bali catamaran review

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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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Bali 4.4 Review

We are talking about the sailing boat Bali 4.4 , which replaced two predecessors of the Bali Catamarans shipyard, accompanied by a review of topRik experts with photos and schematics, including excerpts from the review by Emmanuel Van Deth, who was one of the first to test multihull from Catana Group at sea.

Bali Catamarans is a relatively new name on the European market. The author of the project is Catana Group, a recognized leader in the production of exclusive catamarans. The Bali range itself is a successful attempt to enter the mass production segment.

High-sided, with voluminous deckhouses, all slightly angular, with low masts and a moderate sail area. But despite all this, demand for catamarans is actively increasing, especially in the charter segment and in warm regions. And this is no coincidence: they provide space and comfort, have large holds and voluminous lockers, comfortable sofas, wide berths and spacious showers.

And this fact is well confirmed by the rapidly growing sales figures, which are not lagging behind the largest manufacturers in the mass catamaran segment. Still a recent newcomer to the mass market, Bali is a subsidiary of the leading luxury Catana brand, whose models are mainly intended for individual owners.

The creator of both brands Olivier Poncin developed Bali as a second line and conceptually aimed in the same direction as its other large-scale French colleagues, that is, it created a relatively inexpensive mass-produced boat that would be of interest to both individual customers and the charter market. In the end, the French were able to sell the first 100 hulls in less than two years.

Bali models Catamarans definitely have unique features that make one talk about Bali's already formed DNA. For example, in front there is no longer a soft mesh between the hulls, but a solid deck flooring. This space can be used as a full-fledged second cockpit: for relaxing guests and for sunbathing, for example.

Additional advantages of this solution: if the boat is in the Mediterranean Sea (where they are moored, as usual, stern to the pier), then the bow cockpit will provide the proper level of privacy from neighbors on the pier. Both when anchored and underway, the crew (or part of it) can choose to stay in any of the two cockpits, therefore, the main (aft) cockpit will be more spacious.

The garage-type lift-and-tilt door, which already bears the name of the brand that it personifies, is forever included in the DNA of the line - the Bali door. If you want to completely close the yacht, the crew closes the side sliding windows and lowers the entire rear wall of the cabin, which is called the Bali door, using a pneumatic mechanism. After this, the interior of the yacht is acoustically, thermally and optically isolated from the external environment - just like boats with a traditionally designed interior.

And for some time (since model 4.2 ), a door leading to the foredeck was added to the distinctive features of Bali. In the first smaller models, in its place was a large, fully folding windshield, which is used as a hatch and for ventilation.

Maximum openness in good weather and reliable protection from bad weather are a big plus of this line. From the aft section of the cockpit to the front wall of the wheelhouse there is one continuous, flat surface, which can be viewed in any way: either as an open-air galley, or as a sea terrace with an attached kitchen. In addition, there is also a navigation corner and a huge refrigerator.

However, the structural loss of rigidity due to the absence of the rear wall of the cabin, which on catamarans takes on a considerable part of the lateral loads, mainly due to torsion, must be somehow compensated for, so Bali is designed very elegantly overall. Both inner half-hulls are laminated together with the bridge and rigid foredeck as a single unit in one complex matrix. This uses vacuum infusion, as well as molded or co-laminated local reinforcements, stringers and stiffeners.

Another interesting solution: the false fins are made in the form of separate parts, glued to the hulls after the latter have been manufactured. The calculation is made that in the event of an unsuccessful grounding, the glued keels will come off, while the hulls of the catamaran themselves will remain intact. But, despite this, the catamaran is designed for drying and winter storage on the shore, supported by hull fins. Additionally, we point out that the forepeaks of the catamaran are designed as ram compartments - with sealed bulkheads.

The high-mounted helm station, combined with the desire for headroom, caused the boom to move strongly upward. However, despite this decision, Bali sail much better than it might seem at first glance.

Free space is always an important issue on a cruising yacht. With the Bali range, everything is in order: sofas in the cockpit, 2 meters of height in the saloon, the bow cockpit with a seating area is very comfortable both on the road and in the parking lot. The raised helm station is separate from the wheelhouse and the cockpit, but there is additional seating and a soft bench next to the helm on the cockpit hardtop.

All controls are concentrated near the steering post; all the running ends of the halyards, sheets and guys are brought out here. The visibility from the helmsman's seat is excellent, except that the stern of the starboard hull is poorly visible - which is a typical situation for a similar architecture of a cruising catamaran with a remote helm station on the port side. If necessary, a second helmsman's seat can be installed on the yacht in the main deck saloon (or wheelhouse); it will be equipped with a joystick (instead of a steering wheel), electronic engine control and other equipment and indicators.

The world premiere of Bali 4.4 took place at International Multihull Show 2022, in La Grande Motte, France. It was designed to replace two predecessors at once: Bali 4.3 with a central control post and Bali 4.5 - the very first model in the line. topRik team will try to understand whether this model was successful at that.

Features of Bali 4.4

• Brand: BALI Catamarans
• Hull type: Catamaran
• Overall length, m: 13.48
• Overall length, ft: 44
• Width, m: 7.4
• Draft, m: 1.26
• Displacement, t: 13.6
• Air draft, m: 21.55
• Water tanks, l: 860
• Exterior design (architect): Xavier Faÿ
• Interior design: Lasta Design Studio
• CE Certification: A
• Engine power, HP: 40
• Fuel tanks, l: 800
• Mainsail type: Full battens
• Jib type: Self-tacking
• Mainsail area, sq.m.: 74
• Jib area, sq.m.: 42
• Code 0 area, sq.m.: 82

Virtual tour

Review of bali 4.4 by toprik team.

As already reported, world Bali 4.4 premiered at the International Multihull Show 2022, and topRik experts were able to take a look at it later, at Cannes Yachting Festival.

The size and layout of the Bali captivated us, and the first glance at the price tag made us urgently sign up for testing.

