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Balance 526
Designer: Phillip Berman/Anton Du Toit  ·  Builder: Balance Catamarans  ·  First built: 2016
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About the Balance 526

Launched in 2016, this impressive 52-foot performance catamaran represents Balance Catamarans' commitment to combining speed with comfort for serious offshore cruising. Designed by the collaborative team of Phillip Berman and Anton Du Toit, the 526 showcases modern catamaran engineering with its sleek twin daggerboard configuration and fractional sloop rig featuring a rotating carbon mast. The yacht's construction utilizes a sophisticated blend of E-glass and carbon fiber, creating a strong yet lightweight platform that achieves an excellent sail area to displacement ratio of 30.26. This impressive figure translates to spirited sailing performance, making the 526 well-suited for fast passage making and competitive cruising. The substantial beam of over 27 feet provides exceptional stability and spacious accommodations, while the moderate draft allows access to shallow anchorages without sacrificing upwind performance. Twin 45-horsepower engines ensure reliable auxiliary power for maneuvering in tight quarters or pushing through calms during extended offshore passages. The Balance 526 targets experienced sailors seeking a high-performance cruising catamaran capable of handling serious blue-water voyaging while maintaining the comfort and space that makes extended living aboard enjoyable. Its modern design elements and quality construction have established it as a respected choice among performance-oriented cruising sailors.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 52.49 ft / 16.00 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 51.18 ft / 15.60 m
Beam 27.17 ft / 8.28 m
Max Draft 7.22 ft / 2.20 m
Min Draft 3.81 ft / 1.16 m
Displacement 26,896.00 lb / 12,200 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 1,691.01 ft² / 157.10 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Catamaran Twin Dbrd.
Rigging Type Frac. Sloop (Rotating Spar)
Construction E-glass/cabon
Designer Phillip Berman/Anton du Toit
Builder Balance Catamarans
First Built 2016
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Performance Ratios
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
9.83
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
3.63
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 9.59 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 29.8 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
Mast Height (DWL) 78.51 ft / 23.93 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make 2x Yanmar
Engine Model 4JH45 - SD60
Engine Type Diesel; Saildive
Horsepower 45 x 2
Fuel Capacity 264 gals / 1,000 L
Water Capacity 206 gals / 780 L
KSP 0.9
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