There is always a different explanation for how each of our yacht owners decided to buy a Leopard Catamaran. For Ron Buck and his wife, owners of Arrgh Boat, a Leopard 43 Powercat, the journey to ownership began in a way many of our owners know well: the “try before you buy” method. After years of chartering catamarans in the British Virgin Islands through Leopard’s sister company, The Moorings, the couple developed a love for the comfort, performance, and freedom of catamaran cruising. What started as memorable charter vacations eventually turned into a decision to purchase a yacht of their own. Little did they know that their enthusiasm for the Leopard 43 Powercat would eventually inspire several other boaters to follow in their footsteps.
“We started out chartering the boats in the BVI, we used The Moorings on a regular basis—I’d say we’ve been seven or eight times. We loved the boats so much we started looking at used ones. We looked at one we were going to day charter in Miami and we were not happy with it, so we went back to our broker and told her that wasn’t what we were looking for. So our broker suggested that we buy a new one, and so that’s how that happened.”
From Charter Vacations to Leopard Powercat Ownership
Ron took ownership of his Leopard 43 Powercat in March 2017, and by the time we spoke with him in 2020, his enthusiasm for the yacht was stronger than ever. In fact, he had become something of an unofficial ambassador for Leopard Catamarans, introducing fellow boaters to the brand and helping at least five people decide to purchase their own Leopard 43 Powercats. “Since I’ve owned my boat, I’ve sold five, at least. I have convinced people to buy Leopard 43 PCs that had never even heard of Leopard Catamarans. In a marina a man came by the boat and he asks ‘Can I get on your boat?’, and of course I said sure. So I gave him a tour of the boat and he said ‘I love it!’. I told him to give a call to my Leopard Sales Agent. I gave him his number and three days later the guy bought a Leopard 43 PC. That’s one of five.”
For Ron, sharing his love of the Leopard 43 Powercat came naturally. Rather than simply describing the yacht’s features, he invited interested boaters to experience its performance and handling firsthand. “People who were interested in my Leopard 43 PC, I’d say ‘Let’s go for a ride!’ I have taken a few different people out on my boat and once they went on a sea trial, they were hooked. Everybody just loves the boat. And people really like the maneuverability. I’m not an expert boater, but people always think I have a bow thruster on the boat when I am docking it. The boat will spin on a dime.”
This maneuverability is one of the many advantages of power catamaran ownership. With twin engines positioned in separate hulls, powercats offer responsive handling and precise control when docking or navigating tight marina spaces. For owners who frequently cruise between destinations or enjoy entertaining guests aboard, this ease of operation can make the boating experience even more enjoyable.
Leopard 43 Powercat Performance and Onboard Comfort
Beyond maneuverability, Ron was particularly impressed by the Leopard 43 Powercat’s performance in varying sea conditions. Having experienced other power catamarans, he felt the Leopard offered a noticeably different ride. “I took a 44 foot powercat out on a sea trial and it just didn’t compare. The boat rode horrible compared to my 43 Powercat. With my Leopard, the bigger the seas, the faster I go. The boat just cuts through the waves, it’s just a great ride. I have been in six foot seas no problem. It is just a sweet riding boat!”
While safe operating speeds always depend on weather, sea conditions, and vessel loading, Ron’s experience reflects his confidence in the yacht’s handling and performance. The Leopard 43 Powercat combined the practical benefits of a multihull design with the comfort and space that make power catamarans appealing for coastal cruising, weekend getaways, and extended time on the water.
When asked what he loved most about his yacht, Ron pointed to its speed, space, and economy, along with the open layout that made entertaining friends and family so enjoyable. “If I could change anything about my yacht, I wouldn’t. There is nothing on board this boat that I look at and think ‘Why isn’t this this way?’ I like the boat exactly the way it is. But what I’d have to say my favorite feature on the boat is the salon and the aft cockpit and the way they connect. The way you can have the door and windows open and the cockpit flows right into the saloon. And everybody can hang out as a large group.
And then of course the flybridge is nice because of the number of people you can fit up there comfortably.” The seamless connection between the saloon and aft cockpit created an inviting indoor-outdoor living space, while the elevated flybridge provided another comfortable gathering area with expansive views. These features allowed Ron and his wife to make the most of their time aboard, whether hosting guests at the marina, relaxing at anchor, or enjoying an afternoon cruise. This emphasis on open living spaces and entertaining remains an important part of the Leopard Powercat experience today.
