45ft+ Cat with biggest hardtop

[nfbr]

I'm looking at cats, almost any age, but looking for one feature in particular - what cat has the biggest hardtop.

It seems only recently that manufactuers started to putting on large flat roofs. Being Australian I am allergic to any sunshine. I want shade everywhere, and huge flat surfaces for solar.

So far I keep coming back to the Leopard 48 - newer than I would like to pay for.
I want to play around a bit with re-powering, hybrid etc. An older cat would be ideal for this. BUT - they all have tiny, curved hardtops, small living spaces on the bridgedeck etc.

Any suggestions in the 45-60ft range, with huge roof / hardtops appreciated.
Internal re-modelling doesn't scare me too much.

Thanks
Paul

[belizesailor]

Nautitec 44 has a large hard top.

Its also very feasible to fabricate/expand a hardtop. Cored to keep it light and strong.

[B23iL23]

Sunreef? they have hard tops that span the entire back area. Not a cat man myself but they would seem like a candidate.

[Sand crab]

These are all smaller than 45' but maybe they wiil do. Voyage made a few 44' Cabrios. The entire salon and back porch is one giant hardtop. The other Voyages have decent tops too. The Manta 42 has a really big hardtop and incorporates a seat all the way at the back. All of the Maine Cats have one big hardtop with all sail handling handled inside.

[djanis]

https://moreboats.com/boats/voyage-y...briolet/140484

[ausnp84]

Hey Paul,

I’d have said the biggest hardtop belonged on one of those awful Moorings cats, but then they don’t exactly look like they sail well.

Just build your own tho! That’s what I did, fitted solar to the top of it, and now I have the whole cockpit completely covered. Before and after shots below.

N

[Dave_S]

Most Schionnings have full cover.

[jmschmidt]

Leopard 45 or 47 (aka Moorings 4500 and 4700). Same boat but 47 has 2 foot sugar-scoop extension to swim step. Hardtop kit available for both from some guy in Florida.

[jmschmidt]

I should have added that the 46 Leopards (Moorings 4600) were built with hard Biminis as are all the newer ones not designed by Morelli & Melvin. I like the M&M designed boats better.

[Fore and Aft]

You could always get one custom made out of fibreglass/foam.
Cheers

[Boatguy30]

Possibly the Manta 42. A touch smaller but much cheaper

[jim King]

I had a Leopard 44 for five years with Sunsail and loved the front covered lounge area. I considered the Lagoon 45 but their front lounge wasn't covered so I just bought a Leopard 45. Another great reason to go with Leopard design is that it has a passage through from the galley to the front lounge. If you are looking to stay out of the sun the Leopard design is the best. I think anything from the 44 up has the covered front lounge area. You'll find that it becomes the best spot to relax out of the sun whether you are cruising or at anchor as it always has a nice breeze.
cheers,
Jim

[ronstory]

In your own neighborhood, a Seawind 41.. smaller but all report are that it sales well.

https://www.seawindcats.com/models/seawind-1260/

I'm a fan of their big hardtop and sliding/fold-up door.

[Greg lesley]

Originally Posted by nfbr

I'm looking at cats, almost any age, but looking for one feature in particular - what cat has the biggest hardtop.

It seems only recently that manufactuers started to putting on large flat roofs. Being Australian I am allergic to any sunshine. I want shade everywhere, and huge flat surfaces for solar.

So far I keep coming back to the Leopard 48 - newer than I would like to pay for.
I want to play around a bit with re-powering, hybrid etc. An older cat would be ideal for this. BUT - they all have tiny, curved hardtops, small living spaces on the bridgedeck etc.

Any suggestions in the 45-60ft range, with huge roof / hardtops appreciated.
Internal re-modelling doesn't scare me too much.

Thanks
Paul

Good morning. We have a 2004 -47 ft LEOPARD CAT HARDTOP. I would like to correspond with you as we are thinking about selling. I am in the process of a complete new install of all electronics - 40 gallon an hour watermaker - all new cushions and sailbag etc.. contact me greg.lesley@me.com

[Aussie Al]

I have a Leopard 46 in Australia its fantastic