Bali 5.2Plenty of space for an unusual expansion option

Michael Good

 · 07.03.2025

Lots of windows, high hulls and a flybridge with bimini on top. The Bali 5.8 is consistently designed for volume and luxury.
Photo: Bali Catamarans
Bali Catamarans in France is expanding its range of voluminous catamarans with a new 52-foot model. The new Bali 5.2 is conceptually orientated towards the larger Model 5.8 and is intended to appeal not only to owners but also to the charter market with extension variants of up to six cabins.

What is surprising is the wide range of different options for fitting out the two extremely voluminous hulls. Three, four, five or even six double cabins are possible, each with its own bathroom. In addition, two further, smaller single cabins for the skipper(s) can be installed in the bows, also with their own toilet. This unusual variety for the layout below deck is new for a cruising catamaran of this size. The available volume has made it possible for the planners to install the double berths in all cabins at right angles to the direction of travel. This is the only way to realise the layout with up to three compartments in one hull. All possible layout variants can be seen in the picture gallery above.

Innovative, independent concept

The versions for owners with three or four cabins offer maximum comfort in room-like accommodation with lots of space, plenty of storage space and large bathrooms with separate shower areas. The two aft cabins are also accessible directly from the outside cockpit via separate companionways, which is currently a trend in the world of larger cats. And for good reason, as the cabins with their own access fulfil the highest demands for separation and privacy.

As with all Bali Kats, the large cockpit and saloon are not only spatially but also functionally linked; the exterior and interior form a continuous living unit without the usual cabin bulkhead with sliding doors. And the huge living area on deck can be completely closed off in bad weather or cold weather. The side sliding windows can be closed and the fixed rear wall of the deckhouse can be folded up under the fixed bimini like a garage door. As with the flagship 5.8, the new Bali 5.2 surprises in the saloon with a spacious seating area for up to ten people and a huge U-shaped galley with plenty of storage space and extensive work surfaces. The offer in the saloon is completed by large navigation in the direction of travel and a view through the large windows to the front and side. The cat could also be steered from here in bad weather using the autopilot.

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Versatile use also on deck

As an outstanding feature of the independent Bali concept, the hulls are laminated as a continuous platform from the stern all the way to the bow. This means that there is no trampoline between the hulls at the front, but rather a solid, extremely robust construction with a huge integrated front cockpit, seating areas and sunbeds. The structural crossbeams, the so-called beams, have been omitted, giving the concept additional space, especially for the extension below deck.

A large seating area and additional sunbathing areas are also available on the flybridge. The helm station is positioned at the centre front, directly behind the mast base. This allows the helmsman to operate all sheets, halyards and trim lines within easy reach. In addition, the upper floor is protected from the weather and sun by a fixed bimini roof; however, it still offers full headroom even on the flybridge.

The first Bali 5.2 is now under construction and is due to be presented as a world premiere at the Yachting Festival in Cannes in September 2025. However, the shipyard has not yet announced a price.

Technical data Bali 5.2

  • Designer: Xavier Faÿ
  • Interior design: Piaton-Bercault
  • Hull length: 15.32 m
  • Total length: 15.90 m
  • Width: 8.16 m
  • Draught: 1.40 m
  • Unladen weight: 19.1 tonnes
  • Mainsail: 94.0 m2
  • Genoa: 70.0 m2
  • Motorisation: 2 x 57 hp / optionally up to 2 x 110 hp possible
  • Fuel capacity: 2 x 600 litres
  • Fresh water capacity: 1,320 litres

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