In such a dense “population” of the pier it is difficult to look at such a large yacht from afar. Of course, it’s easier for you, we’ll show you a photo of what we should have seen at the Bali Catamarans stand.

We assure you that even without the ladies in bikini and at a very close distance, Bali 4.4 knows how to impress. First of all – with its harmony. Naval architects were able to develop a boat with a flybridge, which does not look like a three-story cottage that was swept out to sea by a tsunami. We responsibly declare that not all experts share the ironic view of boats with a flybridge, especially if the purpose of the yacht is charters.

All these free spaces on a relatively small (13.5 meters) boat were quite impressive. And the ability to close the huge saloon on all 4 sides is noticeable even from the pier. Also impressive is the side glazing of the hulls and the height of the sides themselves, which promises sufficient headroom in the cabins.

We see that the mast, shifted to the stern, is somewhat shortened, and the boom is at a convenient height, which promises comfortable sail control. All that remains is to get on board and verify our assumptions.

On the Transom

You can board Bali 4.4 catamaran from the platform at the pier - the middle part of it is intended more for transporting an inflatable boat, for which davits are provided, and the side sugarscoops are used for sunbathing, on the lower step of which a sliding ladder can be equipped.

On both sides, the entrance to the cockpit is blocked (or opened) by steel cables. Stainless steel side cleats, a shower, a neck for refilling tanks - everything is familiar, as in many other cats.

In the Cockpit

With the Bali door closed, the cockpit doesn't make much of an impression - a narrow strip of deck with a large transom sofa. True, there is a large grill on the port side, and a freezer can be hidden in the locker if you choose this optional equipment.

The engines are located in a manner that has become typical for catamarans: in the stern of each of the hulls in engine rooms, well accessible for maintenance, but completely isolated from the internal space to reduce noise and vibration.

In the Saloon

And the cockpit makes a completely different impression when the door to the saloon is open - it becomes part of the huge space from the transom to the bow. Why to the bow - you will find out later, but for now make sure that the effect of the raised Bali door changes your opinion of the cockpit as just a narrow strip of deck.

And if you change the view so that you can see all the way to the door leading to the foredeck, you will have an almost complete view of this huge space.

The modular design method allows you to change the interior arrangement: instead of two armchairs with a cabinet (for cigars or wine), you can install a large comfortable sofa between them, as in the dining area opposite. You can freely seat 8 people at the folding table, and if you make room, then the whole ten. The catamaran is designed for 12 passengers, and a maximum of 12 sleeping places can be equipped if you use the forepeaks and lower the table in the saloon, covering it with a mattress.

But how can we feed these dozen, because so far we have only seen a grill in the cockpit... Oh, and there are also huge refrigerators on the starboard side, this already makes our task easier.

Well, if you get to the refrigerators, you'll of course also see that superbly equipped galley that rivals some home kitchens in terms of equipment, including an optional dishwasher.

And this is only part of the galley - as you can see in the photo below, there is also a cabinet with a large work surface and many drawers. But this natural wood finish is an option for those who prefer comfort and elegance.

Opposite the galley, on the starboard side, there is a full-fledged chart table, which can be equipped as a second control station with the installation of all the equipment that is provided at the main control station.

And to make it easier for you to navigate the placement of areas and furniture on the main deck, we suggest checking this schematic, because we are not finished yet. Through that door, to the left of the chart table, we go out onto the bow deck.

Even from the diagram it is clear that this entire area is given over to a recreation area. The entire area from the outer sides of each hull is used here, since the rigid bow deck is one of the Bali’s distinctive features, which attracted the attention of the topRik team.

This is a great solution both for an owner with a large family or a bunch of friends, and for a charter cruise. By the way, the Bali 4.4 has class A in the CE classification, that is, it allows even transatlantic crossings.

Inside the Cabins

Here again we invite you to consider the layout of the cabins. There are two main options: with three and four cabins, as well as with different possibilities for using quite spacious forepeaks. They can be equipped with berths for the crew or additional storage space can be arranged here.

If you are going to use the boat as an owner, we recommend the 3-cabin version. The left float here is completely dedicated to the master cabin; the design developers have achieved maximum comfort for its inhabitants.

Conventionally, the building can be divided into familiar zones: a king-size double bed with a large locker under it is a bedroom, a sofa with a work desk (or dressing table) is a boudoir or an office, and then in the bow there is a bathroom.

The bathroom is worth showing in more detail, since it is not always possible to see an isolated shower cabin of this size on a yacht of this length - the entire width of the hull, even in its narrow part, as well as two washbasins. There is enough space for both a toilet and a floor cabinet. Above the washbasins there are shelves, cabinets and a mirror.

In the other two cabins, the bathrooms are also individual, but the shower room, of course, is not the same size, and the cabins themselves are more modest, still they have everything you need for a comfortable life on board.

This is what the cabin located at the stern looks like: the bed is also double and large with a locker under it, and the number of portholes is the same as in the master cabin bedroom.

The configuration of the cabin at the bow is interesting: from here you can enter the forepeak - an inexhaustible source of ideas for children, and for boring adults - just a place to store luggage. Here, in addition to the porthole, there is also a hatch in the ceiling.

In general, you probably already noticed without us how much natural light and ventilation opportunities there are under the main deck of the Bali 4.4. Bathrooms are also keeping up with this trend, even in guest cabins.

The 4-cabin version is more suitable for a charter business or when purchasing a catamaran for two owners. The layout shows that the left hull with this configuration is a mirror image of the right one, and the photographs of the guest cabins posted above are also illustrations for this 4-cabin option.

Don’t forget also that a place to sleep for two can be arranged in the saloon, and we still have 2 forepeaks left in stock. A total of 12 sleeping places – everything fits together.

Well, it's time for the topRik team to head to the control room and head out to sea for further testing.

On the Flybridge and at Sea

The yacht turned out to be much more maneuverable than it seems at first glance. Bali 4.4 can be equipped with an additional headsail: it can be a spinnaker or a code 0, which provides the boat with good speed even in small tailwinds. Thanks to the dense structure of the structure and light weight, the yacht breaks into motion at a wind speed of 4.5-5 knots, at which it makes sense to adjust the sails.

