There’s a lot to be learned after building and delivering more than 142 powercat hulls over a six-year span. All of the lessons and hard-won knowledge Leopard acquired producing its first-generation 53 PC have been poured into the upgraded, next-generation version of the venerable powercat—which is also the flagship of the builder’s three-model powerboat series that includes a 40- and 46-footer.
One of the primary refinements in the Leopard 53 PC is outside space usage. The cockpit’s former setup had only built-in furniture, but owners can now have a modular, loose-furniture arrangement to tailor the area for how they live on their boat. Furniture can be moved as needed, as well as secured to the deck for passages. A pass-through section on centerline provides access to the optional electric swim platform, which, in the raised position, increases usable cockpit real estate and has the same decking as the cockpit, enhancing the sense of unity. The tender chocks are set flush, eliminating bulky protrusions and creating a seamless, visually appealing aesthetic.
Steps flanking the 53 PC’s transom are moved aft for unimpeded boarding access. An integral step in the bulwark lends an assist when guests are dealing with a fixed dock.
Glass balustrades eliminate the visual barrier to the environment aft. Striking a similar note, the improved salon sliding-door system allows most of the door to stow to the port side, creating a wide opening between the galley aft, salon and cockpit. The single-level deck design helps the inside and outside spaces feel like one sizable social area.
Galley upgrades include pullout drawers for increased stowage capacity, and the salon has an option for a dining table. The salon furniture is sleek in appearance with a focus on radius curves.
Lighting is also enhanced, with linear LEDs in the headliner setting the tone. Several color options are available to create just about any onboard mood. Indirect lighting in nooks here and there adds a sense of elegance.
The flexibility found in the 53 PC’s cockpit layout is also evident on the flybridge. A sun pad has movable backrests and stowage below for an optional sunshade, which protects the after section of the flybridge. There is a wet bar/galley module including a sink, along with an optional fridge, ice maker and grill. U-shaped seating around a teak table under the hardtop is a great place for alfresco meals.
The helm station is to starboard with a benchseat and improved cushions. Dual captain’s chairs are also available.
An armada of improvements, long range and three- or four-stateroom layouts make the Leopard 53 PC an appealing consideration for cruising-cat lovers.
Purpose-Built
Robertson & Caine—a South African-based shipyard specializing in catamarans since 1991—builds the reimagined Leopard 53 PC as well as a 40- and 46-footer. From racing sailboats to power-catamaran cruisers, the yard has produced more than 3,000 vessels during its 35-year-plus history.
1,330
This is the Leopard 53 PC’s maximum range in nautical miles at a cruising speed of 7.9 knots.If skippers drop one engine and dial it back to a cruise speed of 6.8 knots, range jumps up to 1,990 nm.
Sun-Fueled
Owners who want to give the genset a rest can add two, four or six 400-watt solar panels onto the yacht’s hardtop.
By the Numbers
- The Leopard 53 PC’s air draft at half load is 18 feet, 6 inches.
- A 3-foot-2-inch draft makes skinny water easily accessible.
- The yacht has a 47,203-pound light-ship displacement.
Take the next step: leopardcatamarans.com
