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BOAT REVIEW Bali 4.1 catamaran

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

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

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

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

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

Seawind 1370

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

Sessa Yacht Line C47

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

Legacy Marine L45

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

Lazercat 950

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

Catana Bali 4.1 Review …. bareboating in the tropics during cyclone season on SV ‘Namaste’ with Dream Yacht Charters.

• Post author: Nils
• Post published: March 27, 2021
• Post category: Bare Boat Ownership / Boat Review / catamaran / Operator Review / sailing / sailing trips
• Post comments: 7 Comments

Exactly 1 year after our last trip to COVID stricken, locked-down Australia and our fantastic sail on my favourite in the local DYC fleet, SV 'Traviata', the place was open for business again. This time around we got allocated a 2019 Catana Bali 4.1. This is a 2 year old bareboat, providing the perfect opportunity to write a review and looking at its suitability as a good catamaran to charter.

By way of background for those not familiar with the dyc's reciprocal user rights contracts:.

As an owner of a bareboat in what is called the ‘Dream Easy Program’, I am allowed 6 weeks of almost free sailing in any one of DYC’s bases around the world on an ‘equivalent’ boat to mine. Equivalent means same age, length and fit-out such as AC etc. I my case that baseline is a 2019, 44′ catamaran with air-conditioning and watermarker.

It gets a little ambiguous when a) there isn’t an equivalent boat at the base at all or if there is, it’s booked out b) there is an equivalent boat available, but it’s not in the same ‘contract’ category, aka ‘Dream Easy’. The last one is a bit of kicker, because I didn’t know about that clause in my contract and it really limits the boats /locations available to get your owners weeks booked.

Even though I booked this trip well over 8 months in advance, with all the world’s COVID restrictions in place, all that was left was the Bali 4.1. SV ‘Traviata’ apparently is no longer in the relevant contract category, so it was off the table for our two-week sojourn.

Now, I could be excused to think that ‘Namaste’ is the Queensland translation for “Wet & Wild”. After a week of champagne sailing, a cyclonic weather system (Cyclone Niran) approached the fringes of the Whitsunday Islands in the far northwest of Australia and brought with it a lot of wind and rain. Nothing unusual for this time of the year but it certainly puts a dampener  on recreational sailing.

‘Namaste’ presented itself nicely at the dock in Airlie Beach. However, the absence of air-conditioning at this time of the year was immediately evident as we sat through what can only be described as a drawn out boat and area brief.

It made me wish I could just duck over to SV ‘Senatra’ in the next pen. We hired this Bali 4.3 2 years ago and it looked nicely chilled with its AC humming.

Client briefing and handover

I am all for a detailed brief. It protects the operator, the boat owners and me, the hirer, from messing things up. But after 4 rentals at the same base, I feel a shortened version might have been more appropriate. Do I really need to demonstrate again how to hoist the sail or pick up a mooring?

The focus should have been on pointing out the peculiars of this particular yacht, aka reefing or anchor system, where the gas shut-off valve is hiding and that the auto helm is not linked to the nav display.  Follow that by a quick rundown on any changes to local conditions or regulation and done – 1 hour tops. Let’s have a beer. DYC’s Thailand base has a bottle of Vodka and a Coke in the fridge for your arrival. That’s what I call a “Owners Welcome Pack”.

As a return customer, especially an owner with a yacht in their fleet, I would expect the staff to have been fully briefed on my sailing history and previous experience at that base. It’s just good customer service, makes me feel valued and safes a lot of time for all involved.

I will shameless self-promote the benefits of the ‘Sailsense System’ at this point in time as all the check-in, briefings boat familiarisation and background checks etc could have been concluded online, before I even got there.

Plenty of room at the Inn...

Once we got going after the first night in the marina, the Bali 4.1 provided a good platform for leisurely family cruising. There is loads of room and outdoor sun baking areas. 

You can choose from the ‘Upper Deck’ with forward or upwards views, the “Front of House” lounge and sundeck with pretty sun umbrellas and coffee tables or the “Rear Retreat” that joins the saloon.

The upwards opening barndoor at the back opens the saloon to the elements… then it’s just one big back deck…. until wind gusts drive the rain into the saloon or the waves slapping under the hull splash saltwater into the cabin via the drain slots. Note to customers: close barndoor when sailing in choppy conditions and don’t forget the sun umbrellas from the champagne sunset last night. It doesn’t say so in the operations manual, so gratefully, some common sense is still assumed.

