Bali Catamarans has given its new 43-foot model a striking appearance. The cabin superstructure extends unusually far forward on both sides. Its long flanks frame the forward cockpit, whilst side windows provide wind protection there. This changes more than just the silhouette. Xavier Fäy is responsible for the design, whilst the interior has been created by Berco Design and Piaton.
A sheltered spot in the bow
A key feature of the brand remains: the platform between the hulls is laminated right through to the bows. Instead of the nets or trampolines usually found on catamarans, the Bali 4.3 offers a fixed foredeck. This houses a deep cockpit, well sheltered by the forward-extending sides of the superstructure, featuring a seating area and sun loungers. A door leads directly from the saloon into this forward cockpit. This means the crew do not need to walk along the side decks when moving between the living areas.
At the stern, too, Bali sticks to its tried-and-tested design. A large, upward-swinging tailgate (Tilt Swing Door) opens up the saloon to the aft cockpit. The two areas then form a continuous living space on a single level. The interior and exterior are thus seamlessly connected. When closed, the tailgate and the fixed side panels protect the saloon from wind and weather.
Cruise and relax on the roof
The area above has been reorganised. The helm station is no longer situated at a raised level to the side of the cabin superstructure, but is integrated into the spacious flybridge as a working cockpit. This brings steering, work and relaxation together on a single level. The lounge on the upper deck utilises almost the entire width of the cabin roof. Behind the helm, it features a seating area with a table as well as additional lounging areas. The table can be lowered so that, with additional cushions, it forms a large, continuous sun lounger.
Further links on this topic
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- The new Nautitech 41 Type S in the YACHT test. Part 1 / Part 2
The flybridge is accessible from both sides via moulded steps. A bimini canopy spans the entire length and is designed to provide shade for both the helm and the lounge area, as well as protection from the wind and weather.
Short distances for operation
The mast is positioned well aft, immediately in front of the flybridge lounge. Halyards and sheets are routed via short paths to the working cockpit, where all the controls are centralised. This ensures that the catamaran can be sailed with ease, even with a small crew or single-handed. The standard sail plan comprises a self-tacking jib and a fully battened mainsail with a wide headboard – the ‘square head’ typical of catamarans. A Code Zero is also provided for light winds.
An electrically lowerable swimming platform is planned at the stern. It also serves as a support for the dinghy and is intended to make launching and retrieving it easier. Bali specifies a possible dinghy length of up to 3.40 metres. Without the dinghy, the lowered platform provides additional space for swimming and water sports right at water level.
From a charter boat to a privately owned yacht
Below deck, there are two layout options to choose from: three double cabins for the owner or four for charter use, each with its own en-suite bathroom. In the owner’s version, a spacious suite features a 1.80-metre-wide double bed and a separate dressing area. In the other cabins and in the four-cabin charter version, the berths, at 1.60 metres wide, are still larger than average. A skipper’s cabin can also be added as an option, comprising a berth in the forepeak of the port hull and a small en-suite bathroom opposite in the starboard hull.
Bali places particular emphasis on the possibility of a future change of use. Thanks to a modular design concept, a four-cabin yacht is intended to be easily converted, with minimal effort, into a three-cabin owner’s version after its use in the charter business. According to the shipyard, this requires only a conversion kit and work on the non-load-bearing interior fittings. In this way, the vessel can be given a new lease of life when sold to a private owner.
For longer stays away from the marina, Bali also relies on a 48-volt on-board electrical system with lithium batteries and, optionally, up to 3,000 watts of solar power. The shipyard thus promises that the boat’s energy requirements can be largely met without the need for a generator. The shipyard has not yet announced a price. The first Bali 4.3 is currently under construction and is due to be unveiled as a new model at the Multihull Boat Show in La Grande Motte in April 2027.
Technical Specifications: Bali 4.3
- Concept: Aurélien Poncin
- Designer: Xavier Fäy
- Interior design: Berco Design / Piaton
- Hull length 13.02 m
- Overall length including bowsprit and swimming platform: 13.98 m
- Length at the waterline: 12.09 m
- Width: 7.42 m
- Draught: 1.40 m
- Mast height above the waterline: 21.74 m
- Weight (unladen): 14.0 t
- Mainsail: 72.0 m²
- Genoa: 50.0 m²
- Code O: 86.0 m²
- Engine: 2 x 50 PS in-line diesel engines
- Fuel capacity: 800 litres
- Fresh water capacity: 860 litres
- CE design category: A(12) / B(16) / C(24) / D(30)
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology