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What is so Special About BALI Catamarans

The idea to put down a few verses about BALI  catamarans has appeared just recently. To be more specific, it happened this winter when I had spent some time at the base marina maintaining the fleet and preparing the yachts for wintering. As I was meeting these yachts quite frequently last season, and when I realized how many new BALI’s were purchased for the next sailing season, I decided to take a closer look at them.

I must emphasize that BALI brand belongs to France’s renowned boat builder Catana . Catana catamarans have always been a synonym for huge, fast and unconventional catamarans to me. Not so often seen at the Adriatic, especially not offered for charter. Through the course of time, Catana became offered for charter in the Croatian Adriatic, but the appearance of BALI catamarans was much more obvious due to their presence on the market.

Their noticeable design includes the innovations of BALI’s design and construction team lead by Olivier Poncin. While designing the Bali concept, they included some typical features such as light weight , the design of the nacelle, the height of the freeboard, and the removal of the trampoline. The rig is removed further aft allowing larger headsail. The hulls are made by using the technology of sandwich infusion in polyester and closed-cell PVC foam, bringing significant weight savings.

BALI catamarans’ range includes models BALI 4.0, 4.1, 4.3 and 4.5, while BALI 5.4 refers to the flagship. All models are available in several versions regarding the number of cabins/berths and additional equipment. Model 4.3 is made both as a sailing yacht and motor yacht. All models share features such as a forward cockpit and sunbathing area in the place of the trampoline, huge retractable windows and doors, making spacious saloon extended to the aft lounger. Then spacious areas free of bulkheads, large refrigerators and a high level of comfort, safety and self-efficiency due to solar panels.

The flagship model 5.4, besides mentioned, has the direct access to the saloon from the enormous front cockpit. My personal remarks are addressed to relatively high helmstand, which results in a smaller mainsail area and increased amplitudes of rocking on the high seas, while the anchor winch electro-motor is extremely hard to access and difficult to replace. However, relatively smaller mainsail is compensated with a larger headsail, while a skippers’ should be used to rocking whatsoever.

At the end of the day, guests’ comfort and pleasure should be a priority, which BALI had achieved for sure, while the maintenance is something guests should not worry about, too. The creators of BALI concept made it relatively low in price , making it more affordable to wide range of customers. Judging by the response of the charter clients, orders for new boats from charter agencies should not be too surprising.

I wish you calm seas, fair winds and a strong mast!

2 thoughts on “What is so Special About BALI Catamarans”

I am so curious about the actual performance and comfort of the boat. How well does it sail, how ventilated are the cabins, the durability of the boats as they are so lightweight. I love the layout but I went with a Leopard because they provide a lot of specific information about their boats, not only elevator pitches.

If you plan to charter a sailing boat, are trained as a skipper, wear lifejackets and don’t intend to drink and drive, your risk is reduced to a fraction of the above number.

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Made for Chartering: the Bali Catamaran from Catana

It is fair to say that catamarans are currently going through a development period. Traditional rules of design are giving way to improvements driven by the expectations of today's customer. generally, cruising boat design innovation tends towards incremental improvements rather than big steps forward, with designers often constrained by tradition and existing parameters. The Catana designers are pushing this practice to its limits, their latest boats setting a new standard for lightweight construction and an uncompromised commitment to performance.

The Bali is a fresh design, its creators given a clean slate to integrate all the modern features increasingly demanded by charter clients.

In the Bali, Catana has integrated their knowledge of what makes a good performer under sail with their understanding of liveaboard spaces and functionality. It is clear that through their charter partners they have identified all the features clients are asking for, and ticked each one off as the boat has taken shape on the design board. The latest trends in charter boat excellence are all recognised in the result. The Bali is a catamaran with living spaces rightly described as vast, and a rig configured with the mast aft to reduce pitching. A smaller main and self-tacking headsails make for ease of sail handling.