A very interesting item I did find in the manual (apart from a certificate that my gas stove is compliant with Queensland state law and has been recently inspected) was this little gem…. The reference of the depth sounder to the waterline and keel setup. That was a first and I really appreciated it. The rest of the manual was actually very well thought about as well.

Catana Bali 4.1 specifications at a glance...

800 litres of fresh water in a single tank,  400ltr of diesel (good for approx 40hrs of motoring on the 2 X 29kw Yanmars), 272 ltr 240V domestic fridge/freezer, stove and oven but most importantly, a very well working BBQ on the rear deck that’s not afraid of wind or rain.

Talking about the fridge; it’s huge and ideal for a large crowed. But it sucks about as much energy as a bunch of thirsty crew suck beers in the topics. With no generator on board it was necessary to run an engine for at least 3 hrs a day to keep up with the energy demand. Given the area and all anchorages being in close proximity, it equated to excessive engine use for a sailing guy like myself. Thankfully DYC have recognized the issue and are planning to install additional solar panels very shortly.

Finally, there is a large, brand new tender for 8 people but only a miserly 6hp two-stroke to make it move…. slowly. A proper sized engine that allows you to plane with at least 2 people is in my opinion a minimum required safety standard that should be observed.

How does the Bali 4.1 sail ...

The Bali 4.1 has the boom for the mainsail extremely high up above the cabin roof and you have to climb two steps up the mast to reach it. There are two single reefing lines for the 1st and 2nd reef, all operable from the helm station, which unfortunately is lacking a 3rd winch, or a proper wind indicator for that matter. That’s downstairs in the cabin, together with a repeater plotter and the VHF, which in turn has a detachable controller for the bridge – but I only discovered that one at the end of the trip (see my point about the boat brief)

The self tacking jib has the relevant markings for the 3 reefing points and once you have a play with the setup, jib and mains balance quite nicely.

Don’t expect upwind performance, that’s simply wasn’t in the design criteria.

We had to beat upwind of sorts at some point for a few hours. 2nd reef in all sails, 25kts at an angle of 60deg off the starboard bow. Without at least one engine at 1500 rpm we barely made 4kts. Switch on the engine and we could reduce the angle to 50deg and made 7.5kts.

Going the other way however was fun. 2 reefs in the sails, 25kts on a broad reach and we got 8 kts plus tide. Design criteria met.

The boat’s suitability for champaign, downwind sailing versus heavier weather ops was obvious in more than one aspect.

Heavy rain cause water ingress through the steering station into the starboard aft cabin. Maybe not so much a design fault though, but why do you always tend to find out about these things in the middle of the night? It made me feel better to find out a few days later that we weren’t the only ones with that issue – customers on a Nautitech 46 from Whitsunday Escape suffered the same fate.

We didn’t really hit any heavy swell, yet a mild thump made the ceiling panel in the galley come down. Thankfully it could easily be clipped back into place … until the next thump.

Whilst we didn’t notice much slapping under the bridge deck, large amounts of water came up through the drain slots behind the barndoor as mentioned earlier. It didn’t linger but seems odd that it happened in that direction.

The lack of a third winch doesn’t really help when you want to reef the jib. You just can’t release the sheets and furl at the same time.

Some other minor items / defects I noticed was the starboard rear saloon window not locking in the ‘close’ position, which is really where you want it when underway in heavy rain, the barn door only having one locking bolt and the front locker’s gas struts are unable to hold it open, an essential feature when operating the anchor.

Having said all the above, at no point in time did the Bali 4.1 feel unsafe in the blustery conditions, under sail or motor. As a matter of fact, it motors extremely well in all conditions. 

The manual displaying the yacht operating license limits the yacht’s use to ‘wave heights not exceeding 4m or windforce not exceeding 7 Beaufort (34kts). We may have reached the windspeed limit on this trip but definitely not the wave height limit.

This trip was as much of a family reunion and a deserved holiday after a year of no travel. We had to go back and forth to the marina to pick up and drop off various parties over a number of days.

Let it be said that the crew at DYC has been extremely accommodating and supportive every time we came into port.

I pointed out the blocked toilet water inlet and busted roller bearing of the jib and a staff member attended to it immediately during our turnaround. All fixed before we even went out again.

We discussed sailing and mooring recommendations with the operations manager in view of the approaching bad weather. By now my sailing resume must have filtered through the system because a mutual level of respect was evident and I appreciated the professionalism displayed.

Handing back the boat at the end of the charter...

Boats break, have leaks, faults and stuff falls apart. That’s just the way it is with anything that floats. So I tend to provided a detailed list of issues / defects. Some might say its excessively detailed and some might even be uncomfortable providing all this information – or just can’t be bothered.

