LEOPARD 45

HELM: A big plus on the Leopard 45 is the fixed roof over the steering station, which comes as standard. And, the control is offset to the side, which makes it easier to operate the winch. But, there is no limit to the side deck and thus to the open sea. In rough seas, anything but safe.

CONTROL: No comparison to the Fountaine Pajot. Everything looks massive and robust here, no criticism. Except perhaps that a hydraulic system is also used here, of course, but you can take it with you as a spare part.

HOLDING POSSIBILITIES - INSIDE: I think you can move well around the Leopard 45 even in rough seas. From the cockpit to the saloon, the seating area with table is on the port side. To the right of this is a piece of furniture and at the front of the salon the U-shaped pantry and to the left of it, after the passage to the lounge on the foredeck, the navigation station.

SAFETY ON DECK: As with all large shipyards, there are holding possibilities to be able to move safely on deck in any weather, but the Leopard 45 definitely still needs to be reworked.

SAIL HANDLING: The Leopard 45 also has a built-in reefing system that allows reefing from the helm station, with only one reefing line per reefing point. However, the height of the Lazybab makes it an adventure to take down the sails in strong winds or even in a storm. Ideal is different.

STORMSAIL: Unfortunately, they are neither available on the Leopard 45 nor are they optionally available. A trip to the sailmaker after buying the yacht is therefore essential if you want a trysail.

LIFE RAFT: The life raft on the Leopard 45 is easily accessible in a locker in the cockpit. Other YouTubers think it should be ready in 30 seconds. You can argue, but if there are only 30 seconds left, something went terribly wrong beforehand. Anyway, I think the accommodation is fine.

SMELL: As with Fountaine Pajot, we did not notice any negative smell. Neither in the salon nor in the hulls. So everything is good.

HULL MATERIAL: I don't know for sure, fact is, the outer skin is gel coat. Then a balsa or foam core with some vynilester will probably be installed here as well. A monster from an iron beam in the bridge deck contributes to stability. Which of course puts pressure on the weight.

FURNITURE: This is where Leopard 45 compare to FP stands out. The furniture feels more valuable. Processing also seems a bit better than the competition. Disadvantage, there is more or less no color choice.

SURFACES: Well made, solid material, no color choice.

CREEKING: As already mentioned in the summary, just walking through the Leopard 45 already produced one or the other noise. Unfortunately, I cannot say how this is under sail on the high seas. Unfortunately, the planned sailing afternoon did not take place. But you hear a lot less in the community than with FP.