DRY Fiberglass on NEW Yacht (Only Part 1!) | LEOPARD 45 CATAMARAN REVIEW

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  • Опубликовано: 12 окт 2023
  • ⛵ Like, Share and Comment to support the Channel! ❤
    During our warranty repair rectifications scary issues have been exposed with our new Leopard 45 catamaran.
    As I continue to reconstruct the entire picture of what we have had to go through, more recently 6 months so far rebuilding aspects of the hull on the hard stand in Trinidad, I start at the beginning of the deficient fiberglass construction we have encountered.
    Previously I shared that ultra-sonic scans had detected anomalies in the hull fiberglass around the bridge deck and crossbeam mount points. These were conducted as the surveyor noticed the cracks and bubbles. When initially presented with this information in mid-2022 the boat builder, Robertson & Caine gave no approval for this to be investigated further in their warranty response at that time.
    See the scans for yourself here: www.travelsketchsailing.com/y...
    After arriving in Trinidad we engaged a local contractor, Newton from Newton Enterprises due to his great reputation, to open the anomalous areas so we could see what was inside.... it was dry fiberglass with little to no resin. Multiple sections of the bridge deck had not been resin infused during the build process in the Leopard 45 Factory, so the fiberglass inside was dry, making it non-structural.
    Watch as we first see the issues, then as they're repaired by the highly skilled tradesman from JS Marine. JS Marine were sent by Travelopia, the broker for new Leopard Catamarans that are built by Robertson & Caine. This is yet another part of our overall new yacht warranty experience, a situation we don't want to see repeated.
    Trent asked me to note that Travelopia and Robertson and Caine are now both involved in rectifying warranty issues and have paid for most of his out of pocket costs incurred until now. He has asked this be addressed in a video when it is actually wrapped up.
    We are still waiting to see what they will offer us for the two years of lost time and opportunity as well as finish the extensive rebuild. Losing the best part of two years of our lives has many costs like food, transport and fuel as well as wear and tear. The story is a long way from over and we are already 6+ months into warranty rebuild work in Trinidad.
    ______________________________________________
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    www.travelsketchsailing.com/s...
    📷 After backpacking Asia, road tripping Europe and doing a bit of van life, we’re now exploring the world aboard our Leopard 45 catamaran.
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Комментарии • 170

  • @waynelemmon3007
    @waynelemmon3007 8 месяцев назад +15

    After watching your nightmare over the last few months I will never ever buy a Leopard. Amazing repair work, but disgusting that you had to do that to a brand new boat.

    • @Telicia_
      @Telicia_ 7 месяцев назад +3

      Thank you for the support - we are very pleased by the work JS Marine are doing to the boat but as you say, it's disgusting that it even had to happen

  • @renaissanceman8564
    @renaissanceman8564 8 месяцев назад +13

    All Leopard owners should be furious! This has just devalued ALL LEOPARD catamarans when this is exposed and the company turns their back on someone who bought one. When a company cuts corners like this they show to the world who they really are. Great work to the yard! Thanks for the video and hope you get to enjoy your Christmas! Peace on earth and ocean

  • @forgetn
    @forgetn 8 месяцев назад +39

    What is worse is that it seems to be systemic. If I were Leopard, I would be very concerned and anyone taking delivery of one of these vessels should have the hull inspected before acceptance! This is not a small mistake, the entire system is broken

    • @WillN2Go1
      @WillN2Go1 8 месяцев назад +1

      Yep. Because boat tour videos and magazine articles are so much happy talk. "The comfortable helm seat," in 50 videos. And maybe at the boat show, but after you've done your first four hour watch sliding off the thing.... A month in a boat and you wonder why all these videos are showing you 'the features,' and none of the rigging choke points where chaffing a trouble are lurking. I can a test to needing to hear only two horror stories about a brand of boat and that cancels any interest I might have.

    • @Aussie-nd7si
      @Aussie-nd7si 8 месяцев назад +4

      I owned 43 leopard for a number of years, which was sailed originally to Fremantle from Capetown, where I bought it, and then onto Sydney where I took over from the crew and we cruised for a few months. I had no such issue, but like all boat builds, quality control is the key, and it pays to visit the factory and discuss with the actual supervisor, and in poor countries, give them a good tip. The actual problems in this video are not structural, but given the age of the boat, and how many other issues may exist, its a serious worry.

    • @eastcoastm3
      @eastcoastm3 7 месяцев назад +2

      System broken because management failed to watch to see if work was being done correctly! Fire everyone in that particular department.

    • @eastcoastm3
      @eastcoastm3 7 месяцев назад +3

      Can you imagine all of the past years that severe factory failures were created in the factory, yet to be discovered by current owners. Unite and start a class action lawsuit now!

    • @FamilyManMoving
      @FamilyManMoving 7 месяцев назад

      I think we're ignoring the fact that boats built during covid are having problems. So are appliances, cars, clothing...everything was done short handed and too fast, often using substitute materials because the spec stuff was unavailable. Anyone here want to buy any durable good or vehicle made from 2020 through late 2022/early '23? My wife bought shoes - multiple pairs from multiple brands - that had the soles just fall off because the adhesive failed. The manufacturers just walk away. They cannot afford to replace two years' production.