Yet an owner always looks much closer at defects than your average renter. I figure it assists with fault finding and improving reliability. Turns out my efforts were greatly appreciated by the staff for that exact reason. 

In their words: “We can’t see every small issue on a turn-around. Unless you sail the boat for a period of time and in a variety of conditions, you just don’t know about issues creeping up. Customer feedback is very important in that regard.”

As it turned out, the cyclone decided to move away and run out of puff, the sunshine returned and our holiday came to an end. Great trip yet again in the Whitsunday Islands.

Did the Catana Bali 4.1 proof to be a good catamaran for charter? Overall, for the location, I think it did great job. What you need is space and comfort combined with ease of use and safety. All those boxes were ticked for sure.

Now I am looking forward to sailing on ‘NoShoes’ in Croatia in August … one can only hope – it feels like a distant dream sometimes!

This Post Has 7 Comments

Hallo Captain, you welcome

Hope to see you soon. She’s looking good 😊

Bali has a great concept of open space with its innovative “garage door construction”. I was last autumn on this boat in Greece, Ionic Island, love it. Thank you for your report. Uwe

Hi Uwe, Glad you enjoyed reading my article. How was your trip in Greece and whom did you rent through?

Great article. Very thorough review

I don’t understand your comment about up wind performance, I am in the process of buying a bali 4.0 and I had 6 to 10 kmots of wind and was doing 4 to 6 knots at 50 degrees. I got to 40 degrees and was doing 3.6 knots with 6 knots of wind. Perhaps your sails where tired.

Hi Chris, I don’t pretend to be a sailing expert or an ace sail trimmer. Sailes where defiantly not the best, but to achieve what you said you did, you are beating some of the higher performance cats out there on a Bali. Sounds like you are on to a winner there …. and you found the boat you are looking for. Keen to come for a sail, maybe I just did it wrong.

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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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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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This comfortable cruising cat has plenty of space for three couples to lounge about

I  try to keep my reviews objective. I don’t always succeed. If I see what I consider to be a “design flaw” I’ll point it out. But aesthetics are so subjective. I hesitate to impose my sense of yacht beauty on you. So, I’ll just let you look at these two catamarans this month and decide for yourself if they are handsome boats.

The Bali 4.2, a 41-foot cat designed by Olivier Poncin and Xavier Fay with interior design by Lasta Design Studio, is certainly very interesting in that it has some features that are new to me. It’s a complex design but I think it makes sense. The hulls show a long chine cum spray knocker running from stem to transom. The keels have a relatively short chord resulting in a minimal planform area. 

Draft is 4 feet. The specs list two displacements: “light” and “maximum” with 8,064-pound difference. That’s a lot. If I use the light displacement figure I get a D/L of 196. If I use the maximum displacement I get a D/L of 251. Looks like two different boats. The L/B is 1.8. If I take the L/B of the individual hulls it is 5.44. The bows show the now fashionable reverse rake. I think this is a cat designed for comfort and not speed.

What makes this design interesting to me is that there are two “cockpit” areas, one forward and one aft. If you look at these areas as lounging spots you could even count three with the area over the bimini aft. By spreading the lounging area out the designers were able to expand the main deck accommodations aft. 

On the main deck level there is a large galley to port forward, what looks like a chart table to starboard and dinette and settee aft. There is access to the forward cockpit just starboard of the galley. Going down into the hulls you have the option of three cabins and three heads or four cabins and four heads. The four-cabin layout will work well for the charter trade. The three-cabin layout devotes one entire hull to the owner’s cabin with head and shower forward.

The deck is complex with steps up to the upper level (I don’t know what else to call it) port and starboard leading up from the aft cockpit/patio area. The steering and sail control station is to starboard on this upper level. There is a lounging pad to port on the upper level and a place for solar panels to starboard. The forward cockpit has settees and a dining table. Forward, the trampoline area makes a perfect place for sunning. Three couples could spread out very comfortably on this boat.

Cats seem to be very forgiving in terms of where the mast goes. This mast is quite far aft. The SA/D for the light displacement is 16.53 and 14.16 for the maximum displacement. I would consider this a short rig. Maybe that’s to keep the charter sailors safe. Cruising cats have been known to capsize from time to time. That would spoil your day.

I feel a bit guilty when I review cruising cats. I have sailed quite a few catamarans and I have designed one 54-foot cruising cat but I have never been cruising on a cat. I’d like to try it some time. 

