Balance 451 Information, Review, Specs

The Balance 451 entered production in 2016, a pivotal model stemming from the visionary leadership of Phillip Berman, an accomplished sailor with a deep understanding of catamaran design. Berman, who previously helmed Marine, founded Balance Catamarans with the explicit aim of creating vessels that harmoniously integrate exceptional open-water performance with uncompromised livability. The design of the 451 was a collaborative effort, merging naval architect Roger Hill's expertise in hull design with Phillip Berman's extensive customer feedback and refined interior layout concepts.

The core design philosophy behind the 451 was to achieve high speeds while maintaining robust blue water capability and a high degree of onboard comfort. This objective led to the incorporation of key design elements such as slim, fine hulls, essential for high-speed sailing, and the inclusion of daggerboards to enhance upwind performance and reduce leeway. Uniquely, the 451 also features mini keels, designed to protect both the sail-drives and rudders, and even allow the boat to be beached—a practical feature for cruisers, though perhaps a point of differentiation for purist performance sailors.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Balance 451 is unequivocally engineered as a performance cruiser, with its design prioritizing agile handling and impressive speed potential. With a hull speed of 8.72 knots, the vessel is built to cover significant distances efficiently. Its sleek lines and fine hulls are critical to achieving high speeds, reflecting a dedication to performance that distinguishes it within the cruising catamaran market.

Owners and independent reviewers consistently praise the 451's sailing performance. The daggerboard system allows for superior upwind performance, a notable advantage for catamarans, by enabling a deeper foil and reducing drag when retracted for downwind runs or shallow anchorages. The boat is also designed for ease of handling, even for single-handing, thanks to advanced sail plans, lightweight construction, and an innovative cockpit layout. Its underwing clearance, noted at 2 feet 7 inches (0.775m) lightship and 2 feet 4 inches (0.705m) fully loaded, suggests a design capable of comfortable motion in varying sea states, minimizing wave slap and enhancing offshore capability.

Accommodations and Layout

While the Balance 451, by design, prioritizes hull fineness for speed over the expansive interior volumes found in some other cruising catamarans, it offers a thoughtfully arranged and comfortable living space. Phillip Berman himself contributed to the interior design and layout, ensuring that the accommodation maximizes usability and comfort for extended voyages.

The typical interior arrangement often includes three guest cabins, providing ample space for owners and their guests. The builder's commitment to "livability and grace" is evident in the finish quality and the use of materials, which are crafted for a premium feel, 12]. Owners often have the flexibility to customize aspects of the interior to suit their specific cruising needs, fostering a boutique-style concept. Descriptions and video tours generally highlight a functional galley, comfortable salon, and well-appointed sleeping quarters, often featuring queen berths in the owner's version. Attention to detail in storage and ventilation would be consistent with the Balance ethos of balancing comfort with performance for blue water cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Balance 451 frequently express satisfaction with its robust construction and comfortable motion offshore, consistent with Balance Catamarans' reputation for building high-quality, blue water vessels. The consensus among independent reviews highlights its exceptional sailing performance, appealing strongly to those who cherish the act of sailing itself. Many appreciate that the boat is designed to be easily single-handed, a significant advantage for couples or solo adventurers.

A common point of praise is the successful integration of speed with the comforts necessary for extended liveaboard cruising, making it a "cruising boat for those who love sailing". The mini keels, while a design choice that might slightly impact ultimate performance for some, are often valued by cruisers for the practical protection they offer to the sail-drives and rudders, and the added flexibility of being able to beach the boat. Furthermore, Balance Catamarans fosters a supportive community through an exclusive owner's portal, providing resources and enhancing the post-purchase experience.