The most comfortable control of winches and sheets, everything is within the skipper’s access with one hand, only the head sail is extended a little further. The helm panel is well equipped, and there is a very comfortable sofa that can accommodate up to 3 people, including, of course, the skipper.

Other observers can take seats on the mezzanine - just above on the flybridge there are excellent sun loungers and sofas. Entrance to the flybridge and helm station is from different sides, which is very convenient.

The mast on the catamaran is located aft, which is why the automatic staysail is larger and works quite efficiently. At the same time, the jib is by no means necessary when making tack turns: as we were able to see, even under one mainsail the Bali 4.4 maneuvers simply excellent - at least on smooth water.

This catamaran delights its helmsman: both due to its very decent speed and pleasant responsiveness of the helm, which is not typical of every double-hulled yacht. It really pleases with its driving performance, judge for yourself: with a wind of up to 15 knots, the Bali 4.4 on a sharp course developed up to 7.5 knots at a tacking angle of 110 degrees. You can go steeper into the wind than 55 degrees (sometimes this is even advisable, so as not to make unnecessary turns), but the speed drops significantly.

In our test, we were able to accelerate the boat to 8.2 knots without using a gennaker or code zero, which are a highly sought-after type of “turbocharging” for catamarans. Both of these sails - if the yacht is equipped with them - can be easily stored either in the forepeaks or in the lockers of the foredeck, where the tanks and anchor gear are located.

Advantages of Bali 4.4

Freedom, space and comfort are the main advantages of Bali 4.4. Moreover, comfort refers both to the arrangement of life for passengers on board the catamaran, and to the organization of the work of the crew. Everything is provided in full: from the absence of sharp corners and cutting surfaces to excellent ergonomics of the control station.

Bali 4.4 allows guests to fully enjoy even a long-term cruise, and the skipper and assistants to get real pleasure from working with sails without unnecessary difficulties.

Cost is last but not least advantage of such a thoughtful design and sufficient comfort for everyone.

Reviews of Bali 4.4 from Professionals

To date, reviews of the Bali 4.4 from professionals are limited only to the results of testing this catamaran by the author of Multihulls World, editor-in-chief of Multicoques Magazine and famous yachtsman Emmanuel Van Deth.

Emmanuel with his team tested Bali 4.4 in La Rochelle in sub-zero temperatures. He complained that they were unable to experience the beauty of the open space because the famous door was down and the windows were closed. But even in these conditions, the freedom of movement on the main deck was impressive, and the large saloon windows created a warm, homely atmosphere. True, to warm this atmosphere, a couple of heaters were still needed.

The crew had to gather their courage to unfurl the sails, since all the ropes had become stiff and cold from the frost.

All sailors commented on the very rigid composite sandwich deck - a carefully thought out deck design.

Next, Emmanuel describes the speed tests of the catamaran, linking the results with wind speed and the peculiarity of the sailing equipment - they have a raised mainsail, and also deployed “Code 0”, which was later changed to the self-tacking solent.

The author devoted the rest of the review to describing the design and equipment of the cockpit, saloon, flybridge, foredeck and cabins.

Video Reviews of Bali 4.4

Here are some good walkthroughs and reviews from reputable sources – this boat is really photogenic both outside and inside.

First, Bali themselves proudly demonstrate their product:

Tour around the interior of the boat:

More interior footage with more explanations:

Short and sweet review from Multihulls World:

More information on various features:

After testing this product for ourselves, we can say that the comfortable and easy-to-handle sailing catamaran Bali 4.4 is suitable for both charter companies and owners.

Charter companies will be attracted by the relatively low cost of this cat, as well as its popularity among many categories of sailors, including:

• heads of families who want to provide a comfortable and safe cruise for their family;
• those who like to gather a friendly group of friends on board for a fun holiday at sea;
• lovers of transatlantic crossings or simply long coastal cruises;
• supporters of yachting without extreme sports;
• lovers of living on a boat for a long time.

Where to Buy Bali 4.4 at a Bargain Price

If you are interested in where to buy a Bali 4.4 at a good price, just ask our experts who will advise you for free on all issues related to buying a boat.

And if you want to have only joyful memories from this process, entrust the topRik team to take care of all the problems: negotiations with the manufacturer or dealer, paperwork, control at the production or shipping site, transportation of the Bali 4.4 catamaran to the location you specify.

You just need to call the specified phone number, use the quick contact form or send a message at [email protected] so that the purchase of Bali 4.4 turns into a holiday for you.

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Description

Top 4 Builder With Olivier Poncin at the helm, the Catana Group has become one of the top four catamaran builders in the world, and they are intent on offering a model range that matches every size of the main competition (Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, Leopard). Take a look at our Catana 471 review : that model was the among the first models this company sold with Poncin in charge. The company has certainly changed direction!

The Bali 4.8 Open Space fills the gap between the 4.6 and the 5.4 with all of those innovative Bali features from previous designs, plus some new ones too. These catamarans are built close to where the Windelo 50 is made- but they couldn’t be more different.

• Up to 5 configurations to choose from, going up to 6 cabins each with their own heads.
• Huge living space on the main deck with the garage door and access to the foredeck lounge.
• Very light and spacious with the big fridge.
• Direct access to the transom from the aft cabins. Big cabins forward.
• Great visibility from the flybridge helm with even more living space up here.
• The height of the boom – it won’t be easy to reach the mainsail if there is a problem.
• You are pretty isolated up on the flybridge, especially coming into the marina.
• The winches seem low, you might be winding on your knees.
• High centre of effort on the mainsail.
• The solid foredeck would worry me in a big sea.

So like her siblings, the 4.8 comes with the solid foredeck, a fully open interior, the garage door that turns the whole main deck area into one outside or one inside space depending on the weather, and the big American fridge/freezer. And with all of that Catana experience, they have once again produced a boat that sails and is comfortable at sea.

