Leopard 46' 46

The Leopard 46 interior is a strong example of Robertson & Caine’s practical cruising philosophy: bright, durable, open to the cockpit, and designed for real life underway. The vertical saloon windows provide excellent visibility and natural light, while the galley-up layout keeps the cook connected to both the cockpit and the saloon.

SANTOSHA is arranged in a four-cabin layout with three active heads. The starboard forward head has been repurposed as a utility room with laundry, additional cold storage, first-aid organization, pantry/cleaning storage, and outboard storage. This is a particularly useful conversion for private cruising, where one cabin is often used for tools, spares, sewing, luggage, or liveaboard support rather than sleeping accommodations.

The accommodation plan places two cabins in each hull with private or semi-private access to head spaces, generous hull-side windows, overhead hatches, fans, USB outlets, and good berth access. The design favors ventilation, visibility, serviceability, and practical storage over fragile decorative finishes.

Interior Styling and Additional Features:

• Bright bridge-deck saloon with vertical wraparound windows and panoramic views
• Four-cabin layout with three active heads and one converted utility room
• Large U-shaped saloon dinette with convertible table/berth function
• Forward-facing navigation station integrated into the saloon
• Galley-up arrangement with direct connection to the cockpit
• Multiple opening hatches and forward-facing saloon hatches for excellent natural ventilation
• USB outlets in all cabins and saloon
• LED lighting throughout
• Additional interior and exterior stainless handholds installed for safer movement underway
• Ample under-berth, saloon, cockpit, and locker storage for extended cruising

MAIN SALOON

The main saloon is one of the Leopard 46’s most successful spaces. The saloon and cockpit function as a connected living area, with a large sliding glass door aft, a galley serving window, and a raised dinette that keeps seated guests connected to the water. The result is a catamaran that feels open, social, and practical both underway and at anchor.

• Large U-shaped settee around solid wood dining table
• Dining table lowers to convert into an additional berth if desired
• Vertical wraparound windows provide excellent views and natural light
• Forward-facing opening hatches provide strong ventilation through the saloon
• Forward-facing navigation station to starboard
• Storage beneath saloon seating and throughout bridge deck
• Vizio flat-screen television
• Fusion radio

MASTER STATEROOM

The starboard aft stateroom is one of the primary accommodations aboard SANTOSHA. In this four-cabin Leopard 46 layout there is no single dedicated owner’s suite; instead, the yacht provides comfortable, private cabins in each hull with good ventilation, berth access, and storage.

• Queen-size berth with side-step access
• Hull-side window and overhead hatch
• Reading lights and USB outlet
• Hanging locker and built-in storage
• Convenient access to the starboard head arrangement

Master Head

The starboard head serves the starboard aft accommodation and follows the Leopard 46 dry-head concept, keeping the shower area separated from the vanity and toilet area.

• Electric toilet with fresh or saltwater flush capability
• Separate shower stall with folding Plexiglas door
• Molded shower seat
• Mirrored vanity storage
• Dedicated grey-water sump system

VIP STATEROOM

The port aft stateroom is one of the primary guest cabins aboard SANTOSHA, offering the semi-island berth access and natural light that help distinguish the Leopard 46 from many catamarans of the same era.

• Queen-size berth with easier side access than typical corner berths
• Padded headboard
• Hull-side window for light and water views
• Overhead Lewmar hatch for light and ventilation
• Reading lights and USB outlet
• Hanging locker and under-berth storage

VIP Head

The port head serves the port aft accommodation and reflects the Leopard 46’s practical dry-head approach.

• Electric toilet with fresh or saltwater flush capability
• Separate walk-in shower stall with folding Plexiglas door
• Molded shower seat for comfort and security underway
• Mirrored vanity storage
• Dedicated shower sump system

GUEST CABIN (PORT)

The port forward cabin can be accessed from below or through the topside hatch, making it useful as guest accommodation, crew space, or additional cruising storage depending on the owner’s plans.

