow any of the channels that have a forward cockpit they are used constantly - and the owners (people who have them) say they would never have another boat without that space.

We own a new Leopard 45 2017 and disagree with comments on forward cockpit. We've crossed the Gulf Stream at least 5 times; the Gulf twice and in serious storms with 40kt winds; 10'ft seas. This boat is a beast and handled it greatly. Water that enters forward cockpit drains as fast as it enters. Not a drop of water through the door or any issues. Waves were crashing over sun window in salon & everything was good. I suggest you ride on one and get a feel for how it performs. you won't be disappointed. We are getting ready to do a 800 nm trip across Caribbean to Bonaire non stop. I have no worries on how this boat will handle it. We are circumnavigating around the world on it and I know of others that are doing the same. Comments regarding performance are way off. In regard to where the emergency life raft is stored - you know it can be moved right? We moved ours to behind the helm seat. Easy access but out of the way for on top deck.

@sailingrubyrose

5 жыл бұрын

Hey mate, Thankyou for your comments- they’re greatly appreciated and contribute to the overall discussion. 👍 Fair winds

The forward cockpit is the reason I want a Leopard.

@trumpetmano

5 жыл бұрын

You catch a really good sized wave over the bow and that wave is coming into the salon with that forward facing door.

@sailingrubyrose

5 жыл бұрын

And a lot of happy Leopard owners agree with you! The fwd cockpit is a huge selling point. But it’s not for us. 😊

@trumpetmano

5 жыл бұрын

One huge wave over the bow and that wave is coming into the salon....

@TST1998

5 жыл бұрын

@@trumpetmano Maybe you should close the door in a storm?

@trumpetmano

5 жыл бұрын

Sounds like you have never been out on the ocean and experienced the power of the ocean. Take a gander at some KZread videos showing the damage to ships made entirely out of steel.The kinetic power of a large wave is incredible. Unless that door is made of steel, mounted in steel, a huge wave will crush that salon door like a pretzel.

The forward cockpit is a nice Because my mom can get to the front of the boat without walking on the side of the boat...

A huge part with the forward door, is that with any breeze, that salon does not retain heat. amazing airflow.

@julianbatcheler9970

3 жыл бұрын

Exactly. One of the key reasons I plan to get a used Leopard with it. Should help to not need air conditioning running. I’ll probably be looking at a 44...

@handroids1981

Жыл бұрын

So Mr. Julian, how did you go? Are you floating in a condo across the ocean blue?

I have watched a bunch of magazine boat reviews and they have nothing over you two! A intelligent couple researching the best purchase for a cruising live-aboard boat, are the best people to go to for advice.....especially when you find yourself agreeing with most everything they are saying. Thank you two for all your efforts!!

The galley being forward was a smart design. Love the forward cockpit vs just having slanted windows with steps! If the forward facing cockpit floods then you get a Jacuzzi😏

We've done 7.2k nm in 4 months in our Leopard 45, crossing over 60 latitude degrees (meaning, no weather prediction is working as promised and one finds oneself almost every day in a different wind zone), also the last 1,250nm passage was upwind. You are right, we could not go lower than 45 degrees off true wind, but we also found that at 45 degrees at 7kts boat speed, we were prone to slamming into the first quarter cross swells. But the forward cockpit, we still love it, especially Trade downwind sailing. Into the wind or beating, we do not use it at all.

@sailingrubyrose

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that. Really helpful to know. Fair winds with your onward journey

@SailingSisu

5 жыл бұрын

PS. during our 31 day passage we did a lot of downwind trades sailing and during that phase, we had every night a sunset dinner in the forward cockpit. It is perhaps the view, or the safety of be kind of inside (almost the as you feel about the helm enclosure), while having dinner with a view. ..anyone crossing the oceans on the milk route, will love the forward cockpit during long passages.

@sailingrubyrose

5 жыл бұрын

I can definitely see the appeal! 👍⛵️

Definitely the most trustworthy and reliable reviews. Thank you Ruby Rose you two do a great job.