  • @monamie2772
    @monamie2772 8 месяцев назад +19

    I have a slogan for these guys. "Where we turn your dreams into nightmares." What do you think Roberts, Cane and Leopard Catamarans? Can you run with that?

  • @forgetn
    @forgetn 8 месяцев назад +8

    oh my God...unbelievable, What shoddy workmanship

  • @floathi
    @floathi 8 месяцев назад +8

    The gift that keeps on giving. Seems it's just the tip of the iceberg for Leopard!!

  • @WillN2Go1
    @WillN2Go1 8 месяцев назад +7

    This is a really important video that all sailors, especially boat shoppers, should see. Thank you for making it and I hope you follow it up with the further progress of your boat.

    • @travelsketch
      @travelsketch  8 месяцев назад

      Thank you for your support :) We do plan to follow it up, hopefully with a positive outcome but we will see.

  • @toddmalone4384
    @toddmalone4384 8 месяцев назад +7

    It is so great, helpful, honest to be reporting on these "new boat" issues, both for other boaters - especially Leopard owners - but also so that the industry can improve the warranty and manufacturer responsibility side of the business. Boat shows make everything look easy and beautiful, but the reality of taking delivery of a new boat can clearly be a lot of work! Good luck with the repairs, and future travels.

    • @travelsketch
      @travelsketch  8 месяцев назад +1

      What annoys us is that it is painted as a dream at the boat show and the reality is very different. Once you purchase, they tell you that you should have expected issues with production boats.

  • @MrCybernick
    @MrCybernick 8 месяцев назад +4

    The gift that keeps on giving... OMG .......................................Newton is the man and spot on ...

  • @mvintrigue-trawlerdiy1101
    @mvintrigue-trawlerdiy1101 8 месяцев назад +5

    That piece of tape buried under a few layers says it all. That's is PURE LAZINESS!!

    • @Telicia_
      @Telicia_ 7 месяцев назад

      I couldn't believe it when I saw it! 🤦‍♀

  • @carlospereira9838
    @carlospereira9838 8 месяцев назад +6

    Here we go again another fine example of craftsmanship from Robinson & Cane aka Leopard Catamarans.

    • @carlospereira9838
      @carlospereira9838 8 месяцев назад +2

      Like Trent said it’s NOT a design flaw it’s just shit craftsmanship and I agree 1000 percent.

  • @nigelwatkins558
    @nigelwatkins558 8 месяцев назад +5

    thought for a moment that I was watching "Parley Revival" !!!!!!

    • @anna-tn2ww
      @anna-tn2ww 8 месяцев назад

      They should get behind these guys!!

  • @charlesmcdonald5465
    @charlesmcdonald5465 8 месяцев назад +6

    Bummer. Well documented that they are having issues with the resin infusion. Hope they will pay for the repairs. They should have lemon laws with boats to it seems.

  • @martinlutken8427
    @martinlutken8427 8 месяцев назад +6

    Your experience sounds more and more like Parlay Revivals' , only without having been hurricane damaged - one might say only with "factory damage".....

    • @Telicia_
      @Telicia_ 7 месяцев назад

      We have been asked by people in Trinidad who see the shame tent and ongoing work which hurricane the boat went through 😞

  • @torstenhein2979
    @torstenhein2979 8 месяцев назад +6

    As a South African I'm embarassed that Leopard and Robertson And Caine put out such a poorly built product but even more so that they don't even stand behind their brand. They should have replaced the entire boat. Looks like the best cats get built in Vietnam these days- by a long way. Kudos to you for your pererverance.

    • @travelsketch
      @travelsketch  8 месяцев назад +2

      Replacing the boat doesn't replace the upgrades or time lost and likely comes with an NDA.

  • @TheHouseboat1
    @TheHouseboat1 8 месяцев назад +4

    How many of you would ever buy a Leopard after seeing this?

  • @earlhunt2815
    @earlhunt2815 8 месяцев назад +10

    Thank you for sharing. The Wyns had a Leopard as well as others I'm familiar with. So as I was researching, I included Leopard in my dream list. I've removed it now. But added the aluminum Portofino at the top.

    • @travelsketch
      @travelsketch  8 месяцев назад +2

      Please let them know. Public pressure will speed up rectification for everyone and future owners.

  • @gmoose777
    @gmoose777 8 месяцев назад +10

    another great video guys, one you should not have to make but here we are. TYour tenacity in keeping the bastards honest is commendable there is no excuse for any dry glass in a vacuum infused boat. Those repairs look the business though and will probably outlast the rest of the hull. All in all piss poor workmanship on the part of leopard.

    • @travelsketch
      @travelsketch  8 месяцев назад

      Thank you

    • @randyb620
      @randyb620 7 месяцев назад

      Did you get a response saying that’s normal wear and tear…

    • @travelsketch
      @travelsketch  7 месяцев назад +1

      The initial response to the survey and preliminary quote was mostly that yes.

