Balance designs new models: VersaDrive Hybrid 502 CC and VersaDrive Hybrid 464 CC
by Balance Catamarans 9 Oct 2024 14:19 EST
Balance is releasing two dynamic new models launching in 2025 and 2026 - available with either standard diesel engines or with the new VersaDrive diesel/electric hybrid propulsion system.
The new 502 Carbon Core and 464 Carbon Core were designed to accommodate the new Integrel E-drive hybrid propulsion system to produce better aft-end weight distribution, add additional battery and solar payload capacity, and increase the power and speed of both models with larger sail-plans and advanced carbon composite construction. The result of this yearlong design and tooling effort was to offer ecologically sound, performance voyaging with all the Balance Catamarans innovations that are so well known in the marine industry.
Longtime Balance partner Integrel Solutions' brand-new Integrel E-Drive is a game-changing system delivering both diesel and electric hybrid propulsion and advanced power generation for a cleaner, quieter, and more efficient on-water experience. This system offers dual 45 HP Yanmar diesel engines and up to 30kW of power charging and 40hp of electric drive for a catamaran, delivering the ultimate hybrid experience on the water.
While these models are new, from the ground up, they retain the design look and features of every Balance model built in South Africa since 2012.
"While the hull window lines have changed a bit, the new models retain the same du Toit- styling DNA of our original models. Classic, clean, bling free and sleek! All the best features of our boats have been retained in these new designs," explains Berman who has co-designed with du Toit all five of the Balance models. "But we've supercharged performance voyaging by building these new models longer, leaner, faster and capable of carrying additional payloads without penalty."
"And that's just the start," adds Berman. "They have an all new ground-breaking carbon core framework - the CC in the name - as well as several new innovations in design."
The new designs and state of the art molds developed to accommodate the sleek designs boost payload capacity so that even if customers opt not to add the full VersaDrive hybrid propulsion package - an option for buyers - and instead opt to carry more solar, a larger lithium battery bank, or a heavier tender and outboard they can do so without risk to your performance.
The innovative new designs allow for increased payload and deliver higher performance - under sail or power.
"At Balance we have always valued innovation in design, seeing it as critical to driving change in an industry that tends to look backward. The award winning - and widely copied - VersaHelm is just one example. But of course, all the great things sailors love about Balance designs remain - the VersaHelm, all-glass windows, handmade cabinets, striking interior design, and the superb ergonomics of moving about Balance catamarans, outside and inside, and the smart ease of sailing hallmarks throughout the vessel. Now add to this list the newly created VersaStern and more. (See fuller list below.)
Because great design and manufacturing does not come quickly, these new models will start to launch in the fall of 2025 and into early 2026.
"Consider that the new 502 takes approximately 40,000 labor hours to handcraft. Anyone who steps aboard our Balance Catamarans sees the difference immediately," explains Berman. "And these new models build on that tradition of excellence in both sailing performance and sustainability. "
Here - in brief, is what is new:
Hulls
Her sleek new hulls and window lines are crisp and contemporary yet classically timeless in appeal.
Carbon
Her entire Carbon Core is now 100% carbon fiber. Her bulkheads, partition boards, primary beams, chain plates, cabin soles, daggerboards and trunks, along with her rudders, are full carbon construction. This produces the lightest, stiffest and fastest catamarans to be found today in these size ranges with comparable interior volumes.
Handcrafted storage
The 502 and 464 both carry the highest volume of real wood, handmade cabinetry in their class and the most significant deck and cockpit storage space of any performance catamaran on the market today.
Top-end sailing
Both model's innovative newly designed high-performance-oriented forebeam, crossbeam and longeron, combined with a taller mast, enabled Balance to increase her J-measurement substantially, supercharging both her light air and top-end sailing performance.
Versastern
Balance's newest industry innovation is the VersaStern. While at sea or anchor, you can fully secure your aft cockpit in a matter of seconds simply by lifting and attaching your VersaStern door. When you need to dock, or simply wish to leave your stern steps open, you just drop the door over your engine hatch. No need for washboards or stern screens to stop waves from coming into the cockpit. And now, you can instantly close off your sterns when kids or animals are onboard for added safety.
Details, details
A newly designed coach top carries molded airflow solar cavities and built in handholds, her stern ladder now deploys inside the transoms, she carries our clever galley dish storage and drying rack, and the master bath vanity and toilette spaces have been expanded and improved.
Bigger doors
The newly designed salon entrance door is wider, carries increased ventilation, and opens even wider than on all our previous models.
Better ventilation
We increased forward cabin ventilation with innovative new custom opening ports you can leave open at anchor, even when it's raining.
Visibility boost
Additionally, Balance removed the central mullion post in her salon to increase her forward visibility even more and designed larger ventilation hatches and a bigger wind-catching salon roof hatch.
Contemporary design
Her new Italian-inspired interior design offers frameless cabinets, a lounge-style salon with convertible table, and a new nav station that can double as an office with a hide-way charging station.