I’m smiling while I watch this looking at you in your “cherry wood coloured boat “ . I have a late 2009 Leopard 40 which is one of the last 40’s of this style. Mine is also cherry wood. From 2010 all the new Leopards are this “ modern light colour with square interior. It certainly makes the boat seem MUCH roomier. I think you have to get used to it. Personally I prefer the cherry dark wood. I was lucky enough to be in Cape Town in Feb this year with Lenny and Randy to view their brand new performance 50 Leopard. Alex Simonis the designer spent an hour chatting with us about the boats. Just out of interest they sailed the 50 with a full main and full Genoa in 30 knots off Cape Town before the rope clutch slipped so these boats can for sure handle heavy weather. The reefing for the 50 actually starts at 15 knots for safety sake. There are things I prefer on my Leopard proper lexan shower doors in both showers. The new ones don’t have this. I like my U galley in the back corner of the saloon as you can cook in any weather out there. The new ones don’t allow for this. I see the value of the bimini of being level with the coach roof as in open sea it helps with water but on anchor that open gap gives you loads of fresh cool air. The new davits like Nicky and Jason have is also a huge improvement. Personally I would hate an engine in my living space so having the engines outside the boat in their own compartments for me is a big plus. This pretty much rules out drive shafts. As you can see I am a leopard fan and owner but will be renting a FP in September in Turkey so I will compare a bit more then 😊👍

@SeaSential

2 жыл бұрын

Which would you go with... we are closing on the L50 but were interested in the FP...

@mikeferguson2828

2 жыл бұрын

@@SeaSential I favor the leopards for quality

Again another great video love the way you break things down into the different categories and just your perspective on certain things so keep up the great work and keep having fun sailing

I have never heard about any problems with the forward cockpit and the boat is very fast and very seaworthy! Blue water capability - perfect.

@roscoejones4515

5 жыл бұрын

Yes, the forward cockpit issues are worst-case-theoretical, but they are still something to consider. If you plan on sailing around the Horn to the Pacific, it requires even more thought. When you are spending this much on a boat, it has to be capable for the mission you intend.

You both do great boat reviews, I love the attention to the mechanical features and steering mechanisms. Thanks

Absolutely love this stuff! Thank you very much for sharing this video...

I'm with you Nick on the aesthetics. I live in Australia and it reminds me of a lot of the new apartments they build over here where they try to be stylish while at the same time hoping not to offend anyone's taste. The result is this rather bland, light veneered, slightly off white and grey that is inoffensive but also lacks any sense of character. Another great review. Keep 'em coming!

Oh a Leopard 45! Sailing SV Happy together sail the 50, such a nice looking boat.

Great work & thanks for these reviews. Seawind 1600 still my fave so far.Big enough to live on in comfort but also a good sailing boat that very seaworthy.

ALL CAUGHT UP! Officially waiting for the next Vlog to come out . love you guys... so fun to watch. Fantasizing about the Seawind 1600...wow! 23kts!!!!! Can't wait to see what you both choose and to see how you handle the new boat and what it has to offer. Also to see what you may miss in the monohull and old faithful..Ruby Rose...One. Keep up the great videos, editing, and amazing charisma you both share! Cheers to you both!!

Great job. A good, fair and balanced review, using your own criteria and based on your sailing objectives and preferences. Disappointing a few can’t seem to grasp that different people can have different criteria etc, and seem to think anything less than worship is justification for abuse - please ignore and block them. Keep doing what you’re doing.

Something overlooked with the forward cockpit is that it is a great spot to douse misbehaving sails. Just lower the code zero/parasailor/whatever in the fwd cockpit, where there is no wind and deal with it later. Also it's the best cool shaded seat in the house after spending the day in the sun. They should have kept the stainless posts to support the forward rooftop. Good luck with your search!

@SailingSisu

5 жыл бұрын

Oh, yeah, that happened to us on a few occasions! We are only two people on board. A Code D unfurled in a high wind in Cape Town and on another occasion, the spinnaker halyard snapped and we had to get that sail back. Both times the forward cockpit was absolutely a safe haven to get that sail out of the wind.

Great review... keep them coming.

I love these review...having a side by side comparison sounds really interesting. Thank you :)

Love the non biased opinions.!! Coupled with a lot of sea knowledge. Thank you !! Subscribed..

@sailingrubyrose

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate. Welcome to our channel

Brilliant videos for nerds like us! Love to watch these cat videos!

Fascinating review guys - so honest and backed up with your thought process. This one is clearly not suited to your particular requirements, but I can see its appeal to users with different priorities.

