Leopard 46 sailing catamaran with hybrid-electric drive

Overview

Factory hybrid propulsion for long-range sailing

The Leopard 46 offers an optional hybrid-electric drive with twin 25 kW pods, separate lithium battery banks, solar and a diesel range extender.

Year

2026

Boat Type

Sailing Catamaran

Propulsion

Hybrid Electric Pod

Location

South Africa

About the Leopard 46 Hybrid Catamaran

The Leopard 46 is a 13.87-metre cruising sailing catamaran available with a factory hybrid-electric propulsion option in place of its standard twin diesels. The electric package uses two 25 kW pods, separate 27 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery banks and a 24 kW range-extending generator. Energy can also come from shore power, a 1.6 kW solar array and hydrogeneration while sailing. Leopard’s layout keeps the practical strengths of the diesel model: a 7.35-metre beam, 700 litres of fresh water and three-, four- or five-cabin arrangements. The main saloon connects directly to the aft cockpit, and the forward cockpit provides another protected social space. This is a hybrid cruising system, not a battery-only 46-foot yacht; the generator remains central to extended motoring when wind and renewable input are insufficient.

Best For

Bluewater cruisers wanting electric manoeuvring and regenerative sailing
Owners prioritizing cabin choice, onboard space and factory-integrated hybrid systems

Performance in Context

Leopard’s published sea-trial material reports roughly six hours of autonomy at half speed for the tested electric-drive configuration. Hydrogeneration begins around four to five knots, but meaningful output increases with sailing speed and conditions.

Battery and Charging

The system combines two independent 27 kWh LFP banks with shore chargers, a 24 kW generator, approximately 1.6 kW of solar and hydrogeneration through the propellers. Separate banks provide useful propulsion redundancy.

Availability and Pricing

Hybrid Electric Drive is an option on a configured Leopard 46, not a separate stock model. Pricing changes with market, cabin plan and options; obtain a current build sheet identifying the exact motor, battery, generator, solar and charging package.