To achieve its aim to deliver 'open space sailing', Catana has designed the Bali with a cockpit that seamlessly extends off the saloon, rather than off the deck. This allows for continuous topside/below deck flow for entertaining and relaxing, and maximises efficiency across all aspects of crew activity. Forward the whole platform is utilised, with the boat's buoyancy enabling it to dispense with the usual trampoline, for a solid foredeck lounging space.

By setting the mast further aft than conventional, Catana has placed handling the Bali under sail firmly around working the foresail. For the general holiday charterer, furling headsails are easier to operate than mainsails, so it is forward that rig operation is maximised for performance through the water. That's without compromising mainsail efficiency, which is improved through a vertical leech, square at the top. The helm is elevated at the aft cabin bulkhead on some boats, with flybridge models also in production.

The Bali is proving a popular catamaran for charter, with more craft steadily appearing in destinations around the world. If looking for a suitable boat to take your next bareboat or crewed catamaran charter holiday, it's hard to go past the Bali range.  

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Bali Catamarans

Bali Catamarans is a French company founded in 2014 that is dedicated to the manufacture of high-quality catamarans for pleasure sailing. The company is part of the Catana group, which has over 30 years of experience building high-end boats. The company has stood out for its innovation in the design and technology of its boats. Their catamarans have a number of unique features, such as a saloon and cockpit that can be integrated via a sliding door, creating a light and airy interior space; In addition, it has developed an exclusive system for opening and closing the stern that allows the surface of the bathing platform to be enlarged and facilitates access to the sea. Also, these have a large amount of storage space and excellent navigation ability in all conditions.

Bali catamarans offers a wide range of models , from the smallest 40ft to the largest 55ft, all designed with a focus on comfort, safety and performance. The company has a network of dealers around the world and has a team of highly trained professionals to provide advice and support to the owners of its catamarans.

You may also be interested in: Sunreef Catamarans

Bali Catamaran Features

Bali catamarans stand out for their innovative design and focus on comfort, safety and performance. Here I present some of the most outstanding characteristics of the Bali catamarans:

Open Space Design – One of the most prominent features of Bali catamarans is the open space design. The boats have a lounge and a cabin that can be integrated through a sliding door, creating a spacious and bright interior space; In addition, the catamarans have large windows to maximize views of the sea and natural light.

Stern opening and closing system: Bali Catamarans has developed an exclusive stern opening and closing system, which allows the surface of the bathing platform to be enlarged and facilitates access to the sea. This feature is highly appreciated by sailors who enjoy swimming in the sea.

Large storage capacity: Bali catamarans have a large amount of storage space, which is very useful for long trips or to live on board; In addition, the storage space is very accessible thanks to the clever arrangement of furniture and cabinets.

Excellent sailing ability: Bali catamarans have been designed to offer excellent performance in all conditions. The combination of an efficient hull shape, a lifting keel system and a well balanced sail design makes the boats very easy to sail.

High-quality materials: This brand uses high-quality materials in the construction of its catamarans, which guarantees its durability and resistance. The hulls are made of fiberglass reinforced with epoxy resin and the mast and boom are made of aluminum to offer a perfect combination of strength and lightness.

Wide Range of Models: The company offers a wide range of models, from the smallest 40ft to the largest 55ft, all designed with a focus on comfort, safety and performance. Different models offer different features and options to suit the needs and preferences of boaters.

Interior space: the boats have a design of open and wide spaces that provide comfort on board. The interior space has been optimized to provide a feeling of spaciousness and ventilation. The lounges and cabins of the catamarans are equipped with large windows that allow a great amount of natural light and panoramic views of the sea.

Swimming Platform: The boats have a wide and safe swimming platform at the back of the boat, making it easy to access the water and activities such as swimming, diving and water skiing. The platform can also be used as a relaxation area and enjoy the ocean view.

Performance and stability: Bali catamarans have a specially designed hull to provide great stability, even in difficult sailing conditions. The hull has also been designed to minimize water resistance, allowing for greater performance and speed compared to other catamarans.

Onboard Amenities: Companies offer a wide range of onboard amenities, including outdoor kitchens, dining areas, lounge and entertainment rooms, private bathrooms in each cabin, renewable energy systems, and air conditioning systems.