Great assessment. Thanks for both of you in objective comments.

A couple of things I’ve noticed: this example you’ve toured appears to be the 2018 layout, 2019 version changed a few things - it now has Island beds, for instance. Leopard claims that the boat was designed to float as if the front cockpit was filled of water. I’d like to see someone try it for real. The other thing I’ve found interesting was the life raft position - another KZread channel called Sailing Sisu had their life raft moved to the transome - freeing up an additional locker and solving the life raft concern. I’ve watched a few of your videos now and I’m pretty sure that a charter cat isn’t really for Nick. He seems too much of a sailor, and too into sailing for that. I suspect they’ll wind up on a boat with dagger boards - probably an Outremer or similar. Full disclosure - the leopard 45 is my circumnavigation fantasy boat because it will do the passages well enough and give me an awesome home at anchor. But I’ve never sailed a day in my life and I might take a different view after some sailing lessons.

@sailingwithfreebird3771

5 жыл бұрын

we have ab 2017 L45 and have sailed it in serious winds & waves (40kt; 10-ft waves) Waves crashed over sun roof in salon thats how serious it was. The forward cockpit drained as fast as water entered. I wish I videoed it so that others could see. Maybe on another trip. The designer Alex Simon also sailed it in serious conditions with intent of filling the front cockpit area. Couldn't be done, it drained as fast as it filled. This boat is da bomb! Open floor plan; easy access to all mechanical items for ease of work; great airflow. Recommend you take a sail on one & see how great they are.

I love these reviews. So much better than those I have seen before. But I think those channels were more into the coastal cruising and comfort at anchor and not thinking about ocean crossings. They worry about whether it is one or two bay sinks and if there are seats at the bows. And they almost never look at the build quality of the steering and those things. So yours are much more thorough. Can't wait for the next one. I think Chshrkt has a good point about looking at an older boat. Refit it to what you want and save a ton that can be applied to traveling instead. Seems to be better economics. Plus the older TDI Lagoons from the 80"s have solid FG hulls so are much stronger so I heard. Never seen on in person so I could be totally wrong about that. But a solid non cored hull would be my choice for crossing oceans. Anyway I can't wait for the next one and to start seeing the vids on your journey through the French Canal system. Take care!

@sailingrubyrose

5 жыл бұрын

I don’t think we’d want to go older than 5-10 years because the maintenance just takes over. But definitely a used catamaran would be a great option.

@beachcomberz

5 жыл бұрын

@@sailingrubyrose the sailing family recently put out an interesting video on cat comparisons. they are now in an outremer but were in a lagoon 38 like a decade ago. have you seen it??

As always, great review, thx...

Magnificent catamaran yet I totally agree about the sharp edges and Ikea style interior. Wonderful review and thoughts. Thank you so much!

Another great video - Thank you

Excellent review!!! As always, you guys are very thorough! Its a very nice looking catamaran, although I am not a fan of the wet head. I need to have separate showers in all the heads! Thank you for sharing.

Nick & Terysa great video . Vibrant discussion below . I learnt a lot .

I thought you were going to say it was your favourite so far! We chartered one a few years ago and I wish I could support your optimism of 'should be quick offwind'. We only had white sails and had a lot of folks on board but holy crow, you couldn't say it was quick. Very, very comfortable to live on in a marina but bouncy and lots of windage at anchorage and we had to keep resetting through the night. Close quarters handling under motor in a breeze is hard because of the windage, which caught me out and I hit a fuel dock (not proud of that). We had a lot of water over the boat one day and I never once feared the forward-looking cockpit filling up. Motoring upwind into 30 knots the biggest problem was refracting waves off the hulls coming right over the boat and sluicing off the top of the bimini. it was like standing on a dock wall on a stormy day. This was my first ever foray in a cat and I didn't get the buzz, but the family loved it. I was so tired from staying on anchor watch and then sailing that we paid out EUR 300 for a night in Porto Romana in Ventotene, IT. That alone was enough to put me off cats for life although it's an amazing place to stay.

@patricknagel9065

5 жыл бұрын

Boat was probably heavily overloaded, no?

@thalassaofipswichcorfu2840

5 жыл бұрын

Certainly not overloaded Patrick Nagel. A large family for a week’s holiday arriving by plane means we didn’t have lots of kit either.

