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Etienne · 07-03-2007, 10:40

Hello friends,

Thank you so much for turning my dreams upside-down by shooting down my plans to buy a Lagoon 440.

I'm kidding - I have taken heed of your comments and have really looked at things again. Shows you the huge value of forums like this.

NOW - I need you guys to give me some comments you may have on what I think is a very good substitute: the Leopard 46. It features an off-set half-flying bridge, which I am sure will be better than the full-flybridge of the Lagoon. I decided on the 46 as it is cheaper than the 44 Lagoon.

The interior is gorgious - very similar to Lagoon. I like the large windows and the louvers. What about bridge-head clearance? I have heard about hull slapping and SA boats.

Maybe that also counts in its favour: I am a patriotic South African!!

The other alternative is FP Bahia 46 - but the Leopard seem like a more "substantial boat".
Any comments guys positive / negative / hints / suggestions all kindly appreciated!!

See the helm?

Nice lay-out

Very Lagoon-ish?

How about those sturdy davits?

Benny · 07-03-2007, 12:45

What davits? Oh I was looking at the pointy ends particularly the strbrd one - nice looking cat and lots of good comments from existing owners out there.

LtBrett · 07-03-2007, 13:18

I just can't get excited about any boat with a helm that is separated from the main deck. Not much cockpit room on the Leopard, either. I like to socialize while I drive, and I especially like to keep an eye on the saloon and all weatherdecks when kids are aboard. It doesn't look like you can see your stern for docking or (God forbid) man overboard.

Brett

S/V Elusive · 07-03-2007, 13:44

Brett - good point. When I did a delivery of a 48 foot power boat (not a cat) I noticed the difficulty in seeing your stern when backing in (and SO many of the more modern boats are set up for docking stern to. Cats seem also to lend themselves to docking stern to. Not to hijack this thread (too much), but how DO you cope with that??

Sunspot Baby · 07-03-2007, 13:47

We have a small cockpit on our cat and find it an advantage. Reason being, when sailing, winches and lines are near at hand.

George

henryv · 07-03-2007, 14:36

FYI - there was a report of sailing the 46 at Annapolis Demo days on the Itty Kitty -- Circumnavigation of a catamaran web site that you might find of interest. They reported rather good performance.

schoonerdog · 07-03-2007, 20:29

I like the leapord 46, but were I to get one I would think about closing the limber holes in the forward water tight compartments so they could fulfill their function of containing a breach, but that's a small point really on a nice boat.

Gordon · 07-03-2007, 22:16

Hi Etienne, have you looked at the new FP SALINA 48.
Fountaine Pajot

Etienne · 07-03-2007, 22:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gordon

Hi Etienne, have you looked at the new FP SALINA 48.
Fountaine Pajot

Wow, thanks guys, nobody has talked me out of this one yet!

Gordon - I am very aware of the new FP 48. However, there are, as you know, no real pictures of this boat as yet. I am planning to sail with only myself and girlfriend-wife-to-be so the 48 may just be a little too big. The lay-out also doesn't excite me too much. If I do go that route I would rather settle for the Bahia 46.

The only other boat which may offer another alternative is the Dolphin 460 (from Brazil?) - but there is so little info on their website, and I don't really know it all that well.

My careful analysis is that the Bahia, Leopard 46, and this Dolphin offers the best price-per-size than any other competitor. (Not that price value is my main criteria.) The only price I don't have is for the Moorings 460. Will check it out.

Thanks as always for the comments!!

Etienne · 07-03-2007, 22:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by henryv

FYI - there was a report of sailing the 46 at Annapolis Demo days on the Itty Kitty -- Circumnavigation of a catamaran web site that you might find of interest. They reported rather good performance.

Nice link thanks!!

henryv · 08-03-2007, 06:57

Fontaine Pajot also have the Orana 44 coming out this year. It seems like a nice design in your size range.

Gordon · 08-03-2007, 13:46

Hello Henryv and Etienne, we have ordered the Orana 44 delivery Aug/ Sept this year,there are brochures available with more detail and computer generated images of boat and interior layout.We looked at the FP Bahia 46 and to be honest like the galley and main bed layout on the 44.The Orana will have nearly as much volume available as the 46. Our dealers in Australia arranged a factory visit for us where we saw the production moulds for both the 44 and 48.The first Salina will be launched March/April and first Orana end of May. Our 44 is hull #4.

**craig boorman** · 08-03-2007, 16:42

I don't know, seems those new up and away steering stations jack the main sail well above the boat structure and then they have to make the mast taller so you can't get under the 65' fixed bridges which limit secure places to go with the boat. they are starting to look like floating travel trailers to me.