Easy handling – The boats are designed to be easy to handle and navigate, making them ideal for those who are boating for the first time or those who prefer a more relaxed boating experience. The deck layout and advanced navigation systems make navigation easy and safe.

You may also be interested in: Nautitech catamarans

How much are Bali Catamarans worth?

Bali Catamarans new boat prices may vary depending on the model, configuration, equipment and options selected. Some approximate prices are:

Bali 4.1 is the smallest model of Bali Catamarans and has a length of 40 feet. The price of this new model can range between 400,000 and 450,000 euros , depending on the options selected.

Bali 4.3 MY, a model that has a length of 43 feet and is an engine version of the popular Bali 4.3. The price of this new model can be between 600,000 and 650,000 euros, depending on the options selected.

Bali 4.6 is a model that has a length of 46 feet and is very popular among sailors looking for a spacious and comfortable catamaran. The price of this new model can range between 700,000 and 800,000 euros , depending on the options selected.

Bali 5.4 is the largest model of Bali Catamarans, with a length of 5 feet. It is a luxury catamaran with lots of space and amenities. The price of this new model can range between 1.2 and 1.5 million euros , depending on the options selected.

You may also be interested in: Laggon catamarans

You should keep in mind that these prices are approximate and may vary depending on the options and equipment selected, the country and the dealer where the catamaran is purchased also influences.

While, the prices of used Bali catamarans can also vary depending on the model, age, navigation hours and boat conditions, for example:

Bali 4.1, a used catamaran of this model that is about 3 or 4 years old can have a price that ranges between 300,000 and 350,000 euros, depending on the conditions and the options selected.

Bali 4.3 MY is a used catamaran of this model that is about 2 to 3 years old and can have a price that ranges between 500,000 and 550,000 euros , depending on the conditions of the selected options.

Bali 4.6, a used model of this catamaran that is about 3 to 4 years old, can have a price ranging from 600,000 and 700,000 euros , depending on the conditions and the options selected.

Bali 5.4, a used catamaran of this model that is about 4 to 5 years old can have a price that ranges between 900,000 and 1.1 million euros , depending on the conditions and the options selected.

These prices can also vary significantly depending on the age, condition of the boat and the options selected, so it is recommended that an expert in buying and selling boats value it before making any transaction.

You may also be interested in: buying a yacht

Bali Catamarans vs Sunreef Catamarans

These two brands are recognized in catamaran boats and both offer different models and designs. Some differences between the two are:

Design and style : Bali Catamarans focuses on innovative and modern design, with great attention to space and comfort. Sunreef, on the other hand, has a focus on luxury and bespoke design, with a wide range of customization options for clients.

Size and models : Bali Catamarans offers a wide variety of catamaran models with lengths from 40 to 54 feet; while Sunreef specializes in larger luxury catamarans, with lengths between 50 to 210 feet.

Materials: Bali Catamarans uses a combination of lightweight materials such as glass, polyester, and foam; while Sunreef uses high-quality materials such as carbon fiber, kevlar and titanium in its custom designs.

Price: In general, Sunreef catamarans are more expensive than Bali Catamarans due to their focus on customization and luxury. The prices of Sunreed catamarans can range between 2 and 20 million euros; Regarding the prices of the Bali Catamarans that oscillate between 400,000 and 1.5 million euros.

Where to buy Bali catamarans?

To buy Bali catamarans we recommend you consult directly with the same company or you can write to us through our contact form https://yate.co/es/contactanos here we can give you more information and supplier data according to the country where you are .

We invite you to take a look at other articles at: https://yate.co/es/blog

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Description

If you are looking for a cat that delivers the maximum useable living space per square metre, then the Bali range is streets ahead of everyone else. The 4.3 sits one rung up from entry level boats like the Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 and the Lagoon. Read our Lagoon 40 review for a deeper insight into these entry level boats

Photo credit: bali-catamarans.com

– Forward cockpit lounge? ✓ – Flybridge? ✓ – Open aft cockpit/salon? ✓ – Large cabins with island berths? ✓ – American style fridge? ✓ – Protection in bad weather ✓

The bottom line is, if you are shopping for a performance catamaran with slender hulls and less living space, don´t show your other half this range of boats, as you won´t get that cat back in the bag. They have taken the charter market by storm.

