Balance 526 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Balance 526 holds a significant place in the lineage of Balance Catamarans, being the inaugural model launched by the South African builder around 2016. This model directly embodied the company's core philosophy of achieving "perfect balance" – a harmony between engineering, structural integrity, interior design, and livability. 2, 9, Builder Article Phillip Berman, with extensive experience from managing over 500 catamaran sales, directly applied his accumulated knowledge and customer feedback into the 526's design, aiming for a vessel that was powerful yet simple to operate.

During its production run, the Balance 526 offered notable versatility to suit different sailing preferences. Owners could opt for either fixed keels or daggerboards, providing choices for shallow draft access or enhanced upwind performance. A significant variation introduced was the Balance 526 XP, a full carbon version with a lighter displacement of 23,370 lbs (10,600 kg) compared to the standard model's 26,896 lbs (12,200 kg). In 2017, the Balance 526 Mark II was launched, often concurrently with the XP version, featuring revisions to the original design. Construction emphasized durability and performance, with heavily carbon-reinforced structures and total epoxy construction ensuring a robust yet responsive vessel.

Sailing Performance and Handling

True to its design ethos, the Balance 526 is widely recognized for its impressive sailing capabilities, often described as sailing "unbelievably well." Despite its substantial size and powerful sail plan of 1691.01 sqft, the catamaran is engineered to be easily sailed short-handed. Owners and reviewers consistently note that it sails with the spirit of a racer while maintaining remarkable ease of operation and maintenance, even in challenging conditions.

Its performance-oriented design allows for impressive daily runs, with owners reporting covering 260 miles or more in a 24-hour period. The Balance 526's handling is characterized by a strong sense of safety and composure, even when encountering tough sea states. The availability of daggerboards further enhances its upwind performance and allows for a reduced draft of 3.81 ft when retracted, expanding its cruising grounds. [2,

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Balance 526 is designed to offer luxurious comfort and practical living spaces, emphasizing natural light and an open feel. A key design feature is the seamless integration of the aft cockpit and salon, with both areas situated on the same level, which significantly enhances the sense of openness and provides exceptional 360-degree visibility.

Crafted with a focus on quality, the interior features extensive handmade cabinetry, often exceeding that found in other catamarans of its class. The galley is designed to gourmet standards, and the owner's stateroom boasts a sumptuous shower. The overall finish of the interiors is of high quality, with various base styles and customization options available to owners, reflecting the builder's attention to detail.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Balance 526 consistently express high satisfaction, praising the catamaran's solid construction and its comfortable motion in a seaway. The ease of handling, even with its substantial dimensions, is a recurring positive comment, as is its remarkable performance. Many appreciate the builder's meticulous attention to detail, high-quality workmanship, and overarching design philosophy. The high number of units sold further attests to the market's positive reception and confidence in the Balance 526's design and capabilities.