  • @walking_man
    @walking_man 8 месяцев назад +6

    We were the first persons to charter a brand new Leopard 52 in Belize in 2019. There were many problems just commissioning the boat. The Moorings was already feeling rebuffed by Leopard and received no or little help. Sailing the boat for a week left us wondering if the designers had ever sailed. We had seen one in Annapolis and thought we were going to buy one and decided to do the week charter just to be sure. After that trip there was no way we were ever going to buy a Leopard and we didn't even know about the hull issues.
    So sorry for your regretful experience.

    • @trentspencer7991
      @trentspencer7991 8 месяцев назад

      Leopard 50s have stairs in the galley so unsurprising they are not tenable for some round the world cruisers. The owners side is tiny and the boom is hard to reach. Some of the reasons I didn't buy one.They really make no sense outside of a charter context IMO

    • @carlospereira9838
      @carlospereira9838 8 месяцев назад

      @@trentspencer7991 You also forgot to mention that they are very heavy and the sailing performance is horrible not even counting for the really bad build quality. For a condominium at sea they are great as a live aboard sailing vessel look elsewhere there are many other boats out there for the same price point with a lot better build quality. Just stating the facts and also stay away from Lagoons they are almost as bad as Leopards.

  • @davidcherry1902
    @davidcherry1902 4 месяца назад +5

    These faults should have been found at manufacture. There is no excuse for this.
    I am a chartered naval architect, yacht and ship structural surveyor.
    Thank you for such a good video ... concise and informative.

  • @randyb620
    @randyb620 7 месяцев назад +2

    No BS, I’m retiring in just 3 short years and have the cash saved to buy a cat. After years of watching boating YTers was fully set on a Leopard. This series of videos honestly made me feel ill. Leopard was exactly what I wanted especially for the walkthrough front deck. I have no idea what I want to do now. I guess I thank you for this info, but ignorance could have been bliss.

    • @Telicia_
      @Telicia_ 7 месяцев назад +1

      It's hard to express in a comment how difficult this whole situation has been, but part of why we are sharing it is because we don't want retirees like yourself ending up in the same position and potentially losing 2+ years of your retirement. We remain hopeful for a positive outcome at the end of this, but we will see. Best of luck on your boat search :)

  • @richardtaylor2158
    @richardtaylor2158 8 месяцев назад +6

    This is nuts , terrible workmanship for a brand new boat. Damn shame. I won't be getting a Leopard for sure

  • @rumbepack
    @rumbepack 8 месяцев назад +3

    Leopards seem to be the perfect boats for people that want to have their sanity tested.

  • @pekka9181
    @pekka9181 8 месяцев назад +6

    Sorry to watch your struggle, its not ok. Leopard is a shit company that care less of customers. Very poor Craftmanchip sorry to say, but is a fact. Hope all in the end will go your way. Dont give up your Dream! Regards from cold Sweden. Pekka and Marlen. ❤

  • @andymarshall2201
    @andymarshall2201 8 месяцев назад +2

    Robertson and Caine should put their hands up and give you either all your money back or replace it with a new boat. Outrageous workmanship.

  • @gmonnig
    @gmonnig 8 месяцев назад +3

    Jesus, it just keeps getting worse! I hope people looking at these yachts at the Annapolis boat show this weekend watch this video first.

  • @umitaltay465
    @umitaltay465 8 месяцев назад +4

    This boat was pushed through the production with no QC at the factory hope the boat builders are watching the shit they push out !!

  • @jasongrinnell1986
    @jasongrinnell1986 8 месяцев назад +2

    Wow! The expression, you get what you pay for kinda goes out the window.

  • @TK-oh8cp
    @TK-oh8cp 6 месяцев назад +2

    If this is a brand new boat, with these concerns, the manufacturer need to honour all warranty, give refund for entire cost

  • @paulstephens5229
    @paulstephens5229 8 месяцев назад +3

    I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this level of absolute deplorable workmanship is abhorrent, if I was a wealthy man I would pay for you to sue them out of business. I take my hat of to you guys in getting this boat put right.

  • @myleswenban8858
    @myleswenban8858 4 месяца назад +2

    I am a boatbuilder of 40 plus years and I have been saying this about resin infused vacuum bagged boats for last 25 years that there will be disasters coming with this type of construction. Just noticed that there was Chopped strand mat in that ,!! Csm should not be used in resin infusion. Bad technical design

  • @Antipodean33
    @Antipodean33 4 месяца назад +1

    Balance cats have a good reputation, their workmanship is second to none and their cats are serious fast ocean crossers. There is something to be said for buying secondhand like the Balance Lyra Noa, that cat was proven in 1000's of miles of ocean crossing, was super well maintained as well as being a beautiful cat. With that cat you know she was structurally sound and was turn key ready to go

  • @6MISFITZ
    @6MISFITZ 8 месяцев назад +2

    Who knew you needed a complete hammer tap survey on a brand new Leopard yacht before you accept delivery?
    And not done by any Leopard employee in the quality control department who's eyes are wide shut!

  • @largemarge1603
    @largemarge1603 8 месяцев назад +4

    03:30
    By this point, I felt sick to my stomach.
    I think the vessel is unsafe.
    Entire sections of unsaturated mat, no resin for strength?
    Unconscious assembly personnel... or malicious jealousy in the workers?