• All that space! The main deck layout is really innovative. The huge “garage door” swings up to the roof of the cabin either electrically or manually which gives you a huge open space for entertaining. That gives you enough room for a full sized fridge and freezer, dining area, lounger area, nav station and large galley. The lot, in other words.
• If the weather turns, or you feel like some privacy, just swing the big door down and you have a fully enclosed saloon. Very neat!
• The foredeck is solid, and while this does have drawbacks (see below), it gives you even more lounging space in a forward cockpit you normally expect to see on a larger Leopard, and plenty of working space for your light wind sails. It also results in a very stiff structure and means you have plenty of buoyancy forward without the slamming you would experience on a Prout.
• The forward part of the saloon is all windows: the big central window opens right up so you can pass cool drinks out to anyone lounging in the forward cockpit area.
• We like that forward facing nav station on the starboard side.
• The flybridge helm looks like it would be exposed in bad weather. The visibility is excellent, of course, and you would be helming from the nav station below in really bad weather, but remember- you have to reef and manage the ropes from up there.
• The flipside of having all of that space down in the saloon is that the boom is very high. It´s very hard to access and it also means that the centre of effort of the mainsail is high.
• I have had many conversations about that solid foredeck. It has been sculpted like a ski to dissipate wave energy, but even so, there is more weight up front and that means more bouncing around in heavy seas. I like nets, personally, and it would worry me in a heavy sea. Having said that, Prouts did this for years and they are very seaworthy boats.
• The huge glass panels upfront are superb at anchor, but they would worry me in a storm offshore.
• Lack of hand holds moving up to the foredeck.

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All lines come aft to the flybridge helm. The mast is stepped back like a Prout (you´ll see the support pole in the saloon), and so the Bali 4.1 is powered with a relatively small mainsail and a large, self-tacking jib. That flybridge means a high boom: the jib is where a lot of the pull comes from when you are under way.

It´s a short few steps up either side from the aft cockpit area, to the  flybridge. As well as the  helm seat, , there´s a sun lounge and some solar to keep your batteries charged.

Bali builds the boat in 3 pieces, in a PVC foam sandwich and polyester resin, covered with an anti-osmosis gelcoat. The decks are built with plywood and monolithic resin and the bulkheads are in glued or laminated plywood.

Living Area

Well, this is where the Bali excceds all expectations isn´t it? I can´t think of another cat that gets close to this amount of space, certainly not in the performance category compared to the Outremer 45 , for example, and not even in the cruising category. Maybe the Leopards come close with their forward cockpit that is accessible through the saloon. And the Nautitechs with their Open concept, but Bali has really gone “all in” here.

It reminds me of a McConaghy catamaran but those boats are in an entirely different price bracket. But the basic feeling is the same – that of being in a spacious apartment.

Bali call this the “Loft” concept. The galley is forward, with a full size fridge and microwave to starboard and aft. There´s working space everywhere, and it looks like a great layout for entertaining.

The visibility is excellent all around with big windows that fully open to the sides and forward. You are not going to have a problem with ventilation at anchor on this boat. And down below, the accomodation is spacious and light. They have used that old Catana trick of flaring the hulls so that you get decent living space and acceptable performance underway. The hulls flare to chines just above the waterline, just like a Catana: you can definitely spot the family DNA there.

She´s certainly at the top of her class when it comes to space down below. I wouldn´t call the finish high end, but it is comparable to the competitors (principally Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot). Choose between the 3 cabin Owners version or the 4 cabin charter.

With a SA/D (Sail Area to Displacement) of around 19, she´s in the same bracket as a Lagoon, although I think she would accelerate faster with those sculpted hulls and would get going quicker in a light breeze as long as you don´t overload her with kit. You´ll be tacking through 100 degrees upwind and cruising along at 6-7 knots in most conditions. It´s worth having gennaker in your locker to get the best out of the boat!

