A YEAR IN BALANCE
Charting the Growth of Balance Catamarans in 2019
Reflections from the Helm
Hi, I’m Phil Berman, founder of Balance Catamarans. As 2019 draws to a close, I’d like to share where we stand as a company, and how far we’ve come since our first sail.
The story of Balance began in 2013, born from a dual frustration: the underwhelming quality of many production catamarans, and the overcomplexity of high-performance racing yachts. Having sailed and sold hundreds of used catamarans, I saw a gap in the market for serious cruisers — vessels that were fast, safe, and manageable for owner-operators, not built for charters or podiums.
Balance Catamarans was created to fill that gap, and today, we’re proud to say we’ve done just that — and more.
A Growing Fleet, A Growing Vision
I’m standing in front of hull #8 of our flagship Balance 526, glowing with a bold orange proof coat — one of many ways our boats reflect the personality of their owners. That’s one of the joys of working in epoxy: the spray-finish technique allows us to offer a high degree of customization. From striking orange to deep ocean blue, we’ve even wrapped one in a completely unique skin. Our customers love it, and so do we.
The 526 line continues to be a success, with boats delivering on time and new build slots booked out years in advance.
For some perspective, as of now, there are over 20 Balance Catamarans sailing across the globe, with another 8- to- 10 in production. And in response to demand, we’ve introduced the new Balance 482 — a scaled-down version of the 526, designed for performance and manageability. Production began in Cape Town, and the first five were sold before the first hull even splashed.
We’re also exploring new territory, including our first commercial project: a 70-foot double-decker catamaran for Carnival Cruise Lines, designed to carry 150 passengers in St. Lucia. With room for 75 guests to dance on each deck, it’s a celebration of design and functionality.
Why South Africa? Because It’s Working.
South Africa has become the heart of our operation, and it’s easy to see why. Here, we’re building both high-performance custom catamarans and limited production models with precision and pride. We’ve earned a reputation as the world’s fastest-growing performance catamaran builder — not through marketing hype, but by delivering quality boats.
Our boats leave South African shores fully commissioned and ready to cross oceans. Customers who visit often fall in love with the country itself — its warmth, cuisine, scenery, and unforgettable safaris. But more than that, they’re struck by the passion of our team. Every person involved in building a Balance Catamaran is proud of the work, and that spirit is tangible in every finished boat.
Looking Ahead
Every time I visit our yards in South Africa, I feel reenergized. It’s not just the product — it’s the people, the process, the purpose. Our customers don’t just take delivery of a vessel; they become part of a global community of sailors who value craftsmanship, integrity, and adventure.
As we move into a new decade, our commitment remains the same: build better boats for people who live to sail. Innovation will guide us, passion will drive us, and balance — true balance — will always be our anchor.
Stay in balance,
Phil Berman