Charter a Bali 4.8 Catamaran

Are you looking for a Bali 4.8 to charter? Browse our selection of high quality yachts for rent below ⇓

Rent a Bali 4.8

Find Bali Catamarans for charter. All | Bali |

A Tough Boat The boat is constructed with a closed-cell PVC foam sandwich (there is no balsa here unlike the competition), and the bulkheads are laminated rather than glued which all adds up to a strong, stiff, hard wearing boat. The company now has yards in Canet-en-Roussillon, La Rochelle and Tunisia.

Living Area

Let’s cover this off first shall we, as that is the real Wow Factor on Bali Catamarans. All of that space! The finish isn’t up to the standard of, say, a Privilege Catamaran but, to be fair, we are not talking the same price point.

When you put in your Bali 4.8 order, you will have some planning to do because this catamaran offers five versions. There is a 3-cabin version with a very large owner’s hull with separate bathroom and work/office space area. The big news on the Bali 4.8 is the direct access to the starboard transom.

Room for a Football Team And of course, with Balis being so popular in the charter market, there are options for 4 , 5 and even 6-cabin versions (the latter with 6 en-suite heads) which is pretty unique in its class.

But where the 4.8 really comes into her own, is in offering for the first time on a multihull under 15 meters (50’) in length, 6 double cabins and 6 en-suite bathrooms. The charter companies make up two thirds of the sales of these boats. I am sure they will be “doing the math” on that one.

The open saloon, galley and cockpit area combine to make one huge light living area (we are in New York apartment territory here). The tall fridge freezer unit is placed in prime position between the saloon and the galley.

There is plenty of storage and worktop area, with clever design touches for waste storage, cooking, lounging and navigation.

Innovative Design The 4.8 follows her larger sister with the forward door to the foredeck, increasing the living space at anchor and calm conditions even further. The deck is really a 15 m² lounge with a couple of L-shaped benches and a table, plus a forward sun lounging area.

This rigid foredeck versus trampoline debate rages on, but Bali have a lot of arguments in their favour. The structure increases rigity of course, and in rough conditions, with the high bridgedeck and sculpted profile, the foredeck adds extra bouyancy to reduce pitching and push the bow through the chop.

And the communal living areas don’t stop there, as up top there is an extensive flybridge with another L-Shaped sofa behind the helm under the bimini, another table for al fresco dining and a sun lounge area.

Down below, the living space Wow Factor continues with direct access to the cockpit from the aft cabins. Up front, the two double cabins in either hull have double beds set athwartships with great views of the sea through the portholes. The forepeaks house bathrooms with separate showers.

Head to the Heads You can then order up to four other head compartments with integrated showers. There are two cabins in the centre of the hulls in the full charter version with two single bunk berths each, a configuration that is sure to be popular with families.

The two cabins aft have direct access to the cockpit, another innovation from the French builder.

Sailing & Handling

The helm station is up on the flybridge, which gives you great visibility on this boat, but the flipside is that you are a long way from the lines when you come into the marina. You are going to need some competent crew on this boat.

All the lines for sail handling are easy to reach though, as you are pretty close to the mast foot, but that boom is high. The winches seem low to me.

The high boom is the big draw back with the flybridge configuration. It means that the centre of effort on the mainsail is higher than the competition and it is not easy to access the mainsail if something goes wrong.

Save Budget for the Code 0 and Gennaker With the self tacking jib up (47 m² / 505 sq ft), she will comfortably hit 50% of true wind speed in light to moderate winds. Keep some budget back for a Code 0 (90 m² / 970 sq ft), and you will slice through the water faster in calmer conditions. In moderate conditions on a  beam reach, you should comfortably hit 8 to 10 knots and perhaps over- this boat is no slow coach for a cruising catamaran.

The hulls are nicely sculpted and you should quickly hit 8 knots of cruising speed under power, especially if you have ordered the twin 57HP engines. The standard spec is 45HP. Put this upgrade at the top of your options list.

The great thing about Bali is how they have raised the bar in cruising catamaran design with their innovative design touches. This catamaran is all about maximising comfort and space, and with 5 options to choose from, they are going to appeal to a very wide market with this boat.

The charter companies will love it as the configuration maxes out at 6 cabins. This is stiff competition for the Leopard 50 and the Lagoon 50.

Technical Specification

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Bali 4.2 packs signature features into 42ft

• October 6, 2021

A world premiere at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival, the Bali 4.2 sail cat slips between the Catspace and upcoming 4.4 to offer remarkable living spaces, highlighted by an expansive foredeck, flybridge lounging and the remarkably roomy saloon created by the signature ‘Bali door’. By Emmanuel Van Deth.

The 4.2 is among five sailing models Bali has launched in the past two years

It has been seven years since Bali began to make a name for itself by debuting its first models at the 2014 Cannes Yachting Festival. The DNA of the brand remains unchanged: maximum volume and pleasure, ease of use and disappearance of the internal/external divide on demand.

As for the new models, they’re being rolled out rapidly. Aside from the flagship 5.4, the other five sailing yachts in the current range have all been released in the last two years. After the Catspace Sail (Review Issue 56) premiered at Boot Dusseldorf last year, the Bali 4.8 (Review, Issue 59) and 4.6 followed.

This year, the French shipyard has splashed the 4.2, which had its world premiere at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival, while the 4.4 is the next addition to the modern fleet.

Bali performance is inherited from parent company Catana Group

Comparing the new 4.2 to predecessors like the 4.1 and 4.3, there have been few changes to the coachroof: the nacelle is still topped by a large roof overhang. The hulls have numerous openings integrated into a black reveal – note the double function of longitudinal reinforcement and rain shield. The hulls feature bows that are stubby and inverted.

However, for those who feel the different Balis look too alike to be easily identified, you should be able to recognise the 4.2: it’s currently the brand’s only model with a spreader-less rig. The aluminium mast is slightly bigger in fore-and-aft section to ensure optimum stiffness with a pair of cap-shrouds and lowers.

