Balance Catamarans presents the new Balance 464 CC and Balance 502 CC, also available in a hybrid version.
Spectacular turnout for Balance Catamarans at the Annapolis Sailboat Show. The South African shipyard unveiled two new models at the most important sailing show in the USA, also underlining its leading position in the “high-performance catamaran” segment by exhibiting three of its magnificent sailing catamarans.
This leadership is reflected not only in the proverbial build quality and performance that have made the shipyard world-famous, but also, and above all, in the constant drive for innovation that has made the company such an icon. Philip Berman, President of Balance Catamaransand Anton du Toitdesigner and naval architect.
But let’s proceed in order and discover all the new features introduced by the new Balance 464 CC and 502 CC.
464 CC and 502 CC: a world of innovations
The design of the new catamarans took over a year, and included an innovative diesel-electric propulsion system, increased battery capacity and the integration of a large number of solar panels.
The performance to which Balance Catamarans has become accustomed is guaranteed by an enlarged sail plan and construction using a central carbon structure. The whole project required over a year’of design work, and also allowed us to optimize weight distribution.
Balance 502 CC Cockpit
Balance 502 CC Cockpit
Balance 502 CC Ext Dinette
Balance 502 CC – main salon
Balance 502 CC – main salon
Balance 502 CC – main salon
The VersaDrive hybrid drive system
The new Balance 464 CC and 502 CC have been specifically designed and engineered to accommodate a promising new-generation diesel-electric propulsion system, called Integrel E-Drive. Based on two 45 hp Yanmar engines, it can develop up to 40 hp of power for navigation in electric mode, or generate electricity with a 30 kW output.
The hybrid versions will be called VersaDrive Hybrid 502 CC and VersaDrive Hybrid 464 CC, although there are also versions with conventional engines.
The carbon core of the new Balance 464 CC and Balance 502 CC
The core structure of the new Balance 464 CC and 502 CC is 100% carbon fiber. If we look at the picture, we’ll realize that all the crossmembers, bulkheads, plates, cabin floors, as well as the daggerboards and their boxes, and of course, the rudders are made entirely of carbon.
This new construction method makes it possible to create extremely rigid and resistant catamarans, while saving a great deal of weight. Qualities that make these boats very safe and incredibly fast.
Balance 464 CC
Balance 464 CC
Balance 502 CC
Balance 502 CC
Enlarged wing plan
The sail plan of the Balance 464 CC and 502 CC has been redesigned, with the front crossbeam and spar moved forward, to the benefit of the J-measurement, which now makes it possible, without losing the characteristic self-tacking jib, to offer a larger sail area forward. The mast has also been enlarged, as has the mainsail area. The result is catamarans capable of sailing fast even in light winds.
VersaStern
The age-old problem of open sterns on catamarans is finally solved. It will no longer be necessary to use makeshift systems such as “washboards” to prevent waves from entering the cockpit or children from falling overboard. VersaStern is a simple yet ingenious system: it’s a movable panel that’s normally hidden in a recess, and which, when required, wallet-opens and closes the stern. Similarly, when mooring or at anchor, simply tilt the panel and the stern opens again.
Balance 464 CC – main salon
464 main salon
Balance 464 CC Ext Dinette
Balance 464 CC Cockpit
Hatches, windscreen and portholes on the new Balance 464 CC and 502 CC
The new catamarans’ relationship with light and air has been greatly enhanced, offering a sense of grandeur that pushes the boat’s boundaries far beyond its physical dimensions. The hatch and aft windows have been enlarged, creating a unique space between the exterior and interior, which cleverly also improves ventilation.
The removal of the central windscreen pillar has greatly improved forward visibility from the inside. This solution also enabled the adoption of enlarged longitudinal portholes which, when the catamaran is at anchor, allow natural ventilation of the interiors.
Ventilation in the forward cabins has also been improved with custom-made portholes; it is now possible not only to let in a greater flow of air when at anchor, but also to leave these portholes open when it’s raining.
In conclusion, these new Balance 464 CC and 502 CC really intrigued me, and I can’t wait to see them in person, can you?
Technical specifications
Balance 464 CC
Balance 502 CC
Overall length
14,19 m
15,25 m
Length to waterline
14,19 m
15,25 m
Maximum width
7,6 m
7,9 m
Draft (min)
1,14 m
1,16 m
Draft (max)
2,27 m
2,27 m
Mainsail
79,76 m2
95,63 m2
Self-steering jib
37,69 m2
39,31 m2
Bow triangle
123,7 m2
143,5 m2
Gennaker
173,23 m2
217,9 m2
Reacher
89,55 m2
97,46 m2
Minimum operating weight
11,500 kg
12.800 kg
Maximum operating weight
12,500 kg
14.000 kg
Fuel capacity
2 x 400 lt
2 x 400 lt
Fresh water capacity
2 x 350 lt
2 x 390 lt
Black water capacity
2 x 42 lt
2 x 61 lt
Designers
Philip Berman & Du Toit Yacht Design