Bridging the gap between high-performance sailing and comfortable liveaboard life
The catamaran sailing world prior to Balance Catamarans’ first launch in 2014 existed at only two extremes – stark high performance catamarans at one end and slow and ungracious, but often very comfortable, charter “cattlemarans” at the other.
Balance had a better idea: By introducing top performance design, technological innovation and contemporary styling to the cruising market, sailors would never again have to choose between performance and comfort.
Prior to Balance Catamarans’ creation of a luxury performance cruising catamarans, most mass market builders added interior volume at the expense of sailing performance. At the other end, high-performance boats were made by sacrificing livability and ease of short-handed operation. Balance was created to bridge that gap by building catamarans that sail exceptionally well (and the race records to prove it) while remaining stylish, comfortable, safe, and incredibly practical for cruising.
The result is a series of design choices and onboard features that owners notice immediately when they step aboard.
Here are ten features that make a Balance Catamaran truly unique in the market.
1. VersaHelm™, Sailing From Inside or Outside
One of the most recognizable innovations aboard a Balance Catamaran is the VersaHelm™.
Why? Because instead of choosing between an exposed flybridge or aft helms or a fully enclosed inside helm, Balance developed a full sight line system that offers the best of both worlds by making a string of design choices that drive 360 degree visibility both inside and outside.
How? The helm moves between two primary positions. In the raised position, the skipper enjoys open-air sailing with excellent visibility of sails, sea state, and surroundings. It’s a wonderful place to steer under the sun with the breeze on your face or to stand watch under a canopy of stars at night.
But when the weather turns foul, the helm lowers into the cockpit where the skipper can steer from a protected position inside the living space. From here there is excellent visibility through the large forward saloon windows, while still remaining connected to the crew in the cockpit or in the salon
There is even a third “middle” position that many owners enjoy when the autopilot is engaged. From here you can relax with your feet up, keep easy access to the throttles, and still grab the helm instantly if needed.
The result is a helm that adapts to the conditions and the sailor by putting all the choices smartly in their hands.
2. Carbon Structural Configurations
Performance begins with structure.
Balance Catamarans use advanced carbon reinforcement in key structural areas to increase stiffness, reduce weight, and improve sailing performance. And again, it puts choice in the hands of the sailor.
Different models feature different carbon configurations depending on the intended sailing performance profile sought. There are three key structures for Balance sailors to consider.
Carbon Cross
A hybrid structural approach that strategically reinforces key load areas with carbon.
Carbon Core
A more extensive use of carbon reinforcement within structural elements such as beams, cabin soles, bulkheads, and load paths.
Carbon XP
A full carbon construction as used for the most performance-oriented sailors.
Each configuration is designed to deliver the optimal balance of strength, stiffness, and weight reduction for the specific sailing profile of the desired model. There is the word that defines our catamarans and that word is balance. Seriously, no pun intended. Why? Because at every design juncture, we consider choices that achieve both performance and comfort, choices that are critical to our design ethos at Balance Catamarans, choices that carefully balance design, sailing profiles, and the joy of sailing around the globe.
The result is a boat that is extremely solid offshore yet is light enough to deliver the impressive sailing performance that distinguishes it.
3. Generator-Free Hybrid Energy and Electric Propulsion
Balance Catamarans embraced a generator-free hybrid energy system as a mark of its drive toward truly “green” power in the sailing world.
Partnering with UK-based Integrel Solutions, Balance became the first catamaran builder to adopt a system where the diesel engines double as extremely powerful electrical generators. So, instead of carrying a separate generator engine, a Balance Catamaran can produce large amounts of electrical power while motoring.
That captured energy then feeds high-capacity 48 volt lithium battery banks that power the boat’s onboard systems.
But Balance Catamarans did not stop with this innovation, instead it continued evolving this concept with Integrel to develop its VersaDrive hybrid propulsion system, which combines diesel propulsion with electric drive and extremely high charging capacity. We were, again, the first catamaran builder to launch this E-Drive system.
The benefits to Balance’s VersaDrive are significant:
- First, no separate generator engine is needed;
- There is significant reduction in noise and vibration;
- There are fewer systems to maintain;
- And large amounts of electrical power are made available onboard,
- Making it fuel efficient electrical generation.
Combined with solar charging and lithium storage, Balance’s catamarans provide an energy-rich environment for modern- day global cruising. Power and efficiency are delivered with unrivaled efficiency, notes Integrel, “balancing luxury with environmental responsibility.”