Thanks very much for this series! Love your channel, and love hearing your views on these boats. We'd love to meet up when you're in Annapolis!

I’m loving these reviews! I know you’re making them in your decision making but would love to see some on a bit bigger ones for families 🤔

Love these reviews! You guys bring out some really good points about the boat (both positive and negative). Wouldn't it be something if the manufacturers made changes based on your review without a price increase! Like milling a rounded edge from the start on all the joinery or relocating the liferaft. Little changes can make a big positive impact. Thanks for sharing.

So guys, help me out here. Are you telling me because of the forward cockpit, it’s not an offshore boat? Has there ever been a reported incident with that? There are a ton of these boats everywhere. I do know the forward cockpit is wildly popular when underway.

Chartered the same boat 9 months ago she was brilliant Marty

Excellent! Thanks. can’t wait for the rest . Sk in the Uk

Hi guys. We just finished 8 days on a Lagoon 45 in the BVI. This 45 had the forward cockpit but no door into the saloon from the bow. The ladies love it for lounging, I found it great for an afternoon cocktail at anchor as the breeze blows right on you. Safety wise I felt very exposed at the helm, this was the sport version which has the helm station very similar to the Leopard 45. The feeling of exposure came from the fact that with a beam seaway catamarans tend to have a jerky motion which made me feel like I could be thrown out of the helm station overboard if we had more severe conditions. I think a safety bar across the opening would be appropriate. The Lagoon did have the life raft cage on the stern which is easily accessible whether right side up or vice-versa. Sailing performance sucked (full disclosure - I have raced my entire life and have always owned well behaved/performing mono-hulls), it was like driving a tank. Even in 20-25 knot winds we were lucky to hit 8-8.2 knots. The crew agreed (but they are all from the same background as myself). As for livability. There were eight of us and the saloon layout and cockpit layout worked well. The galley had enough room for several chefs, the saloon table was large enough for all, we had plenty of storage (needed it as when we arrived our cockpit was the talk of the dock, stacked high with cases of beer and liquor), water and fuel capacity were enough for eight people for the week. Overall experience was good (we reserved another 45 Lagoon for next year). Love your videos. Thanks.

These people have one and Left S Africa for an around the would trip. They are now in Case Verde. Nice people take a look. Sailing Sisu

Thanks for all the hard work guys. Looks like you are having a great time in France. Wish I was there...

@sailingrubyrose

5 жыл бұрын

Cheers Steve!

A comprehensive and thorough review. The option prices sound like option costs when buying a new BMW!! Sounds like it’s curtains for the Leopard!

Leopard 45! Best value for money! Mast and keel sold separately...

@RogerWilco1

4 жыл бұрын

Darth Fluffy and engines too if you feel you need the upgrade.

Attaboy Nick. No compromises on safety. Zero, zilch, nada, zip.

Sail drives are awesome as it moves the engine out of the cabin & into the very rear of the boat - that weight shift now gives you options like forward facing cockpits & bigger salons.

@Mantae123

4 жыл бұрын

They seem to have a bad reputation, but they are great so long as you keep up on the maintenance.

Another great video 😊 Looking forward to the one comparing the four big brands. We have just bought a 2107 Leopard 40 here in Australia and whilst it doesn’t have the large forward cockpit you still have the door which I love and you can sit with cushions under the overhang for shade. One of my favourite spots to sit. I agree about the wood colours and the cockpit cushions and helm seat are very hard. The helm seat should be deeper and have a more angled back not good for sitting for long periods not sure if it’s better on the 45. Looking forward to more of your very informative videos. 👍

Nick's comments about the interior are exactly how I felt about it.

@nobody46820

5 жыл бұрын

Same here, what a shame, I've heard lots of good things about the Leopard..

Forward cockpit is great if you're in busy and noisy marina/port. Then it's like heaven on earth :D

@sailingrubyrose

4 жыл бұрын

Fair point and well made

I like IKEA, I don't understand the negative comparison all the time.

@kippen64

5 жыл бұрын

Ikea is cheap. This is an expensive boat.

@roscoejones4515

5 жыл бұрын

Haha, Ikea is (generally) made of particle board with a very thin veneer, built to a price point and that price is cheap.