The Bali 4.3 comes with twin 40HP (upgradable to 50s) engines aft which should push you along at 8 knots at 2500 RPM. Or alternate the engines and motor at 6. She´s easy to manouevre in the marina.

The Bali 4.3 is a really innovative design and it is easy to see how this catamaran has done so well in the charter market. She offers an unbeatable platform for enjoying a week or 2 of coastal sailing around the Med or the Carribbean Islands. For longer passages, I am not so sure. I would be drifting back towards Catana in that scenario. I have no problem with the solid foredeck (Prout proved this concept many times over), but I would worry about the height of that boom and the helm position.

How much is a Bali 4.3? As always, this will depend the the options you go for, but a guide sail away price would be around €450k, which is in line with the main competition in this size.

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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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CATANA GROUP enjoys the benefit of nearly 40 years of experience in the design and manufacture of CATANA CATAMARANS and BALI CATAMARANS. The men and women of CATANA GROUP all share the same passion for the sea, for technology at the service of boating, and for the professions of the boatbuilding world. The passion for top-of-the-range yachting is the driving force behind the group, which, combined with know-how and a constant strive for quality, has led to the creation of an unrivalled industrial tool at the service of innovation.

A SOLID GROUP

CATANA GROUP is a group totally focused on the manufacture and sale of catamarans. With 4 production sites (Three in France, one in Tunisia and one in Portugal) as well as a service base, the Group today employs more than 1,300 people, all of whom are united around the company's project. With strong growth since 2014, and constantly seeking innovative and eco-responsible concepts, CATANA GROUP has one of the best profitability rates in its sector and a very solid financial structure.

In 2003, Olivier Poncin sensed the demand for catamaran boats and took an interest in the legendary Catana brand, which went on to buy. A few years later, he realised that the “blue water” catamaran market was too small and did not provide the desired financial visibility. The decision was taken to attack the most significant part of the sailing multihull market, in the face of significant and legitimate competition. To meet the challenge, Olivier Poncin's solution was to innovate in an audacious manner. He imagined disruptive concepts that revolutionised the codes of sailing: a common space between the saloon and the aft cockpit, a tilting door and an integrated foredeck. In September 2014, the first BALI CATAMARAN was launched, the BALI 4.5, followed just a few weeks later by the BALI 4.3. Today, the Catana-BALI Catamarans shipyard builds over 300 boats a year. The gamble has paid off, the concept has gained worldwide legitimacy and meets the needs of a very large section of the clientele.

CATANA CATAMARANS

The CATANA brand benefit from 40 years of experience. Known for their reliability and performance, CATANA’s boats are perfectly balanced, fast and light in weight, ensuring low drag. Their slender, inverted bows allow them to achieve even higher speeds. The interior is fitted out with equipment designed for lightness: the ultimate in comfort and energy savings. With exceptional safety, CATANA CATAMARANS are easy to handle and their high-end level of comfort will carry you to all the seas of the world. Everything you need for fast and sustainable sailing across the oceans.

BALI CATAMARANS

BALI Catamarans offers an innovative, unique concept that has revolutionised the world of catamarans. Thanks to the pivoting aft door and the rigid foredeck platform, BALI Catamarans embody openness: openness to life, openness to the four elements and the five senses. The large windows and the door to the forward cockpit offer a natural 360° panorama. Space is given utmost importance at BALI Catamarans: the forward cockpit and the increased area (achieved by the BALI door) are key assets that distinguish BALI among all the players in the market. At a glance, a BALI is instantly recognisable among its peers.  

THE PRODUCTION SITES

Today, Catana Group counts 1,300 employees working on four boat production sites based in Canet-en-Roussillon in the South of France, the company's historic headquarters; in Marans, near La Rochelle on the Atlantic coast; and in El Haouaria (Cap Bon, Tunisia) and in Portugal. The Group is also equipped with an industrial joinery shop in Rivesaltes (on the Mediterranean coast), which allows the Group to be fully self-sufficient in the manufacture of its furniture. The Group also has a “Services” base, Port Pin Rolland, located in the marina at Saint Mandrier, near Toulon, also in the South of France.