4. Gas-Free Living and Electric Cooking
One of the most deliberate safety decisions on a Balance Catamaran is the elimination of propane systems.
Instead of storing gas onboard, Balance Catamarans rely entirely on their revolutionary electrical power systems (described above) to run induction cooktops, refrigeration, and other onboard appliances. This change removes the risks associated with propane leaks while also dramatically simplifying the onboard systems.
It also allows owners to enjoy the benefits of clean electric cooking, which is faster, more efficient, and safer than traditional gas burners.
And don’t forget, that at the stern, most Balance Catamarans even feature an electric grill – a nod to the South African tradition of the braai, which remains one of the most social and enjoyable features onboard.
5. Daggerboards for Real Sailing Performance
Balance Catamarans are designed for sailors who want to sail – not motor.
Instead of fixed keels, most Balance catamarans feature performance daggerboards. These allow sailors to adjust underwater lift and reduced leeway depending on sailing conditions.
When sailing upwind, the boards increase lift and dramatically improve pointing ability and efficiency. When sailing downwind or exploring shallow anchorages, they can be raised to reduce draft.
The result is a cruising catamaran that performs exceptionally well in both light winds and stronger conditions. Why? Because the wind literally becomes the primary engine and drives the sails with optimal reach. More sailing, less motoring.
6. Deck Layout Designed for Shorthanded Sailing
Balance Catamarans are designed so that two people can comfortably handle the boat.
How? The deck layout is carefully and ergonomically engineered to allow safe movement and efficient sail handling, with lines routed logically and key controls placed within easy reach of the helm.
Many owners choose furling sails and electric winches, making sail handling extremely simple even with fewer hands on board. In many situations the boat can even be handled solo if necessary – another important safety advantage during long passages.
7. Engine Rooms Designed for Serviceability
Top catamaran design recognizes an important truth of offshore sailing: things eventually need maintenance. So how do you address this real- world reality?
Having clean, efficient and smart design is the answer to that riddle. Balance Catamarans provides unusually accessible engine rooms and service areas so owners can easily reach pumps, filters, and mechanical systems quickly, safely.
Instead of crawling into tight compartments, many maintenance tasks can be performed comfortably and safely allowing sailors to focus clearly on the task at hand.
Ok, we admit it’s not the most glamorous feature on our catamarans, but we guarantee that when you are far from shore, it is one you will appreciate and even love. We can say this because we are sailors too. Been there. Done that.
8. Natural Light and Ventilation
Days aboard a cruising boat are heavily influenced by two elements: light and airflow.
When we sat down at the designing board, they were on our mind.
So, Balance Catamarans feature large forward saloon windows, numerous opening hatches, and carefully positioned portlights to create excellent natural ventilation throughout the interior.
Our latest models – the 464, 502, and 540 – continue to improve airflow with optimized deck hatches and ventilation systems throughout the cabins including wet lockers.
The result?
Bright interiors filled with both natural light and continuous airflow – again something that is widely enjoyed particularly when sailing in warm climates.
9. Abundant Storage and Cabinetry
Despite being true performance catamarans, Balance boats offer an impressive amount of interior storage. Thoughtfully crafted cabinetry and well-designed storage solutions allow owners to comfortably live aboard for extended periods without sacrificing sailing performance.
Remember Balance Catamarans was designed around this central principle: performance sailing with very comfortable living.
How is that possible with wood, you ask? By sandwiching a lightweight foam-core between the cabinetry which keeps weight under control while still providing a warm and inviting interior finish.
Owners can then personalize their interiors through a wide selection of materials, fabrics, and finishes. The result is a Balance Catamaran – a performance catamaran that is both practical and personal, fast and efficient, and feels like home.
10. Performance Without Sacrificing Comfort
We are going to repeat this one more time because it can’t be overstated how important this principle is to Balance Catamarans designs: the balance these catamarans achieve between speed and livability is at the heart of what makes a Balance a Balance. And this is achieved through active design decisions, thoughtful material selection, and innovative approaches and designs throughout our catamarans from the smallest detail.
These boats are designed to stay fast even when loaded with cruising equipment, provisions, and personal gear. As a result, owners consistently report the same experience: the boat remains lively, responsive, and exciting to sail while still providing the comfort expected of a modern cruising yacht.
That balance is what defines the entire philosophy of Balance Catamarans.
