Jeanneau Leader 46

Until five years ago, the only Jeanneau boats most folks in North America knew about were the company’s expansive lineup of sleek sailboats.

So it might surprise you to know that Jeanneau actually started out 55 years ago as a powerboat builder. Today, the company has huge a model range of power craft.

The Leader 46 is the “Papa Bear” of Jeanneau’s express boat lineup, which also includes the Leader 8, Leader 36 and Leader 40. At first glance, we noticed that the Leader 46 shares many of the design cues and lines from its Prestige luxury motoryacht division. A chiseled appearance and a forceful stance give the Leader 46 an aggressive look, while a gracefully arched hardtop and soaring sheer line provide a bit of subdued elegance.

Jeanneau has rigged the Leader 46 with an eye toward enjoying the outdoors.

Jeanneau’s Paul Fenn says, “The Leader 46 is designed for fun in the sun. A large sliding sunroof, optional hydraulic swim platform, outside grill and plenty of places to hang in the sun are just a few of the defining features of this new model of ours.”
Two steps up from the swim platform brings you to the bridge deck. Just to port is a large, aft-facing sunpad, while farther forward to port is a U-shaped dinette, with an adjacent L-shaped lounge to starboard. Convertible bench/sunpad seating lie behind the wraparound windshield to port, and the helm is situated to starboard.

Below is an open and airy layout, designed for two couples to cruise comfortably. The master stateroom is located mid-cabin, with its own enclosed head and shower, while the private guest stateroom is situated in the bow. It shares an enclosed head and shower through a main salon door. To port in the main salon is a dinette with plenty of room for four people, and the nicely-equipped galley is to starboard.

Although several power plant options are available from the factory, there’s no doubt that American boaters will likely turn to the Volvo Penta IPS600 (twin 435-hp Turbo Diesels) as their first choice.

Packed with stunning performance and luxury features to the nines, the Leader 46 is sure to impress.