LOA 42’2”; LWL 40’10”; Beam 23’3”; Draft 3’10”; Displ. 23,000 lb.; Sail area 915 sq. ft.; Fuel 159 gal.; Water 227 gal.; Twin 45-hp.; D/L 251; L/B 1.8; SA/D 14.16

Our best estimate of the sailaway price:  $363,800

Bali Catamarans

[email protected]

www.bali-catamarans.com 

Also in Perry on Design

• Dragonfly 40
• Wallyrocket 51
• Clubswan 28
• Beneteau Oceanis 37.1
• M.A.T. 12.2

Also from Robert H. Perry

Bali 4.1 Catamaran

Principal Specifications

• Developer: Olivier Poncin – Yann Chabaud
• Manufacturer: Chantier Catana
• Designer: Xavier Faÿ
• Interior: Lasta Design Studio
• Hull length: 39.76 f / 12.12 m
• Overall length: 38.98 f / 11,88 m
• Maximum beam:  22.04 f / 6,72 m
• Draft, boards up:  3.67 f / 1,12 m
• Light displacement:  8.9 T
• Maximum displacement: 11.8 T
• Max sail area upwind: 1134.52 sqft / 105,40 sqm
• Engines: 2 x 19CV to 40 CV, saildrive
• Fuel: 105.67 gal / 400 L
• Fresh water: 211.34 gal / 800 L
• Black water: 2 x 14.53 gal / 2 x 55 L
• Refrigerator + Freezer: 9.6 cu ft / 272 L

Want to Buy a Bali?

Dealers for Bali Catamarans in USA

Catamaran Guru, through its sister company, Ocean Multihulls, has been appointed the exclusive Dealer for Bali Catamarans in Texas & for Charter Management fleets worldwide. Contact us directly for specifications, pricing, and a concierge-level buying experience.

Bali 4.1 Catamaran Overview

The revolutionary BALI 4.0 set the foundation upon which now the BALI 4.1 builds upon with the usual BALI innovation. The 4.1 is the first sailing catamaran that is completely bridged from bows to back boards which opens the living spaces even further and gives the opportunity to build in more ergonomic function. This catamaran design packs creature comforts from bow to stern:

• expansive, open living areas
• over-sized front cockpit with sunbeds
• relaxation area perched on the spectacular roof
• large bench on a platform connecting the two rear skirts
• high level of comfort inside and out.

Bali 4.1 Layout Options

More bali 4.1 pictures, we're ready, let's talk..

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Bali 4.2 Review

topRik experts talk about their own experience of testing the sailing catamaran Bali 4.2 from inside and at the sea with a large number of accompanying photo and schematics.

• FEATURES OF BALI 4.2
• VIRTUAL TOUR

First Impression

On the transom, the cockpit, inside the saloon, on the foredeck, inside the cabins, on the flybridge.

• ADVANTAGES OF BALI 4.2
• REVIEWS OF BALI 4.2 FROM PROFESSIONALS
• VIDEO REVIEWS OF BALI 4.2

Traditionally, opinions about this boat are given by famous yachtsmen who write for authoritative yachting media, as well as an extensive video gallery to get the full impression.

In 2014, the French Catana Group launched the Bali Catamarans brand to expand its lineup with more affordable mass-produced models and attract the attention of new customers.

It didn't take long for the company to bring these ambitious plans to life. This is not surprising: Catana Group had at that time 30 years of experience in designing and building multihulls, so the new catamarans aroused significant interest among experts and buyers.

The construction of Bali catamarans is carried out at the facilities of the Catana Group located in Canet-en-Roussillon. The plant occupies an area of more than 36 thousand square meters, where there are four indoor workshops, an open-air warehouse for finished products and office premises. The company also owns an equipped embankment with access to the open sea, which allows testing in real conditions and easy transportation of finished catamarans by water to anywhere in the world.

The model range includes sailing cruising catamarans and motor multihulls made of fiberglass with a length of 12 to 17 meters. Bali 5.4 won Multihull in 2018 of the Year, and in 2020 the Catspace model was included in the list of award nominees.

Instead of the usual mesh for multihulls, all catamarans of the shipyard have a rigid bridge on the foredeck. This solution allows you to equip an additional recreation area and, more importantly, increase the strength of the structure. On some models, the superstructure is equipped with walk-throughs, so you can easily move around the boat.

The double-hull sailboat Bali 4.2 is the smallest vessel in the series of the same name, about 13 meters long and with a maximum sail area against the wind of 92 m². The DNA of this “baby” has retained all the genetic information of its family: the control station located at the level of the saloon roof, the huge space of the main deck and, of course, the famous Bali door to the saloon, which opens a through passage through it with access to the bow hard deck. Maximum comfort for everyone - guests and crew - is a consequence of such a thoughtful layout.