The French builder’s 4.2 measures 42ft 2in in length

This formula has the advantage, at comparable weight and cost, of simplifying the setting-up of the standing rigging and improving aerodynamics. Some might suggest that the windage of a Bali is large enough that airflow through the rig might not make much difference … well, it does.

EXPANSIVE DECK SPACE

It’s tricky to explain the aft cockpit as it’s really an integrated part of the nacelle. On the 4.2, the iconic lifting ‘Bali door’ is 11ft wide and 7ft 2in tall and opens or closes the living space on demand, depending on the conditions. In closed mode, there’s enough room to move around outside and even enjoy the bench seat.

The 4.2 has two large sugarscoops, joined by an uninterrupted platform, overhung by tilting stainless steel davits. This is also where you access the engine compartments, where the liferaft is stowed and there are lockers here, too. On the starboard side, a plancha-style barbecue can be fitted.

Options include a plancha-style barbecue in the aft cockpit

The flybridge is accessed by steps moulded into both sides. Like the side-decks – minimum 2ft wide – moving about on deck is made safe by numerous handrails and guard wires.

The sail manoeuvring station, lower down, is equipped with a battery of clutches and three winches. The two on the outside are cleverly angled to receive the gennaker or spinnaker sheets. The whole system is operational and intuitive. Only the port winch is a little bit far away.

The helm bimini is somewhat low when standing, but this helps maintain the mainsail area, which remains easily accessible. The bench seat can accommodate two adults, then there’s the central lounge pad and the aft sundeck, allowing for a total of six people up top.

Classic Bali features include the forward door and the solid foredeck

The enormous solid foredeck features a huge, almost full-beam sunbathing area plus a sunken cockpit with table that connects to the forward saloon door. The total deck area is 852sqft, almost 80sqm, which is 10 per cent more than competitors’ models of this length.

Anchoring operations are well managed with a recessed and integrated bow roller, a large chain locker and a powerful windlass. A cut-out is provided in the deck to monitor the anchor and chain. A very deep locker has been moulded out under the benches. A 5ft 5in watertight door provides direct access to the nacelle, while an 8in sill protects the interior from any unwanted water ingress

OPEN INDOORS

When all the doors, the forward hatch and the lateral bay windows aft are open, the living area does not give the feeling of being inside, which is one of the major appeals of Bali models.

When the ‘Bali door’ is raised, the interior enjoys extra space, natural light and ventilation

In a few seconds, however, the saloon can be enclosed. The headroom is generous, varying between 6ft 6in and 6ft 10in.

Six people can sit at the dining table – two sizes are available – without feeling crowded and eight people would still have elbow room. To starboard, there’s the option of two comfortable lounge chairs or a sofa and forward is the huge, 326-litre refrigerator/freezer unit.

Forward, down a small step, is the chart table to starboard, the foredeck door and the galley to port. The excellent galley has an L-shaped countertop forward and a long counter with sink in the centre, with enormous storage space under both.

The large fridge has a 326-litre capacity

The model presented to us in Canet-en-Roussillon, Bali’s home on France’s south coast, featured the three-cabin version with the port hull dedicated to the owner, while a four-cabin version is also available. Four wide steps on each side lead down to the hulls.

The owner’s suite includes a bench seat and a dressing table/desk, with the bathroom forward. The bed is 5ft 7in wide and it’s the same in the other aft cabin, while the bed in the forward starboard cabin is 5ft 1in wide. The two guest cabins have their own head and sink but share a shower. The forepeaks can also be fitted out, with a berth to starboard and head to port.

Situated forward of the saloon, the roomy galley features counters and storage on three sides

SETTING SAIL

During our sea trial, there was no wind as we cleared port, but we had a residual swell out of the southeast, so we began by testing the engines. Our test boat was equipped with the optional 45hp Yanmars rather than the standard 30hps.

The upper deck provides plenty of lounging space

I set the speed of both engines to 2,200rpm, which gave a boat speed of just over seven knots with a consumption of 6.4 litres per hour. Counting a safety reserve of 15 per cent, the Bali 4.2 could cruise over 600 miles at this speed.

No matter how hard the Bali is sailed, whether into waves or with them on the quarter, it’s clear that the careful structure, deep hull ribs and integral deck ensure solid rigidity – and the absence of squeaking.

In the three-cabin layout, the port hull is dedicated to the owner’s suite

Passage through the water is smooth when sailing, without the nacelle making contact. The wind eventually settled in and the gennaker was unfurled to accompany the main. Despite the swell trying its best to unhook the sails from the wind, the Bali managed to make four knots in the little six-knot breeze, although obviously more wind is needed for the 4.2’s fine hulls to demonstrate their potential.

On the other hand, good passage though the water bodes well for comfortable passage making and we appreciated the direct, rather soft feel to the helm. The self-tacking jib and the double-purchase system for the mainsheet are simple and work perfectly.

The 4.2 is among Bali’s six sailing models from 40-54ft

For its 42ft length and 23ft-plus beam, the 4.2 offers remarkable space and comfort. It’s almost like being at home, with its huge social areas, spacious galley and comfortable cabins, while a rigid, safe platform and fine hulls will allow for nice sailing in medium airs. www.bali-catamarans.com

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Bali vs. Lagoon: Which Catamaran Is Better?

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Look out over any body of water, and you will see people enjoying the great outdoors. From private lakes to the open sea, from sailing for a day to living permanently on a yacht, the water calls us to come and play. This is the easy part, now comes the difficulty of the many decisions that need to be made before you can call yourself captain of a catamaran. So it has come down to two choices Bali or Lagoon, which is better?

A Lagoon catamaran is often a better choice than Bali. Bali cats are sleeker and lean more on innovative materials and design. Lagoon may be bulky, but the brand is one of the most popular and a reason for that is they listen to customer feedback when making design decisions. 

In this article, you will learn more about catamaran brands : Bali and Lagoon. We will also discuss the following:

• Why choose a Bali or Lagoon catamaran and how to choose between them
• Consider the pros and cons associated with each model
• Determine the safety of catamarans in general

Why Choose a Bali or Lagoon Catamaran?