An international presence

The CATANA Group's brands are present on every continent through sales and a network of dealers recognised for their professionalism. As representatives of our models, they carry the colours of our brands high on all the seas of the world, meeting all the needs of our customers in each market. CATANA WEBSITE BALI WEBSITE -->

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Bali’s Olivier Poncin: Catman

Since launching Bali Catamarans in 2014, Catana Group CEO Olivier Poncin has shaken up the world of cruising catamarans, building a brand that’s challenging the long-established leaders.

What was your background in the industry before you created Bali Catamarans?

I’ve always been passionate about sailing boats. When I was young, all my holidays were spent on the water. A few years after completing my studies, in 1983, I had the opportunity with some friends to take over the Kirie shipyard in Les Sables d’Olonne, a magnificent port in the Vendée region on France’s west coast that became famous thanks to the Vendée Globe race.

Five years later, I bought the Dufour shipyard in La Rochelle, which I redeveloped, notably by creating the Nautitech range of catamarans. The turnover of the Dufour group increased by a factor of 50 in the space of 13 years, making it a major player in the market. Poncin Yachts Group was born in 1988 and five years later we took over the Catana shipyard in Canet-en-Roussillon in the south of France.

Specialising in high-performance catamarans for blue water cruising, it was the undisputed leader in its niche, but had been in difficulty for several years. In 2013, I took the decision to create the Bali brand to have a new range built to appeal to a wider market. In 2014, we renamed Poncin Yachts Group as Catana Group.

Considering the cruising sailing catamaran market was well served by established builders like Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, Leopard and Sunreef, why did you think there was ‘space’ in the market when you set up Bali?

Unlike the niche market in which Catana had evolved for 30 years, between its creation date in 1984 and 2014, the consumer cruising catamaran market is 10 times larger, now producing around 1,500 units per year.

With Catana being renowned all over the world, and with it being born at a similar time as Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot, I always thought we could add a second brand if we showed innovation and differentiation in relation to the existing boats on this market. My experience, after more than 7,500 leisure boats built, has certainly confirmed this conviction.

What kind of sales were you expecting and have you been surprised by Bali’s success since launching the 4.5 and 4.3 sailing cats in 2014?

We set ourselves the objective of conquering a 10 per cent market share and we achieved that in five years. Today, our ambition for the next three years is to reach the 20 per cent threshold, so selling at least 300 units per year.

Which models were most important in establishing the brand’s presence?

To build an international sales network, you need to create a range, hence the fact that today there are seven Bali sailing models and soon there will be three motor yacht models. We are fortunate that all our models have sold well, but obviously it’s the boats under 45ft that sell the most. We’ve sold 360 Bali 4.1s and 4.3s. Their successor, the Bali 4.2, which in my opinion is even more attractive, is arriving on the market this spring.

Can you tell us about Bali’s signature designs such as the tilt-and-turn ‘garage’ door?

Xavier Faÿ, Bali’s architect, and I knew we had to be different to succeed against established competitors, so from the second Bali model, the 4.3 , we created the Open Space concept, which brings together the saloon and cockpit in a single volume. What a pleasure to enjoy such a large and friendly living space!

A little later, our team was joined by a second naval architect, Samer Lasta, who brought us a lot in terms of design. With these two talents and a very experienced design office, we are equipped to meet the challenges ahead.

Why did you choose to build with a solid foredeck when other catamaran builders chose not to?

Xavier convinced me of the architectural interest of the full foredeck. It’s a great idea, as it provides safer sailing and a living area that’s bigger than anything previously seen. Today, Bali models offer up to 20 per cent more living space than competitors of the same size, which is one of our great assets.

What other features do you think Bali is known for?