Besides, Bali 4.2 retains several configuration options regarding the layout of cabins and sailing equipment. We will talk about the cabins in detail later, and in terms of sailing wardrobe, you can operate with both the standard set and options:

• mainsail (rolled into a bag) – 50 m² ;
• staysail (automatic) – 35 m² ;
• mainsail (furling into a bag) – 51.8 m² (optional);
• Code Zero – 63 m² (optional);
• spinnaker – 103 m² (optional).

The design of the catamaran with fiberglass hulls has CE (A) certification, that is, it is intended for access to the open sea. The supply of fuel for equipment operation, fresh water and the volume of the refrigerator and freezer for food allow you to make long journeys on this sailing cruising catamaran.

Bali 4.2 is not the sportiest one, but it is a reliable sailboat for ocean cruises, which provides its passengers and crew with maximum comfort and pleasure from rest and work on board.

Features of Bali 4.2

• Brand: BALI Catamarans
• Hull type: Catamaran
• Overall length, m: 12.84
• Overall length, ft: 42
• Width, m: 7.07
• Draft, m: 1.22
• Displacement, T: 11.4
• Air draft, m: 18.78
• Water tanks, l: 860
• Exterior design (Architect): Xavier Faÿ
• Interior design: Lasta Design Studio
• CE Certification: A
• Mainsail type: Full battens
• Jib type: Self-tacking
• Mainsail area, m²: 52
• Jib area, m²: 38
• Power, HP: 30
• Fuel tanks, l: 640

Virtual tour

Review of bali 4.2 by toprik team.

topRik experts tested the sailing catamaran Bali 4.2 at Croatia Boat Show in May 2021 in Split, which preceded the Cannes Boat Show, where the world premiere of this cat took place.

In the presence of catamarans of much larger sizes, our gaze immediately fell on this compact vessel for a double-hull with a helm station located on the saloon roof and a low boom.

The tall stems of the reverse-raked hulls are especially impressive. Typically, this design technique is used to improve seaworthiness by improving the hydrodynamics of the vessel. This also eliminates slamming, which is important for a catamaran with a solid rigid bow deck. Well, it adds aggressiveness to the exterior, which is usually not typical for a trawler-type vessel.

Glazing along almost the entire board with opening “windows” promised a lot of natural light in the cabins.

Powerful stainless-steel handrails rise above the already high sides - an excellent statement of the manufacturer’s concern for safety.

And this magnificent canopy over the cockpit, which is a continuation of the saloon roof and at the same time serves as the basis for a large seating area, promises that it is impossible to appreciate all the pleasant surprises at first glance. So, let's step up to the transom and begin our traditional tour of the Bali 4.2 sailing catamaran.

At the last photo above, part of the transom is covered by an inflatable boat, which is placed on and held on the transom platform, and is also launched into the water using a davit (stern lift). We assure you that the left side of the transom is a mirror image of the right one.

Three wide steps lead to the cockpit, the entrance to which is blocked by protective steel cables. The lowest widest step is used as a beach platform. Both beach islands can be equipped with a ladder to get into the water.

A convenient recess in the side ensures a free transition from the pier to the platform if the boat is moored sideways. This, of course, will surprise few people, but it once again confirms the shipyard’s commitment to comfort for passengers even in the smallest details.

It can be disappointing due to its size compared to the rest of the catamaran. Yes, there is a large sofa and a canopy that protects from rain and bright sun, but... that’s all?

Remember, we said that at first glance all the surprises of Bali 4.2 will not be revealed. With the cockpit, that’s exactly the story. To discover its surprises, you need to open (or rather, lift up) the famous Bali door. There seems to be more than enough space now.

And the surprises of the cockpit itself have not all been discovered yet. Under this large sofa there is also quite a small locker hidden. In addition to the life raft, many other useful things can fit here.

On the starboard side, as on its predecessors, the Bali 4.2 has a grill. Although, when using it for its intended purpose, it is better to lower the door to the saloon so that the smell of frying fish or meat does not permeate the upholstery of the furniture.

In many ways, the appearance of the interior, as well as the appearance of the cockpit, depends on the position of the Bali door. In the photo below you can compare the interior with the same furniture, but with the branded door lowered and raised.

The first option will perfectly protect you from bad weather, and on a sunny day with the door up, the sun and fresh air will fill the cabin.

Interior options depend on your needs and the purpose of the boat. You can keep the large sofa to starboard or turn it into a club nook with two armchairs and a floor-mounted wine cabinet between them.

