Leopard 47: Bridgedeck Clearance on 43' - 47' Leopard

[toby24b]

Thanks all. May be fair to that that it seems that the older Leopards have the lower clearance but the modern model (the 46) is much, much better? The first of these are now just coming out of charter, so I'll keep an eye on prices. I reckon as more become available they will come down in price; they're still quite expensive second hand.

[grymkiwi]

I've been following all about this bridge deck issue on older catamarans..I am looking into buying one myself but am limited by finances and inclination to voyage 43 (norseman) , leopard 43 or 45 all pre 2003 .From what I can tell there is a consensus that the older designs (pre 2004) by simonis all suffered from "low" bridge deck clearance. This appears to apply to both the voyage line and the early robertson caine's . It seems reccomendations are at least 6% of LWL. Trouble is I cant get anyone to tell me what the bridegdeck clearance is on the old Voyage Norseman or the leopard 43 , 45 . Can any provide me these numbers ? Also, when it is a problem? Only heading to windward (when ANY boat is least comfortable) or in big seas. If not racing in extreme conditions (per Richard Woods experience) and generally picking pleasant cruising condtions is the slamming still a problem and is it similar on both the voyage and the leopard?

[Doodles]

I've been researching this issue lately and I found in my very old edition of "Sailor's Mutihull Guide" the Norseman 430 specs say the wing deck clearance (I'm assuming this is the same as bridgedeck clearance) is 2'2" or 650mm.