Leader 40 by Jeanneau: a great balance between speed and comfort

The fourth and largest in the Jeanneau Leader line, the Jeanneau Leader 40 was introduced at the Paris Boat Show in 2013.

In March in Cannes (France), we had the chance to discover and test Leader 40 on the water. Available in two versions, you have the option of open with a hatch, or the sportop with an electric sunroof. The Leader 40 offers a great balance between speed and comfort.

A very large cockpit: seats, sun-pads and storage

The spacious Jeanneau Leader 40 can be equipped with a hydraulic gangway. You can also choose a hydraulic platform at the back. A key advantage is the big platform aft which transforms into a sun pad for several people when the seat back rest is lowered. When the back rest is upright there is room for one person to sunbathe. Under this there is a storage locker for a life raft and an inflatable tender. There is a

second storage locker under the left-hand cushion which contains more safety equipment and the auxiliary engine for the tender.

The U-shaped cockpit is equipped with a large folding table to accommodate several people, while the the sun-pad and sun-room are always available. Moving forward to the front of the boat, you’ll find a large, flat area where you can manipulate the anchor in safety. There is another storage compartment with room for fenders.

Leader 40 is very easy to maneuver

Below deck is the engine room, the engine is the Aquamatic Z-drive from Volvo, and can be supplied as either the twin D4-300 100hp engine, or the twin DC6 70hp, either of which will give plenty of speed. There is a large storage locker for navigation equipment, or this can be replaced by a generator if desired.

In front of the saloon there is a small galley equipped with a fridge and a sink, with storage underneath; you have the option of a grill fitted.

The pilot station is positioned under the sunroof. In front there is a huge, easily accessible sofa beneath

the sunroof, which is possibly the best spot in the boat! The pilot has the option of a joystick which makes the Jeanneau Leader 40 very easy to manoeuvre. It has two functions: standard docking position, and i-mode, giving more rpm, ideal for more control in windy conditions.

Relaxing and luminous

Inside the boat, to the right there is the main galley, with the options of gas or electric stove; you can also choose a microwave. There is a fridge and a sink with storage above and below the appliances. In front, there is an L-shaped saloon, which easily adapts to become a U-shape, to accommodate more people.

The masterpiece of the Leader 40 is the aft cabin: you’ll find a long sofa which converts to a berth. There are two single berths which can be linked by the back rest to form a huge double berth. There is an opening porthole on either side, and another communicating with the cockpit, giving good ventilation. You will find a washbasin in a bedside locker, complete with a seat. Facing the saloon, there is a mini-bar. You also have the option of a TV/DVD player. From the aft cabin there is daytime access to the head compartment, with a separate

shower and toilet.

The master cabin contains a big central bed, which can be extended to 2m wide by a geat Jeanneau innovation, the sliding seat. Underneath the berth there is a big storage area for all your equipment and luggage. From the master cabin you have direct access to the head compartment.

For more information about the Leader 40 (prices, specifications, sea trial, brochure,…) click here or feel free to ask your questions to chooseyourboat@gmail.com.