A large cabinet hides a very spacious refrigerator at the top, and a large freezer at the bottom. The doors are equipped with reliable latches so that they cannot swing open when pushed.

In the middle of the large table there is a recess where you can safely place bottles of drinks so that they do not tip over during movement.

By the way, that device in the console above the TV is a way to access the control panel and control the movement of the catamaran from the saloon. And to the left of the refrigerators there is a chart table, the panel of which can also be equipped with the necessary equipment to monitor the operation of the catamaran equipment, communications and displays to which images from cameras installed on board will be transmitted, if necessary.

Further along the passage, to the left of the navigator's table, there is a galley, or more precisely, a real full-fledged home kitchen.

As you can see, the door between the galley and the skipper's table opens onto the foredeck, and the windows everywhere can be opened to combat kitchen odors if this bothers anyone.

Galley has L- and I-shaped countertops, hob with oven, bedside tables and storage shelves, sink and niche for a microwave oven. This shape of the work surfaces and the location of the galley parts across the passage allow several people to simultaneously prepare dishes without fear of colliding with or injuring each other.

And if you also take into account the “outdoor” grill, then the catamaran has everything you need to prepare food for a whole banquet, well, or for a family holiday or a grand party of best friends.

Review all the photographs to make sure that those present in the saloon, in addition to the above, have access to full natural ventilation and lighting, and that all parts of the furniture that are dangerous in contact do not have sharp or right angles that could cause an injury during rolling.

To give you an idea of the relationship between the parts of the main deck, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with its layout. And the schematic shows that we have not yet visited a very interesting area here...

The bow of the Bali 4.2 is unusual even for a cruising catamaran. Normally, between the bows of the hulls there are nets, or so-called trampolines. topRik experts can appreciate their absence from the boat, which makes it more suitable for charter purposes.

Another rarity for catamarans of this size is a through passage with a door from the saloon to the foredeck.

A solid hard deck made it possible to arrange a luxurious sunbathing area in the bow of the Bali 4.2 with the opportunity to dine al fresco.

It can easily accommodate 8 people, and if you get tired of sunbathing, you can use an awning that will reliably protect you from the sunrays.

A number of hatches in the bow of each hull indicate that the rooms below deck are also provided with fresh air and natural light. Shall we check? By the way, another surprise: the largest hatches are the entrance to the premises, which can be a crew cabin or a place to store fenders or other accessories.

Here you also cannot do without pictures, since it is not easy to explain in words what configuration options the Bali 4.2 developers provide. Let's start with the standard, when one float is completely provided for the owner's cabin, and the second is divided into two identical double cabins.

All three cabins have king-size double beds and a private bathroom. Of course, the owner's cabin has more space, so in addition to the "bedroom" there is also a "living room" with a sofa, table and storage space. And the owner's bathroom is equipped with an isolated shower.

In the other two cabins, the bathrooms are also equipped with a shower, washbasin, toilet, cupboards and a mirror, and there is an opening porthole near the beds.

In the forepeaks, as we have already mentioned, you can place a sleeping area for the crew and a separate bathroom or use these rooms for storage.

Another version involves the presence of 4 double cabins with double beds and private bathrooms each.

All other versions are based on these two main ones, the difference lies in the use of forepeaks for different needs - cabin, bathroom, storage space.

It's time to get acquainted with the control station, which is located on an elevation in relation to the main deck - a ladder leads here from the cockpit.

On the roof of the saloon there is an excellent sunbathing area with two large sun loungers, as well as a sunbathing area with sun loungers for two more people - to the left of the helm station. There is access from both sides along the ladders.

By the way, the side decks, with the exception of the hatches in the bow, no longer have any additions that you can trip on or injure your foot - an absolutely flat non-slip surface.

The helm station has a large console on which all indicators can be displayed to monitor the operation of the yacht's equipment, communications and navigation equipment, including a marine display, compass, autopilot thruster, etc. To control the engines there is a solid lever, which is not often found on sailboats.

Manual and automatic winches are also located here at a convenient distance from the skipper.

From the skipper's position there is an excellent view of three points - the bows of both floats, and the stern on the port side. This is quite enough for comfortable and safe mooring and departure.

An automatic jib and two electric winches, which are placed almost under the skipper’s post, make it very easy to control the boat. For an experienced sailor, setting and retracting the Bali 4.2 sails will not be difficult, taking into account the low position of the boom.

Since we had no goal of setting speed records, we checked the boat's control conditions, its maneuverability and obedience of the rudders to the helm. We were pleased with all the parameters.