If you are reading this article, you have likely decided it is time to stop dreaming and purchase your yacht. You selected a catamaran as your vessel of choice, either because of its “flat ride” or the incredible amount of living space on board. 

But you may be stuck on the decision of which brand is worth your investment. Should you go for the relatively “New Kid on the Block,” Bali, or the “Tried and True” Lagoon?

Both manufacturers offer safe, sea-worthy vessels, and both brands improve their ship designs frequently. Bali focuses on being innovative in terms of materials and design, whereas Lagoon responds to customer feedback as it works on new vessels. Both have been in the industry long enough to have a solid following and reputation.

Therefore, in the end, it really is a matter of personal preference in terms of desired features, preferred construction, and ultimate appearance as both brands are widely known and have solid reputations for building safe, sea-worthy vessels. The good news is that buyers can feel confident purchasing from either Bali or Lagoon.

Bali Catamarans: A Basic Overview

Bali catamarans are built in France at the Cantana Yard. Olivier Poncin and designer Xavier Fay came up with the new and innovative catamaran design and launched it in 2014. Still dubbed as the “new kid on the block,” Bali is the most unconventional of the two catamaran brands reviewed here, but that is precisely why it should be given serious consideration.

According to the Catamaran Guru , Poncin and Fay’s design changes have been well-received both by the industry and loyal consumers, mainly because no design change impacted performance or seaworthiness, as the catamaran looks so good both at sea and in the marina. Buyers respond well to the sleek design since, typically, catamarans had been bulky.

Building Materials and Foredeck Design

One marked improvement Poncin and Fay brainstormed is that they upgraded the building materials in the Bali catamaran. By doing so, they improved the sailing experience in terms of living space.

One way they accomplished this additional living space was by removing the trampoline and implementing a solid foredeck . Thanks to Bali’s choice of building material for this area, they can create more interior space without adding excessive weight or compromising seaworthiness.

In many ways, this solid foredeck returns to the early days when the Prout family built catamarans in England in the 1950s. Their reasoning for the solid foredeck was that although it increased weight, it provided rigidity, which increases the vessel’s structure. Though they are no longer building catamarans today, Poncin and Fay improved on the Prout family’s idea, making the solid foredeck a newly respected option in the industry.

Many in the catamaran industry question this solid foredeck because they fear the weight that it adds to the ship. However, the Catamaran Guru exposes that this design choice adds buoyancy, and he explains that many brands have been slowly moving in this direction for years.

Still, buyers’ greatest concern is whether a solid foredeck will shed water as effectively as nets do. Nets have been used for so long that accepting this solid foredeck is difficult. However, Bali did not simply change the foredeck. They also changed the catamaran’s drainage system, making the foredeck able to shed water in under 12 seconds. 

Want to understand why catamarans capsize?

Building Materials and the Hull

Bali also sets itself apart because it uses a closed-cell foam for the hull’s core rather than a balsa wood core. This choice makes the boat lighter and faster but does not compromise its sailing comfort or safety. One of the few complaints about catamarans, in general, is that they cannot achieve the upwind speed that monohulls can, but this lighter material increases upwind speed potential, at least marginally.

In the end, however, the catamaran’s ability to provide a smoother ride with little yawing , which occurs when the vessel swings from side to side on its vertical axis or heeling , which is when the boat tips from side to side, appears to silence the speed argument. Most catamaran owners need speed to outrun storms. But other than that, they are typically not racing, so comfort trumps speed for most catamaran cruisers.

Pros of Bali Catamarans

In this section, we’ll analyze the advantages of choosing a Bali catamaran.

One of the primary reasons many purchase a Bali is the sheer beauty of the vessel. The outside is elegant and sleek, which is a design trait Bali is known for. You will undoubtedly make a statement when you dock, but the sleek design is even more stunning on the water. The outward appearance is unquestionably high-end and a high selling point. 

Other features include:

• Five configurations to choose from – with this many, there’s one for every personality, and these configurations work equally well with Charter and Owner use vessels
• Comfort – plenty of living space both inside and outside
• Plenty of storage space – including cabinets
• Direct access from saloon to forward cockpit
• Holds up to 315 gallons (1192.4 liters) of freshwater (17 days of water for one person)
• Holds up to 315 gallons (1192.4 liters) of fuel
• The helm station is on the flybridge for excellent visibility
• Many models have six cabins, each with a private bathroom

Cons of Bali Catamarans

• Many reviewers complain that while the outside of the vessel is high-end, the inside features, such as the stove and refrigerator, look plain, indicating a lower price point.
• The height of the boom suggests that it will be challenging to reach the mainsail if there is a problem.
• Though the helm station (flybridge setup) offers excellent visibility, the tradeoff is that you are too far from the lines when you come into the marina, so you will need a crew to assist you.

What is a flybridge and what are the pros and cons?

Lagoon Catamarans: A Basic Overview

Lagoon Catamarans are also constructed in France and are designed by Marc van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot-Prevost . Many reviewers say this team is highly responsive to customer input, and they continually create better vessels using consumer feedback, which makes buying this brand enticing.

Lagoon has been designing and building sea-worthy vessels since 1984, and while their initial designs were monohulls, their longevity in the market earns confidence with consumers. In 1996, the designers began to focus on comfort based on industry feedback and designed and produced catamarans. Though their first catamaran models were considered “bulky,” they responded to the feedback and created sleeker models to appeal to their base.

Lagoon’s Design Focus

Lagoon’s focus on comfort and design has not caused a decrease in their dedication to the vessel’s safety performance. The designers were considering customer feedback with their new designs. Previously, the Lagoon brand was often described as slow like a floating container and considered behind in terms of style, so they began updating their models and have several elegant designs available these days. 

Resale Value

Another good selling point for Lagoon is that these vessels tend to hold their resale value quite well, probably due to the trusted Lagoon name etched into its design. However, it is worth noting that according to the Catamaran Guru, the three-bedroom models seem to hold value better, but he reiterates that the four-bedroom models resell well too.

