Balance 482

Very first one launched!

Announced back in 2019, the first example of the Balance 482 was launched on July 7th at the Royal Cape Yacht Club in Cape Town, South Africa.

Balance 482

1 / 6

Published 20/07/2021

By Emmanuel van Deth

Issue: SP16

Published: aug. / sept. 2021

Discover this issue

It’ll soon be 10 years that Balance Catamarans has been bringing out high performance and sturdy catamarans which are ideal for ocean sailing. The launch of this 482 was motivated by potential clients for their 526 who were looking for something similar but that was closer to their budget. The 482 was designed by Phillip Berman – who we’ll be profiling in MW180 - and Anton Du Toit and has already shown some remarkable performance in her initial seatrials. This catamaran is proving to be quick in all conditions, including upwind thanks to the daggerboards. The inverted bows lend the boat’s silhouette a very sporty look. The hulls and nacelle have plenty of windows, however the shipyard has decided to go for a coachroof with an overhang to protect the living area from the sun’s most vertical rays. The Versa-Helm system (a double helm thanks to an articulated steering wheel), which was already fitted to the 526 has obviously been included. In the wake of the 482, there will be a 442, slated for launch before the end of the year.

Technical specifications:

Builder: Balance Catamarans

Architects: Phillip Berman and Anton Du Toit

Overall length: 48’3” (14.71 m)

Waterline length: 48’3” (14.71 m)

Beam: 25’11” (7.9 m)

Draft: 3’10”/7’3” (1.16/2.20 m)

Light displacement: 24,945 lbs (11,315 kg)

Upwind sail area: 1,433 sq ft (133.10 m2)

Engines: 2 x 45 hp

Fuel: 2 x 106 US gal (2 x 400 l)

Water: 2 x 103 US gal (2 x 390 l)