The Leopard Catamarans 39 2015 vs Leopard Catamarans 39 Powercat 2012 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Leopard Catamarans 39 2015 at 38,0 ft versus Leopard Catamarans 39 Powercat 2012 at 39,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Leopard Catamarans 39 Powercat 2012 tips the scales at 25 132 lbs — 6 834 lbs less than the Leopard Catamarans 39 2015 at 18 298 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 92 hp for the Leopard Catamarans 39 2015 and 100 hp for the Leopard Catamarans 39 Powercat 2012. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Leopard Catamarans 39 Powercat 2012 carries 211 gallons versus 185 gallons in the Leopard Catamarans 39 2015. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 11 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Leopard Catamarans 39 Powercat 2012 displaces 25 132 lbs — a 6 834-lb difference over the Leopard Catamarans 39 2015 at 18 298 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 3,5 ft and 3,3 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Leopard Catamarans 39 2015 uses Sloop rigging. For auxiliary power the Leopard Catamarans 39 Powercat 2012 carries a 100-hp engine against 92 hp on the Leopard Catamarans 39 2015. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
Bottom line: The Leopard Catamarans 39 Powercat 2012 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 25 132 lbs displacement and 39 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Leopard Catamarans 39 2015 at 18 298 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.