bali catamaran build quality

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BOAT REVIEW Bali 4.1 catamaran

• Innovative rear bulkhead
• Stylish interior and decor
• Easy sail controls
• Good motoring performance

When you’re cruising, time becomes irrelevant and space is everything. The Bali 4.1 catamaran provides the ideal platform for taking it easy, with plenty  of room for the family to spread out, chill and enjoy the journey.

The Bali catamaran range caused a bit of a stir when it was launched onto the market five years ago, with French manufacturer Catana turning its attention from performance cats to taking on the cruising market – in the process introducing some innovative and controversial design ideas. And now the first Bali cat has arrived here – the 12.1m Bali 4.1 – the baby of the range and a development of the original Bali 4.0 model. The New Zealand agent for the Bali range is Dream Yacht Charter in Queensland, Australia, run by Frenchman Christophe Vanek, a former international yachtie who first came to Australia in 1986 with one of the French challengers for the Louis Vuitton Cup. I meet Christophe and his wife Amara at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, where boats are being released following the On Water Boat Show. Dream Yacht Charter operates a fleet of these cats in the Whitsundays, but the boat we’re on today is privately-owned and lives at Pine Harbour Marina, east of Auckland, where we are to deliver her today.

Waiting for clearance to leave the marina gives us plenty of time to look around the boat and check out its features – the most eye-catching of which is the fact that the saloon’s entire aft bulkhead hinges up like a garage door, creating the ultimate in indoor-outdoor flow. There’s a traditional sliding door between cockpit and cabin when the rear ‘wall’ is down, but when you’re at anchor and the weather’s right, up it goes and suddenly the interior feels twice as big. This innovative feature was initially greeted with some scepticism in the industry but has since proven to be both popular and safe. With the back door up and the saloon’s front and side windows open you are virtually living outside, yet well-protected from the sun. “A lot of people today are sensitive about exposure to the sun, so here they can stay inside the boat, protected but in something that is completely open,” Vanek says. “Then, if the weather is bad they can just shut the whole thing down, but still have great views.” The ‘garage door’ is easy to open, sliding up and down without much effort, secured by hydraulic struts, and has a watertight seal along the bottom edge when closed for safe passage-making. The second aspect which makes the Bali range different to traditional sailing cats is forward of the cabin. Instead of the traditional trampoline and cross-bracing between the hulls, it has a solid wingdeck, more like a powercat. This creates a second cockpit entertaining area, handy to the galley. “Having a trampoline isn’t really necessary anymore because the hulls are so high above the waterline,” says Vanek. The solid deck has also been designed to be lightweight, using box-section construction to avoid the boat becoming bow-heavy and unbalanced.

Interior It’s very light and bright with pale upholstery, white benchtops and timber-look flooring, tabletops and door fronts, offset with bright stainless fiddles. The view is pretty much 360 degrees, through large windows on each side. There’s a large L-shaped seating area around the table to port, with a settee to starboard. The domestic-sized fridge-freezer is powered through an inverter, the batteries topped up by solar panels.

Seawind 1370

Solar panels on the vast roof help keep the batteries charged.

Sessa Yacht Line C47

Sessa vessels have a CE CLASS B rating – certified offshore to 200 miles, for winds up to force 8, and waves up to up to four metres high. Very capable, therefore.

Legacy Marine L45

The L45 is intended to fulfil the role of a luxury motoryacht capable of operating in typical New Zealand coastal conditions.

Lazercat 950

The helm station is well-equipped and simple to operate, thanks to the simplified switching that’s been implemented.

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Sailboat Review: New Models from Bali Catamaran

• By Mark Pillsbury
• November 14, 2022

When Cruising World ’s Boat of the Year judges step aboard a new sailboat, the first thing they ask the ­builder for is the boat’s design brief. Racing? Bluewater voyaging? Coastal cruising? Chartering? Daysailing? What’s the boat built to do?

In the case of two new Bali Catamarans , introduced to North America this past fall during the United States Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland, the ­manufacturer’s intent seemed perfectly clear: These cats were built for ­hanging out on the water with family and friends, or perhaps for owners interested in putting them into a charter fleet to help pay the bills. “Pampered crew” were two words that came immediately to mind when I stepped aboard.

Both cats—the Bali 4.6 and Bali Catspace—were conceived of by Olivier Poncin, ­founder of the Catana Group, and ­designed by the in-house team that has been building well-­respected performance catamarans at their yard in France for nearly four decades now. 

When I think about Catana Catamarans, features such as daggerboards, sleek hulls and powerful sail plans designed to gobble up ocean miles come immediately to mind. When I think about Bali, my mind turns to comfortable surroundings and tropical anchorages, with soothing trade winds blowing through the saloon and multiple places to lounge in the sun or shade.

The Catana Group launched the Bali brand in 2014, on the company’s 30th ­anniversary. At the time, the multihull ­market was exploding, and while ­Catana had a strong following at the performance end of the speed-comfort continuum, their boats were expensive and geared to a niche market. Balis, on the other hand, were designed and built to be “more accessible in terms of price,” the company’s online brochure notes, and “therefore aimed at a wider clientele.” It’s no accident that many of those clients chose to add their Balis to charter fleets in the Caribbean and other tropical spots around the world. As a result, the brand took off, to the point where today, it takes up the bulk of ­Catana’s production capacity.

The 4.6 and Catspace share many of the same features found across the Bali Range: solid composite foredecks rather than the trampolines found on most catamarans; ­multiple spaces to kick back and ­relax; home-style refrigerators in the galleys; large sliding windows on the cabin sides; and ­garage-style doors that open and lift overhead aft in the saloon, making it difficult to discern where the interior stops and the great outdoors begins. 

The sail-away prices of the boats we visited in ­Annapolis were $920,000 for the 4.6 and $550,000 for the Catspace. In all, Bali manufactures seven sailing models and two ­power cats, so buyers have options when it comes to size and price.

Bali hulls and decks are ­resin-infused and foam-cored, which makes them strong and stiff while saving weight. Throughout the range, Balis are built with short, fixed keels, affixed to relatively beamy hulls that have abundant load-carrying capacity. In practice, that means the boats can be loaded with gear such as air conditioning, appliances and generators—and toys and provisions for all the crew.

With a length overall of 44 feet, 6 inches, the 4.6 presents a number of interesting features and options. First, there is the flybridge, set atop the cockpit Bimini and a portion of cabin top abaft the mast. It can be reached via steps on either side deck. A helm station is to port, with a bench that seats two comfortably. Adjacent to it is a good-size table with L-shaped seating around it, and sun beds behind. The wheel itself is mounted on a pedestal, and there’s room to walk in front, between it and the winches mounted on the cabin top. With this arrangement, there’s room for the crew to jump in and help trim sails, though without helpers, it does require the skipper to rely on the autopilot when leaving the helm to tend to sheets.

Underway, I liked the setup. There was good visibility, both around the boat and also of the mainsail overhead, thanks to a window in the canvas Bimini. The main was simple to control using the double-ended sheet led to blocks on the corners of the flybridge, replacing the traveler. The arrangement is ­especially good for jibing. 

In a good breeze, 10 to 12 knots, our speed over the ground hovered right around 5 knots; we added a knot to that when we bore off to a beam reach. If I bought the boat and didn’t have plans to put it ­into charter, I’d definitely add a code zero to my sail arsenal. 

Down below, I liked the ­layout of the saloon as well. With the sliding windows and overhead door open, I had the feeling of being outside, ­sitting in the shade. The dining ­table is to port; two chairs are ­opposite. Forward of the table is an L-shaped galley to port with loads of counter space; a large fridge and freezer sits ­opposite, with a ­proper nav ­station tucked forward, surrounded by windows and ­adjacent to the centerline door leading to another lounge area on the foredeck. 

Depending on how the boat will be used, there are a few different layouts for the staterooms and heads, ranging from a three-stateroom version, where the entire starboard hull is the owner’s en suite, to four- and even five-stateroom layouts. In the latter, access to the port aft stateroom is by a companionway from the cockpit, and a stateroom with bunk beds is amidships, with a third stateroom forward. Crew berths in either forepeak are also available.

The 4.6 we tested in Annapolis was powered by a pair of 57 hp Yanmars with saildrives; 45 hp Yanmars are standard.

A t just over 37 feet length overall, the Catspace is one of the smaller ­production cats available these days. It ­also has an airy feeling in the saloon’s dining and ­lounging area, thanks to a ­similar aft door arrangement. But space doesn’t permit a second door to the foredeck. Instead, there’s a larger center window that opens to let in the breeze, and the galley (including a ­full-size fridge) is in the forward ­starboard corner of the main cabin.

Available layouts include a three-stateroom version, where the owner’s stateroom ­occupies the port hull, or a charter-­friendly four-stateroom layout, with athwartship bunks in the two forward staterooms.

As with its bigger sister, the Catspace has lounge areas on the foredeck and atop its flybridge. The helm station is up top too, to starboard, and is surrounded on the side and behind with cushions. Unlike the 4.6, the Catspace’s winches are close at hand when sitting at the wheel. A singlehander or skipper with a ­short-handed crew will appreciate this. I found access to the flybridge via stairs from either side deck to be quite good, with handholds located where I needed them.