You two are great at boat reviewers. Very impressed

@sailingrubyrose

5 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate

Nice video. The Wynn's have a 2005 leopard 43 (which you know). Similar but different. Keep them coming, I enjoy your content

Wow, what a crowd, I would think that a couple powerful media types could get an early boat show viewing! I wish the BoatTEST folks were as succinct and down to earth as you two are...great content!

Good information thanks for sharing I really liked that forward cockpit area but I never thought about taking a wave over the bow and filling it up that could be dangerous in my humble opinion one of the smartest things I've seen in a catamaran is a Helm inside like on the gunboat in the H&H and a few others possibly you could put another Helm in the cockpit or if you have one inside you could put one on the rear swim platform like the Nauti Tech

We just finished 2 weeks sailing a Sunsail version of the 45 in varying winds in Croatia. We could hold 45° upwind. At 50° it moved along very well, but the 38 and 41 ft mono hulls cleaned our clock upwind. When we were doing 9.4 on a beam reach they were left in the dust. On a reach were could often do 2 knots under wind speed with no problems. Using the full sized sails that it is designed to carry I would suspect performance is better.

Awesome review like usual. Quick thought on the conduits. While I agree I’d like to see them filled before taking the boat on a long voyage, when taking delivery of a new boat it would be nice having the conduits empty for accessories and customization, and filled after the first few months of ownership once you know you don’t need to run new lines. You could also use a rubberized epoxy that stays pliable instead of an expanding foam so the waterproofing can be removed at a later date if more lines need to be ran.

Really informative n great pics to show you around. I personally would choose ( without seeing the rest) a sleek cat, with exceptional pointing. Once you get a big 45 ft cat you won’t be at the dock. ( expensive)You will prefer to cruise . I would think pointing n speed to be your best friend. Also a more maneuvering cat would be safe in a heavy mixed sea with high winds. Just my personal feeling which you have brought out in your videos. Thx

My wife and I have been looking for a catamaran for a few years now. Loved hearing your feedback on the leopard. We are looking for a live aboard catamaran. We need all the advice we can get to grab the perfect vessel. I'll keep watching all the info you give helps. Thank you.

@randolph2519

4 жыл бұрын

Remember, even these sailors who come back to "ocean crossing" many times in all of their reviews note that 90% of the time they are at anchor or mooring. Most others say 95% as I would say. The wider hulls and more spacious saloon together with the forward cockpit that always has a breeze (if there is one) since that is the part of the boat with the anchor is forward, make the Leopard ideal. The Corian countertops have rims that allow firm grasp. The corners may be a theoretical injury risk but have never been an issue for us. Just one more opinion...

Nick love the reviews im with you Nick didn't like the helms station as always safety first. Ive been keeping track and the Seawind 1600 far and away the best so far. Looking forward to your upcoming video's safe travels my friend.

Fantastic review. Is your concern with the fwd cockpit during ocean crossings it filling with water in heavy seas?

HI there, like the video's a lot. What is your favourite catamaran for your cruising life style? And when are you gone move to a catamaran (or not at all).

Nick ! Thank you for the info. love this video; good food for thought. have safe weekend John The Limo Driver from Kansas city

That forward cockpit is a game changer for leopard, full grab rails are another nice touch. Seawind and exquisite are faster than a leopard but it's hard to beat.

@handroids1981

Жыл бұрын

Hi. How could an Xquisite be faster? Aren't they around 25 ton?

@ronaldharris6569

Жыл бұрын

@@handroids1981 check the stats I might have read them wrong

@handroids1981

Жыл бұрын

@@ronaldharris6569 OMG. I just looked as your comment age, sorry about that. And it was 16.5 ton, empty for what it's worth.

Hi guys!! Thank you so much for your review!! Its nice to see a truly "neutral" review! Although we believe the Leopard is a "sexy sexy" cat but your comment about it appearing as a "Ikea" boat really rings loud. We have watched and drooled over them for years and have not taken the plunge. We learned to sail on a cat and have never sailed a monohull. Then we saw your boat is for sale 🧐❤️

@sailingrubyrose

5 жыл бұрын

She’s still for sale my friend. ;)

You guys are quite right to focus on the aspect of living on this boat. The bleached looking wood is cheap appearing in some ways? A dishwasher and dark wood found on Privilege cats is more eye appealing from a living aboard perspective.

