Leopard 39 Model Guide
The Leopard 39 is an entry-level cruising catamaran built by Robertson & Caine and designed by Simonis & Voogd, widely recognized for delivering a balance of performance, simplicity, and livability in a compact, easy-to-manage platform.
In simple terms, the Leopard 39 was designed to bridge the gap between private ownership and charter use, offering a practical, well-rounded cruising catamaran that remains accessible to first-time buyers while still capable of extended cruising.
Within the Leopard range, the 39 is often considered one of the most accessible models, offering a balance of simplicity, performance, and affordability that appeals to first-time buyers and practical cruisers alike.
The Leopard 39 is best known for its straightforward systems, efficient layout, and strong sailing characteristics for its size, creating a platform that works well for both private owners and those transitioning out of charter programs.
Today, the Leopard 39 remains a popular option on the pre‑owned market, where differences between listings typically come down to ownership history, layout configuration, and onboard upgrades.
Leopard 39 at a glance
The Leopard 39 is a sub‑40‑foot cruising catamaran designed to prioritize ease of handling, efficient use of space, and accessibility, making it one of the most practical entry points into catamaran ownership.
The Leopard 39 was produced between 2010 and 2014, with approximately 126 units built, and continues to be widely available on the brokerage market.
LOA:
Beam:
Draft:
Standard Engines:
2 × Yanmar 29 hp (upgraded)
Fuel:
Layouts:
4-cabin / 2-head
Sail Area:
Production Years:
If you’re comparing models in this range, you may also want to review the Leopard 40 model guide to understand how the next-generation design evolved in terms of space, layout, and onboard features.
Who is the Leopard 39 best suited for?
The Leopard 39 is best suited for buyers looking for a manageable, cost-effective entry into catamaran ownership without sacrificing the core benefits of a cruising platform.
First-time catamaran owners
The Leopard 39 is often one of the most approachable models for buyers transitioning from monohulls or entering the multihull market for the first time, thanks to its size, simplicity, and ease of operation.
Buyers transitioning out of charter programs
With many Leopard 39s originating from charter fleets, it is a common option for buyers comparing value-driven entry points into ownership, particularly those familiar with the model from charter experience.
Couples planning coastal or island cruising
The manageable size and efficient systems make the Leopard 39 well-suited for regional cruising, island hopping, and seasonal liveaboard use without the complexity of larger boats.
Owners prioritizing ease of handling
All key sail controls are centralized, allowing for straightforward short-handed sailing and making the Leopard 39 an attractive option for couples or small crews.
For buyers weighing this size range, the Leopard 39 is most often compared to the newer Leopard 40, which introduced a more refined interior layout and expanded living space.
What makes the Leopard 39 stand out
The Leopard 39 stands out for delivering a well-balanced combination of performance, usability, and value in a smaller platform, without feeling overly simplified.
Strong sailing performance for its size
Owners consistently report that the Leopard 39 performs well both upwind and off the wind, often exceeding expectations for a production cruising catamaran in this size range. It offers a stable and predictable sailing platform while still maintaining respectable speed.
Easy, centralized sail handling
One of the defining features of the Leopard 39 is how easily it can be operated. Most sail handling can be managed from the helm, allowing a single person to raise, trim, and control sails with minimal effort.
Bright and open living spaces
Compared to traditional monohulls and earlier catamarans, the Leopard 39 offers a noticeably more open and airy interior, with strong visibility and a natural connection between indoor and outdoor living areas.
Practical layout for real-world use
The layout is designed for functionality rather than complexity, providing comfortable accommodations for owners and guests while maintaining efficient use of space throughout.
Manageable size with real cruising capability
The Leopard 39 strikes a balance between being small enough to handle easily and large enough to support extended cruising. Many owners have successfully completed offshore passages and long-distance cruising aboard the model.
For many buyers, it is the combination of performance, simplicity, and accessibility that makes the Leopard 39 one of the most practical entry-level cruising catamarans available on the pre-owned market.
Leopard 39 Layout options
The Leopard 39 is offered in two primary layout configurations, and the best fit depends on whether your priority is owner comfort or guest capacity.
3-cabin / 2-head owner’s version
A popular choice for private ownership, offering a larger owner’s hull, increased storage, and improved day-to-day livability.
4-cabin / 2-head configuration
A configuration commonly found in charter fleets maximizes sleeping capacity while maintaining a relatively simple and efficient layout.
leopard 39 photo gallery
onboard videos
A walkthrough video is one of the most effective ways to understand how the Leopard 39’s layout functions in practice, particularly how space is used efficiently across a smaller footprint.
Media reviews and owner perspective
These resources provide a mix of industry insight, broker experience, and real owner perspective to help you understand how the Leopard 39 performs in real-world cruising situations.
Multihulls World – Leopard 39 Test
Leopard Brokerage – Review of the Leopard 39
Leopard 39 Owner Reviews
Moorings Brokerage – Leopard 39 Sailing Cat Review
Taken together, these perspectives provide a clear picture of how the Leopard 39 performs not just on paper, but in long-term ownership and day-to-day cruising.
Leopard 39 FAQs
These are some of the most common questions buyers ask when researching the Leopard 39.
The best value is typically found by comparing ownership history, condition, and onboard upgrades. Charter boats often offer lower entry pricing, while privately owned boats may include more equipment and customization.
Focus on ownership history, overall maintenance condition, and how the boat is equipped for cruising. Layout choice and onboard systems are often more important than model year alone.
Buyers typically focus on its ease of handling, efficient layout, solid sailing performance, and overall value within the entry-level catamaran market.
A combination of brokerage insights, owner experiences, and practical walkthroughs provides the most accurate understanding of how the Leopard 39 performs over time.
Pricing varies based on condition, ownership history, and upgrades. Most Leopard 39s fall within the mid‑$200K to mid‑$300K range, with well-equipped or privately maintained boats typically at the higher end.
View the Leopard 39 catamarans for sale
When you’re ready to move from research to comparing real opportunities, contact our brokerage team to learn about available Leopard 39s and comparable models currently on the market.
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