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Beta Marine 40hp diesel
80 hp
200
Multi-Hulls
43 ft
2006
43
-
2006 Leopard 43 "Hippocampus" Located in St. Petersburg, Florida - US Import Duty Paid
Twin Beta Marine 40hp Diesels with Less Than 200 Hours
That is the headline.
While most Leopard 43s on the market today are still powered by their original engines with 4,000 to 7,000+ hours, Hippocampus has already undergone one of the most significant and expensive upgrades a cruising catamaran owner will ever face: a complete repower with twin Beta Marine 40hp diesel engines. For many buyers, engine replacement represents one of the largest future expenses on the horizon. On Hippocampus, that project has already been completed. And the engines are only the beginning.
Over the past several years, the current owners have invested well in excess of $200,000 upgrading, modernizing, and refining virtually every major onboard system. Unlike many cruising catamarans that receive upgrades in only one or two areas, Hippocampus has benefited from systematic improvements across propulsion, rigging, electrical, solar, charging, refrigeration, climate control, fuel systems, sails, anchoring systems, and liveaboard comfort.
The result is a proven Leopard 43 platform with the expensive projects already behind her.
As an additional bonus, Hippocampus includes a premium Florida-registered OC330 full-carbon sailing tender package. Unlike the inflatable tenders commonly found aboard cruising catamarans, the OC330 is a high-performance rigid sailing tender complete with mast, sail, centerboard, rudder, and a 15hp Tohatsu outboard. With an approximate replacement value of $23,000, it represents a significant addition to the vessel's cruising package.
Why the Leopard 43?
Built by Robertson & Caine in Cape Town, South Africa and designed by Simonis Voogd, the Leopard 43 has earned a reputation as one of the most successful cruising catamarans ever produced.
The Leopard 43 combines excellent sailing performance, impressive payload capacity, practical systems access, and a spacious owner's layout that continues to make the model highly sought after among liveaboards and long-distance cruisers.
The shaft-drive propulsion system remains one of the model's greatest strengths, offering easier maintenance access and long-term dependability than many saildrive-equipped alternatives.
Hundreds of Leopard 43s have crossed oceans, circumnavigated the globe, and served as full-time homes for cruising families around the world. Their reputation for durability, simplicity, and liveaboard comfort remains one of the strongest in the cruising catamaran market.
A Proven Liveaboard
For our family, Hippocampus has been much more than a boat.
My wife, our two sons, and I have lived aboard her full-time for the past five years. During that time she has served as our home, our adventure platform, and the center of countless family memories.
Because we lived aboard full-time, upgrades were made for practical reasons rather than resale value.
The electrical system was designed to minimize generator run time.
The solar array was expanded to support extended periods at anchor.
The charging system was engineered to rapidly replenish batteries while underway.
Comfort systems were upgraded.
Sail handling was simplified.
Storage and functionality were improved.
Every major improvement was made with long-term ownership and real-world cruising in mind.
The Opportunity
Hippocampus is not the least expensive Leopard 43 on the market.
She may very well be one of the least expensive Leopard 43s to own.
A buyer purchasing a typical Leopard 43 may soon face engine replacement, rigging replacement, fuel tank replacement, electrical upgrades, solar installation, refrigeration projects, air conditioning upgrades, window rebedding, and numerous other major expenses.
On Hippocampus, those projects have already been completed.
The next owner benefits from a proven bluewater platform paired with modern systems, upgraded infrastructure, and one of the most significant differentiators available in this market: twin nearly-new diesel engines.
After five wonderful years aboard, our growing family has simply reached the point where we need more space, leading us to move into a larger Leopard 48.
Now Hippocampus is ready for her next adventure.
Located in St. Petersburg, Florida and available for inspection by appointment.
Repowered
• Twin Beta Marine 40hp diesel engines
One of the most expensive and significant upgrades possible on a cruising catamaran already completed
Re-Rigged
• Standing rigging replaced
• Bamar headsail furler replacing the original Profurl system
• Bamar top-down furler for Code Zero and asymmetrical spinnaker
Re-Electrified
• Large lithium battery bank - 600AH at 24V
• Extensive solar - 2.4kw solar array - all rigid panels
• Dual 185A 24V high-output alternators
• Approximately 300A combined sustained charging output once warmed up
• Charging capability that exceeds the battery charging performance of many conventional generator and inverter/charger combinations
• LED lighting throughout
Modernized for Serious Cruising
• Highly efficient reverse-cycle air conditioning systems
• Professionally installed 24V watermaker
• New refrigeration compressor and chiller plates (2026)
• All-electric galley
• Deep freezer conversion
• Washing machine installation
• Extensive liveaboard-focused improvements throughout
Extensive Upgrades and Improvements
The following upgrades represent well over $200,000 in owner investment:
Propulsion & Mechanical
• Twin Beta Marine 40hp diesel engines (<200 hours)
• New plastic fuel tanks
• Dual 185A 24V high-output alternators
• New shaft seals
• Fresh bottom paint
Rigging & Sail Handling
• New standing rigging
• Bamar headsail furler
• Bamar top-down furler
• Custom folding bowsprit
• Code Zero
• Asymmetrical spinnaker
• Newer genoa (2022)
Electrical & Energy Systems
• Large lithium battery bank - 600AH at 24V
• Extensive solar array - 2.4kw solar array - all rigid panels
• Approximately 300A sustained charging capability at 24V
• LED lighting throughout
Refrigeration, Water & Comfort
• Highly efficient reverse-cycle air conditioning
• Professionally installed watermaker
• New refrigeration compressor and chiller plates (2026)
• Deep freezer conversion
• Washing machine installation
• All-electric galley
Deck & Exterior Improvements
• Completely redesigned stern arch
• Integrated solar support structure
• Additional stern seating
• New trampolines
• New salon cushions (2023)
• New cockpit cushions (2023)
• Marine Mat cockpit flooring
• Custom shade systems
Structural & Hull Improvements
• All windows professionally re-bedded
Ground Tackle & Cruising Equipment
• Mantus 85lb anchor
• Newer 3/8" Acco G4 galvanized chain
Engine 1
Engine Make: Beta Marine
Engine Hours: 200
Total Power: 40hp
Engine Type: Inboard
Fuel Type: Diesel
Engine 2
Engine Make: Beta Marine
Engine Hours: 200
Total Power: 40hp
Engine Type: Inboard
Fuel Type: Diesel
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