Really good review. When will you check a Sunreef 50 or maybe a 60?

It would be really cool if you guys would add a bonus video where you review a Neel 47 trimaran. Often wondered if it’s the best of both worlds (mono and cat) or the worst. It’s the first Tri that is truly appealing to a lot of folks considering full-time sailing, and it seems to be a bargain due to the relative obscurity of the trimaran market.

Hey Guys..nice review. We just crossed the Atlantic in our 44 Leopard and will be cruising the Med for the next year or so. If we cross paths out there, we can give you a first hand review! Always enjoy your videos. We stopped in Alvor for a few days based on your review and loved it. Thanks!

@sailingrubyrose

5 жыл бұрын

Awesome my friend. Isn’t Alvor amazing?

Love your reviews though I find a bit of ambiguity in ranking various components amongst production brands. Also your comments on forward cockpits - all the production brands have them in one form or another now and many semi custom brands are following. Think about how much time you spent forward on Curiosity! In my thoughts while initially I liked the Leopard covered front cockpit I know lean towards a non-covered cockpit to give a different experience from the rear cockpit. My thoughts.

I agree with you about the interiors of the leopards being a bit IKEA. In the same size range, the lagoon 460 has a nicer interior. As far as the forward cockpit is concerned, I do like them as they provide a very well ventilated space at anchor. The Leopard version isn’t nearly as good as the Chris White designed sailing cockpits. Best, Maldwin

Hi ruby rose!! Thank you for all your information. Your reviews are thoughtful and thorough. When you go to the Annapolis boat show this October....please oh please do a review of the Exquisite X5. I would love to hear your thoughts. Hope to see you on the ocean someday. :D Thanks again!!!

Just saw the 2021 Leopard 45 this weekend and agree with your assessment about it feeling like it was IKEA. I was NOT a fan of the angular/contemporary lines, I bumped into things and hurt my thumb at one point. And that's just with the boat sitting in the marina. The other thing I personally wasn't a fan of was how 'cramped' the cockpit lounge and salon were. They have these huge oversized tables and tight seating everywhere. Tables aren't removable for just lounging around. There's plenty of space below and plenty of storage space, but the up-stairs area is just 'busy.' Hard to explain. The lounging areas I expected were really in the flybridge, but then you're exposed to the elements. This feels to me more like a day boat than what I'd expect of a proper live-aboard cruiser - but again, I'm new to this... still learning. Just my initial impression.

Great video. Would love to see a review of the Leopard 40 when you get a chance which is more our size and price range. I love your video on the Seawind 1260; however, I still cannot convince my wife of galley down.

Thank you for the complete information. Did you ever made a review on the Neel catamaran?

@sailingrubyrose

4 жыл бұрын

Yes we did. We released it last week and have it on hold for a while waiting for Neel to respond

I am totally with Nick on this one - angular ain't my thing, I think the theme is pretty/stylish but it would bug me after a while - I think the Lagoon beats this one. This hasn't got the Chill Factor! Having said that, you would be arriving in style no matter which harbour you pulled into.

great review. Personally - if I had the money for that sized Cat, I'd buy an older used one and invest the money on upgrading it.

@FeelItRising

5 жыл бұрын

and it is probably already upgraded. I'd never buy a new Cat

@epicoverfifty9745

4 жыл бұрын

@@FeelItRising Would never even consider a Cat but what would I know Im looking for a 28ft Bristol Channel Cutter. But have lived on the Ocean am a boat builder and composite technician and know what I want to put my life in the hands off single handing around the world.

Good review. I'd say it was damning with faint praise.

Trinidad...great prices for cushion covers and curtains. Stainless steel work is excellent in workmanship and price. They can probably create a great life raft cradle with a two-way gate and float-away capabilities.

Personally I found the overall built quality better than Lagoons or FP's and I absolutely love the design, I can't do with old looks haha

@sailingrubyrose

5 жыл бұрын

Fair point well made. Leave a review score my friend. Link in description.

Keep doing the reviews! How about doing a Bali 4.5?

in my opinion the best and safest catamaran in the price range, with a good price performance ratio. Qualitatively clear about Lagoon and FP. The cat has a good sailing performance and is safe for Oceancrusing.

Looks like they need an overall redesign. Thanks for your straight talk.