  • @Skippernick1957
    @Skippernick1957 7 месяцев назад +4

    Sue them.

  • @JG-us9lu
    @JG-us9lu 4 месяца назад +1

    You guys are a lot more tolerant than me. What a nightmare.

  • @juergenzenner4219
    @juergenzenner4219 8 месяцев назад +4

    It’s would be a huge Christmas present IF YOU COULD SAIL than. I’ll keep my fingers crossed!!

  • @netassassinsecurity
    @netassassinsecurity 8 месяцев назад +2

    This is absolutely inexcusable. I had no idea it was this bad when you told me about it last night. - Francisco

  • @ChrisHarding-lk3jj
    @ChrisHarding-lk3jj 8 месяцев назад +3

    If this boat was constructed using vacuum infusion it should be inspected much more carefully. The layup process used at the factory was seriously lacking quality control and I am willing to bet that procedures were ignored and the layout schedule was not followed.

  • @MotorSailingforOldDudes
    @MotorSailingforOldDudes 8 месяцев назад +6

    Feel so sorry for you Dudes. How are you going to feel confident of the rest of the structural integrity of such a bad build.

  • @pipercolearchitects
    @pipercolearchitects Месяц назад +1

    Wow, Leopard. The troubles just keep coming with theses boats

  • @chien-yinghuang6726
    @chien-yinghuang6726 7 месяцев назад +2

    Apparently there is no quality control, Leopard should use ultrasound to inspect the hull. Leopard also have poor control over the resin infusion process.

  • @davidtomasetti8520
    @davidtomasetti8520 8 месяцев назад +4

    resin infusion is a high risk technique, there are great advantages if you do it right. but produces costly useless parts if you don't. there is not a chance that I would ever buy a boat from a company who could let anything out of their facility that has those kinds of problems. Tap testing is what THE MANUFACURER is supposed to use to find the dry spots as soon as they remove it from the mold.

    • @carlospereira9838
      @carlospereira9838 8 месяцев назад +1

      Resin infusion is a mixed art it’s both art and skill well mostly skill. It’s not easy to do and you have only 1 shot to do it right. I know I have tried and have messed it up. Wet bagging is easy but it is not the same as resin infusion. However a company like Leopard and Robinson and Cain should higher skilled labor and minimum wage workers that don’t have the proper training.

    • @carlospereira9838
      @carlospereira9838 8 месяцев назад

      Sorry I meant NOT minimum wage workers

    • @davidtomasetti8520
      @davidtomasetti8520 8 месяцев назад +1

      @@carlospereira9838 you're right, I think the biggest problem here isn't that they made a boat with dry spots, it's that they apparently made dozens of them, and they et them all leave the plant.
      any boat I've ever seen demolded had a quality control worker immediately with a board or screwdriver walking around tapping looking for air pockets, there is no way that happened here.

  • @stevesteel6066
    @stevesteel6066 8 месяцев назад +4

    Systemic problem with mass production! No QC, thoroughly disguised with the build quality. I would personally have the entire hulls surveyed with ultrasound. You probably spent over $1m on a cat, that’s a wreck! Please take time to check that all screws in the forestry furler are pictured with red locktite. I have heard of so many engineering disasters! Thanks for sharing

    • @carlospereira9838
      @carlospereira9838 8 месяцев назад

      You and me both. I have done electrical surveys and even on new boats they would fail. I have no idea how they even pass CE inspection. Problem most of these CE approved boats are self certification by the company and nobody does the inspection. They just follow the basic CE requirements.

  • @srupp9271
    @srupp9271 3 месяца назад +2

    I think leopard is not the only one that produces shitty hulls. I saw a video f a hurricane damaged Fountaine pajot catamaran that had whole areas of dry fiberglass. I think this might be a problem for many production boats. Over the years I have changed my opinion about boat hulls and now I think I would stay away from compost hulls I'd rather go for solid handled fiberglass. Little heavier but I think lasts much longer lasting especially if they used good resins and good workmanship

  • @Peter_Mcleod
    @Peter_Mcleod 8 месяцев назад +3

    Wow you have had many problems and it is disgusting. I dare say this will go Viral, same as the lagoon 450 did with its problems. They are trying to make to many to meet the public demand and this is what happens. Quality drops big time. I feel for you guys. Hope it all works out. Also the other Leopards in the yard all had the same problems so is a fair bet, all the new leopard 45's are the same. Would definitely be getting some to check if you owned one.

  • @michaelquinn94
    @michaelquinn94 8 месяцев назад +3

    You guys are heroes! Have you made contact with Robertson and Caine's owners? Earlier this year R&C was acquired by "Vox Ventures, a wholly owned subsidiary of PPF, a leading investment firm in Europe with its roots in the Czech Republic". As often happens, Vox might not have uncovered or been made aware of Leopard quality issues when diligencing R&C (possibly hidden from them!), but they might encourage better customer support and care from one of their portfolio companies.

