The All New 540 Carbon Core, Carbon Core +, and Carbon XP
All available with VersaDrive
Our next-generation performance cruiser builds on the legacy of the 526 with more speed, volume, and innovation. Featuring advanced carbon construction, a powerful cutter rig, and expanded livability, she’s designed for serious passagemaking — and easy enough for a couple to sail.
Overview
Overall Length
16.61 m
54.49 ft
Beam Overall
8.38 m
27.49 ft
Sail Area
179.1 m2
1,927 ft2
Designers
Philip Berman
Draft (Boards Up)
1.24 m
4.07 ft
Displacement (Dependent on Model & Fit Out)
13,500-15,500 kgs
29,762-34,178 lbs
Anton du Toit
Performance
* Polars are known as Velocity Performance Predictions (VPP’s). Balance polars are calculated using advanced computer modeling from the Wolfson Unit at the University of South Hampton. The polars shown here are produced using the average launch weight displacement of a cruise equipped Balance 540. We do not run polars at lightships displacements because they are a poor predictor of catamaran performance in real world conditions. Our polars do assume a flat sea state, properly trimmed sails and a clean bottom. Polars of any kind, however, do not guarantee specific performance. Vessel performance in real world conditions vary due to sea state, hull condition, payloads, and the skill of the helmsman. To learn more about VPP’s and catamaran performance, click below to view our eight part Catamaran Conversations video series.
Construction
Carbon Core Plus saves 560 kg (1,235 lbs) over Carbon Core models by expanding carbon deployment through her major secondary and topside components, taking all bulkheads, the foredeck, helm seat, coachroof, salon window frames, and helm sliding roof hatch to full carbon. The result is reduced weight, improved global stiffness, and enhanced performance, all with a balanced approach to cost.
Propulsion
540 Integrel VersaDrive Hybrid
In the VersaDrive model fossil fuel consumption of the 540 will be reduced by as much as 25%, while her large 36kw, 48 volt lithium battery bank is charged at the incredible speed of up to 15 Kw per engine. Add on up to 3,000 watts of air-cooled glass solar panels and the 540 VersaDrive is a peerless, state-of-the-art eco adventure catamaran.
540 Integrel E-Power
We were an early adopter and partner of Integrel’s E-Power 48-volt alternators because we are committed to green, efficient, and safe catamarans. These alternators do away with the need for a third diesel engine, allow us to create safer, propane free catamarans, and produce “free” electrical charges to our batteries whenever our engines are operating. They burn less fuel, reduce maintenance, and decrease weight.
Learn More About The NEW 540
Design Your Balance or Pick from one of the Curated Designs below
Layouts
Full Specs
Overall Length
16.61 m / 54.49 ft
Waterline Length
16.60 m / 54.46 ft
Beam Overall
8.38 m / 27.49 ft
Main Sail
115.91 m2 / 1,247.65 ft2
Working Genoa
64.54 m2 / 694.70 ft2
Sail Area (100% Foretriangle)
179.10 m² / 1,927 ft²
Asymmetric Spinnaker
250.15 m2 / 2692.59 ft2
Draft (Boards Down)
3.16 m / 10.37 ft
Draft (Boards Up)
1.24 m / 4.07 ft
Air Draft / Mast Clearance
24.82 m / 81.43 ft
Bridgedeck Clearance (Base Boat)
0.88 m / 2.89 ft (est.)
DISP (Base Boat) (Dependent on Fit Out)
From 13,500 kgs to 15,500 kgs /
29,762 lbs to 34,178 lbs
Maximum Load Displacement
20,150 kgs / 44,430 lbs
Davit Load
400 kgs / 882 lbs per arm
160% Screacher
142.74 m2 / 1536.55 ft2
Engine
Yanmar 4JH57 x SD60
2 x 43 kW / 2 x 57 hp
VersaDrive
2 x 15kW 2 x 20HP Integrel E-Drive
2 x 34kW 2 x 45 HP Yanmar Diesels
Fuel Capacity
2 x 500 ltrs / 2 x 132 gals
Fresh Water Capacity
2 x 390 ltrs / 2 x 103 gals
Black Water Capacity
2 x 61 ltrs / 2 x 16 gals
Reviews
“On the water, Balance Catamarans achieve the elusive combination of excellent performance in a broad range of wind and sea conditions, on most points of sail, with good payload-carrying ability.”
Seahorse Magazine
“Truly impressive…With the scaled-down 442, Balance fills out the family offering with dimensions and a price point that make their designs more accessible to a broader swath of the cruising market. The result is a performance catamaran that’s perfectly positioned to appeal to an experienced sailing couple looking for quality, livability, speed, and savvy systems, all in a true 44-foot package that is a kick to sail.”
Sail, February 6, 2023
“The choice of materials is qualitative (the foam core and wood veneer for furniture), as well as the overall finish, in a word: impeccable.”
Voile Magazine
“I think the Balance 526 represents an important moment in the history of multihull design and evolution…there was something missing in the marketplace that Phil recognized: a high-performance voyaging cat that an experienced couple could take anywhere…finally, we have that a couple can really sail well.”
Tim Murphy, Judge, Cruising World Boat of the Year 2017
“Pretty as she is, every aspect of her design seems to have been refracted through a simplicity prism. Access for repairs is exceptional. The movement from helm to side decks and from side decks to foredecks is a breeze. The wiring and systems installations all reflect a commitment to functional excellence.”
Multihulls World
“Several Balance 526 owners have reported 24-hour periods covering 260 miles or more. This is one very, very fast catamaran, laden or empty.”
Multihulls World
