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Tell me about Leopard 24

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Steve in SoCal, Aug 16, 2023.

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  1. Steve in SoCal, Aug 16, 2023
    #1
    Steve in SoCal

    Steve in SoCal Member

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    Hi Folks,

    Long time since I have posted here, kind of kicking around the above mentioned boat. There is a little here and there on the forum regarding these clumped in with Mangusta, Jag and, AB boats. The 24 is the only small Leopard with jets, could be good/bad? I am thinking of using this in the Rio de la Plata and coastal South America to include inland rivers.

    I realize they are old Italian boats and this would be in a location with few yacht resources but, there is an active commercial fleet and plenty of marine resources in general. Any current data on how these have aged and good/bad would be welcomed.
  2. NBMA, Sep 25, 2024
    #2
    NBMA

    NBMA New Member

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    I'm looking for info on this boat but with surface drives. Have you found any info?
  3. Steve in SoCal, Sep 25, 2024
    #3
    Steve in SoCal

    Steve in SoCal Member

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    The Leopard 23 has surface drives, the 24 was a 'one off' with jets.
  4. AGP22, Feb 7, 2025
    #4
    AGP22

    AGP22 Member

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    You mean something like this?

    [​IMG]
  5. Steve in SoCal, Feb 9, 2025
    #5
    Steve in SoCal

    Steve in SoCal Member

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    Yea,

    That is the boat, what do you know about them?
  6. AGP22, Feb 9, 2025
    #6
    AGP22

    AGP22 Member

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    If you are really interested, after identifying a specific one, I think you should go out on sea trial to understand for yourself if you like the ride since you would have to live with it. Or charter one and try to figure out the ride. Apparently this 24 is very different from the 27 and 23 from a seakeeping perspective. Not very successful from a commercial stand point. Could it be because it's got jet propulsion?

    Leopards are generally a good build, high quality materials and appliances, made to last for a long time.

    Cantiere del Arno, the builder of these boats, I'm pretty sure does not exist anymore, so support will be without them. I think somebody is using the same name but for a completely different type of boat.

    I understand the jets also have their fair share of maintenance, but I cannot tell you about the costs related to that. If you are not familiar with them, I think you should investigate further what costs are with other Kamewa operators. And if you plan to cruise in South America maybe locally they have economical ways around it. Lots of small commercial boats have Kamewas.

    Good luck.
  7. Steve in SoCal, Feb 9, 2025
    #7
    Steve in SoCal

    Steve in SoCal Member

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    You mention a couple of things that are why I want some feedback. I am aware of the unique features of this boat and that it IS different than the other Leopards of this size range. The jet maintainence is well known and that these boats are orphanes is also known. These boats are not new and the information online is limited to sales or charter offers, not details on the boats opperations.

    The notion that these are different than the other Leopards with surface drives and, how that affects the boats performance/sea keeping is what I am after. I can compare the jets/engines/ nav etc. The way these boats are different is what is unknown. How do they handle following seas or beam seas? What are they like in 2 meter seas? They are an interesting concept for the type of use I envision but, as noted not a big seller? That alone raises questions, were they just over priced or did they have some real issues?
  8. AGP22, Feb 9, 2025
    #8
    AGP22

    AGP22 Member

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    You should go out and try one to answer your queries. On the shallow waters, I have been getting on fine with my Mangusta 80 moving carefully.
  9. AGP22, Feb 9, 2025
    #9
    AGP22

    AGP22 Member

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    Underwater 1.jpeg
  10. Steve in SoCal, Feb 9, 2025
    #10
    Steve in SoCal

    Steve in SoCal Member

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    You are evading the questions, do you have any experience with these or could you compair the Mangusta to the Leopard? I like The Mangusta as well but the 92 is the smallest jet and that is a bit bigger than my wants, really a 65~75' jet would be ideal. I like the layout of the Leopard 24 better than the Mangusta myself.
  11. AGP22, Feb 10, 2025
    #11
    AGP22

    AGP22 Member

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    I don't have personal experience on Leopard 24s. I really think you should try one to assess the seakeeping and see for yourself. Beats any advice. As explained, I often moor in shallow waters with the Mangusta 80, moving very slowly with the Arnesons fully up, and no issues at all. Again, good luck.
  12. AGP22, Feb 10, 2025
    #12
    AGP22

    AGP22 Member

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