Again, if I planned to buy and sail the Catspace, I’d ­include a code zero or some other all-round reaching sail to add a little more get-up-and-go. We went sailing in about 15 knots of wind and notched about 4 knots on the speedo closehauled. In a higher puff, I saw just under 6 knots reaching. But was it a comfortable ride? You bet.

As stated at the outset, ­sailboats are built to suit a ­purpose. During a Boat of the Year debrief this past fall, judge Tim Murphy told his colleagues that overall, he thought that the open-air concept incorporated into the design of the 4.6 and Catspace works quite well. Recalling a weeklong vacation spent with five friends aboard an earlier Bali model, he said, “On the ­charter, it was actually delightful.” 

Specifications

Mark Pillsbury is a CW  editor-at-large.

• More: bali catamarans , catamaran , catspace , print 2022 august , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats
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• Lagoon vs Bali catamarans
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Heard of both brands, but wish you knew more about them? With Lagoon and Bali present on the market as two of the most renowned catamaran brands, we invite you to read the comparative review of Lagoon and Bali catamarans below.

Bali catamarans: Overview

When we say Bali, we do not mean the beautiful island everyone knows about in Indonesia. Even the pronunciation is different. Put an accent on the ‘i’ and make it longer. When you read it out loud, you will hear that you are not talking about the island. Now that we got this cleared up, let’s get down to business. 

Bali Catamarans are a part of the Catana Group and have been on the market for less than 10 years. In 2014 the first models of cruising catamarans were presented and have been accepted exceptionally well in a short period of time.

One of the first things you will notice when seeing a Bali catamaran is its elegant, beautiful and sleek design . Bali catamarans are one of the most beautifully designed catamarans, with innovative design solutions. Bali catamarans have sharper edges compared to Lagoon catamarans. They really do leave you breathless.

Another thing is the solid foredeck . There is no trampoline which you might see on other catamarans. A solid foredeck provides more space for entertainment on cushions and large sunbeds. Many experienced sailors say that the solid construction makes the Bali catamarans stronger compared to others without the solid foredeck, even though it does not significantly add to the overall weight.

Loving the outdoor/indoor feel ? Bali catamarans offer you exactly this! One of its main features which separate them from others is the main deck saloon. For example, on the Bali 4.3 you can easily open up your closed saloon with the garage door (tilting swing door). If there is too much wind or bad weather is just around the corner, easily close the saloon to create a closed indoor lounge in just a few seconds.

If you do not like the ‘feels like a hotel’ boat and the open space main deck, then Bali catamarans might not be the boats for you. There is hardly any outdoor ‘privacy’ as everything is really well connected and open and everyone is constantly together unless you pick some of the bigger models like the Bali 4.8 or Bali 5.4 .

If you have kids and want to give them additional entertainment such as a trampoline, the trampoline foredeck is missing on a Bali catamaran. You will never find the nets on any Bali catamaran model so this might make your choice easier.

Going into more technical details and compared to other catamarans, the booms are slightly higher which can occasionally cause problems to skippers if the mainsail needs to be manually handled. Cabins are not so high compared to Lagoon models so, for taller guests, this could be a slight issue. 

Luxury Bali Catamaran models 

Bali has several models ranging from 11.8m such as the Bali 4.0 , all the way to Bali 5.4 which is 16.2m long. The larger charter models are growing into true luxury catamarans. Even with the tiniest details, Bali catamarans are doing their best to bring the luxury feel even closer to you.

If you have decided that it is finally time to experience something ‘wow’, Yacht4Less recommends the luxury models such as the Bali 5.4. Bali 5.4 is available with 4, 5 or 6 cabins for up to 10-14 people. Find the perfect 5 cabin Bali 5.4 in Croatia . 

Bali 5.4 not only offers you a stunningly comfortable catamaran with a lot of space for relaxation, an enormous flybridge large enough for a home-made cinema area, and a newly designed forward cockpit entertainment area which can be accessed from the galley directly, but you can also access the aft cabins directly from the aft deck. If you are an early bird, this is the perfect boat as you will not wake up others on board.

Lagoon Catamarans: Overview

When someone says the word catamaran, people will first think of a Lagoon, no doubt about it. Lagoon is the most known catamaran brand as they are the world leader in producing cruising catamarans. Being a part of the Beneteau Group, they have evolved and worked on making top-of-the-line catamarans for charters since 1984, which is almost 40 years now.

The interior and cabins are very spacious and high, which is very convenient for taller guests. Cabins have plenty of storage for everyone’s belongings so don’t worry about bringing too many summer dresses. You can enjoy the panoramic views from the galley and indoor seating area. The windows stretch from one side to the other, giving full 360’ views when indoors.

Exterior : the famous trampoline! The best way to recognize a Lagoon is by two trampoline nets up front. You can suntan, chill and read while enjoying the sound and breeze of the sea below you. There is no better feeling! On top of that, there is plenty of outside space for entertaining. Even if you do not want to dine all together every time, kids can be at one table, adults at another. The feel of the terrace-on-water is unique to the Lagoon as everything is very open.

Something to keep in mind is that Lagoons have been around for a very long time so they have also been tested and reviewed by many sailors, making the Lagoon catamarans a ‘safe’ choice compared to others.

Even though the Lagoon catamarans are very spacious and big, when compared to other catamaran brands, they are the bulkiest of all. This, of course, will not affect your holiday in any way, however, they are not the most luxurious-looking models out there - alghough, this is subjective -. As the Lagoons are very heavy, they are also not the best in performance if you're looking for an active sailing trip.  

In comparison to other catamaran models, Lagoons usually have smaller water tanks. We advise that you check the size of water tanks and ask your Yacht4Less charter consultant to source one equipped with a watermaker if you are sailing with a lot of people, especially when chartering in the Caribbean or Exotics where there are fewer available stops to re-fill. 

As Lagoon is a well-astonished brand, the prices of Lagoon catamarans might be higher in comparison to other brands with the same features and cabin numbers. Don't forget to check in with your Yacht4Less yacht charter consultant for the market's best rates on the dates and boat you pref er.

Luxury Lagoon Catamaran models 

Expanding its portfolio of catamaran models, Lagoon has introduced several luxurious models in the past years. The Seventy7 and Sixty5 catamarans are some of the most luxurious sailing yachts. Due to their size, these catamarans are usually only offered on a crewed basis. If these are slightly out of your budget, Yacht4Less recommends the Lagoon 52F and the brand new Lagoon 51.

The Lagoon 52F is one of the most accepted models yet as it is the result of customer feedback and suggestions which have been collected over the years. There is no other catamaran which has applied so much constructive feedback. Architects remained true to the Lagoon key features while making every other change for the better!

Due to this and the upgrade in materials and style, the Lagoon 52F is a model you should not ignore. The Lagoon 52 review has already been published in detail . The difference now is that the flybridge has been added. Not only can the helm be reached from two sides (from the cockpit and the starboard side), the flybridge adds another wonderful entertaining area. 

If you are one of those people who always look at the new models of things in life, the Lagoon 51 should be on your radar. This new model became available in the summer of 2022, so you might be one of the first to experience it. 

Its best and hottest feature is the large flybridge where the skipper and the guests can be together at all times. The flybridge has 2 large sun pads and a C-shaped seating area with the helm station in the centre. Even the central table can be lowered into a huge sunbathing area. Isn’t that cool for a flybridge?

The indoor saloon has been lifted, making the panoramic views even better. The transoms are extended making it easy to get on board from the dock, and also giving you an additional platform to stay closer to the water when anchored. 

Final thoughts: Which is better?

It might sound crazy but if one of the most important things to you about a catamaran is the trampoline up front, then Lagoon is the answer. Kids love this feature. It offers a truly unique experience while sailing and anchored.  

Both brands are great for a relaxing holiday and have won many awards, so whichever you choose, you will not have any regrets. We could not tell you which is better as there honestly is no correct answer.

FAQ section

Are bali or lagoon catamarans good quality.

Yes. Both brands are well known and have won many awards for their performances and quality. They use the most advanced materials and technology, listen to customer feedback and the shipyards constantly improve their catamarans with each new model. 

Where are Bali or Lagoon catamarans made?

Bali catamarans and Lagoon catamarans are both manufactured in France. Bali’s shipyard is at the Catana Yard on the South coast, just next to Perpignan. Lagoon catamarans are built on the West coast of France, in Bordeaux. 

Does Bali or Lagoon make a power catamaran?

Bali and Lagoon both make power catamarans. Lagoon has the newest Sixty7 and Seventy7 power catamarans to show. There are also other models such as the Lagoon Power 43, Lagoon Power 44, and Lagoon Power 40. Bali’s power catamarans are the Bali 4.3 MY and the Bali Catspace MY.

Are Bali or Lagoon catamarans more spacious?

When comparing similarly sized models, Lagoon catamarans are more spacious than Bali catamarans. Lagoon Catamarans are great for large groups of people, as both the exterior and interior have a lot of space.

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Comparative review of catamarans Astrea 42, Lagoon 42, Bali 4.3

Catamarans are rightfully renowned for their spaciousness and comfort - offering pretty much double the footprint of monohulls of similar length. And that, as a rule, means more personal space, the possibility of privacy, and in general freedom of movement, almost like in your own villa.

In this comparative review, we take a look at three models of well-known catamarans in the 42-43 feet range.

Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 review

Let's start with the novelty of 2018  - 12.5 meter sailing catamaran  Astrea 42 by Fountaine Pajot ... It is a spacious, well thought-out yacht design with many features tailored for a comfortable life on a long cruise. For those who value personal harmony on board a yacht where the whole family lives 24/7,  Astrea 42  - the perfect ally: this is a perfect vessel, which is deservedly considered the most comfortable cruiser on the market.

Much of this is due to the well-integrated spaces, which are mainly centered around the helm station and upper decks, but also between her cockpit and saloon.  Steering station Astrea 42  located high above decks, and offset to starboard. This provides excellent sailing visibility - as well as an inspiring spatial imagination for maneuvering a 7.2 meter yacht in a crowded marina. A few steps up the stairs from the cockpit, and you get to the helm station.

For the experienced skipper, the location of the helm station embodies the raison d'être of this catamaran.  This area is the centerpiece of a carefully configured space that facilitates easy communication and full interaction with guests and crew. Moreover, the seat at the helm can accommodate up to three people, and next to it - at the midship and slightly higher level, there is a large sun deck on the roof of the wheelhouse. This is a very social space. This arrangement guarantees an overall dynamic with the participation of all guests on board. And when it is difficult to concentrate on steering, you can leave the boat on autopilot.

Moving towards the bow, you will find  standard trampoline  and another seating area with a spacious sun deck. This incredible theme of interaction continues in the cockpit, where a large sofa along the transom gives access to  B-B-Q  on the starboard side. Along with a large, L-shaped sofa around the table, a reinforced interior seat on the other side of the table, and a seat further to starboard, this  cockpit , created specifically for quality relaxation and the main gathering place for all guests in the fresh air. There is also  built-in refrigerator  under the gangway that leads to the helm station, so there is no need to return to the galley for drinks. Even the teak deck is so high quality and pleasant that you want to walk like home without shoes.  Cockpit  here is another key space that plays an important role in social life on board the yacht.

The sail controls are very practical and logical, you quickly get used to the sail plan.  The key point is that the helmsman cannot adjust the sails while at the helm. All sails end on the three nearest winches - with their accompanying spinlocks mounted on the deckhouse roof in front of the helm. Literally a step away, a passage separates the winches from the helm. The helmsman needs to move slightly forward to retract the sails, and this is easily accomplished by pressing the autopilot button on the large display.  Garmin ... Alternatively, you can also ask one of the sunbathers nearby on the sun deck to be helpful for a couple of seconds.

Many beginners think that a good configuration is when the helm is on the wheelhouse, right under the winches, but this is no longer a relevant solution. as it has negative sides, such as a spaghetti-rope-flooded helm station, which is the inevitable result of many ends ending in one place. If they lead to the wheel, chances are your wheel will resemble a bird's nest. Also, it is more convenient to work with a chartplotter here. Therefore, the good news is that the winches  Astrea 42  there are many end bags to prevent this kind of mess.

Geek-sheet shoulder strap,  Installed on the cockpit roof just aft of the helm station, it helps to bring the mainsail into optimal shape. And one of the best sailing options is the boom, which is at a relatively low level. With this extended deckhouse roof, it's easy to pack the mainsail into a bag. On most catamarans equipped with lazy jacks, you need to be a gymnast to set the sails. Perhaps such maneuvers are easy for young people, but with age, they definitely do not want to deal with it.

Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42

Astrea 42  also equipped with a bowsprit for  Code Zero and Gennaker  and the handling of these sails is also a bit unusual. Sheets on the starboard side pass through a turning block at the aft end of the starboard hull and through one of the winches. Likewise, the sheets on the port side pass through the turning block, but they are fed to a self-contained electric winch aft on the port side. Again, in order to adjust everything, you will need to use the autopilot in case you are driving the boat alone, but if you have an assistant, it is very easy.  In general, the Astrea 42 control system is tailored for the comfort of the skipper, that is, the catamaran is easy to control alone.

The cockpit overhang is large enough to accommodate four  solar panels ... They help keep batteries and many electrical systems running with solar energy. But one of the best design solutions  Astrea 42  considered its wide  bathing platform ... With the help of electronics, it descends smoothly and quietly and completely immerses in the water. Firstly, it simplifies all operations with a tuzik; secondly, she won the hearts of divers, lovers of all kinds of water recreation and kids who are continuously splashing in the water, jumping into the water from the platform, and quickly rising back; thirdly, for the older generation, this means that they do not need to climb down the dangerous, telescopic ladders usually installed on the transom of the catamaran; fourthly, loading and unloading provisions, personal belongings and boarding have become even easier. Better yet, the bathing platform doubles up to hold the brine.  This solution will eliminate the installation of the davit , which is present on all catamarans. This innovative platform  Fountaine pajot  - more accurate and functional design of familiar things, which simplifies life and daily processes.

On a cruise  inconspicuous transition between cockpit and saloon  discouraging, in a good way, thanks to a fully sliding aluminum and glass door and a sliding porthole running through the entire rear of the galley. This creates a lot of air and light between the two different areas, and with the galley located aft of the saloon, serving lunches and dinners is even faster and easier and cooking is more fun.

Attention to simple everyday details is the key to the hearts of cruisers.  For example, the clever addition of a sill board to the salon, designed to collect any residual water. Yacht owners will understand the enthusiasm associated with such a trifle. Panoramic views across  large interior windows , provide an abundance of natural light and accentuate the subtle shades of the decor.

Ahead, on the port side, is  navigation post  with seat integrated into the L-shaped sofa.  U-shaped galley  has a convenient layout - a three-burner stove, double sinks, two refrigerators and a freezer. There is  long hatch , which illuminates this island until darkness, and gives  view of the mast and sails ... But what's unusual is the oven. It sits at a comfortable height - a welcome change from the low-level ovens in many galleys, where you need to take a yoga pose to check the food. In general, the salon is very cozy and homely.

Astrea 42 is available in several configurations , including three- and four-cabin versions. In a three-cabin version  Maestro , the entire starboard hull is at the owner's disposal. In the version with four cabins, there are two cabins on the starboard side, in a mirror image of the left float plan. The owner's suite has a large double bed at the stern and a very spacious bathroom with a separate shower at the bow. They are separated by a wardrobe, which also functions as a study.

Astrea 42 interior

Light materials used in the decoration  - gray carpet and upholstery, white vinyl on the ceiling, light oak furniture - everything looks very stylish. And thanks to the huge windows, the cabins are flooded with natural light until sunset. The aft cabin on the port side has a double bed with a private bathroom. The bow cabin is almost identical, although its bathroom is slightly smaller.

As for the performance,  Astrea 42  originally designed and equipped with features that give it excellent seakeeping and maneuverability. A good set of sails optimizes performance, and reverse bows are designed to maximize the length of the waterline.  The steering wheel is very responsive in all conditions.

With two 40 hp engines running at around 2200-2300 rpm (cruising speed), the Astrea does an excellent job at a comfortable 7.5 knots. Push the throttle to 3000rpm and the boost is negligible - just over a knot (8.7 knots) - definitely not worth the increase in fuel consumption.

Astrea 42 is a place to live, to relax, to party with friends and long cruises with the family.  Interiors flow smoothly into exteriors to experience this feeling of living in nature in the truest sense of the word. No house by the sea will give you this feeling of unity with nature, mobility and autonomy. All spaces are designed for easy interaction of both the crew and your guests, but at the same time there are many places on the boat where you can retire. You don't have to compromise between space and speed - that's what it is.  a new generation of cruising yachts where you will find everything you expect from a high-end travel experience.

Lagoon 42 review

Further we will consider  Lagoon 42  - catamaran model of 2016, quite spacious and versatile, especially popular with charter companies. Compared to other catamarans of the shipyard,  42nd is lighter and more convenient to operate according to many yachtsmen. For the most part, this is due to the placement of the steering post on the left side, which is designed in such a way that everything is at arm's length.

Double, two-speed  Harken electric winches  play a significant role in this. All sheets pass through clamps to these winches, so switching between halyards, reefs, boom sheet and jib sheet is quick. Especially when you leave steering to autopilot.  Sail plan with mast shifted to the stern and automatic staysail  provide confident performance. On  Lagoon 42  also have  Zero Code ... Sheets are laid down to the aft cockpit where you will find  Harken hand winches  at both sides.

A staircase leads from the helm station to the large deck on the roof of the wheelhouse. Firstly, it makes it easier to pack the mainsail into the bag along the entire length of the boom. Secondly, the boom-sheet system is installed at the aft end of the deck, so there is plenty of scope for adjusting the sail shape, and the sheets lead to the helm station. Thirdly,  wheelhouse roof  provides additional space for sunbathing. A channel is installed along the edges of the deckhouse roof to drain rainwater directly into the water tanks. A smart enough decision.

Steering post  closes completely in bad weather, and the hardtop has a window above the helm with a view of the mast. Lack of an external helm station  Lagoon 42  is that, at the helm, you do not have a complete understanding of the dimensions of the catamaran. The port side is perfectly visible, but ahead,  the starboard side is mostly out of sight  and control, although the feed on both sides is clearly visible.