@sailingrubyrose

4 жыл бұрын

Pleasure mate

Leopards have had a forward cockpit since 2011. Other manufacturers longer than that. Leopards have crossed every ocean and do so everyday. HOW MANY LEOPARDS HAVE BEEN LOST DUE TO THE FORWARD COCKPIT? Answer: 0 You need to interview Lenny and Randy. That'd be good content too.

@oceandrew

5 жыл бұрын

But Lenny and Randy are exactly who Terysa and Nick say the Leopard is designed for... coastal cruisers and holiday sailors. When SV Happy Together needs to cross a large body of water they hire a delivery skipper. Of course if they sail their new Leopard 50 across the Atlantic from SA I'll eat my hat. 8-p

@SV-DEDICATED

5 жыл бұрын

@@oceandrew get your appetite ready. They announced their circumnavigation plans already. They hired that captain due to their job schedules not sailing capability of themselves or the boat. (I think they went back the other direction thru the canal by themselves with the help of Randy's son?) Their new 50 is in Fort Lauderdale now at Just Cats. It came across on a boat.

@sailingrubyrose

5 жыл бұрын

I think the issue isn’t that the new Leopards aren’t capable of crossing oceans- of course they are. But they’re designed for coastal cruising and chartering. Not circumnavigation. Does that mean you can’t circumnavigate in a Leopard? Of course not. You definitely can. But it’s not specifically designed for that purpose and the forward cockpit is an example of that. That’s what we were attempting to convey.

@SV-DEDICATED

5 жыл бұрын

The design and purpose of a Leopard is no different than any of the big 3 production cat makes (yes, I've too have been on all 3). I wouldn't compare a Leopard as it were a Gemini. & the answer is still 0 losses due to a forward cockpit. Leopard catamarans are the only catamaran brand certified both in Europe and the Americas (NMMA Certified - ABYC Standards & CE Certified - CE Standards) - from their website

@sailingrubyrose

5 жыл бұрын

Roger, we had our previous boat which was a lovely Hanse 320. Certified cat A in Europe, and as they sold them in the USA I guess the same. I wouldn’t have taken that boat across an ocean. It wasn’t up to the job. It’s strange how the Leopard review has really rattled people’s cages. I have removed some of the more offensive remarks, but jeez, it’s a good boat. I just don’t want a forward cockpit for heavy weather sailing.

I'm surprised at the outrageous additional charges for things that should be standard on a boat. Thank you for the video.

Sadly i can only give 1 tombs up. :) ( i give you 10 if possible ) Great revue on everything, and way above other catamaran walkthrough you-tubers. i am on a search for a catamaran myself, and i have been looking at many walkthroughs, from different people. we all have opinions on what we want, i love the Bali concept with the enclosure , and i like the ability to go out in front from cockpit ( like on Bali 4.8-5.4 and leopard 45-50) (excuse my English,it is not my language )but anyway, love your opinions and real walkthrough. so thanks for your service. Best regards.

@sailingrubyrose

5 жыл бұрын

It’s a pleasure my friend. For sitting at anchor and coastal sailing (within 200nm of land) this boat ticks a lot of boxes. I like a lot about it, and can see the merits of the front cockpit and design. There are just better on the market for offshore sailing

Good honest review. My question is always what am I paying for? Without access to the factory, I cant judge construction materials and fabrication Technologies. The French dominate CAT Market, but what is the cost of labour in France? Vs. China, Vietnam or South Africa? The labour is major cost of boat. However the French s builders are like the Silicone Valley of Sail boat manufacturing. They certainly have decades of experience and technology to offset some of the labour advantages of developing countries. New boats depreciate 20-25% first year and 10 per cent per year thereafter for 3 or 4 years So I rather spend $600,000 or a million on a Used, quality boat like PRIVILEGE. Than buy a new charter boat. Cheers From Toronto

So that's that one out then Nick :) I don't know of you have access to South African boats, but because the Rand is through the floor they offer incredible VFM, one called the Maverick 400 / 420 I think it was