    • @travelsketch
      @travelsketch  8 месяцев назад +3

      Trent asked us to moderate the channel slowly releasing things to allow everyone involved to try and rectify things and me not just go nuclear on them from every angle.

  • @Skippernick1957
    @Skippernick1957 7 месяцев назад +3

    Wouldn’t touch a leopard catamaran after all you have gone through.You need to confront them at one of the boatshows.

  • @SydneyBuilder
    @SydneyBuilder 8 месяцев назад +3

    This is horrible. I hope you guys have a good lawyer ready.

  • @tcurdt
    @tcurdt 4 месяца назад +2

    Holy smokes. What a nightmare.

    • @travelsketch
      @travelsketch  4 месяца назад

      Yep, that's a pretty concise way to put it!

    • @tcurdt
      @tcurdt 4 месяца назад +2

      @@travelsketch Just working through your videos (thank you!) and I am just speechless.

  • @EuroThrashDude
    @EuroThrashDude 8 месяцев назад +2

    Holy Crap! That's horrible! I hope R&C just buy the boat back from you. Crazy Leopard would leave this 45 out in public continuing to damage their reputation.

  • @freedominsteadof1984
    @freedominsteadof1984 7 месяцев назад +2

    I would’ve sued them to take back this shitshow. I’d have serious trust issues with this boat outside the coastal area.

  • @christianbusch3426
    @christianbusch3426 Месяц назад

    What the f... are they doing! I got delivery of a new Leopard 50 last summer. Before delivery, the junction of 2 parts below the waterline on the starboard hull opened, and PEPZI was close to sink. Of course, I was not informed of this major issue. I had no idea when I went to the shipyard and was furious. They made ultrasonic tests and I was told the rest of the boat is perfect. So we had a nice summer with family and friends. When we sailed PEPZI to his winter berth, the hull junction on the port opened. Leopard sent a crew for provisional repairs, and finally, she was hulled out .
    I decided to engage a lawyer for safety reasons. We will send an expert to test the hulls.
    A complete ultrasonic test of the whole boat and a core drilling of the junction (without informing me) were made by Leopard.
    The lawyer and I asked for the results but got no answer.
    I'm thinking about informing the press to beware other people from buying a Leopard.

    • @travelsketch
      @travelsketch  Месяц назад +1

      Feel free to send us anything you like via the website email so we can take a look.

  • @HanssLin
    @HanssLin 8 месяцев назад +2

    Really suggest file the law suit, unbelievable. It’s more fraud than quality issue.

  • @peteturner8493
    @peteturner8493 8 месяцев назад +2

    A new boat that keeps having to be repaired at what point do you say we've had enough take it back as not fit for purpose.....?

  • @gavinmarshall6438
    @gavinmarshall6438 8 месяцев назад +2

    I’ve just stumbled on to your vids and have now gone back to watch them all. It is hardly believable that a huge well known brand that sells boats all over the world, at every boat show and is entrenched in the charter market, could treat you and other customers like this. I guess if they have let the quality of their boat deteriorate so low then they have to deny claims just to stay in business. They should be out of business! At next years sanctuary cove boat show I’ll be asking leopard loudly about their treatment of customers and the quality of their boats.
    Good luck and let’s hope Karma visits leopard soon.

  • @ekephoenix
    @ekephoenix 8 месяцев назад +2

    Dude... at this point... just to save their brand and reputation, I would give you a new boat! It should never had left the shipyard like this!!!!! I'd love to be at the boat show this past week and listen to how many people were asking about this.

    • @trentspencer7991
      @trentspencer7991 8 месяцев назад

      Lots of people asked me. Was weird to have people know who I was since I'm just in the background.

  • @svourtime123
    @svourtime123 8 месяцев назад +3

    Wow! I am looking for a new boat to replace my Lagoon 450 I sold. Leopard is completely out of the running now.

  • @cartertanya1258
    @cartertanya1258 8 месяцев назад +2

    All I can say after watching your videos, is don't buy a leopard 45 or any other cat made by that manufacturer, as their QC is disgusting

  • @normanboyes4983
    @normanboyes4983 8 месяцев назад +2

    This story and the discoveries just gets worse, give it a year or so and you may turn this into a new boat.😉 You are very patient people.

    • @travelsketch
      @travelsketch  8 месяцев назад +1

      Unfortunately negotiations are ongoing and Trent won't sign an NDA as he believes its wrong.

    • @carlospereira9838
      @carlospereira9838 8 месяцев назад +1

      @@travelsketch Good for you Trent. Stand your ground against bastards. They screw up your boat and want you to sign a NDA to cover up their mistakes and don’t want you showing the world the truth. They are evil bastards pure and simple.

  • @paulgilliland2992
    @paulgilliland2992 26 дней назад

    If the marine industry was regulated like other forms of transportation all of these vessels would have been recalled . But it’s apparently the Wild West in that regard.

  • @hansh8071
    @hansh8071 8 месяцев назад +2

    Wow! What a letdown, are you still talking with the company about further warranty and compensation? I wish you two all the best and grts from Holland

    • @travelsketch
      @travelsketch  8 месяцев назад +1

      Yes, Trent is in discussion with them but hasn't heard much lately.