Cruising Florida’s Gulf Coast and the Florida Keys
At the time of our interview, Ron kept Arrgh Boat close to home in Tierra Verde, Florida, where he and his wife enjoyed exploring the state’s Gulf Coast and beyond. While some yacht owners dream of long-distance ocean passages, Ron’s cruising lifestyle focused on weekend adventures, coastal destinations, and making the most of the waterways surrounding Florida. “I love my Leopard. I absolutely love the boat,” he shared. “We go over to Fort Lauderdale and we really enjoy the Keys. We go to Key West and we like Marathon. And we do a lot of local boating. We go out to Egmont Key almost every weekend when the weather is nice. We don’t do much long range boating, just mostly Florida West Coast Cruising. Sarasota, Venice, Marco Island. We are members of a yacht club so we get to stay a free night at all these other yacht clubs.”
From the beaches and historic landmarks of Egmont Key to the waterfront communities of Sarasota, Venice, and Marco Island, Florida’s Gulf Coast offers countless opportunities for power catamaran cruising. Ron’s favorite destinations also included Marathon and Key West, where boaters can enjoy the tropical scenery, marinas, and laid-back atmosphere of the Florida Keys. For Ron and his wife, the Leopard 43 Powercat provided the flexibility to explore these destinations without committing to extended offshore voyages.
Their experience is a reminder that yacht ownership is not defined by how far you travel, but by the memories you create along the way. Whether it’s a spontaneous weekend getaway, a visit to a neighboring yacht club, or an afternoon spent anchored near a favorite beach, a power catamaran opens the door to a wide range of cruising experiences.
Choosing the Right Powercat Features and Upgrades
After several years of ownership, Ron had also developed a clear understanding of which yacht upgrades were most valuable for his particular cruising lifestyle. While certain features may be essential for full-time liveaboard owners or those planning extended offshore passages, they aren’t always necessary for shorter coastal trips. “We did have a watermaker installed on the boat but we don’t really use it. It would definitely be different if we were open water cruisers, and then the washer and dryer, I’d love to have more space. In three years we’ve owned the boat we haven’t used that either.”
For Ron, the additional space could have been more useful than equipment that rarely saw use. His experience highlights the importance of considering how you plan to use your yacht before selecting optional equipment, particularly when deciding between features designed for extended cruising and those that enhance everyday comfort.
Other additions, however, proved to be worthwhile investments. “We added the blue underwater lights which everyone really enjoys. And then we have a full enclosure on the flybridge, and sunshades so you can see through them but keeps everything from getting destroyed by the sunlight upstairs.” These upgrades complemented the couple’s Florida cruising lifestyle, making outdoor spaces more comfortable while protecting the flybridge from prolonged sun exposure.
For prospective power catamaran buyers, Ron’s recommendations offer a valuable perspective: prioritize the features that support the way you actually intend to spend time aboard. From entertaining guests and enjoying weekend trips to planning longer adventures, the right combination of equipment and layout can make a significant difference in the ownership experience.
A Leopard Powercat Owner Story Worth Sharing
From chartering catamarans in the British Virgin Islands to owning a Leopard 43 Powercat and introducing five other buyers to the brand, Ron’s journey is a testament to the lasting appeal of multihull ownership. His enthusiasm for Arrgh Boat extended far beyond its performance and features. It was about the freedom to explore Florida’s waterways, the enjoyment of entertaining friends and family, and the satisfaction of owning a yacht that suited his lifestyle. When we spoke with Ron, it was clear that he and his wife had made the most of their time aboard, creating memories and sharing their passion for boating with others along the way.
Although the Leopard 43 Powercat is a previous-generation model, the qualities Ron appreciated continue to shape the Leopard Powercat experience. For those considering yacht ownership, his story demonstrates the value of spending time aboard, exploring different models, and choosing a vessel that aligns with your cruising goals. Discover more about today’s Leopard Catamarans and explore our Leopard Owner Stories to hear firsthand experiences from owners enjoying life on the water around the world.