A series of points have helped to differentiate Balis from other catamarans. As well as the tilt-and-turn door and solid foredeck, there are quite a few others such as the aft platform and sliding windows. Strangely enough, one of the greatest qualities of Bali models is not well known. I attach a lot of importance to the fact that Balis are very seaworthy catamarans and fast, too.

It was obvious to me that their relationship with Catana required that they be more efficient under sail than their direct competitors. To achieve this, we use the same construction materials as for Catana, which makes them lighter and much stiffer.

We use fine-entry bows, ensuring a better glide through the water, with a chine above the waterline that provides the volume required inside to give the comfort expected by Bali owners. We also use sail plans generous enough to suit their displacement. My satisfaction comes from the feedback from yachtsmen who are very often surprised by the performance of our Balis. And I know that, over time, this quality will be recognised by the market.

Can you talk about why you decided to move into powercats with the 4.3 MY and now the Bali Catspace MY?

Catamarans offer yachtsmen a unique  art de vivre  (lifestyle). On acatamaran, you aren’t crowded together. On the contrary, their widerectangular platforms provide incredible space. This is why manyyachtsmen are giving up on sailing monohulls and traditional motor boats.

However, a good number of sailing catamaran owners use their sails infrequently. As such, many realise they’re better off with a catamaran without sails, which will go up to three times faster than a sailing catamaran and with reasonable fuel consumption because catamarans need less engine power due to their two hulls. I am convinced this sector of catamarans has a promising future.

Moreover, in the next 15 months, we will be developing a third Bali MY, fully Open Space and larger than the two existing models.

What kind of response has Bali had in Asia and what can we expect in the coming years with your growing network of dealers?

Over the last 10 years or so, the Asian yachting market has begun to catch up. Bali is contributing to this with several agents based in Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong , Vietnam, the Philippines, South Korea and Taiwan. Our intention is to intensify our network to best meet the specific expectations of this growing market.

What led to your decision to hold a physical boat show, Les Rendez-vous Bali, in Canet-en-Roussillon last July?

The Covid-19 pandemic bruised our economies, restricted our freedom of movement and prohibited gatherings, so for more than a year now, almost every boat show has been cancelled. Typically, boatbuilders used to make a large proportion of their sales during these events.

We therefore had to find other means to meet our prospects, hence the regular organisation of these open days at our yard in Canet and through our agents around the world. We invite prospects interested in our boats and organise sea trials with them, so we have more time to understand and meet their expectations.

How much has the company’s overall business been affected by Covid?

In 2020, we closed our four production plants for 10 weeks and had to work with a reduced number of staff for several more weeks purely for health reasons. As a result, we reduced our annual production capacity by 25 per cent, representing 55 units.

How has Covid changed the company’s way of working and communicating with customers?

Like many companies around the world, we’ve had to adapt to movement restrictions and reinvent the way we communicate with teams at other production sites, our networks, agents, customers and suppliers. Videoconferencing meetings have become the norm. I think this pandemic is marking a turning point in terms of corporate communication.

So far, your biggest boat is the 5.4 that debuted in 2018. Many of your competitors are building much bigger now, so do you have plans to build larger models?

We have started to work on this subject. Our objective is to provide a very innovative response to the expectations of boaters within two years.

How do you expect 2021 to be different to 2020?

Industrialised countries have understood that the pandemic should not block their economies, which would have much more serious consequences than just the public health effects. Most governments are therefore urging companies to stay in business, subject to common-sense barrier gestures.

Catana Group hopes that in 2021 we will not be forced to close our production sites again, allowing us to produce 25 per cent more catamarans than last year, which we will have no difficulty in selling thanks to strong demand from private individuals and despite a sluggish market among professional charter companies. This situation should enable us to significantly exceed the €100 million (about US$120 million) threshold and consolidate our profitability. www.bali-catamarans.com www.catanagroup.com www.asiamarine.com

BALI CATSPACE DEBUTS IN ASIA One of three Bali sailing catamarans introduced in 2020, the 40ft Catspace features brand signatures like the retractable cockpit door and solid foredeck, plus a fun flybridge and up to 10 berths. By Richard Martin.

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