Leopard 42 Review

Learn more about our Leopard 42 in this review written by one of our expert agents who lives in the BVI and works at our largest base in the world.

The Leopard 42 may be the baby of the sailing cat range, but it does not feel small. I have been able to get out on this model for a couple of multiple days cruises as well as with 12 onboard for a day trip. There is certainly plenty of space and at this size and allowed enough room for each cabin to have its own ensuite head and not have to share. There is a 3 cabin 3 head version with the owners cabin taking the whole of the starboard hull with the Moorings fleet. A 4 cabin 4 head version is also an option in the Sunsail fleet.

Cabins and their heads feel spacious as does the entire salon/galley main space. The floor here has many storage lockers underneath and makes up for what seemed like one more cupboard would have been good. The space for this cupboard I am thinking about is used and now has a separate freezer unit installed. With this and the main fridge/freezer and cockpit fridge, there is now plenty of capacity over previous models and the 40 it replaced. The main switchpanel is the well known and layed out, easy to read and operate systems as seen on models for many years. It is mounted low now rather than above the counter which has allowed for more usable counter space. Once you learn where the switches are you just lean down, but I did find myself walking down the companionway steps and sitting on the top step sometimes easier. Other than those couple of points there really is nothing to grumble about, with these great and workable interior spaces. The 42 came out at a time that now has latest interior colour scheme a real nice mix of dark and light schemes as they get referred to of old. I have to say when first saw these thinner counter top edges on the newer models, I have been waiting to see them get broken and looked like a weak point. Happy to say not see that yet and it does give a nice modern feel to the overall design.

The aft cockpit as with the whole exterior deck space is spacious and the single lounge seat to starboard a particular comfy spot. The key with the 42 instead of 40 feet is that it has allowed a lounge on top of the hardtop to be incorporated as on the larger 45/46 and 50. It’s a really great space and part of the reason for so much deck space, with having a large group for a day it does not feel crowded. Yes, the boom is a bit low for people to be there with manoeuvres with the mainsail up on a safety point. When not sailing the boom can be sheeted to one side, so when up there is no boom in the way for heads to dodge or duck under. All leopard models generally have good hand holds all around  the boat, but the top of the steps up to the hardtop is missing raised handrail in my opinion. Something to grab when reach the top and more so when making your way back down, an easy upgrade and fix later if you feel the same.

The extra 2 feet of length, while it does allow the lounge space, it does not have enough room still for a forward cockpit dedicated seating space area. Personally, a  feature I have always liked and made the 45 a standout package for me. This is a smaller model though, so you will have to go up in size if want it. That said I have recently been out with friends on another manufactures 42 foot model and the Leopard was far comfier and better to lounge around either sailing or at anchor. The forward walk through door, a Leopard trademark is still there. The breeze it allows through the boat when open is standout in this tropical region. While there are no seats once going through it on to the foredeck, there is a covered forward area that one can add some cushions to for a shaded lounging space. I have always been partial to a bean bag since back in my racing days. Regatta done, boat in delivery mode and bean bags on deck for the delivery home. They work well in this space and in general on deck and I found I can still get in and out of one easy enough! 😊

Storage space on deck is good in the aft cockpit and foredeck. As well as the large main bow locker there is now storage in both bow spaces accessed from the deck. Back at the helm the setup and storage bag for lines works well, so not stepping on lines and keeping things tidy. The layout of the winches and clutches for everything is spot on and the best of any setup I have tried on other manufactures. It is the same setup seen for a while no on the 45, 50 and carrying into the 46. The only point for me is I would of preferred to see it had the single mainsheet and traveller setup. I find it easier to use and trim this way, rather than the twin mainsheet method, there are pro’s and con’s to either.

At the helm brings me to the main point I found with this 42, the way it sails. The 50 started a new hull design generation carried into the 42 and the new 46 now.  It does feel like a more agile version of the big sister and more responsive than of the older generation. I believe this 42 foot hits the sweet spot size wise for performance and she sails great on all points of sails and through the manoeuvres. A couple of other manufactures I would have of put ahead in this small cat area before. Back in the day the original 3 or 4  cabin cruising cat was 38 feet, then 40 feet became the norm and could feel that bit more stability. 42 now seems the benchmark to get it with performance and stability. I have always been fine with sacrificing some comfort for a bit of speed in the past, but now we have a really good balance. Maybe I am just getting older, but with all my years in this environment and hearing peoples experiences and voyages. It seems if you are cruising or spending a lot of time onboard your floating home it should definitely be comfortable.

She may be the baby of the fleet, but I found it spacious, comfortable, quick and easy to handle and sail. For me the word manageable is a key point when choosing a boat. Could I have taken out a 50 or even 45 recently, sure I could and if needed the extra space or cabins for crew/guests. Did I feel like I missed out on my most recent trip taking the small one? No, it was less demanding, relaxing and manageable on the 42. Bigger is not always better!