When the Bali 4.5 was launched in 2014, the new brand from Catana was initially met with scepticism. Even back then, the boat - unlike all other production cats at the time - had no trampoline, a large saloon that could be opened completely at the stern and at the rear side sections, and a spacious domestic refrigerator. The concept has remained the same to this day. As the direct successor to the 4.5, the new Bali 4.4 was also developed personally by shipyard boss Olivier Poncin and realised by designer Xavier Faÿ.
Over the past eight years, however, Bali has made considerable progress in the global catamaran market and her catamarans can be found in all charter areas of the world. The Bali is not intended exclusively for the charter market, as the owner's version of the exhibition boat proves. On the port side of the Bali 4.4 is the comfortable and bright owner's cabin with a generously sized bathroom complete with His&Hers washbasin and separate shower. To starboard are two guest cabins with their own bathroom and small shower cubicle.
The saloon is divided into a seating and dining area in the stern, which can be fully opened aft at the touch of a button. The large rear wall of the saloon swings under the ceiling - similar to a garage door - in around 30 seconds and can be fixed in place. The aft saloon is stabilised by stainless steel supports that divide the view between the side sliding windows and the large hatch, but are necessary for bracing. In the forward part of the saloon, there is a large galley with plenty of work space on the port side and a surprisingly large navigation corner on the starboard side. In between, in the front wall, there is a watertight door reminiscent of the Leopard 48, which makes it possible to reach the front cockpit without having to go round the superstructure.
Instead of a trampoline, the entire area in front of the superstructure and between the hulls is designed as a seating area and sunbathing area. A marvellous place to enjoy the sunset and lie at anchor in the wind. However, during passages high upwind or even under engine against the waves, this enclosed area will offer a lot of resistance against the waves and the boat will be used correspondingly hard. However, the Bali concept gladly accepts this disadvantage in favour of the large usable area and storage options. Under the seat cushions at the front is a storage space that would fit a complete quad bike if the opening were a little wider.
The helm station on the flybridge offers a good all-round view and even a direct view of both bow tips and the stern on the port side, which is very helpful when mooring. There is another sunbathing area behind the helm station, which can even be extended over the entire rear roof if desired. Otherwise, solar panels can be installed on this area.
The current price of the Bali 4.4 is 657,153 euros, including 19 % VAT and a set of sails.
The boat will be on stand B 44 in hall 15 at the trade fair in Düsseldorf.
Technical data Bali 4.4
- Concept: Olivier Poncin
- Designer: Xavier Faÿ
- Shipyard: Chantier Catana
- Hull length: 13.75 m
- Width: 7.40 m
- Draught: 1.20 m
- Unladen weight: 12.8 tonnes
- Maximum displacement: 18.9 tonnes
- Mainsail: 76.0 m²
- Self-tacking jib: 42 m²
- Code Zero: 74.0 m²
- Motorisation: two Yanmar engines, 57 hp, Saildrive
- Fuel capacity: 800 litres
- Fresh water capacity: 800 litres
- CE design category: A
- Standard price ex shipyard: 657,153 euros gross, including sails
