Leopard owners all have different plans and ambitions with their sail or power catamarans. Some take their yachts on extensive travels, others stay closer to shore. The most important part of travelling farther away is being able to get your engines serviced.
Engines & Propulsion
All current Leopard Catamarans are powered by reliable Yanmar diesel engines, one of the world’s most widely supported marine engine manufacturers with service available in more than 130 countries and territories. Whether cruising close to home or exploring remote destinations, Leopard owners benefit from a global service network and proven diesel reliability.
Engine Options
Engine specifications vary across the current Leopard range to match each model’s intended performance and cruising capabilities.
Sailing Catamarans
- Leopard 43: Twin 45 HP Yanmar diesel engines (standard)
- Leopard 46: Twin 45 HP Yanmar diesel engines standard, with an optional upgrade to 57 HP Yanmar engines. The Leopard 46 is also available with an optional Hybrid Electric Drive System for owners seeking quieter operation and reduced fuel consumption.
- Leopard 52: Twin 57 HP Yanmar diesel engines (standard). The Leopard 52 is also available with Leopard’s optional Hybrid Electric Drive System.
Power Catamarans
- Leopard 40 PC: Twin 250 HP Yanmar diesel engines standard, with optional 320 HP or 370 HP upgrades.
- Leopard 46 PC: Twin 250 HP Yanmar diesel engines standard, with optional 320 HP or 370 HP upgrades.
- Leopard 53 PC: Twin 370 HP Yanmar diesel engines standard.
For sailing catamarans, upgrading to larger engines can provide improved maneuverability in adverse conditions and allow the boat to reach cruising speeds at lower RPMs. Since Leopard sailing catamarans feature displacement hulls, increasing horsepower does not dramatically increase top speed once hull speed has been reached, but it can improve efficiency and reduce engine strain under load.
Power catamarans, by comparison, are designed around higher-speed cruising. Larger engine options provide increased acceleration, higher cruising speeds, and greater flexibility depending on your cruising style and expected payload.
Engine & Fuel Tank Locations
Leopard Sailing Catamarans
On the Leopard 43, Leopard 46, and Leopard 52, the engines are located in the aft transoms and are separated from the living spaces by insulated bulkheads. Leopard’s reverse-mounted engine configuration places the saildrive forward of the engine, maximizing usable cabin space while maintaining easy service access.
Fuel is stored in durable polyethylene fuel tanks positioned beneath the cabin bunks. Their placement contributes to balanced weight distribution throughout the yacht while also allowing relatively straightforward access should maintenance ever be required.
Leopard Power Catamarans
The Leopard 40 PC, Leopard 46 PC, and Leopard 53 PC utilize dedicated engine rooms located aft with straight-shaft propulsion systems. Unlike saildrives used on sailing catamarans, straight shafts are better suited to the higher horsepower and continuous cruising speeds of power catamarans.
These dedicated engine compartments provide excellent access for maintenance while keeping engine noise and heat isolated from the accommodations. Extensive insulation throughout the engine rooms results in impressively quiet operation, even when cruising at higher speeds.
Bow Thrusters
Most Leopard catamarans do not require bow thrusters thanks to their wide engine spacing, which allows precise maneuvering using differential throttle control. With a bit of practice, docking a Leopard is remarkably straightforward.
For owners seeking additional assistance in tight marinas or challenging wind conditions, bow thruster availability varies by model and optional equipment packages.
Hybrid & Electric Propulsion
Leopard continues to expand its commitment to sustainable cruising through factory-supported hybrid propulsion technology.
The Leopard 46 and Leopard 52 are available with Leopard’s Hybrid Electric Drive System, combining electric propulsion with a diesel range extender, lithium battery bank, solar charging capability, and regenerative charging while sailing. This system allows owners to operate silently for shorter distances while maintaining the confidence and range of traditional diesel propulsion.
For owners who prefer conventional diesel systems, Yanmar-powered models continue to offer proven reliability, worldwide service support, and simplified maintenance.
Battery Options
Leopard offers multiple battery configurations depending on model and owner preferences.
Traditional AGM battery systems remain an excellent low-maintenance solution for many cruising owners, while newer models offer optional Lithium battery packages that provide:
- Increased usable battery capacity
- Faster charging
- Reduced weight
- Longer service life
- Improved compatibility with hybrid propulsion systems
Lithium batteries are particularly beneficial for owners who spend extended time away from shore power or who wish to maximize solar energy production.
Running Air Conditioning from Batteries
Battery technology continues to improve, and lithium battery systems paired with large inverter packages significantly expand onboard electrical capability.
The available Hybrid Electric Drive System on the Leopard 46 and Leopard 52 integrates high-voltage lithium batteries, allowing owners to power many onboard systems while reducing generator usage. Actual air conditioning runtime depends on the specific battery capacity, inverter configuration, and operating conditions.
Proven Systems, Worldwide Support
Every Leopard Catamaran is designed around dependable, globally supported systems that simplify ownership wherever your cruising takes you. From Yanmar propulsion to widely available marine components, Leopard emphasizes practical engineering, ease of maintenance, and long-term reliability.
Comprehensive owner documentation provides detailed operating instructions, maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting guidance. When additional assistance is needed, Leopard’s experienced Technical Support team is available to help owners throughout the world.
