Bali 4.0 Goes Inside Out
This French sailing catamaran builder takes innovation one step further.
December 21, 2016
Two years ago, Bali introduced a whole new type of sailing catamaran with the Bali 4.5, a boat that eschews the forward trampoline for a solid front patio that beckons for sun-worshippers. This lounge defined the brand for the first two models, but the latest 40-footer has yet another trick up her sleeve.
Bali is the sister brand to Catana, known for their seaworthy boats with a good turn of speed and a bulletproof build. The 4.0 is their latest model to launch.
As expected, the Bali 4.0 is 40’ long. She is 22’ on the beam, draws just 3’8” and carries up to 1,140 square feet of sail area, which is quite a bit for this 8.6-ton vessel. She is powered by twin Nanni (Kubota) diesels that can range from 20 to 40 HP. Her tankage is unusually good: 211 gallons of fresh water and 103 gallons of fuel. From the desk of naval architect Xavier Fay, the foam-cored, vacuum-infused hulls have a chine to deflect spray, provide a bit more interior volume, and increase the hulls’ buoyancy. The nacelle is high and angled in such a way that it should not slam, even when going to weather, and unlike Catanas, which have daggerboards, the Bali has fixed keels attached to watertight recesses at the bottom of the hulls. All interesting information, but nothing exactly earth-shattering, right?
The Bali 4.0 is a true convertible, but a sly one. Come up the transom steps on either side and you’re in a suspiciously posh cockpit complete with a starboard lounge and a port side straight settee that is fronted by a table. Five can be easily accommodated for dinner. Forward to starboard is a standup refrigerator and freezer. The L-shaped galley has a two-burner Eno stove and a sink up against the forward bulkhead below the opening front window. Standing here, the cook can hand food to anyone in the forward cockpit right through that window that also brings in plenty of fresh air. The starboard nav station occupies the entire forward corner and has plenty of room for a large touchscreen that interfaces digitally with all systems aboard.
Now wait a minute—how did the cockpit morph into the interior? Because it’s all one. Look up and you’ll notice a large glass and composite door nestled against the cabintop. This door lowers (much like a garage door) on electric rams and encloses the entire space, converting the cockpit into the saloon.
When we say the Bali 4.0 is convertible…
We mean it.
Bali’s other break from tradition we mentioned earlier; most sailing catamarans keep the forward deck light by incorporating the trampoline, but Bali has added solid surfaces covered with cushions, which is a bit reminiscent of powercats. Yes, this adds weight. On the plus side, a transverse beam is no longer necessary because the boat is stiffened by the structure of the deck. The forward lounge has room for six to baste in suntan oil. There’s also a forward-facing settee with a table that will accommodate five more seated passengers.
Up top next to the starboard side helm station there are two more double sunpads, so if you’re counting, that’s at least eight prone bodies. The double helm seat will accommodate two at the only steering station aboard. Instruments and winches are easy to reach when standing behind the composite wheel. Visibility is good from here to both forward corners and to the aft starboard transom. Someone will need to advise if a docking approach is made on the aft port aft corner.
The Bali 4.0 offers three choices of layouts for the staterooms tucked into the hulls: four cabins and hour heads best suited for charter, three cabins and three heads with the owner’s stateroom occupying the entire port hull, and three cabins and two heads that gives the shared hull a separate shower stall. The owner’s master suite is spacious with a large double bed aft, a huge desk in the middle and a very sizable head with separate shower stall in the forepeak.
For group day charters, the Bali 4.0 also has a dedicated day charter layout where the saloon and cabin furniture disappear, leaving enough space for up to 34 to be accommodated seated or laying down. Three heads are aboard to service this kind of a crowd.
In all the models, numerous hatches and tall vertical windows add light and air to the interior. And because the inside converts to the outside, nobody will ever feel cooped up. The Bali 4.0 tosses out all traditional expectations, and shows that in addition to the innovative forward patio, she has yet another secret that turns everything inside out.
Other Choices: The Leopard 40, a sailing catamaran that has the more common trampoline on the bow, is one likely competitor. Another might be the Nautitech Open 40.
For more information, visit Bali Catamarans.
See sailing catamaran listings.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Length | 40'0" |
| Beam | 22'0" |
| Draft | 3'8" |
| Sail Area | 1,140 sq. ft. |
| Displacement | 17,200 lbs |
| Fuel capacity | 103 gal. |
| Water capacity | 211 gal. |
