Balance Catamarans 451

This composite constructed catamaran is an example of perfect balance between sailing performance and comfortable extended on-board living.

The all vinylester hull (not just the skin) eliminates the chance of any blisters down the track while adding strength and reducing weight by hundreds of kilograms. Carbon fibre has been used in high load areas of the hull and deck, dagger boards, bowsprit, steering wheel, tender davit, emergency tillers, cockpit hardtop supports, galley table supports, towel hangers in the shower, and even the recessed bottle holders.

As shown in the video, the streamlined hull features knife like wave-piercing bows while maximising waterline length. A pair of dagger boards gives the cat exceptional upwind performance when deployed, but only draws 0.8m of water when up. The shallow keels protect the propellers and rudders, making beaching possible.

The cat has been designed and comprehensively equipped for extended on-board living. The 1kW solar panels can easily power the Spectra water maker which can produce up to 56L of drinking water per hour. Aside from that, the cockpit hardtop is designed to collect rain water with internal plumbing installed during construction. There are also numerous drawers and cabinets for storage. The factory fitted washer-dryer will make on-board living just like home. The Victron Energy 3kW inverter can power AC appliances like induction cooker, microwave and washer-dryer, though air-conditioning the entire boat will require shore power or running the on-board generator. Conditions of the cat can be monitored 24/7 from anywhere in the world with the on board 4G WiFi. Both the voice capable smart security camera and MPPT solar charger are accessible on the internet to show you real time video images, battery voltage and charge current.

This cat is well suited for cruising with kids or on-board office working. The aft port cabin is fitted with a desk, seat and two kid's berths. There are twin single beds in the other port cabin. The owner's cabin with island queen bed is in the starboard hull. USB charging points are fitted next to all beds. On deck, life line netting provides safety for the small ones. The flush deck hatches and lockers are modern and good looking. With the fore deck being so large and flush, ball games may be possible on it.

As for the sailing performance, the consensus of independent reviews is that it is fast. Double digit speed is common. This is made possible by the narrow and streamlined hulls which reduce both water and air drag. A screecher can be deployed from the carbon fibre bowsprit to boost downwind speed. Yet effort is minimised with the self-tacking jib and electric winch. Engine power is the upgraded 2 x 40hp version now fitted with new 3-bladed folding propellers. The fuel system included a Parker fuel polisher.

The boat was first launched in Aug 2017 and used for local cruising for just two years until COVID 19. Since then, the boat is little used. She is just anti-fouled, with hydraulic steering and both engines professionally serviced in August 2025. While out of the water, the overall structural condition was assessed by an independent marine surveyor. The hull and structure have been found to be in good condition. The surveyor's report is available upon request.

At just eight years young, 45 ft long, capable of double digit speed, and with a long list of top end carbon fibre equipment, there aren't many other alternatives.