At the bottom  in cockpit  everything is arranged for the rest and entertainment of a large company. There is no shortage of sofas here, and the table is designed for outdoor dining for 6-8 guests. As with most catamarans,  cockpit and saloon are located on the same level so the space flows imperceptibly, especially when the large sliding door separating the two zones is fully open. And when you feel like chilling, just a few steps down to the large landing platforms aft of each hull. The cockpit is also equipped with  built-in refrigerator  with a drawer, so stocks of cold drinks are just a few steps away.  Dinghy  is mounted between the floats, on the aft crossbeam in the cockpit.  Lagoon 42 davit structure  is a one-piece design.  Dinghy  goes down and up with one rope.

Lagoon 42  available in three-cabin version  Maestro  and a four-cabin  charter version ... Traditionally, in the three-cabin version, one float is occupied by a spacious  master cabin  with a large island double bed aft and a very large bathroom in the bow. The bathroom has a separate shower and an electric toilet - a common luxury on a catamaran. Between the cabin and the bathroom is a dressing room with a dressing table or writing table, surrounded by a sofa, with shelves, full-length wardrobes, drawers and cupboards built into the bulkheads. An interesting door system separates the master cabin from the saloon. Most catamarans have a staircase that leads from the saloon to the cabin. On  Lagoon 42  a sliding door has been installed for complete privacy.

Lagoon 42 interior

Opposite, in the hull on the port side, the more traditional layout is two cabins, each with a bathroom.  Aft cabin  larger and has a separate shower.  Bow cabin  with a smaller bed and a one-piece combined bathroom with pull-out shower in the washbasin, more suitable for children. Air conditioning on the boat - and the choice of cabin configuration can be changed according to personal preference.

Centerpiece  in the cabin  there is a large table with voluminous sofas, which can easily accommodate 8 guests.  Separate galley  extends across the entire width of the passenger compartment and is separated by a sliding door. On the port side there is a sofa, separate refrigerator (front loading) and freezer (top loading), and hanging cupboards. On the starboard side there is one sink, a three-burner stove and a separate oven. A microwave oven is installed on the opposite bulkhead.

Navigation post  equipped in the bow of the passenger compartment on the starboard side, and large windows offer 360 ° panoramic views. In bad weather, you are likely to operate the yacht from this nautical post. It's nice to have a good view outside of the chartplotter. However, the best part of the nav post is the small  FOB (Free On Board) which allows you to adjust the autopilot heading with a few clicks of your finger.

Tested  Lagoon 42  equipped with two engines  Yanmar  57 hp, but standard options include 45 hp engines. They are coupled to a three-bladed folding propeller, and at cruising speed (2800 rpm) the catamaran reaches about 8 knots.  The yacht is generally heavy due to the interior and equipment, but quite pleasant to sail.  You need to understand that if performance is important to you, in addition to a comfortable home,  Lagoon 42  Is a spacious house on the water, a good option for life, for a charter, but he is not a conqueror of the oceans.

Bali 4.3 Review

43-foot catamaran Bali 4.3 who builds the shipyard  Catana catamarans is most focused on maximizing space on both upper and lower decks.  Catana  - these are catamarans with an emphasis on performance, brand  Bali  -  these are catamarans for charter They are large, heavy, built with an emphasis on the comfort of interior spaces and decks. Inside, everything is arranged literally like in a house on land, heating, air conditioning, a standard home refrigerator, a microwave oven. Naturally, carrying all of this equipment is still a task, not to mention wasting energy.

However, to preserve performance characteristics, the designers designed the hulls flared towards the cheekbones just above the waterline to keep the underwater sections narrow and efficient. It also provides ample additional buoyancy, which is an important feature for a boat with a one-piece bow as  Bali 4.3 ... Between the bows of the catamaran, the designers decided to install  sundeck instead of mesh .

On  Bali 4.3  installed two diesel engines  Kubota which mate with saildrives at their front ends, providing good access for servicing the engines. In fact, you can go down into the compartment and reach any surface of the engine.  Shipyard   Catana  has a reputation as a quality builder, and although the lineup  Bali  does not use carbon fiber reinforcement, lightweight laminate partitions, dagger boards and other performance enhancers that boats are known for  Catana  for individual orders (in order to reduce costs), catamarans  Bali  have a place to be.

Hulls and superstructure  built using vacuum infusion to provide a light yet rigid lay-up. Installing a flybridge on a boat of this size requires a high boom and a small mainsail, so the staysail is a significant source of energy when sailing.

Probably the biggest thing  Bali 4.3  is an  main deck layout ... Simply put, it is huge  open plan platform which is not found on other yachts of this size. This is a houseboat with sails. The centerpiece of this concept is  "Garage door" , a movable bulkhead covering the aft end of the cabin, which is raised electronically overhead, creating a large open space in fine weather. If the weather is getting worse or you need more privacy, just press the button and lower the bulkhead. The bulkhead has windows and a door, but now you have  closed wheelhouse boat ... This is a combined version of the saloon and cockpit from  Bali catamarans .

An opening molded in the saloon roof serves as a handrail, so driving on the side decks seems safe. However, the boat does need an extra handrail between the front of the saloon roof and the bow cockpit. Taking a few steps up from the main deck, you will find yourself on  flybridge.  Here it is  control post  with a soft comfortable skipper chair, sunbathing area and solar panels.

Three-cabin version  includes a lot of living space for owners in its own building, which resembles a compact city apartment. The two guest cabins in the hull on the starboard side are typical in size for such a boat. There is also a charter version with four cabins.  In charter version  each cabin is equipped with a separate bathroom.  Forward cabins  closer,  fodder  more spacious.

The configuration the shipyard calls  "Loft"  continues on the main deck where there is an unusual division of space  galley , with a stove and sink located forward and a household refrigerator and microwave to starboard toward the stern. For parties in particular, this layout makes sense as the cooking is separate from the area where you prepare the drinks. At the very end of the cabin, in the bow, everything is literally glazed, and the large central panel is lowered and raised on pneumatic lifts in the bulkhead. This, in turn, makes it easy to serve refreshing drinks to the sundeck from the salon.

Moving along the boat, you understand what niche this cat occupies in the market.  Exploring areas such as the Bahamas and the Caribbean must be delightful. However, while these huge windows and doors provide excellent visibility and a sense of space, they can be a hindrance in stormy conditions, and in general are dangerous on the high seas.

While testing the boat, the mainsail was installed and the spinnaker deployed in a true wind of 6 to 7 knots, and the boat speed reached just over 5 knots, which is quite decent. Unfortunately,  steering felt tight and imprecise and it was getting harder and harder to walk with the wind. There were even moments under load when  steering system  tied to a point where it was impossible to maintain an accurate course. In addition, there were problems with the adjustment of the staysail.  Solent and the staysail sheet winches were incorrectly installed and therefore difficult to use. Above 8 knots, the engines rotated at 2500 rpm, giving a noise level of 75 dBA in the cabin. The combination of engine and propeller is clearly sufficient for the boat.

Bali Test Drive 4.3

Bali 4.3  Is definitely a unique vessel with a fundamentally new concept in the field of living quarters. A charter in warm calm waters will feel like a hotel. But if you are a connoisseur of yachting, quality performance, buy a yacht for long trips with your family, if reliability and safety are important to you, this catamaran belongs to a different category. In truth, kats  Bali , even in the charter industry, is far from the most popular choice. On the same interior decoration, the shipyard saves a lot by using a lot of plastic.

Astrea 42 and Lagoon 42   - this is a completely different level of quality.  These are the two strongest players, although there are differences between them:  Lagoon   widely used by charter fleets , and uses cheaper materials and some equipment;  Fountaine Pajot are luxury catamarans , they are still considered a step higher in quality. The difference is in the details, for example  Lagoon  sets aluminum ducks,  FP  uses stainless steel, better hatches, wiring, finishes. The shipyard does not take risks, does not add extra centimeters to the width, balancing between performance and comfort, they just intelligently configure the space inside and out. Optionally, there are a lot of interesting functions and equipment, everything is functionally thought out.  Lagoon 42  more inflated catamaran, respectively heavier and slower compared to Astraea, but of high quality and comfortable.

In 2017, the Lagoon 42 was named the best multihull in the USA, this year the Astrea 42 was named the best multihull yacht in France and Europe. After the official presentation of this model, even before the first awards and nominations, the shipyard received such a number of orders that the delivery times have already exceeded 2021 at the moment, statistics that speak for themselves.

Interparus Yachting is the official representative of the Fountaine Pajot shipyard. To order a test and visit the shipyard, call +33644142168 (WhatsApp) Sasha Goron, or leave a request on the website. When buying a yacht, training is a gift from our team. See you in La Rochelle!

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Bali Sailing Catamarans

Revolutionizing cruising catamarans.

Innovation Powered by Excellence

About bali sailing catamarans.

Bali Catamarans were born from the R&D team at the CATANA shipyard – the legendary brand that’s established themselves as a top producer of high-performance, luxury sailing catamarans . Building on a history of highly successful performance class catamarans, Olivier Poncin recognized the need for fast, light and easy-handling production cruising catamarans that would be luxuriously appointed and also competitively priced . Bali’s innovative ideas and pioneering spirit combined perfectly with CATANA shipyard’s celebrated skills to produce a revolutionary sailing experience. Bali catamarans provide abundant living space, deep comfort and excellent safety for sailors and their crew. Unencumbered decks and superior handling, along with seamless indoor/outdoor living via a tilting rear cockpit door at the touch of a button – it’s all on tap aboard a luxury Bali catamaran. The CATANA shipyard has a philosophy based on going further with speed. Bali’s catamarans are fast, luxurious and innovative ; whilst offering comfort and safety at the heart of each design. Bali catamarans take life at sea to the next level with onboard living at its best. Where excellence in innovation and design translate to life experiences and the pure joy of sailing. Bali’s extensive selection of luxury sailing catamarans range in size from 40- to 54-feet.