I just subscribed after watching several of your episodes. You are such an attractive couple and I enjoy your videos. I try to limit how many cruising video channels I subscribe to because I'd just sit in front of my computer all the time otherwise. Adding your channel brings me up to ten cruising channels I'm following. I have 50 years of sailing, sadly precious little of it off shore. 40 years ago I had begun a series of steps which should have led to sailing a 51' Wharram cat, with some friends, to the South Pacific. That plan fell apart. Photography is my main hobby. Both of my interests coincide with cruising these days. I've really enjoyed watching your episodes evaluating catamarans. Your method is quite like something I would do. Most of my major purchases (car, boat, house) involve spreadsheets. I've thought quite a bit about mono-hull vs cat for cruising. It really began to grab my attention when the SV Delos crew did a few episodes on catamarans. To me the bottom line is answering the question are you "sailing" or "cruising". I love the motion of a mono-hull. There's nothing that matches having the boat healed with the rail in the water. A nice heavy and lengthy sailboat smooths the action. On the other hand, after watching so many channels with cats it is quite apparent that having a the stable platform of a cat makes cruising much more comfortable. One thought on the (hopefully) avoidable big weather. Yes a cat can flip over but it is unlikely to sink. On the other hand a mono is much more likely, if holed, to sink. I successfully lived through holing the starboard hull of the Wharram cat (my fault entirely), sailing it 80 miles with a temporary patch and lots of bailing, and beaching it with the tide so I could repair it. As for my "ratings" of the boats you've critiqued I would add just a couple of personal comments. I have a bit of claustrophobia. So much so that I had to turn down a month aboard my friends cat which is currently in the Caribbean. I would find the V berth of a mono hull easier to take than the narrow hull of a cat. I agree with Terysa about the ventilation in the birth area. So when you show a berth in any of the cats I always choose those which are not of the performance/narrow hull variety. But there are so many things attractive about a cat. Key things about a cat for me are redundant engines, lots of deck and structure space for solar panels, a dingy mount between the hulls, and as you mentioned the ability to stay on the same level as the cockpit when in the salon or galley. I look forward to your choice and your future adventures. Thank you for your video editing which I know takes so much time.

@sailingrubyrose

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the detailed and thoughtful comment my friend. Also welcome to our channel.

Sailing Yacht Ruby Rose & Sailing Doodles at Annapolis, THAT would be a great meet & greet for the fans of both. Make it happen !!

Privilege 585.... one of the best boats ever! I think there's a 40-something foot one' that's pretty similar to the 585 also.

Hi guys. Am really appreciating this series of video reviews for catamarans. Given you’re currently happy sailing a 38 ft monohull, and have previously commented that boat running costs are exponential to boat length, I did wonder what the reason is for focusing on 42-45 ft boats and not 38-40 ft versions?

Try find a Explocat 52, I liked see yours review on that 😄

Hi Guys another good video however you are reviewing production yachts that were never really built to do more than charter. I own a 2007 Sun Odessey 45 which is a completely different beast to the lightweight “Ikea” SunOdesseys of today . I look forward to your reviews of the more well built cats such as Anteres but then you are going a million plus . In reality you will buy the best cat you can afford but unless you go £1m plus you will not get a true Bluewater cat very much like I accept my boat will cross oceans but will not have the build quality of a Rassey, Najad, Discovery. On the subject of all the extras you are right retro fit yourselves Keep up the good work , D

I just spent a week on one in Croatia. I loved it. Was surprised how much bigger it felt inside over the 444.

@mikepayne1350

4 жыл бұрын

@Chrisamaran Sunsail They were awesome.

I like the interior furnishings of Ruby Rose. Looks well made, nice wood, rounded corners, quality fittings. The quality is still enjoyed long after the price is forgotten.

Hi as a 70 yr old mono sailor had to skipper a bloody cat it was a ,44 leopard. Unreal she was great superbly easy I loved her. Now gotta Rob a bank.I WANT TO OWN ONE!

The liferaft is an optional extra. Skip buying from the manufacturer and buy through your outfitter. Then you can choose to get a case mounted on the raids. You also get to choose your features such as guaranteed self righting.

I would just say working in the automotive industry volume is an advantage. Getting parts, service is a lot easier if there are a lot of your kind of vehicle (or boat) out there and it’s likely to be cheaper than a custom or less popular make. Ocean going is not a priority for me, at least I’m the five years ownership window most advisors recommend. So for me the L45 or Lagoon 46 will be perfect. Maybe I’ll get the blue water bug later and trade up to an Outremer or Seawind.