• Forward cabin with mattress insert
• Access from below and via topside hatch
• Currently used for Code Zero sail and water-sports gear storage
• Useful as crew quarters, guest overflow, or dedicated cruising gear storage

GUEST CABIN (STARBOARD)

The starboard forward cabin is configured for utility as much as accommodation, with storage for tools and projects and a sewing station built into the berth base. This is an excellent long-range cruising feature, especially for canvas repair, sail work, and onboard maintenance.

• Forward cabin configured for workshop, storage, or guest use
• Built-in sewing station in berth base
• Sailrite sewing machine capable of handling heavy materials
• Storage for tools, projects, and cruising spares
• Cabin can be returned to accommodation use as desired

ADDITIONAL HEAD(S)

The starboard forward head has been converted into a utility room, adding meaningful liveaboard function for private cruising.

• Giantex washer - 2021
• 45-quart stand-alone refrigerator/freezer
• First-aid station
• Pantry and cleaning-supply storage
• Storage for the Spirit electric outboard

The galley-up layout is one of the Leopard 46’s great strengths. Positioned to starboard on the bridge deck, the galley keeps the cook part of the conversation and provides a direct serving connection to the cockpit. Deep counters, good ventilation, and practical storage make the space well suited to passagemaking and liveaboard cruising.

• U-shaped galley-up layout to starboard
• Force 10 stainless steel three-burner stove and oven
• Seafrost refrigeration system with front-opening refrigerator and freezer, approx. 220 L total
• Double stainless steel sinks set in Corian countertops
• Galley serving window to cockpit
• Microwave and ample AC/DC outlets for appliances
• Corelle dishes, utensils, cutting boards, baking dishes, pans, and mixing bowls included
• Fire blanket included
• Forward hatches and aft sliding door create strong galley airflow

NAVIGATION STATION

The forward-facing navigation station is located to starboard in the saloon and gives SANTOSHA a proper systems and planning center. Unlike many catamarans that reduce the nav area to a small side desk, the Leopard 46 provides a comfortable workspace with visibility, storage, and immediate access to the electrical panel and onboard systems.

• Forward-facing navigation station with visibility through vertical saloon windows
• Contoured bench seat with storage beneath
• Large chart table / work surface with storage below
• Main DC/AC electrical panel located to port through companionway area
• 12 V DC and 110/220 V AC charging outlets
• Storage for navigation tools, manuals, handheld electronics, and safety items
• Red/white gooseneck light for night use

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

SANTOSHA carries an updated Raymarine-based navigation and communication suite, supported by Victron monitoring and charging components, Iridium GO satellite communications, solar charging, and a substantial AGM house bank.

• Raymarine SeaTalk network
• Raymarine e165 chartplotter - 2019
• Raymarine Quantum radar - 2020
• Raymarine AIS 650 transponder
• Raymarine AIS Splitter 100
• Raymarine RS150 GPS antenna - 2019
• Raymarine Ray55 VHF at helm - 2019
• Raymarine ACU-400 autopilot - 2019
• Raymarine P70s autopilot controller - 2019
• Raymarine EV-1 attitude heading reference sensor - 2019
• Raymarine iTC-5 instrument transducer converter - 2019
• Raymarine i70s instrument - 2019
• Victron BMV 702 battery monitor
• Victron BlueSolar charge controller
• Victron Centaur battery charger
• Xantrex Freedom Xi inverter - 2019
• Iridium GO satellite system with marine antenna - 2021
• 660 Ah LifeLine AGM house batteries - 2019
• 700 W LG solar panels

HELM STATIONS - STARBOARD

The raised starboard helm is central to the Leopard 46’s appeal. It provides clear visibility forward and aft, direct access to sail controls, and a protected position beneath the hardtop without isolating the helmsman from the cockpit.

• Raised starboard helm station with excellent visibility
• Raymarine helm electronics and VHF
• Engine controls at helm
• Main sail-handling controls led to helm
• Lewmar 54 two-speed electric winch supports in-boom furling and line handling
• Protected by hardtop / helm bimini structure
• Socially connected to aft cockpit seating area

HULL

The Leopard 46 was built by Robertson & Caine in South Africa and designed by Gino Morelli and Pete Melvin, bringing genuine performance-catamaran thinking into a cruising platform. The model is known for narrow waterline hulls, fine entries, strong reserve buoyancy, high bridge-deck clearance, and a layout that balances passagemaking ability with onboard comfort.