Pleasures and Sensations

Why choose a bali catamaran.

An Eye for Detail Produced in France, Bali Catamarans are manufactured to an exacting standard . Everything from research, development, and design to engine installation, plumbing, furnishings and finishings is controlled and monitored to ensure the highest standard is delivered to you. Unequaled Build Quality Conceived and supervised by Olivier Poncin and his design team, the BALI range is constructed entirely at the legendary CATANA shipyard in France. Here, using decades of experience and expertise , each Bali catamaran’s build employs the technology of sandwich infusion using closed-cell high-density PVC foam, minimizing the weight of the yacht while ensuring optimum quality , greater rigidity , and a longer service life . A Philosophy of Innovation The philosophies and values of the CATANA Group ensure Bali catamarans are produced with a keen eye on innovation . Evidence can be seen throughout each yacht: the increased freeboard and popular rigid foredeck rather than a trampoline provide space and passenger comfort underway; the rig placed further aft allowing for a larger headsail, and a self-tacking solent for better maneuverability; and the cutting-edge tilting cockpit door for a seamless indoor/outdoor experience. Combined, these features reinforce the philosophy of innovation and performance at the heart of the CATANA Group.   Bali Catamarans for Sale We sell a range of Bali catamarans, in addition to a variety of other brands, including Bali , Dufour , Nautitech , Fountaine Pajot , Aquila , Jeanneau , Lagoon and Wauquiez . Get in touch with one of our expert advisors to find out more.

Dealerships offering Bali Sailing Catamarans

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• Which brand are you interested in? * Please select a brand Bali Sailing Catamarans Beneteau Monohulls Dufour Monohulls Excess Sailing Catamarans Fountaine Pajot Power Catamarans Fountaine Pajot Sailing Catamarans Jeanneau Monohulls Lagoon Power Catamarans Lagoon Sailing Catamarans Please select a brand Bali Sailing Catamarans Beneteau Monohulls Dufour Monohulls Excess Sailing Catamarans Fountaine Pajot Power Catamarans Fountaine Pajot Sailing Catamarans Jeanneau Monohulls Lagoon Power Catamarans Lagoon Sailing Catamarans
• Which model are you interested in? * Please select a model Bali 4.2 Bali 4.4 Bali 4.6 Bali 4.8 Bali 5.4 Bali 5.8 Bali CatSmart Catspace Please select a model Bali 4.2 Bali 4.4 Bali 4.6 Bali 4.8 Bali 5.4 Bali 5.8 Bali CatSmart Catspace
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Bali 5.4: Our New Cruising Catamaran

We investigate the controversial bali design concepts.

We bought a new Bali 5.4 Catamaran and will take possession in October 2019! Exciting news, right? Some people are a little perplexed, especially since everybody knows that we love our current catamaran, a Lagoon 450S. It is, in our opinion one of the best sailing catamarans in this size range for live aboard. So, why change?

When we first looked at buying a new catamaran three years ago to place in a Yacht Business Program , we had three competitors in our size and price range; the Lagoon 450S , FP Helia 44 and Bali 4.5 . Each had good and not so great qualities but we ultimately settled on the Lagoon 450S . It ticked a lot of the boxes for us at the time and for three years we lived and worked aboard Zuri, sailed 6000 NM, visited exotic locations like Cuba , raced in several regattas, and hosted two catamaran rendezvous events in the Bahamas from her. We had a great time and loved traveling while working on Zuri.

BUT! The Bali catamaran range was of great interest to us right from its inception in 2014. It represents innovation and new concepts in sailing catamarans that is very intriguing, and we followed their progress closely over the years. In September 2018 we visited the Cannes boat show in France where the new Bali 5.4 was launched. We were very impressed and after carefully inspecting the boat for quality and features for the Catamaran Guru website video, we knew that

this boat will be very popular. With the Catana performance pedigree as its foundation, this boat was a game changer for the industry in terms of innovation, use of space, livability and quality.

With no intention of buying a new catamaran, we congratulated the Catana / Bali team on this magnificent vessel and we told them that if we ever wanted to change catamarans, the Bali 5.4 would be our top pick. We went on to create our video and voted the Bali 5.4 our top pick of new designs for 2018 . That proved to be a good prediction on our side because it was subsequently also voted Multihulls Magazine’s “Multihull of the Year 2019” by its readership! We were so excited for them and little did we know then, that a mere five months later we would sign a contract for hull #20 of the Bali 5.4 range.

The video at left features details of the Bali highlighted by Boris Compagnon, Sales Director of Bali. Also, see a detailed  video of the Bali 5.4 features .

Bali 5.4 Layout Perfect for Our Crewed Charter Business

We operate our boat as a Crewed Charter Business and more accommodation and bigger living space seemed like a great way for us to do our onboard seminars in comfort. This Bali 5.4 has 4 master cabins, crew cabin, custom utility room, huge salon and forward terrace / cockpit and a flybridge big enough to accommodate 10+ people. We needed this crew cabin to be comfortable with a separate shower and toilet for an internship we are about to implement for young people wanting to pursue a sailing career. All in all, the Bali 5.4 is a perfect fit for doing fast ocean passages, traveling in comfort and working onboard with plenty of space for everyone.

Bali 5.4 Catamaran Features: True Bluewater Cruising Catamaran

When the first Bali catamaran was launched in 2014, it created a stir in the industry. Catana Group owner, Olivier Poncin and designer Xavier Fay, turned conventional thinking about catamarans on its head. They redesigned the entire modern catamaran by implementing innovative design ideas and unconventional and highly controversial concepts. Bali has total market acceptance today. They have now built 300+ catamarans and is the third biggest manufacturer in the world after Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot.

Our 3 Stages of Bali 5.4 Research

Bali gave us unrestricted access to research every aspect of the Bali catamaran range. We visited the factory, interviewed the designer and naval architect, and sailed the boat ourselves. We went through the boat carefully before we made the decision to purchase. After all, this is a substantial “upgrade” for us both in terms of size and price and we run a very diverse sailing business aboard so there were a lot of needs to be met. We wanted to validate the design and construction of the Bali 5.4 are sound.

We are eager and available to talk with anyone interested in Bali catamarans at upcoming boat shows or in our Hollywood, FL, (Fort Lauderdale) marina office. We will also host meetups during our Atlantic crossing in the Bali 5.4 from Europe to Miami and during the ARC Rally . See the schedule of events at the end of this article.

Because our research was detailed, there is a lot to share. So, we will discuss the Bali 5.4 research process and results in three parts, each in separate posts with videos.

• Part One: The Fundamentals
• Part Two: Specifications & Layout
• Part Three: Performance & Sailing

In this post, we discuss part one.

Part One: Bali 5.4 Fundamentals

• Catana Pedigree
• Bridgedeck Clearance
• Structural Integrity & Construction
• Solid Foredeck
• Scupper Draining System
• Rudder Position
• Open Space Design
• Tilting Door
• Interior & Equipment

Picture by Namaste, a luxury crewed charter catamaran in Croatia>>

1. CATANA PERFORMANCE PEDIGREE

The Catana performance catamarans’ DNA is evident throughout this Bali range. Typical features such as the high freeboard, underwater performance hull, lightweight construction, and high-tech building materials demonstrate the Catana pedigree. However, there is a distinct difference in the Bali cruising catamaran range. Poncin specified to designer, Xavier Fay, that since the Bali catamaran range is designed to be a cruising catamaran. This meant adding more living space and enough load carrying capacity without compromising the yacht’s performance.

Unlike monohull boat designs that carry weight without much loss of performance, an overloaded catamaran rapidly loses performance and, eventually, safety. In order to counter this, multihull manufacturers like Bali are continually looking for ways to reduce construction weight to increase potential payload capacity while retaining optimal performance.

Typically, catamarans don’t carry weight well. So once loaded up with all the cruising gear, they underperform significantly. So, Mr. Fay specified that the Bali 5.4 catamaran design had to carry the weight that a cruising cat would usually carry in extra equipment and supplies typically needed for extended cruising. Creature comforts such as generators, washing machine, icemaker, provisioning supplies, and such as well as long-range capacity fresh water and fuel tanks were added. This particular Bali 5.4 has a huge 315-gallon fuel tank and a 315-gallon water tank. A tall order, but Xavier Fay successfully designed an underwater performance hull while utilizing the entire platform with enough buoyancy to carry the weight of equipment and supplies for extended cruising.

The boat has a good power-to-weight ratio, a well-designed hull shape, and robust center of gravity which ensures superior performance. Typically, cruising catamarans have a beam-to-length ratio of about 50% of length overall which is evident on this design. The Bali 5.4 hull has the characteristics of a performance hull underwater, much like a Catana. Above the waterline, it transitions to a chine (see picture below) with wider hull sections which gives it instant buoyancy when the hull submerges while sailing. This wider section above the waterline also enables additional interior volume without compromising the underwater shape. Read our article Cruising Catamaran Performance Debate .

