The new Balance 482 cruising catamaran, designed by Phil Berman of The Multihull Company and Anton du Toit, a South African yacht designer, is the little sister to the Balance 526 that was launched three years ago. The 48 is a true couple’s performance cruiser that from the start was intended to be easy to sail, easy to maintain, fast and comfortable at sea.
The new boat uses many innovations introduced in the 526 including the trademarked Versahelm. This inspired design innovation allows the helm wheel to pivot from a vertical position at the helmsman’s seat to a horizontal position under the protection of the hard Bimini top. In the up position, visibility forward and of the sails is good. In the down position you have good visibility forward through the huge saloon windows so you can stay out of the sun or be protected from wind and rain.
With the three-cabin layout, the master suite offers a spacious home for the owners while guests or children can bunk down in the large cabins in the opposite hull. A four-cabin version will offer everyone good private cabins and plenty of space.
The saloon is set up for indoor-out-door living with a dining area in the front of the saloon that can seat six or be folded down to convert into a double berth. Berman is all about maintaining as perfect a balance as possible between sailing performance and comfortable living and the 482 promises to do this nearly perfectly. Balancecatamarans.com