• Robertson & Caine fiberglass catamaran construction
• Morelli & Melvin performance-cruising catamaran design
• Narrow waterline hulls and fine entries for efficient sailing performance
• Generous bridge-deck clearance to reduce slamming in choppy conditions
• Twin keels with protected rudder and saildrive arrangement
• Sacrificial keel design intended to protect the main hull structure in severe grounding events
• Sugar-scoop transoms for easy dinghy boarding and water access

DECK

The deck plan is designed for safe movement, shorthanded sailing, and a strong cockpit-to-saloon connection. Wide side decks, a solid hardtop, robust handholds, and the raised helm all support the Leopard 46’s reputation as a practical offshore cruising catamaran.

• Wide, secure side decks with stainless rails and handholds
• Solid fiberglass cockpit hardtop / bimini structure
• Forward trampolines for drainage and reduced pitching loads
• Flush-mounted deck hatches
• Additional stainless handholds and topside locker handles with struts
• Custom stainless davit system for tender handling
• 88 lb Rocna anchor, 55 lb Delta anchor, 200’ chain - 2020, Mantus bridle, and Quick windlass

COCKPIT

The aft cockpit is the outdoor living room of the Leopard 46. The single-level flow from cockpit to saloon, the galley serving window, broad hardtop protection, and large dining area make the cockpit a major strength for entertaining, passagemaking, and life at anchor.

• Large aft cockpit with direct, step-free access to saloon
• U-shaped cockpit seating around custom fiberglass dining table
• Full cockpit enclosure - 2025
• Galley serving window opens directly to cockpit
• Solid GRP hardtop provides shade and weather protection
• Large storage lockers under cockpit seating
• Custom stainless davit system with electric winch operation

MAST AND RIGGING

The Leopard 46 rig is set up for offshore cruising with manageable sail handling and a lower, more accessible boom than many flybridge-style catamarans. SANTOSHA has benefited from important rig and sail-handling upgrades, including complete standing rigging replacement in 2019 and an in-boom electric furling conversion in 2023.

• Sparcraft anodized aluminum mast and boom
• Fractional sloop rig with double swept spreaders
• Standing rigging completely replaced - 2019
• Mast height approximately 69’9” / 70’
• In-boom electric furling system - 2023
• New main halyard, control line, and topping lift - 2023
• Code Zero with furler and bowsprit - 2020
• New whisker stay for bowsprit - 2025

SAILS AND WINCHES

The sail and winch package has been significantly improved for shorthanded cruising. The 2023 in-boom electric furling conversion is a major upgrade over the original manual hoist and reefing arrangement, allowing the mainsail to be handled more safely and conveniently from the helm area.

• NEW Quantum Leisure Boom mainsail - 2023
• In-boom electric furling system - 2023
• Code Zero with furler and bowsprit - 2020
• Lewmar electric winch conversion kit - 2023
• Lewmar 54 two-speed electric winch at helm
• Lewmar 54 two-speed manual winch at helm
• Lewmar 46 two-speed manual winch at aft cockpit arch for mainsheet / traveler
• Additional Lewmar winches for halyard management and davit operation

ENGINE AND MECHANICAL

SANTOSHA is powered by twin Yanmar 54 HP diesels with SD50 saildrives, located in dedicated aft engine compartments accessed through large deck hatches. This arrangement keeps heat, noise, and odors away from the accommodations while providing much better service access than engine-under-berth layouts.

• Twin Yanmar diesel engines - 54 HP each
• Engine hours: Port 4,711; Starboard 4,604
• Twin SD50 saildrives with upgrade kits applied
• Flexofold folding propellers installed - 2020
• Two original propellers included as spares
• New engine mounts and alternator belts - 2025
• Dedicated aft engine compartments with large gas-strut-assisted deck hatches
• Hitachi 80 A alternator on each engine
• Dual Racor fuel/water separators
• Broad inventory of spares including belts, filters, alternator, and other service items

PLUMBING AND TANKAGE

SANTOSHA is equipped for extended cruising with substantial fuel and water capacity, hot and cold pressure water, watermaker, multiple bilge pumps, manual emergency pumps, and accessible plumbing systems.