2. BALI 5.4 BRIDGEDECK CLEARANCE

Bridgedeck clearance is important for a catamaran’s seaworthiness and crew comfort. Ocean waves need room to pass between the hulls of a cat. Additionally, it needs space between the hulls for the bow waves that each hull creates separately as these V-shaped waves from the bows meet under the bridgedeck and increasing the wave height and the clearance needed.

Slamming occurs with inadequate bridgedeck clearance which significantly impacts speed and performance. Read our article on bridgedeck clearance on catamarans to see a video explanation of the importance of bridgedeck clearance .

The Bali catamaran has very high bridgedeck clearance and has no intrusions or obstructions inside the tunnel which allows the smooth transition of water between the hulls for minimal noise or slamming. This again is part of the Catana DNA. As a good rule of thumb, 5 to 6% of the overall length is considered to be a good proportion and this design excels in this department.

3. BALI CATAMARAN STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY & CONSTRUCTION

Consider that the catamaran’s hulls are actually two boats joined together by a bridgedeck. These “boats” are constantly fighting each other and trying to go in their own direction. The boat structure must be strong enough to counter this and, at the same time, deal with the downforce of the mast in the center of the bridgedeck. The catamaran performs an amazing feat contending with all the opposing forces inherent in the multihull design. For that reason, it is critical to ensure the design and manufacturer are reputable with a track record to demonstrate structural integrity.

The Bali catamaran is full-composite construction with Divinicell closed-cell foam core and is vacuum-infused. This saves significantly on weight. Bali separates itself from other cruising catamarans by using the more expensive Divinicell closed cell foam for the core in the hull versus balsa wood core. This method of construction and the use of these lightweight, but strong, materials produce a very light, rugged, and rigid vessel and minimize flexing for good performance characteristics.

4. BULKHEADS

The Bali has substantial bulkheads throughout for structural strength. All the bulkheads are tabbed and laminated onto the hull and deck which ensures a very rigid construction, much like an aircraft wing. The structure is built on a matrix of box sections in the bridgedeck which enables an open-plan layout with no intrusive bulkheads in living spaces. This construction method provides maximum strength and rigidity, eliminates creaking, and minimizes flexing.

The side of the hull has a recessed section running most of the length of the hull (see the pictures below) which gives longitudinal rigidity for added strength. The port-lights are installed in this recessed area, allowing them to remain open when it is raining, which is a nice feature for cruisers.

5. SOLID FOREDECK

Probably the most controversial feature of the Bali design is the solid foredeck and with good reason. This has never been done before and has never been tested, or has it?

Some of the oldest production catamarans were built by the Prout family, since the 1950’s in England . They have built around 500 catamarans and one of their more popular models was the Snowgoose 37, built mainly in the 1980s. Prout is no longer around, but the Snowgoose is still a popular cruising boat even today. Looking at the Snowgoose 37 , you notice that they are designed with a solid foredeck.

The solid foredeck seems to be the new trend and Bali appears to have won the race to the front with a completely integrated and usable foredeck as a feature. It is not merely another add-on or afterthought, but rather a well-designed integrated feature. The unique box-section construction and lightweight infusion technology enabled Bali to replace the trampoline netting with a solid deck without adding extra weight.

The solid foredeck is attractive for several reasons. It increases the usable living space substantially and is really comfortable and very dry in most conditions compared to the traditional netting. Recent models by many catamaran manufacturers are aiming to reduce the size of their nets while increasing accommodations by moving the deck forward.

Bali’s solid foredeck is the strongest construction for a catamaran design because it is part of the bow structure rather than a flimsy joint between the hulls. This contributes to the rigidness of the boat, making it much stronger than conventional catamarans with two bows joined by a crossbeam and netting. The acute angle of the underbody of the solid deck and the buoyancy of the solid foredeck cause the bows to lift up rather than dive into the waves which improves performance and safety even further. Read more about the Bali catamaran solid foredeck .

6. DRAINING SCUPPER SYSTEM

The solid foredeck and living area require a very effective scupper system to drain any water that is taken over the bows. The water drains efficiently and quickly through a very unique and clever draining system. The water drains through a big opening in the well down into the nacelle. It is fitted with three backward facing scuppers, mounted in a step, which is molded into the center nacelle. In the event that the foredeck gets swamped, the water can be purged quickly with no pushback. Designer, Xavier Fay, made sure that the rate of draining the cockpit complies with the building code requirement of 15 seconds and, in fact, improved it to 12 seconds which is 20% better than code requirements.

7. RUDDER POSITION

The Bali has the rudder positioned far back and aft of the propeller yielding good tracking ability under sail and maximum response and maneuverability. Having the rudder aft of the propeller enables to use of the propwash to kick the stern in one direction or the other. Most production cats have their propellers aft.

8. OPEN SPACE DESIGN

The living space of a Bali catamaran is much bigger and more effectively used than a traditional catamaran layout. The living space was increased across the entire platform by eliminating separate living spaces and integrating it into one big open space without restrictive bulkheads.

The innovative box section construction made this possible and opened the entire platform from the bows to the stern. The forward-thinking design puts this boat ahead of the curve and sets a new standard in comfort, safety, and performance. As an example, the Bali 5.4 has 1,381 sq ft of usable living space versus a Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58 at 1,298 sq ft or a Leopard 58 at 1,295 sq ft. That’s more than 80 sq ft more of usable living space…a full 8′ x 10′ room worth!

SIMILAR CATAMARAN COMPARISONS

Bali 5.4 catamaran living spaces: salon, bali 5.4 catamaran living spaces: front cockpit, bali 5.4 catamaran living spaces: flybridge, 9. bali 5.4 unique tilting door.

The tilting door is another of Bali’s controversial features viewed with much skepticism in the industry. Today, it seems to be one of the most popular features. It makes total sense. By eliminating restrictive bulkheads, the interior saloon area can now be integrated with the outside cockpit area and become one big open space by tilting this door up and away into the roof.

When down in locked position, the tilting door protects the crew from the elements. But when tilted up, it completely disappears into the roof to enable an oversized open aft cockpit. The living space created by the open tilting door is impressive and when open along with the front door and side windows open, the ventilation negates the need for air conditioning. When the door is closed it creates a salon and living space unmatched by any boat below 70 foot. It has more living space than any other boat in of its class.

The door is operated with a hydraulic unit, a very powerful and efficient system. In the event of a failure, an emergency valve still allows the door to be lowered on gas-filled struts. It’s important to note that the design of this tilting door has a significant redundancy built in. That guarantees the absolute safety of the user at all times. The rams are doubled-up and equipped with fall-arrest valves. The traction cables are also doubled-up for each of the rams.

A customized sealing system has been developed for each Bali model for the lower part of the doors to create a watertight seal in the saloon. On the peripheral part of the pivoting and tilting door, a brush system creates a windproof barrier. These two systems provide a good seal. This innovation complies with the required building codes and is a feature that works well. With more than 200 boats built with this design, it has been perfected and functions flawlessly.

10. QUALITY INTERIOR & EQUIPMENT

The new upgraded wood package and interior, as well as fit and finish, is vastly improved and the interior is very comfortable. The equipment is all high quality from top manufacturers such as Lewmar, Lofrans, Victron, and Yanmar. We will discuss our specifications list, upgrades and customizations in our next video and post.

The full-size “American” refrigerator with built-in ice maker and cold-water dispenser was another controversial feature on the Bali catamaran range. People made fun of this at first, but believe me, it is something you get used to very quickly and not something one would want to be without once you have experienced it. Since it is a feature in mega yachts, Bali decided to do the same in regular catamarans and it is a winner!

Watch this video of the Atlantic crossing of one of the first Bali 4.5’s that came across to the USA. The fridge is feature prominently in the video and demonstrates that it really works perfectly well even in rolling seas despite speculations that it was a bad idea.

EVENTS: MEET US ON OUR BALI 5.4!

Cannes yachting festival, september 2019.

At  Cannes Yachting Festival boat show September 10-15th, 2019 , we are offering a chance for anyone interested to join us aboard our Bali 5.4 for a tour or to attend the Bali cocktail party!

Annapolis Boat Show, October 2019

At the Annapolis Boat Show, October 10th -14th , we will gladly walk any interested buyers through our client’s Bali 5.4 which will go into crewed charter.

ARC Rally, November 2019

Aboard our new Bali 5.4, we will participate in the ARC Rally to cross the Atlantic starting on Sunday 24 November with a fleet of about 200 boats sailing 2700 NM across the Atlantic from Gran Canaria to Saint Lucia. We expect to be at sea for about 10-15 days on the classic trade wind route.

Miami Boat Show, February 2020

As we sail up the island chain to the Miami Boat Show, February 13-17, 2020 , we will do several meetups, events, boat shows and seminars onboard our Bali 5.4. to meet with interested buyers and other catamaran sailors!

If you are on our Catamaran Guru Insiders’ List or following Catamaran Guru on Facebook or Instagram , you will stay updated on our calendar of events and we will share  videos and pictures throughout our journey! Read about our adventure aboard our new Bali 5.4 .

Estelle Cockcroft

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2 thoughts on “Bali 5.4: Our New Cruising Catamaran”

I am considering to buy a new Bali 5.4 for a mix of chartering and private use. I have been reading about all the great features on the Bali 5.4 but have not yet found a comparison with the new Lagoon 55. I would love to hear your opinion or find any comparison.