  • @diverd2162
    @diverd2162 Месяц назад +1

    They advertise these boats as seaworthy, sturdy, blue water...

  • @Bundy714
    @Bundy714 Месяц назад

    All those places with dry fiberglass, and even where they did use resin, the fiberglass is paper thin. You get gel coat, two layers of fiberglass (with or without resin), and then the core. The gel coat is holding this thing together.

    • @trentspencer7991
      @trentspencer7991 Месяц назад

      Yeah that bothers me. The glass seems way thinner than a Leopard 48 for example. That said the foam core seems very tough so maybe it is an offset to balsa. Maybe the boats are just cheaper now.

  • @erents1
    @erents1 8 месяцев назад +2

    Yikes!

  • @patraic5241
    @patraic5241 2 месяца назад +1

    That dry fiberglass had to be visible when the gel coat was applied. There's no excuse for that.

    • @travelsketch
      @travelsketch  2 месяца назад +1

      Well apparently at least one of the areas with dry fiberglass which we haven't publicised yet was hand laminated according to a phone conversation I overheard between Trent and someone from Leopard or R&C so how many boats did that person build in that area....You would have to be pretty talented to apparently laminate dry fiberglass.

    • @patraic5241
      @patraic5241 2 месяца назад +1

      @@travelsketch 🤦 I can't even.....

  • @Corey-pd3mi
    @Corey-pd3mi 8 месяцев назад +2

    That boat is a complete write off with systemic manufacturing defects across the board, you should get your money back

  • @davidgravlin6518
    @davidgravlin6518 8 месяцев назад +3

    Any idea as to why all of the dry glass is on the inboard sides of both hulls?

    • @travelsketch
      @travelsketch  8 месяцев назад

      The factory would have to comment.

    • @myleswenban8858
      @myleswenban8858 4 месяца назад

      The problem seems to be the lamination crew doing the bridge deck. Not properly trained or just don't give a shit making million dollar boats

  • @faircompetition1203
    @faircompetition1203 28 дней назад

    So how many areas are there you have not found ?

  • @George-vf7ss
    @George-vf7ss Месяц назад +1

    Nautical Nightmares...

  • @chrissnaproll26
    @chrissnaproll26 8 месяцев назад +5

    A bloody disgrace. I am South African, these people use unskilled labour and your boat shows. I would make it a mission to sue the manufacturer for disgraceful bad workmanship.

    • @deerfootnz
      @deerfootnz 8 месяцев назад +1

      All the production builders use unskilled labour. It's one of the many ways they cut cost. Monohulls as well as cats suffer from issues like this, but of course the structural engineering on a cat is less forgiving. Anyone looking to buy any production boat should be watching this channel closely. The only difference between your boat and the issues you have found is that you have the knowledge to find them.....

    • @carlospereira9838
      @carlospereira9838 8 месяцев назад +4

      If Trent did sign the NDA then the public would never know the truth as it would have been covered up by Leopard and Robinson & Cain. This is the worst craftsmanship on any new boat I have ever seen period. Buyer beware do your research and homework before you buy.

    • @deerfootnz
      @deerfootnz 8 месяцев назад

      @@carlospereira9838 sadly it isn't the worst build quality on a production boat I have ever seen. I have seen boats like this from all the main builders.

    • @carlospereira9838
      @carlospereira9838 8 месяцев назад

      @@deerfootnz That is so sad considering that these boats are not cheap. That is why my next boat I am building myself it’s going to be a 50 foot catamaran epoxy build. Even if I had the money to buy one of these production boats I would not. I can build a better design better build for 1/4 of the cost that is doing 90 % of all the work myself. Total cost of boat is about 300k completely fitted with only basic sails. That is with 250 kilowatts of lithium ion batteries and 2 x 20 KW my custom build electric engines and 42 KW my custom build of DC generator power and 15 KW of solar. YES it is all possible and that even includes yard fees.

  • @vegandogs
    @vegandogs Месяц назад +1

    Whats nuts is all this headace, money and work for what during manufacturing would have neen rather insignificant to get right.

  • @faircompetition1203
    @faircompetition1203 28 дней назад

    So sailing a leopard upwind for a few days is considered abuse that will result in delamination ? And they think that is normal ?

  • @user-hw5ow9zr7q
    @user-hw5ow9zr7q 8 месяцев назад +2

    I'm sorry to say but it appears you bought the biggest "lemon" in yachting history!
    That's a total and extremely dangerous nightmare!
    You have repaired what you've been able to see from the outside but the real question is ... what is on the other side of the core?
    If their is dry glass in just one stress point the possibility of a major disaster in heavy seas is exponentially and dangerously high!!
    I think the fiberglass repairer was correct. You should sell it to someone who intends to use it as an island Hopper/ coastal cruiser only.
    Every time you're in a storm and hear creeks you will wonder... is this the time it will break?
    Absolute total disaster! I feel sorry for you and the terrible situation that Leopard has forced you into.
    But your life and safety is far more important than your devotion to an obvious lemon.

    • @travelsketch
      @travelsketch  8 месяцев назад

      hopefully they make it all right for us.