We started testing in 7-8 knot winds and were able to achieve a speed of 5-6 knots under a standard sail plan. And when the wind increased to 15-17 knots, we were able to increase the speed to 7 knots.

Well, such results in light winds are quite enough to determine the potential of the Bali 4.2 catamaran. It is, of course, not for speed, but you are guaranteed comfort in driving.

Advantages of Bali 4.2

In addition to the fact that Bali 4.2 has all the advantages of sailing catamarans - high stability, a large area for comfortable rest and work, the developers took into account the small size of the catamaran and “shortened” the mast in order to completely eliminate the already meager possibilities of capsizing on waves and in strong winds, if the sailing rig area is used to the maximum.

There are recorded cases of ocean crossings on Bali 4.2, in particular, Alicante - Tenerife and Tenerife - Gibraltar. During the latter, the wind reaches a speed of 24 knots.

Safe navigation is also ensured by the materials from which the hulls and decks are made: this is a fiberglass sandwich with a balsa core into which resins are injected under high pressure to fill all the pores to prevent osmosis. Lightness and high strength characterize these composite sandwich panels made using innovative technology.

Comfort of life on board is ensured for both guests and crew. A conveniently organized workplace for the skipper and assistants, places for rest and lunch, sunbathing and swimming - everything is provided here so that people do not experience problems either as passengers or as part of the crew.

One of the smallest models in this line has all the advantages of larger Bali catamarans, including technical features of equipment, seaworthiness, comfort level, habitability and equipment.

At the same time, it is relatively inexpensive with a high level of comfort.

Reviews of Bali 4.2 from Professionals

We present the opinion of two famous yachting journalists who posted their reviews of the Bali 4.2 catamaran before its premiere (Robert H.Perry from Sailing Magazine) and after testing it at sea (Emmanuel Van Deth from Yacht Style).

Robert wrote his review before the world premiere of Bali 4.2, that is, his review does not contain test results at sea. He presented this catamaran as the brainchild of naval architects and designers Olivier Poncin and Xavier Fay with interior design by Lasta Design Studio, adding that this cruising cat can comfortably accommodate three couples.

The author immediately warned that assessing the aesthetics of any boat is very subjective, so he limited himself to describing the exterior and interior with virtually no value judgments in terms of external attractiveness.

He identified the complex design of hulls with long chines, stem-to-transom lines and short chord keels as optimal.

Speaking about the displacement of the boat, Robert concluded that this boat was created not for speed, but for comfortable relaxation.

The author admitted that his interest was aroused by the organization of the main deck, where there are two cockpits in the bow and stern, as well as an additional seating area above the bimini in the area of the helm station.

Robert described in detail the configuration of the main deck, mentioned several versions of the cabin configuration and noted a short rig on this cat, linking this with ensuring greater safety for passengers and crew.

In conclusion, he admitted that although he designed a catamaran himself and sailed on several, he never went on a long cruising voyage cats.

Emmanuel at the beginning of his review talks about the history of the Bali line, the first model of which was presented at Cannes Yachting Festival 2014. He noted the high productivity of the shipyard and that this productivity is inherited from parent company Catana Group.

The author noted that despite the similarity of Bali 4.2 with its predecessors, there are also differences that can be noticed in the design of the mast, which has a positive effect on the aerodynamics of the kata and simplifies the installation of standing rigging.

He called lifting Bali door iconic, describing its functions and capabilities. Continuing the main deck theme, Emmanuel started with two large sugarscoops and, gradually moving from the cockpit to the foredeck, dwelled in detail on the features of the configuration and design, including the helm station. He calls the helm station with a seating area on the roof of the saloon a flybridge.

An interesting point was noted by the author: the total deck area of the catamaran (almost 80 m²) is 10% larger than that of models of the same length from other manufacturers.

Concluding the description of the bow, Emmanuel noted the convenient organization of anchorage.

The author paid great attention to the interior configuration with a large dining area and chart table, noting that in some places the ceiling height exceeds 208 cm, and the volume of the refrigerator with freezer is 326 liters.

Next, the yachtsman focused on the configuration of cabins and bathrooms, noting that several versions of berth organization are possible.

The rest of the review is devoted to testing the catamaran Bali 4.2 at sea, and the author regrets that the lack of real wind did not allow the sailing rig to show itself fully.

Video Reviews of Bali 4.2

Best videos we could find, demonstrating the capabilities of this yacht in full.

First, catamaran tour with lovely commentary:

The walkthrough from Bali Catamarans:

Quick tour around the boat:

16 minutes of detailed footage on board with explanations:

Another detailed walkthrough from ActuNautique:

The very comfortable and spacious double-hull sailing yacht Bali 4.2 was announced as a catamaran for the charter business, and it, of course, meets all the requirements for such a purpose - inexpensive, comfortable, zoned, with many places for relaxation and entertainment.