Pros of Lagoons

• A wide variety of models and configurations are available
• Plenty of living and lounging space
• Often cost less than other catamarans in the same class
• Lagoon is a mainstay in the boat-building industry
• The fuel capacity of the Lagoon Sixty 5 is 1450 gallons (5488.84 liters)
• Water storage capacity is about 295 gallons (1116.7 liters, 7 days of water for one person)

Cons of Lagoons

• Though the builders are focusing on a sleeker design, Lagoons are still seen as “bulky.” 
• Limited storage space for food – some newer models have two refrigerators, though.
• Many models have only one way to get to the helm.
• Lagoons are known to be slow on the water

General Safety of Catamarans

Regardless of the brand, many new sailers are concerned that catamarans are prone to capsize in strong winds or rough waters. In severe storms, irrespective of the vessel, the sailor needs to be skilled. Therefore, an unskilled sailor may be safer in a monohull only because a catamaran cannot “self-right” as a monohull can. However, due to the catamaran’s design, the wind has to hit the catamaran at rarely seen speeds to have an effect.

A catamaran is also reefed by a wind chart clearly showing when to put in a reef, follow those instructions and you will be safe.

Even though the catamaran cannot “self-right,” modern catamarans are designed with a “positive buoyancy,” which means that if a storm causes the boat to capsize, it will not sink. In this case, people are safer in the catamaran because they can use it for shelter until help arrives.

Still worried about capsizing? read my article on why catamarans capsize and ill think you’ll change your mind!

The good news is that most catamarans can outrun dangerous weather. Well, that’s as long as the crew is paying attention to weather reports; therefore, capsizing will not be an issue you have to worry about when going for a relaxing voyage.

Engine failure is another safety concern for all sea vessels. Fortunately, catamarans have two diesel engines, unlike monohulls, so an engine failure in a catamaran is not catastrophic, and it’s rarely more than an expensive inconvenience. 

Want to better understand the differences between monohulls (classic sailboats) and catamarans ( two hulled sailboats) I recommend that you read this article!

Award-Winning Catamarans

Bali and Lagoon are more than brands with sound reputations and incredible designs. They both also create award-winning yachts. The industry responded so well to Bali’s sleek design that in 2019, the Bali 5.4 won the Multihull World’s 2019 Multihull of the Year Award. 

Likewise, in 2021 the industry responded to Lagoon’s attention to the design change just as favorably. The response was so great, in fact, that in 2021, the Lagoon Sixty 5, Lagoon’s most recent model, was nominated for Multihull World’s Yacht of the Year Award.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice comes down to a matter of preference. Some consumers are primarily concerned with the yacht’s resale value, hoping to get some money back when they upgrade to a newer model in the future. Others purchase with no thought of selling the ship in the future. The latter group is often more concerned with comfort, design, and efficiency. The former will be most concerned with how the yacht will retain its value.

Here are a couple of things to consider when choosing between Bali and Lagoon:

If Resale Value Is a Primary Concern

If you like to upgrade every few years or only purchase a catamaran for a short-term excursion, such as a one- to five-year temporary home, resale value may be a deciding factor in the brand you choose. If this is the case, be certain to purchase a yacht designed for owner use rather than charter use. Bali and Lagoon offer each type.

And since Lagoon tend to hold value a little better, i would go with them. Gabo of CatamaranFreedom.com

Just like any other motorized vehicle, catamarans lose value through use. If you’re purchasing a used yacht, to begin with, chartering yachts will not have the resale value that privately owned vessels will. However, most multihull units maintain a better resale value than monohulls. This is partly because there are fewer multihulls in the resale market while it is saturated with monohulls. 

Resale value should remain the same between brands that are built for the same use and receive the same care and maintenance.

If Visuals Are a Primary Concern

Most people find that the Bali design offers a better visual design than Lagoon, especially the flybridge design with the magnificent outlook over the water. However, if appeal to a non-sailing audience is important, Bali is definitely the way to go. Lagoon is famous within the sailing community, but most landlubbers appear to think a Bali cat is more attractive.

How To Choose Between a Bali and Lagoon

Charter a cruise aboard a bali and lagoon.

The best way to know for sure which is the better catamaran brand for you is to sail on both a Bali and Lagoon. However, spending an average cost of $8,000 per week seems like an unlikely option for most people.

How much does chartering a catamaran cost?

Talk to Bali and Lagoon Owners

The second-best thing to do is talk to the owners of each catamaran brand. Most owners purchased either a Bali or Lagoon for specific reasons and are usually excited to share their knowledge with prospective buyers. They will be better salespeople than anyone on a yacht yard because they will tell you both the positives and what they wish were different on their yacht.

Participate in Forums

In the absence of knowing someone who owns one of these brands, many forums, such as the Cruisers Forum , are available for you to join and participate in. It is always amazing to learn how little we know about a subject before diving into it, and owning a catamaran is no different. It is impossible to see what you do not yet know about catamarans, so knowing what questions to ask by studying the forums makes you a more confident buyer.

Research Through Blogs, Vlogs, and YouTube

Lastly, the internet is fortunately filled with blogs and vlogs of people who make money sharing their experiences with catamarans.

Reading blogs and watching travel videos are fun ways to feel that you are on the boat yourself. And these writers and videographers enjoy giving a first-hand view of the subtle differences, potential problems, and coveted features that you might not otherwise know to ask about when you go to purchase your vessel. They are also skilled at showing their mistakes so that we do not make the same ones. 

Purchasing the yacht is a commitment. While there are customers loyal to each brand, selecting either the Bali or Lagoon models should be done confidently because both brands have excellent reputations. If you want even more help to guide your decision, read catamaran blogs, watch vlogs, and ask questions on forums. 

