The Dalmatian coast aboard our BALI 4.1

Fortunately, both French and international manufacturers offer plenty of options in these sizes, and within two days, we were able to compare no fewer than six models that matched our desires.

The decision was difficult, especially considering that our budget was not unlimited and that each manufacturer had undeniable advantages. In this regard, we quickly realized that, with equivalent equipment, the prices were almost identical.

However, among all the boats we visited and compared, the unique concept of the Bali 4.1 won us over. Its spacious saloon, worthy of a much larger boat, its tilting door that was incredibly easy to operate, its forward cockpit offering a large additional living space for the whole family, and the overall smart design choices made by BALI were the elements that convinced us the most.

At first, we were slightly concerned about the brand’s relatively recent entry into the market. However, we were reassured by Catana’s long experience and by the fact that the Bali catamarans are built using the same high-quality standards as their predecessors. This guaranteed an excellent price-to-quality ratio and, consequently, a strong resale value—two key factors for us.

During our summer vacation that followed, which we spent on a monohull owned by a friend, we carefully studied and compared the various estimates and brochures of the boats we were considering. We intended to make a final decision in September during either the Cannes or Grand Pavois boat show.

At that time, we learned that Catana was developing an improved version of the Bali 4.0, called the Bali 4.1. The announced improvements, particularly the increased overall length with a large platform connecting the two aft skirts and an additional three-person bench that completely changed the cockpit’s ergonomics, truly won us over.

After five months of reflection, we made our final choice: the Bali 4.1, over another very attractive model from a shipyard in La Rochelle.

Launching and Delivery of Our Bali 4.1

Our Bali 4.1 was launched in June in Cap Bon, Tunisia, where our boat was built in a CATANA group factory. We could have chosen to have it built at the La Rochelle site, but that would have meant additional transfer costs from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Since the materials and manufacturing processes were strictly identical at both locations (a fact we confirmed with a previous customer), we decided to avoid unnecessary expenses.

After two full days of handover training, we officially took delivery of our boat. Due to time constraints, our plan was to entrust our new boat to three longtime friends so they could sail it to Montenegro. We would then join them there and enjoy nearly four weeks of sailing with our children and grandchildren before bringing the boat back to France in early September.

Our friends took 18 days, including six stopovers, to reach Montenegro at a relaxed pace. We boarded in Herceg Novi, in the Bay of Kotor, where we picked up our three children (who arrived from Dubrovnik) and our grandchildren (aged 4 to 10). Our cruise could finally begin!

Living Aboard the Bali 4.1

Although we opted for the “Family” version, which features an owner’s hull with a single cabin on the port side, a long vestibule, and a large bathroom, our Bali 4.1 ("BALIRAMA") can accommodate up to 10 people—including three berths in the saloon and one in the forward starboard peak. This configuration ensured that we were very comfortable, and as parents, we certainly deserved some perks!

With the tilting aft door open (which we lowered fewer than 10 times in four weeks), the saloon space is astonishingly spacious. The open-plan design allows ten people to dine comfortably at the table—even twelve when including the children. The ventilation is fantastic, especially when the forward bay window is fully retracted. To my knowledge, this feature remains unique among catamarans of this size.

At the stern, the bench and platform are a fantastic comfort asset, both at sea and at anchor. The amount of time the children spent there proves how enjoyable it is!

We also made full use of the forward cockpit, perfect for cocktail hour, breakfast, and relaxing. The grandchildren played there constantly, and their parents appreciated the safety provided by the high forward guardrails.

On two occasions, friends who had rented a villa in Croatia—less than 20 miles from our stopover in Montenegro—joined us onboard. We welcomed 15 people on our Bali 4.1 without any discomfort, thanks to its multiple relaxation areas. Our friends were amazed by the space—it truly exceeded their expectations!

One feature we particularly appreciate is the ease of hoisting our large dinghy onto the davits—just three minutes, effortlessly, thanks to the electric mainsail winch. This had been a concern for me, but kudos to the engineers!

Exploring the Dalmatian Coast

We spent over three weeks cruising along the stunning northern Montenegro and southern Croatia coasts. To our surprise, these magical spots were rarely crowded, and we often found ourselves alone in idyllic coves, enjoying crystal-clear waters at 27–29°C.

The children had a blast with our two paddleboards and kayak. The whole family was enchanted, especially when watching dolphins play near our bows or admiring breathtaking landscapes.

Among the most useful options we selected:

• A 12V watermaker producing 100L/hour, ensuring total autonomy—we never needed to refill water at a dock.
• Powerful YANMAR 40HP engines, remarkably quiet, allowing us to cruise at 6.5–7 knots while consuming only 2.5L per hour per engine.
• A bimini, essential for Mediterranean sailing.
• Reliable RAYMARINE electronics, including the 12’’ screen at the helm station—expensive but extremely useful. Special mention to the autopilot, our best crewmember in all conditions!
• A plancha for grilling the delicious fish we caught.
• A light Code 0 headsail, which was invaluable in the light winds of the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian Seas.
• Exterior cushions, where we spent most of our time.

Instead of a generator, we opted for two inverters, which powered all our appliances—espresso machine, toaster, hairdryer, vacuum cleaner, etc.—providing home-like comfort onboard.

The Journey Back & Final Thoughts

Sadly, it was time to head home. We made a four-day stop in Albania, then a 36-hour stop in Corfu, where we dropped off our children and grandchildren. Our return route took us through the Strait of Messina, the Aeolian Islands, southern Corsica, and finally back to Canet.

Between Montenegro and Canet, we sailed 191 hours over 8 days, unfortunately spending 69% of the time motoring due to light winds. We faced two storms with 35–40 knots of wind, reaching 11.5 knots under reefed mainsail and Solent at 100° from a 30-knot wind. The boat handled the conditions beautifully, with no hobby-horsing or excessive splashing—contrary to what some competitors had warned us about!

Finally, I provided BALI with a list of suggested improvements, all of which they assured me would be implemented in future models at no extra cost.

A big thank you to BALI for publishing my testimonial—including my constructive criticism!