    • @user-hw5ow9zr7q
      @user-hw5ow9zr7q 8 месяцев назад +1

      @@travelsketch I truly hope so!
      I feel so bad for you, buying a yacht of this value is a major life decision for anyone, not something that's taken lightly.
      After all the obvious considerations and planning, your excitement has turned into an absolute and expensive disaster through no fault of your own.
      It's both terrible and disgusting.
      All I can say is you're lucky you're so young and energetic. I would have given this to the lawyers a long time ago!

  • @main11gear
    @main11gear 8 месяцев назад +5

    Anyone who has watched these videos and went on to purchase a Leopard vessel will get what they deserve. And my guess is that until catastrophic failure resulting in sinking or loss of life, Leopard will continue undeterred in building one of, if not THE crappiest boats in the world.

    • @earlhunt2815
      @earlhunt2815 8 месяцев назад

      The leopard will eat you

    • @travelsketch
      @travelsketch  8 месяцев назад

      They are not the worst boat builder. I have to say that. Look at what Lagoon did to people.

    • @carlospereira9838
      @carlospereira9838 8 месяцев назад

      @@travelsketch They are all bad however some builders are a lot worse that others….ie Leopard and Lagoon

  • @ajsonstegard5729
    @ajsonstegard5729 8 месяцев назад +2

    😳 what the hull?! This is unbelievable. How long have you now postponed your trip?

    • @trentspencer7991
      @trentspencer7991 8 месяцев назад +1

      6 months in Trinidad now

    • @ajsonstegard5729
      @ajsonstegard5729 8 месяцев назад +2

      @@trentspencer7991 and prior? Two years lost

    • @trentspencer7991
      @trentspencer7991 8 месяцев назад +1

      Yeah, they have covered some out of pocket expenses which is good. That doesn't give you the time back as you say
      @@ajsonstegard5729

  • @billhanna8838
    @billhanna8838 6 месяцев назад +2

    My god 1 an accident but hell all ???

    • @travelsketch
      @travelsketch  6 месяцев назад +1

      And sadly this is only part of the full picture

  • @michaelhaardt5988
    @michaelhaardt5988 8 месяцев назад +1

    There are many examples of dry glass in boats on RUclips, across all vendors, but typically not as much, not such big spots that form a pattern and not as easy to discover by tapping. Well, QA costs money and boats look just the same without, I guess. I am not sure if the manufacturer attitude or your perseverance dealing with it is more shocking.

    • @travelsketch
      @travelsketch  8 месяцев назад

      They are trying to make it right, slowly, so for the good of as many people as possible Trent wants to work with them.

    • @carlospereira9838
      @carlospereira9838 8 месяцев назад +1

      @@travelsketch When more and more people know about this hopefully Leopard and the other manufactures will learn that this practice will not be tolerated especially when these boats are like close to a million and a million plus. This is not tolerated with cars then why is it tolerated with boats. I have no idea.

  • @j-1159
    @j-1159 Месяц назад

    I was seriously considering a leopard, not anymore 😎

    • @travelsketch
      @travelsketch  Месяц назад

      Let them know so they improve and help us.

    • @j-1159
      @j-1159 Месяц назад

      The absurd lack of professionalism and customer service is not fit for the retail public , it's a shame, it's a nice live aboard design but the QC is up to shit as well 😎

  • @easternsuneasternsun171
    @easternsuneasternsun171 7 месяцев назад +1

    Just wait ,its going to get worse because the windows are going to start failing , the primer is not adhering to he glass so the window sealent is going to start failing , had happened already and leopard is issuing reimbursements to the owners to make the repairs .

    • @travelsketch
      @travelsketch  7 месяцев назад

      We've actually done a video on the windows already, you can watch it here (the primer is just one issue): ruclips.net/video/eYnS8IHpQX0/видео.htmlsi=DlefcrnMoXbjxtnM
      That video will likely have a follow up as we're in the process of rebedding all windows at the moment meaning we've have had a chance to properly investigate the frames and bonds on every window.

    • @easternsuneasternsun171
      @easternsuneasternsun171 7 месяцев назад +1

      @@travelsketch recommended by a owner who just did this himself , Dow - 720 adhesive

    • @trentspencer7991
      @trentspencer7991 7 месяцев назад

      @@easternsuneasternsun171 DOW 795 ;)

  • @phixi0n
    @phixi0n 6 месяцев назад +1

    Leopard should take the boat back and provide you a new one, this is atrocious!

    • @travelsketch
      @travelsketch  6 месяцев назад +1

      That doesn't replace all of our work and puts us back to the beginning. They also make you sign an NDA to do that. So essentially you lose years of your life to be back at the beginning.

    • @phixi0n
      @phixi0n 6 месяцев назад +1

      @@travelsketch I feel for you, I haven't looked up the price of one of these but I imagine you put much of your savings in to it, it's heartbreaking to see the issues you've had. These companies always have a way of wiggling out of paying up when issues arise, you really have to push to get them to fulfill their obligations. I'd think with the bad publicity alone they would make it right for you. I don't know who would buy one of these after watching the issues you guys have had.