• The Moorings: A Beginners Guide to Catamarans
• Catamaran Guru: The Argument for or Against Bali Catamarans
• Katamarans: Bali 4.8 Catamaran Review
• The International Yachting Media: Bali 4.0: The Catamaran Designed by Poncin   
• Multihulls World: New and Used Technical Specifications Lagoon Sixty Five
• Cruisers Forum: 380 Lagoon Pros and Cons
• Catamaran Guru: Bali Catamaran Solid Foredeck: Great Feature or Bad Idea?
• Multihulls: Multihull of the Year

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

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God of wind remained deaf to our prayers that day: throughout our sea trial, the waters of Kaštela Bay remained calm, and the 10-knots wind ultimately dissipated altogether. In the past few decades, the multi-hull market grew tenfold, and Bali have sailed along with that growth, climbing to the top of the segment in mere seven years.

Bali 4.6 layout

On this latest model, like on many before her, it’s the space that counts the most. Bali 4.6 has a lounge on the bow, and garage doors whose opening turns the indoor lounge and the cockpit into one giant leisure space. The table and the adjacent L-shaped sofa seat ten, and another sofa seats four.

Catamaran with space enough for everybody

The unit we tested had five cabins and four heads, ideal for charter , (there is an owner’s version, with two cabins and a master that takes up the entire lower deck), and 95 sq.m. of space to boot – so make sure you call all your friends. On Bali 4.6, there’s space enough for everybody.

In the left hull, below deck there is a double cabin with Pullman beds, ideal for kids, a single, and the head they share, while in the right hull there are two spacious cabins and their respective heads. All cabins are clean and elegant in design, furnished and decorated in materials and fabrics that make prolonged stay at sea as comfortable as possible, instead of forcing luxury.

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The aft cabin has a full-size bed, a private head, plenty of storage space, and portholes for daylight and fresh air. The lounge is functional above all, furnished with an additional navigator’s desk, and the galley is L-shaped, fully equipped and placed ideally to serve the bow and the lounge.

In the galley, there’s more than enough storage space, both in the cabinets and in the floor compartment. The cooler is home-sized, which we’re sure will be appreciated – there never seems to be enough cooling space on any yacht. The lounge has sliding windows that open toward the aft and the bow, making it a very open space well connected with almost all other parts of the yacht.

For long cruises and relaxing times

Designed as a yacht for long cruises and relaxing times, Bali 4.6 is basically covered in sun beds, sofas and giant cushions, which somehow doesn’t stop the flow of foot traffic from the bow all the way to the aft.

From the aft, stairs lead onto the fly bridge, so good every builder should take inspiration from it. Even while sitting, the skipper enjoys exemplary visibility in all directions, and while standing, they can manage all the maneuvers without any help from the aft. The command console on the fly deck is perfectly suitable for docking in harbors, as well.

Easy and simple

On the fly, there is a large table and sofa combo, and behind them, the most attractive sun bed aboard. On the same deck, solar panels are basically invisible, but serve their purpose providing up to 440 W.

Just like on all other models in the range, on Bali 4.6 everything is easy and simple. Raising the 120 sq.m. sails with only two pairs of hands is not only possible, but effortless, with the help of a electric winch. More ambitious sailors can add a Code Zero or a gennaker, just as easily deployed.

Bali 4.6 sailing and handling

On our sea trial, the Bali 4.6 reached 5 knots of top speed with 10 knots of wind, which for her length is quite decent. Still, the conditions were simply too unfavorable to test the unit properly. Powered by two 57-hp Yanmar engines, Bali 4.6 reached 6 knots of speed at 2000 rpm (ideal cruising speed), and at 2500 rpm speeds up to 8 knots. We found the deck safe and functional, with wide and well protected side passages, and were most delighted by the bow lounge, easily accessible from the interior.

Once again Catana and CEO Olivier Poncin have created a modern multi-hull with plenty of appeal. Inspired by the popular Bali 4.5, the new Bali 4.6 charms with soft, gentle exterior lines, and modern feel and space that speaks of the yard’s desire to attract larger families and the catamaran charter industry .

Easy to handle, pleasant to stay on and boasting some unique designer choices, Bali 4.6 follows a check-list of features and functions an affordable cruising multi-hull should have.

Text Filip Bubalo

Photos Boris Kačan

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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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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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Bali Catspace

With her flybridge, four cabins and 10 berths, the Catspace offers in 40 feet what many of her competitors struggle - or are reluctant - to present aboard a catamaran of 42 or even 45 feet... Has Bali gone too far? Or has the Catspace understood everything? We look for some answers on our test in the Mediterranean.

Practical info

• Builder : BALI CATAMARANS
• Finance your Bali Catspace
• Articles about the Bali Catspace
• Available in issue # 173

Boat Test price 5.00 € Inc. tax

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and get an extra discount!

Test location: Canet-en-Rousillon Wind: southeast to southwest 5 to 30 knots Sea state: smooth to moderate

The tale of a new brand

Since the 4.5 was first presented at the 2014 Barcelona boat show, the Bali silhouette has become a familiar feature on the water, especially among charter fleets where they are very popular. Initial doubts over the fully-decked nacelle have subsided and the range continues to grow, spurred on by strong sales. The 4.1 is ending her career, soon to be replaced by a 4.2, while the 4.6 will take over from the 4.5. As for the very recent Bali 4.8 (see the full test in MW171), she will be presented to the public at this seasons boat shows. The largest model and the first powercat in the range - the 5.4 and the Power 43 - have seen slightly more modest distribution, but they have found their audience. But getting back to the Catspace - she was presented at the 2020 boot Düsseldorf but was unable to make it to the International Multihull Show at La Grande Motte in the South of France because of the international health crisis. So, we had to wait until June 2020 to finally discover this original 40-foot boat, mainly aimed at charter.

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Hello Donald, We sent a message to the Bali Catamarans shipyard as well as to the author of this test, Philippe Echelle, in order to obtain as much information as possible about the performance under sail of the Bali Catspace. We will be sure to get back to you. Regards,

Where is the performance data - polar chart? Want my money back...

MW SP#22 - Summer 2024

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