But we think that there will be sailors who will want to have such a cat for personal use for:

• a comfortable and safe family holiday at sea;
• long stays on board with passages in coastal waters;
• a comfortable cruise in a large group of friends with the opportunity to warm up with the sails;
• first experience of sailing a catamaran.

Where to Buy Bali 4.2 at a Bargain Price

Contact topRik experts and they will tell you in detail where to buy Bali 4.2 at a good price, and will also help you do it without much hassle and nervous tension.

To get started, use all the bonuses that you are entitled to from our trading platform: use the free configuration calculator and configure your version of Bali 4.2. At this stage, you have the right to free consultations with our experts.

With further cooperation, you can count on full support in the process of searching and purchasing a boat, or you can entrust the entire process to our specialists - from negotiations with the manufacturer and paperwork to checking the boat’s equipment on site and transporting it to the specified location.

Send us a message at [email protected] , call the specified phone number or use the feedback form (Contacts section).

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Bali 4.2 - As ever, more comfort and more flattering finishes

Practical info.

• Builder : BALI CATAMARANS
• Technical specifications

• Finance your Bali 4.2
• Articles about the Bali 4.2
• Available in issue # 178

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It’s been five years since the Bali range began to make a name for itself, with the Bali 4.5. The DNA of the brand remains unchanged: maximum volume and pleasure, ease of use, disappearance of the internal/external boundary on demand... As for the new models, they follow each other tightly in a row, with 2 to 4 a year! The 4.2 is replacing the 4.3 and the 4.5. And its finish is much more polished than its predecessors.

In terms of overall design, 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. If you find that the different Balis all look a little too similar to be easily identified, you should be able to recognize the new 4.2 every time: it is - for the moment - the only model in the range with a spreader-less rig. The aluminum mast is slightly bigger in fore-and-aft section to ensure optimum stiffness with a pair of cap-shrouds and lowers. 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! This detail shows the extreme care that has been taken during the development of each model. Another common misconception is that the Bali is only of interest to charterers. Not true! The last few months of the pandemic have put a stop to...

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• Model Range

The BALI 4.1 picks up on all the innovations which have been so successful with the BALI 4.0: - The vast cockpit / saloon area, which completely opens up with a huge pivoting glazed door. - The very seaworthy integral foredeck area that provides rigidity and protection from spray with a very large sunbathing area and a forward cockpit which can comfortably accommodate the whole crew. - The raised helm station and very convivial fly bridge. - Retracting or sliding windows for optimal ventilation both at sea and at anchor. - Water and diesel tankage, and cool capacity superior to those of all their competitors. The BALI 4.1 additionally offers: - A new integral aft platform linking the two hulls. - New bench seating in the aft cockpit. - Large side lockers which can house a grill or scuba equipment.

Innovation  :   An integral aft platform joining the two hulls The Bali 4.1 offers new bench seating in the aft cockpit and large side lockers which can house a grill or scuba equipment.

Relaxation  :   Sailing and fun in Lounge mode

• A forward cockpit with dining area as well as an immense sunbathing area in place of the traditional trampoline
• Extra living space with sunbathing area on the coachroof
• New bench seating in the aft cockpit

Comfort  :   The Bali 4.1 offers L-shaped dining area and a new interior design The BALI 4.1’s nacelle, completely free from bulkheads, comprises a very comfortable L-shaped dining area which faces across to an extendable lounger. The galley unit creates unrivalled storage volume and worktop area. The interior décor, by Lasta Design Studio, puts the emphasis on light, ergonomics, fluid shapes and the finest materials.

Practical  :   The BALI 4.1 picks up on all the innovations which have been so successful with the BALI 4.0:

• The vast cockpit / saloon area, which completely opens up with a huge pivoting glazed door.
• The very seaworthy integral foredeck area that provides rigidity and protection from spray with a very large sunbathing area and a forward cockpit which can comfortably accommodate the whole crew.
• The raised helm station and very convivial flybridge.
• Retracting or sliding windows for optimal ventilation both at sea and at anchor.
• Water and diesel tankage, and cool capacity superior to those of all their competitors.

Technical Specification

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

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

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Sales Office: +385 21 332 348

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

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

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Mobile: +385 91 332 3320

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Mobile: +385 91 332 3330

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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

Bali Catspace Sail in HK: Walkthrough by Asiamarine .

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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 ⇓

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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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