Leopard 39 vs. Seawind 1160

[Chotu]

Seawind in a second.

It’s one of the very few production boats I’d like to own.

Lots of innovative features, well built of quality materials, quite a functional boat made for sailing.

[ol1970]

Originally Posted by RyanC

My wife and I cruised on a Lagoon 400 for a few years, not a direct comparison of the Leapord 39, but similar design briefs. We are some of the few that went back to a monohull based on the experience. While it was great at anchor sailing abilities had a bit to be desired and I loathed the helm station (similar to the L39, it was uncomfortable and exposed which wasn't fun in heavy seas).

While I may consider a catamaran again in my family's future I would look for models that have design briefs that are not optimized for chartering. If money was no object I would love to have an HH, Outremer or Chis White; the only somewhat affordable models that I lust over after becoming more experienced are Seawinds. Seawinds are designed for sailors and owners, better performance, livability and safety; though maybe not the load capacity for toys at anchor.

These are two very different boats and one will fit better based on how you plan on using it.

Just curious how you feel the helm position of the Outremer is more protected than those of the Leopard/lagoon with a hardtop and enclosure? It’s the one area of them I question every time I’m aboard one. Maybe you are referring to the knock off versa-helm on the new 55 they are launching?

[sailjumanji]

Originally Posted by cat-keys

Lastly The leopard 40 did win boat if the year in 2005. The designers Melvin and morelli know their stuff and personally I think the new leopards are “condomarans” especially the new 2021 42 which has a Sundeck on the coach roof.

Cruising World Boat of the Year Winners
2005 Moorings 4000 (Leopard 40) Best Overall Import, Multihull 40' and Under
2019 Leopard 50/Moorings 5000 Best Charter Boat

2007 Seawind 1160 Best Multihull Cruiser, Most Innovative
2017 Seawind 1190 Sport Judge’s Special Prize
2019 Seawind 1260 Best Cruising Catamaran Under 50 Feet

[Yihang]

Lagoon 42 won the same category the seawind 1260 won in 2017. Industry awards are at best a way to see what is new that year.

[sailjumanji]

Originally Posted by Yihang

Lagoon 42 won the same category the seawind 1260 won in 2017. Industry awards are at best a way to see what is new that year.

Don't think the Seawind 1260 won anything in 2017. Wasn't in production then.

[Yihang]

Originally Posted by sailjumanji

Don't think the Seawind 1260 won anything in 2017. Wasn't in production then.

sorry, bad wording on my part. The Lagoon 42 in 2017 won the same category seawind won in 2019.

[Talbot]

To my mind, one of the critical factors in this decision will revolve around 3 variables
1. Intended area for sailing.
2. Preference for outside living.
3. sailing performance.

IMHO the Seawind is a great choice, and I wish it had been within my means, but northern European waters would probably favour the Leopard.

[Icarus]

Originally Posted by tkeithlu

Choose one. Do it for silly reasons (You like the paint job). Put money into it. You'll immediately start seeing the advantages of your choice, and the negatives of the boat you rejected, because you've got to reduce the cognitive dissonance between 1. This was a big decision and 2. I made it for trivial reasons. It's like buying a car - all of a sudden you only watch ads for that make, and you look for them (affirmation - other people like it, too) on the road.

Wishing you years of happiness with your new boat. --Tim.

Well said, I wholly agree.
However, bean counters need assurance from some strangers on the net.

[sarahgprescott]

Update: we were very lucky to be offered a Leopard 39 via private sail when in Florida. Nice owner, clean boat, good price. While there is much to recommend the Seawind, there are almost no used ones available and a 2-year wait for new. Much cheaper and easier to buy the Leopard and too good a deal to pass up. So, we are under contract and will do eveything we can to love our choice...in accordance with the advice from reply #1. Thanks again to everyone who replied.

[MikeFergie]

Sarah I believe you will be happy with the boat. If it’s an ex charter like mine was and you intend to cruise you will need to add quite a bit to made more suitable. Most the charter boats come with the basics.

I added
- additional raymarine instruments , radar, AIS and proper bottom sonar
- solar panels out back 1000w and will add another 500w soon
- water maker. I put in a spectra Cape Horn extreme unit.
- Victron energy - multiplus 3000w inverter 120 amp charger
- 712 battery monitoring and 1000amp shunt
- 2 x 100/50 mppt controllers for the panels
- Cerbo unit talking to all the above and Bluetooth functionality.

- you will need helm clear covers for all weather sailing.

I added LiFePo4 batteries and changed my whole galley to electric
I added a genset and aircon for the hectic heat days

Some thoughts from my side as we start our full time cruising life starting in the Indian Ocean this month

[Sparx]

Originally Posted by sarahgprescott

Update: we were very lucky to be offered a Leopard 39 via private sail when in Florida. Nice owner, clean boat, good price. While there is much to recommend the Seawind, there are almost no used ones available and a 2-year wait for new. Much cheaper and easier to buy the Leopard and too good a deal to pass up. So, we are under contract and will do eveything we can to love our choice...in accordance with the advice from reply #1. Thanks again to everyone who replied.

Congratulations! There is much to enjoy out on the water. This boat will take you there.

[aqfishing]

Originally Posted by smj

The Leopard 39 is actually 37.5’. Is this because the South Africans can’t read a tape measure or is the advertising that deceptive?
I can honestly see rounding it up and calling it a 38’er, but a 39?

New lagoon 40 is 38’6” ..... Just saying....

[Bristell]

Leopard are launching a new 42 to replace the current 40 at the end of this year. I would mark time and see what it is like. Believe it is very similar to the 45. Good luck.

[smj]

Originally Posted by Bristell

Leopard are launching a new 42 to replace the current 40 at the end of this year. I would mark time and see what it is like. Believe it is very similar to the 45. Good luck.

So I wonder what length the 42 will actually be?

[Phyrcooler]

You’ll enjoy the Leopard. They’re decently constructed, and are not the pigs that some make them out to be (or that some modern charter oriented cats can be). In addition to my much preferred helm design, the designers also do well at equipment location and importantly - service access. Yes, the Seawinds are nice, and definitely “sailors” boats - but many design features are not quite my cup of tea for cruising, but to each their own. As noted, not many available used. As a cruiser, You’ll need to really watch your added weight. Ensure that you have appropriately sized suite of sails, and not the cheap, sometimes smaller spec’d charter ones - and she’ll sail just fine. Best wishes.