• Fuel capacity: 185 gal. in two aluminum tanks
• Fuel tanks rebuilt - 2024
• Fuel system allows engine-specific draw and emergency cross-feed capability
• Fresh water capacity: 206 gal. in two 103 gal. plastic tanks
• Cruise RO SM30 watermaker - 2015
• Pressurized hot and cold water system
• Two 12 gal. water heaters with engine heat exchanger support
• Holding tank capacity - 2 x 23 gal.
• Electric bilge pumps with float switches in each hull / engine area
• High-water alarms at main DC electrical panel
• Two manual emergency bilge pumps mounted in aft cockpit

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical package supports the way private cruising owners actually use a Leopard 46: long periods at anchor, refrigeration, watermaking, communications, instruments, and house loads without needing constant dockside power.

• Northern Lights 7 kW generator in sound shield - 11,224 hours
• Dual 30 A shore power inlets with two new 36’ shore power cables and plugs - 2024
• 660 Ah LifeLine AGM house battery bank - 2019
• Independent engine and generator start batteries
• Emergency battery parallel switches
• 700 W LG solar panels
• Victron BlueSolar charge controller
• Victron Centaur battery charger
• Xantrex Freedom Xi inverter - 2019
• Backlit AC/DC electrical distribution panel
• LED lighting throughout
• USB outlets in all cabins and saloon

AUDIO/VISUAL AND ENTERTAINMENT EQUIPMENT

• Vizio flat-screen television
• Fusion radio
• Iridium GO satellite communications system with marine antenna - 2021

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

• Two LifeSlings - 2019
• Jim Buoy Type IV throwable PFD - 2019
• Viking RescYou 6-person life raft - 2019; expired and needs recertification
• Six Type II PFDs
• Six fire extinguishers - 2020
• 88 lb Rocna anchor
• 55 lb Delta anchor
• 200’ chain - 2020
• Mantus bridle
• Quick windlass
• Ditch bag - 2021

TENDER

• 12’ AB fiberglass-bottom tender
• Electric Spirit 1.0 Plus outboard - 3 HP equivalent
• Outboard battery and charger included
• Tender handled by custom stainless davit system with electric winch operation

BROKER’S COMMENTS

SANTOSHA is a strong example of why the Leopard 46 remains such a desirable cruising catamaran. She has the size, systems, tankage, protected cockpit, and accommodation plan expected of a serious liveaboard catamaran, but she also retains the better sailing character of the earlier Morelli & Melvin / Robertson & Caine generation. Her hulls are not simply built around interior volume; they were drawn with efficient waterlines, bridge-deck clearance, and offshore performance in mind.

The 2023 in-boom electric furling conversion is a major differentiator. Converting the standard hoist-and-reef arrangement into an electric in-boom system with a new Quantum mainsail and electric winch support makes SANTOSHA much more appealing for a cruising couple or short-handed owner. Combined with replaced standing rigging, Code Zero, solar, watermaker, Raymarine electronics, generator, full cockpit enclosure, and practical utility-room conversion, she is very well aligned with the needs of private cruising owners.

For buyers considering the Chesapeake, Bahamas, Caribbean, or longer-distance cruising, SANTOSHA offers a compelling combination of space, sailing performance, redundancy, and livability in a proven bluewater catamaran platform.

OWNER’S COMMENTS

SANTOSHA has been set up for practical private cruising, with upgrades focused on easier sail handling, better onboard safety, improved self-sufficiency, and liveaboard comfort.

REVIEWS

• Cruising World noted that the Leopard 46 was designed by Gino Morelli and Pete Melvin and built by Robertson & Caine, combining performance-catamaran design influence with cruising comfort.
• Robertson & Caine describes the Leopard 46 as a superior sailing catamaran with strong Leopard DNA, a powerful rig, stepped hulls, and a helm layout suited to one-handed sailing.

Listing MLS by Yachtr.com