Brian I think we had this discussion via email right? If you need more info pls email me [email protected]

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10 Best Catamaran Brands

Shopping for a new catamaran can be intimidating, even as consumers have more resources than ever to help them research from the comfort of their own home before they even contact a yacht broker. The great news is that there are a lot of great catamaran brands on the market right now. For us consumers, the catamaran market has evolved rapidly from what it was only just a few short years ago when monohulls were favored. On the flip-side, this can make it even more challenging to figure out which catamaran brands are the very best.

If you are a beginner in cruising catamarans, this article will help you learn the best brands that are out there with the best reputation amongst boaters. This article will help you get started in the world of catamarans, and I am trying to make it as beginner-friendly as possible. The catamaran brands on this list are mainly production boat companies, but some of them do offer custom designs. However, the added benefit of most of these brands is that there are many options on the used market. You will always be able to shop around for a good deal no matter where you are in the world.

Here are some of the best catamaran brands on the market today: 

Lagoon – Groupe Beneteau

Lagoon is a French boatbuilder with an excellent reputation and sells the largest number of catamarans per year. The brand started back in 1984 and was one of the first catamaran brands to really convince people of the concept of multihulls. The philosophy of the Lagoon brand is good design, high-quality construction, and a decent cruising performance under sail. In other words, a Lagoon is the dream of every fan of sailing that looks for a catamaran that can provide everything, whether that is a fun toy for summer sailing trips or a year-round liveaboard yacht. What Lagoon did right, and the reason it has proven to be so popular is that it listened to its customers. That is why every new Lagoon catamaran has more space, more efficient layouts, and is always more comfortable than their previous version. There is no wonder why they have so many repeat customers.

Lagoon makes 9 sailing catamaran models and 2 powercat models, ranging in length from 40 to 78 feet. It also used to make shorted boats like the Lagoon 380 at 37 feet, but unfortunately, it was discontinued. You can find a Lagoon on the used market starting at $150,000 (like a 2002-2007 Lagoon 380) and as high as $5 million USD for their top of the line fully spec’d Lagoon Seventy 7, which comes with a jacuzzi on deck.

>>Also Read: Best Sailboat Brands

Fountaine Pajot

Fountaine-Pajot is a French maritime construction brand that is specializing in catamarans. The company was established in 1976, but it launched its first sailing catamaran in 1983 and its first powercat in 1998. This brand is now famous for building both sailing and power catamarans that have a beautiful and innovative design, superior handling, excellent seaworthiness, and cruising comfort. Also, Fountaine Pajot was one of the first catamaran brands that was manufacturing their boats with environmental protection in mind. So, all of their models have options to include renewable energy sources. Their ECO-Cruising and SMART-Cruising options considerably reduce their yachts’ carbon footprint and provide the necessary clean energy for their sailboats.

Fountaine-Pajot makes both sailing catamarans and powercats, ranging in length from 40 to 67 feet. It also used to make shorted boats like the Lagoon 380 at 37 feet, but unfortunately, it was discontinued. You can find a Lagoon on the used market starting at $100,000-150,000 (like a 1990-2005 Fountaine Pajot Athena 38) and as high as $3.5 million USD for their top of the line fully spec’d Fountaine Pajot Alegria 67, which comes with a jacuzzi on the front deck.

Leopard is a boatbuilder located in South Africa and produces some of the best and most luxurious catamarans. You will find Fountain Pajor catamarans for sale also under the name “Robertson & Caine” because some Leopard cats are built by Robertson & Caine company. Leopards are mainly designed to be luxurious, big, and comfortable, but that usually comes at a cost, both in price tag and sailing speed and maneuverability. 

Leopard Catamarans was established in 2000 their partnership with South African builder Robertson and Caine. This company was manufacturing custom-designed catamarans for the global yacht charter company The Moorings. While Leopard was focusing on sailing catamarans in the beginning, in 2007, they started making powercats as well.

Leopard is always designing their boats to have the optimal balance between interior space and performance, sheltered helm cockpit designed for offshore cruising and single-handed sailing, large lounge areas, optimal comfort, and ease of maintenance. 

Nowadays, Leopard is making sailing catamarans between 42 and 58 feet and powercats between 50 and 53 feet. You can find a Leopard on the used market starting at $180,000 (like a Leopard 38) in good condition and as high as $2 million USD for their top of the line fully spec’d Leopard 58; however, they are not as luxurious as some of the other brand’s top-of-the-line models.

>>Also Read: 10 Best Catamarans Under 200k

Catana catamarans are a little bit more performance-oriented. They have features that make them sail faster and be more easily maneuverable than some of the other catamaran brands on the list. Many of their boats come with a feature called daggerboard that will help you sail faster upwind, something that most catamarans struggle with. Catana Group was originally called Poncin Yachts and has been building catamarans in France since 2001. It is famous for producing catamarans for owners who most often want to go bluewater sailing around the world comfortably and safely with a high-performance boat. This is not a famous brand, but it grows in popularity very fast. Year by year, I have noticed more and more Catana catamarans in the marinas I visit. 

Catana Catamarans are built using foam sandwich vacuum infusion technology combined with carbon and aramid fiber. This combination guarantees the strength of the hull, significant weight savings, and because of this fact, higher speed.

Catana offers new boats from 42 to 70 feet. In the past, they were building boats as long as 90 feet. You can find a Catana on from the early 2000s’ on the used market for as low as $250,000, and as high as $4 million USD for a top of the line full spec’d brand new one.

Nautitech is another catamaran brand located in France; I guess there is a pattern here. They have built a reputation for designing catamarans that are robust, seaworthy, and capable of putting sailing back into the heart of the liveaboard experience without compromising on comfort. Anyone familiar with catamarans can quickly appreciate the innovative nature of a Nautitech cat design. The brand was also the first one to introduce the concept of liveaboard living, which combines the saloon and cockpit into one spacious, functional living area.

Nautitech offers new boats from 40 to 57 feet. You can find a Nautitech on from the early 2000s’ on the used market (Like the Nautitech 40) for as low as $180,000. However, a new top-of-the-line Nautitech 54 can be spec’d up to $1.5 million USD; though, they are not as luxurious as some of the other brand’s top-of-the-line models. 

The brand was founded in 1985 in France. Privilège Catamarans offer unparalleled expertise, know-how, and experience that facilitates the construction of some of the best catamarans on the market today. They can provide luxurious liveaboard life beyond coastal borders. Its elegant hull design ensures superb stability and comfort making then one of the best catamaran brands in the world right now. Every catamaran is custom-built according to the owner’s preferences and handcrafted with great craftsmanship and the finest materials.

The company specializes in the design and manufacture of some of the best, and luxurious bluewater catamarans on the water. Every new Privilege cat is built after multiple consultations between the shipyard and the owner. You can decide to either keep the catamaran in its pure and elegant look and also keep the cost as low as possible or to change it to your personal preferences and make it as high-end as you can afford.

Privilège makes both sailing catamarans and powercats, ranging in length from 51 to 75 feet. It also used to make shorted boats like the Privilege 435 at 43 feet, but unfortunately, they are now focusing on larger yachts. You can find a Privilege from the early 2000s’ on the used market starting at $300,000 (like the Privilege 435) but can easily surpass $5 million USD for their top of the line fully spec’d Privilege 745 or 740.

>>Also Read: Best Small Sailboats To Sail Around The World

Gemini 

Gemini is one of the few catamaran brands that make its boats in the US. It is a subsidiary of Performance Cruising Inc., and they have been making catamarans since 1981. Honestly, Gemini catamarans might not be the most good-looking and luxurious, but they are affordable and sail well. For that reason, they definitely deserve a spot on the list with the best catamaran brands. 

You can find a used Gemini cat in good condition in good condition from the early 1990s, starting at around 50k and a newer model for as high as 500k. Overall this is a very affordable brand, and you will definitely enjoy one without breaking the bank.

Seawind 

Seawind Catamarans is a catamaran designer and builder located in Australia, producing high-end performance cruising sail catamarans since 1982. They have produced some of the world’s best and award-winning designs. 

The Seawind brand is especially good for people looking for a catamaran that is not overly luxurious or expensive and is probably looking for a more reasonably sized yacht; however, they do offer a couple of larger, more luxurious models as well. 

Seawind offers new boats from 35 to 52 feet. You can find one on from the early 2000s’ on the used market for as low as $150,000, like a Seawind 1000. However, a new top-of-the-line Seawind 1600 can be spec’d up to around $1 million USD.

Sunreef Yachts

Sunreef is the world’s leading manufacturer of luxury sailing and power multihulls. Each catamaran, motor yacht, and superyacht they make is a custom vessel. The company was established in 2002 in Gdansk, Poland but a Frenchman and was the first brand to build a 74-foot bluewater cruising catamaran. 

This brand has pulled all the stops when it comes to luxury and comfort. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly liveaboard cat, a luxurious private floating villa, a dazzling party boat, or a fishing expedition superyacht fantasy, their designers will turn your vision into reality. Just be prepared to pay the price. 

Sunreef makes both large sailing catamarans and powercats, ranging in length from 50 to 150 feet! You can find a Sunreef from the early the Mid-2000s on the used market starting at $700,000 (like the Sunreef 62) but can easily surpass $15 million USD for Sunreef 102. They also have the Sunreef MM460 CAT on their catalog, which is one of the largest catamarans even created. However, unfortunately, I was not able to get even an approximate price quote on it. If I had to guess, I would say at least $50 million to have one built. 

