Bali 4.1 Information, Review, Specs

The Bali 4.1, launched in 2019, represents an evolution within the Bali catamaran range, succeeding the Bali 4.0. The Bali brand itself was conceived by Olivier Poncin and his design team in 2014, with a core philosophy centered on revolutionizing cruising catamarans to maximize living space and comfort. The Catana Group, the parent company, has a four-decade history of building high-performance, blue-water cruising multihulls using fiberglass composite materials, emphasizing strength and lightweight construction. This ethos of quality construction is carried into the Bali line.

A key design innovation of Bali catamarans, and therefore the 4.1, is the "open space" concept, which eliminates the traditional forward trampoline in favor of a rigid forward cockpit, creating a large, continuous living area. The Bali 4.1 also inherits the distinctive "garage door" at the aft, which allows the saloon to open up to the aft cockpit, effectively merging interior and exterior spaces. The interior design, often by Lasta Design Studio, emphasizes light, ergonomics, and fluid shapes. The 4.1 also introduced new bench seating in the aft cockpit and larger side lockers compared to its predecessor.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Bali 4.1 is designed with ease of handling and comfort in mind, making it suitable for family cruising. It is rigged as a fractional sloop and features twin rudders for maneuverability. With a hull speed of 8.37 knots, it is capable of good cruising speeds. While performance ratios are not typically applied to catamarans in the same way as monohulls, the Bali 4.1 is reported to handle well in various conditions. Owners have noted its ability to perform well, with one review suggesting it could average 6 knots in 20 knots of true wind. The boat is praised for its stability, with reports of minimal hobby-horsing in rougher seas. The self-tacking jib is a notable feature that simplifies sail handling. For motoring, the Bali 4.1 is equipped with a single Yanmar engine (or optionally two 40 hp engines), and can reach motoring speeds of 6.5 knots at 2,000 rpm, or up to 3,000 rpm at wide-open throttle. Its shallow maximum draft of 3.67 feet also allows access to shallower anchorages.

Accommodations and Layout

The Bali 4.1 is particularly renowned for its spacious and innovative interior layout, designed to maximize comfort and living areas. The boat features an open-concept design that blurs the lines between the salon, cockpit, and forward areas, often compared to an apartment loft. The galley is well-appointed, offering a significant amount of storage space and counter area. The interior décor, often by Lasta Design Studio, emphasizes natural light, ergonomic design, and quality materials.

Belowdecks, the Bali 4.1 typically offers four layout choices, with four cabins and four heads being a common configuration, suitable for charter or large families. Alternatively, a three-cabin version might feature a dedicated owner's hull with a large head compartment and potentially a sofa in the owner's cabin, providing ample storage. Ventilation is a key consideration in the design, with features like the large tilt-and-slide door connecting the salon and aft cockpit contributing to an airy feel. The boat also boasts substantial water capacity, holding 211 gallons, and a fuel capacity of 106 gallons, suitable for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Bali 4.1 often highlight the exceptional amount of entertaining space available, largely due to the innovative solid forward cockpit and the "garage door" that connects the salon and aft cockpit. This open-concept living is consistently praised for enhancing the cruising experience, especially for families and groups. Many owners appreciate the ease of handling, with the self-tacking jib simplifying sailing. The boat's stability and comfortable motion in various sea states are also frequently mentioned strengths.

However, like any vessel, some common issues or maintenance points have been noted by owners. While generally considered reliable, some owners have reported various minor issues, such as leaks or faults, which can be part of chartering or ownership. Despite these, the overall sentiment suggests that the Bali 4.1 fulfills its design criteria as a comfortable, spacious, and capable cruising catamaran for holidays and longer voyages.