  • @Captain-Paul
    @Captain-Paul Месяц назад +1

    Really feel for you guys, absolute pile of rubbish. I appreciate how much time you have put into the boat but I would just return it and get my money back. It's likely you will have issues for years to come that are yet undiscovered. I have seem amateurs do their very first fibreglass job with ease! Truly atrociously built. Also why do they not scan their own hulls as soon as they are dry before they progress any further with the hull build?

    • @travelsketch
      @travelsketch  Месяц назад

      Good questions, swapping for another hull comes with a whole list of cons why it doesn't work.

  • @larrymeyer2917
    @larrymeyer2917 14 дней назад +1

    Shocking but not surprised. Systematic resistance to dealing with warranty issues post Global sales manager departure around 2015 highlights the CAUSE……there is no REOCCURRENCE prevention process in terms of ISO 9000 quality system. You don’t go from the Leopard 46 in most real boaters opinion to this disgusting level of plain carp without the deterioration of your quality system both process and inspection. I have huge emotional investment in the brand but simply cannot defend this disaster, those who know me may understand my disappointment. What a shame for South Africa and the many folk that stood by the brand and the impact for the new owners of R&C.

    • @travelsketch
      @travelsketch  14 дней назад

      This is where cost cutting to make a business look more appealing for sale also had an impact. Some blame the customer for shining a light on this. I'd blame the previous shareholders who allowed the cash cow to wander onto the road and get hit by a truck.

    • @larrymeyer2917
      @larrymeyer2917 14 дней назад

      @@travelsketch As you are well aware of my involvement in the brand and being South African, just got to get down to the cause…..poor productions management. South Africa needs employment, and for the factory it’s really easy, poor work has many reasons and most important is training. GOOD Fibreglass work today is not difficult but shoddy oversight to ensure a high quality product should be the focus. R&C really sells the structure and this should be guarded, loose respect for creating this structure takes a lot effort to repair and a long time. It’s all consuming, while it may only contribute 50% of what R&C sells, it’s everything, it’s not only your boat that is in this state. It’s nothing personal that you have all these problems, it’s symptomatic of the production process. A sad moment for me to see this video.

    • @travelsketch
      @travelsketch  14 дней назад

      It was way worse than this. Don't watch future videos if this bothers you, that's all I can say. We are still trying to negotiate with them for some fair compensation for losing years of our lives. It is going to get really interesting soon though. People won't believe what went down here.

  • @rickpyne
    @rickpyne 2 месяца назад +2

    Will you ever have any faith in this boat? What's going to fail next. Leopard has built a "deathship"

    • @travelsketch
      @travelsketch  2 месяца назад

      With rebuilding a lot of it it gives us confidence in it. Some outrageous quality work has been rectified for sure.

  • @mynhardtsaayman1
    @mynhardtsaayman1 4 месяца назад +1

    This boat of yours are not safe and your frustrations are 100 justified . Leopard must do the right thing and replace your boat and use this to up their quality inspection. This is nothern else than poor workmanship and low or ZERO QUALITY checks in place.

  • @markloubser2433
    @markloubser2433 Месяц назад +1

    This is appalling. The boat is not safe to cross an ocean.

  • @SailingLearningByDoing
    @SailingLearningByDoing 8 месяцев назад +2

    Write off. Will you ever be confident in this boat? I know I wouldn't be. Lagoons and Leopards, you cant even call them cheap crap, so I guess they are just really expensive crap.

  • @FamilyManMoving
    @FamilyManMoving 7 месяцев назад

    At this point it's pretty clear Leopard/R&C had issues building boats during and after covid. They either had short staff, lost experienced staff, or pushed existing staff too hard, to do too much, too fast. I don't think they are alone.
    For the same reason I won't buy a tropics boat from 2016/17 (hurricanes), I won't buy a boat - any boat - built during or immediately after covid. Just say no to covid boats.

    • @trentspencer7991
      @trentspencer7991 7 месяцев назад

      Covid is not the primary reason this happened. Dig a little deeper.

  • @meatmwax
    @meatmwax 7 месяцев назад +1

    Nino is going to die young if he doesn't start wearing a mask!

  • @JC-zy4oz
    @JC-zy4oz 8 месяцев назад +1

    First mistake. Buying a lagoon.

    • @anna-tn2ww
      @anna-tn2ww 8 месяцев назад +1

      Second mistake, commenting without paying attention 😂 This is a Leopard

    • @carlospereira9838
      @carlospereira9838 8 месяцев назад +1

      @@anna-tn2ww It does not matter they are both crap.

  • @prasanthnair611
    @prasanthnair611 Месяц назад +1

    Leopard, you’re losing sale after sale. What’s worse, it’s permanent. This video has 11k views - I guarantee you the word of mouth makes it much worse. I was just at the bar 3 nights ago talking to a friend who wants to buy a cat and told him never to buy a Leopard and showed him this video on my phone. He’s never buying one of your cats.

    • @travelsketch
      @travelsketch  Месяц назад

      The insane part is that Trent has made them what I would consider an inconsequential to them peace offering which they ignore. This could be way more constructive for them IMO.