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LEOPARD POWERCAT 53

LEOPARD POWERCAT 53

A CLEAR WINNER

The exciting all-new Leopard Powercat 53 distinguishes itself as an exceptional looking boat with its cutting-edge styling and so many enhanced features perfectly suited to cruising in our magical part of the world, while still retaining the unmistakeable DNA of the Leopard Catamaran range.

The Leopard 53 Powercat offers a modern interior with the comforts of home as well as plenty of outdoor entertaining space. Combined with the smart and economical advantages of the catamaran design, she is easy to maintain and operate, and is up to 50% more fuel efficient than her monohull motor yacht counterparts.

The interior’s atmosphere will entice, with cool tones and modern finishes. She is offered in a three or four cabin layout, with the option for a separate crew cabin as well. The three-cabin owner’s version provides an at-home feel with a large, walk-around bed, a walk-in closet and a double vanity.

The saloon offers large, panoramic windows, an L-shaped lounge to port and a 2-person settee to starboard with an option to add an interior navigation station. The flow through is seamless with access to foredeck through the forward saloon door.

The galley is outfitted with a domestic-sized refrigerator/freezer, Staron® worktop surfaces, 4-burner stove, microwave oven, home-sized sink, and ample amounts of storage.

The flybridge provides a well-planned helm station with great visibility. Spacious seating and a large table allow for a great place to entertain family and friends and enjoy a meal with spectacular views.

 

The Leopard 53 Power Catamaran is very special for a number of reasons.

Firstly, it’s the remarkable level of comfort both at anchor and underway. It’s an incredible feeling to sit in a plush settee while going at 23 knots in an offshore swell. This is what the Leopard 53 Powercat can do, and it does it with a feeling of ease. The clever design combines the comfort and features of a motor yacht with the stability and efficiency of a catamaran.

Secondly, a massive gain in efficiency has been achieved over and above its predecessor, the Leopard 51 Powercat. To design a boat that is 31% larger and 3 tonnes heavier, while delivering the same performance with the same engine, the twin 370hp Yanmars, was an incredible achievement by respected naval architect Alex Simonis. His challenge was to design a hull shape which is less sensitive to trim over a range of loading conditions at different speeds. Following an extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics program, Alex was able to find the perfect balance between the trim generated by the bow wave and the downward force of the propellers. The tunnel design on the Leopard 53 Powercat works to keep the boat level over a range of speeds and conditions. The resulting speed and fuel efficiency dividends can be as high as 22% when compared to vessels with similar power-to-weight ratios.

And thirdly, the efficiency gains, along with a raft of class-leading new features have been achieved above deck as well. The massive, easy-access engine rooms now accommodate all systems behind the main cabin bulkheads, dramatically minimising noise levels inside the yacht. The level of finish is of the highest standard and the feeling of spaciousness on this boat is exceptional. Extra attention has been given to the owner’s cabin that includes a large wide island berth, generous storage, a sofa, a walk-in closet and a large head and shower.

With production at the Cape Town factory uninterrupted and ramping up to respond to a rapidly growing order book, delivery of the first new model to Australian and New Zealand waters is now slated for the 2022 Boat Show season. This is great news for Leopard fans, and this new model will feel right at home in our part of the world where we are blessed with so many splendid cruising destinations.

Footnote – While the COVID-19 pandemic has been a threat to much of what we value, it has also given us opportunities to reinvent livelihoods and lifestyles by reconfiguring work and family relationships. It has offered a stimulus to a reconstruction of what makes life worthwhile. When times have been tough, there seems to be a keener interest in, and appreciation of, quality. There’s also time for research, reassessment and recognition that we can take our work and lifestyles anywhere, far away from busy cities to places where the natural world nurtures. And the psychology of optimism is vital to allow the dreams and visions of today to become the reality of tomorrow. What better way to align concepts of quality, renaissance and lifestyle than by stepping aboard the magnificent Leopard Powercat 53 and calling it home!

For more information www.leopardcatamarans.com

 

 

 

Published in print July-September 2021