>>Also Read: Best Sailboats Under 100k

Bali Catamarans is another brand of the well-known Catana shipyard. And it is also the newest brand on the list established in 2014. Catana catamarans are the golden standard when it comes to high-speed cats. However, in 2014, they decided to start a production brand of fast, light, and easily maneuverable cruising catamarans. The Bali Catamarans collection has a unique design mainly; it has no mesh “trampoline” in the front cockpit. It features an open-space interior, a huge refrigerator in the inner saloon, and many other uncommon features. 

Bali offers new boats from 39 to 50 feet. You can find a Bali on from 2014-2015 on the used market for as low as $300k (like the Bali 4.0). However, a new top-of-the-line Bali 5.7 can spec’d up to over a $2 million USD.

Final Thoughts

In order to compile the best list of catamarans, I took into account the built quality, comfort seaworthiness but also the number of yachts for sale on the used market. In my point of view, I shouldn’t have put a custom catamaran builder on this list because you wouldn’t be able to find one for sale anyway. For most of these brands, there are many boats for sale on the used market in pretty good condition and at reasonable prices.

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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The popular Bali Catamaran in all its variations

The Bali catamaran, designed and built specifically with chartering in mind, has become so popular that it’s been hard to keep up with all the new models, hard to spot which one has just the right size and amenities to perfectly fit your group's sailing holiday charter needs. 

So we decided to write a short article for our blog. It’s not exhaustive, and it’s not intended to place the Bali above the rest of the cruising catamaran brands in charter. Quite the opposite. The table below forms a snapshot of one popular brand typical of all those out there. We hope it helps you cut through the noise as your selection process begins.

Beginnings of the Bali Catamaran

Bali charter catamarans come from the French boatbuilder Catana Group. Prior to the Bali’s appearance, Catana had carved a name for their true blue-water cruiser, boats with dagger boards and large sail plans.

Recognising these boats were not ideal for holiday chartering, and to meet the growing demand in this new leisure travel sector, Catana set its designers to work on a craft that was specifically designed an built with chartering in mind. The Bali is the result - a new sort of cat, one that emphasised living space and ease of helming for the modern leisure sailor with family and friends along on vacation. 

That's not to say the other catamaran manufacturers were not already offering new charter boat options. The likes of Lagoon, Leopard and Fountaine Pajot were equally developing ranges to meet market demand, and through the 2000s some fabulous cruising cats suitable for charter began coming into service.

So many Bali cats in an expanding market

Bali's innovations gave them a footing in the fast-growing sailing vacation market of the early 2010s and success has bred success. Catana have launched so many Bali models in the ensuing decade that it is often quite challenging to convey differences in models, differences often subtle but important in our drive to ensure our boat recommendations are the right ones.

In 2014 The first Bali model hit the water - the four-cabin 4.5, appearing on the books of charter operators in the Mediterranean and Caribbean before spreading elsewhere. There was a new name in our vocabulary, and it fast became a frequently used one.

In the years since, we have added all Bali models to our charter offerings as they have progressively been introduced to the market. Our collection now stands at nine current and five older models ranging from 11 metres (37ft) to 16.4 metres (54 feet), from versions with two double cabins to six, and with a motor boat for those who prefer power to sail. All are available for bareboat charter with or without skipper, and there are a number of 5.4s in charter fully crewed.

The original Bali, the 4.5

An early Bali at the Boat Show

A summary of Bali catamarans for charter

With boats dating back to 2014 and three completely new models in the 2020’s, our Bali selection now appears as follows:

Notes re cabin numbers:

Most Bali models include the option of fewer cabins than itemised above. Those boats are Owner’s Versions , with one large cabin fully occupying a hull. In charter, the higher number of cabins listed for each model, as above, is the standard and are a significant majority of the options available at any given time. 

Bow cabins are small singles, normally used by crew if engaged. 

View all our Bali Catamaran listings by going to our Homepage and simply typing Bali in the Keyword Search field. 

Six-cabin layout on the 5.4, Bali's largest

Bali's newest and smallest model, the Catsmart

Making your choice of catamarans for charter

All of these Bali catamarans are listed on our website in the destinations they operate. There are many factors in setting prices and older does not necessarily mean cheaper. Furthermore, there are many cats in charter from other boatyards that can undoubtedly be considered alongside the Bali boats.

If you are considering a great all-round catamaran with modern innovations for charter in any of our destinations, we hope this guide provides a practical overview of one popular brand. The next step is to talk to us for full details of the options that best suit your group, and informed comparisons for making your choice. Book your ideal sailing holiday charter catamaran, and then just go sailing!  

Related Blog Posts

Charter catamarans for modest sailing holiday budgets

Here we highlight some smaller catamarans finding favour with our charterers in the Mediterranean and elsewhere. Robert is our expert evaluator when it comes to helping you select the right boat for your sailing charter, and the following is his personal take on recent introductions to the charter boat market.

Bareboating in the Mediterranean: do you have an International Sailing Certificate?

A Mediterranean sailing charter is the ultimate yachting adventure for weekend sailors. An experience that’s very accessible, but keep in mind that in Europe there’s also a formal requirement for chartering bareboat.

Bareboat Luxury at an Affordable Price: Crunching the Numbers

In 2019 the Bali 5.4 catamaran entered charter fleets with the bareboat option added. Until now such a large boat was only available with paid skipper and crew. This is a significant development in yacht chartering: it continues a recent trend towards larger boats progressively coming into charter on a self-skipper basis.

Made for Chartering: the Bali Catamaran from Catana

Leading yacht design company Catana is best known for the performance of its cruising multi-hulls. The Bali catamaran is designed with crew comfort also in mind, ideal for bareboat charter.

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We will match any discount website offer on charter boat price, and still provide our customary high level of service.

The Essential Guide to Sailing Holiday Charters

The Sail Connections Essential Guide to Bareboat and Crewed Sailing Holiday Charters is jam-packed full of useful tips for getting the most out of your next boat charter. And it is FREE to download.

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• Model Range

To offer a pleasant living space that offers privacy and a panoramic view of the surroundings. Based on this philosophy, BALI catamarans launched the BALI 4.0 LOUNGE at the 2015 Cannes Boat Show. Bringing the innovations seen on the BALI 4.3 Loft - large and entirely open living spaces with forward cockpit and sunbathing area, unique self-sufficiency, meticulous build quality and competitive prices - the BALI 4.0 LOUNGE completes the BALI Catamarans range, making them accessible to a wide audience. On top of that, the BALI 4.0 LOUNGE brings all the safety and performance you would expect from a CATANA.

Innovation: Open space and panoramic views of the sea

BALI 4.0 LOUNGE distinguishes itself with an open space saloon and cockpit that can be turned into one space by opening an immense tilting glass door with electric rams. Doing this, the saloon becomes a terrace with a sea view in seconds…

Relaxation: Sailing and fun in Lounge mode Forward cockpit that includes a sitting area with removable tables and a large sundeck instead of the conventional trampoline. Additional living space with a sundeck on the coach roof. 

Comfort: when the interior becomes the exterior As it is the case with bigger BALI models, the BALI 4.0 offers an impressive amount of daylight in its interior. The big opening windows provide an unbeatable amount of fresh air and a panoramic view of the surroundings, while the hull windows bring additional ventilation. Its technical equipment will satisfy even the most demanding sailors, and the most demanding cooks. In the front part of the salon you will find a modern and fully equipped kitchen that enables you to cook with a sea view.

Practicality: Unique level of self sufficiency for a 40 foot catamaran. With an 800 l water tank and a 400 l fuel tank, an exceptionally big refrigerator and freezer, big batteries, state of the art kitchen and the displacement of just 8.6 t, the BALI 4.0 will take you further than you could have ever imagined.

Technical Specification

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Clear all doubts and experience your potentially new yacht firsthand before committing and final purchase.

Bali Yacht World charter management program

Looking for the easiest way to your own boat? Choose our Bali Yachting World charter management program that has already been recognized by many boat owners. Become a Bali Catamaran owner with minimal investment and enjoy the yacht's ownership without worrying about its maintenance.

If you are interested in buying yacht or need help planning your perfect vacation, contact us and our experts will gladly answer to all of your questions.

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You can find us in our headquarters:.

Address: Dražanac 2/a , 21 000 Split, CROATIA

Sales Office: +385 21 332 348

E-mail: croatia-yachting.hr

Office working hours: 8:00 – 16:00 CET

Feel free to ask us anything – our team is on your side!

For any yacht sales questions during the office hours please call our booking team in our Split headquarters on +385 21 332 348 or send us an e-mail on the address croatia-yachting.hr .

For urgent inquiries after working hours, you can contact our sales advisors individually on their mobile phones or send an e-mail and you will get a response as soon as possible:

e-mail: croatia-yachting.hr

Mr. Domagoj Milisic - Sales manager

Mobile: +385 91 332 3320

Mr. Igor Karmelic - Yacht sales advisor

Mobile: +385 91 332 3322

Mr. Ivan Grabovac- Yacht sales advisor

Mobile: +385 91 332 3330

Croatia Yachting d.o.o. 2024. © All rights reserved.

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