Bali 5.8 Information, Review, Specs

The Bali 5.8 marks a significant addition to the Bali Catamaran lineup, being the 14th model introduced by the brand and its largest to date, with production commencing in 2024. Bali Catamarans, part of the Catana Group, was established in 2014 by Olivier Poncin with a vision to create innovative and unique sailing concepts that respond to modern sailing styles. The builder, Catana Group, has a four-decade history of crafting high-performance, blue-water cruising multihulls, emphasizing speed, comfort, and robust quality, utilizing fiberglass composite materials for strong yet lightweight construction.

The Bali 5.8 embodies Bali's signature "Open Space Concept," which is central to its design philosophy. This approach features a unique forward cockpit and a solid front deck, which maximizes both deck space and interior volume by eliminating structural beams in the saloon, transforming it into a spacious, open-plan lounge. This design prioritizes comfort, stability, and autonomy, aiming for seamless indoor-outdoor living. While specific design goals for this model focus on luxury and space, the underlying ethos reflects Bali's commitment to creating catamarans with "totally open living spaces" and a "loft-like" feel. The Bali 5.8 offers flexible layouts, ranging from four to six cabins, to cater to various ownership or charter requirements.

Sailing Performance and Handling

While primarily optimized for comfort, the Bali 5.8 is also noted for its sailing performance. Its innovative hull design contributes to exceptional performance and ease of handling, making it accessible even for novice sailors. The catamaran is equipped with a self-tacking jib, simplifying sail management.

Based on its reported sail area of 1926.74 sq ft and a displacement of 54,957 lbs, the Bali 5.8 has a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 20.11. This relatively high ratio suggests that the catamaran should exhibit good performance in lighter winds, allowing it to move efficiently and enjoyably even when conditions are not robust. Due to the absence of ballast information and waterline length in the provided data, a Ballast to Displacement ratio and Displacement to Length ratio cannot be calculated.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Bali 5.8 is designed to maximize living space and elegance, reflecting its status as a luxury catamaran. The layout offers considerable flexibility, with options for four to six cabins, each featuring an en-suite bathroom. An owner's master suite configuration is also available. The design places a strong emphasis on "open space," characterized by seamless integration of indoor and outdoor areas, creating expansive living spaces.

Reviewers highlight the "hotel-style accommodations" and the use of quality materials throughout the interior. The saloon is particularly spacious, capable of accommodating up to 12 guests comfortably. A defining feature of Bali catamarans, including the 5.8, is the solid foredeck and a unique forward cockpit area, which contribute significantly to the available deck space. Furthermore, the flybridge is conceptualized as a "genuine rooftop," providing an elevated and expansive outdoor lounge area. The overall design focuses on comfort and functionality, ensuring a luxurious experience onboard.