The Bali 5 2 is well-powered with enough sail area to move in light air.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
9.5 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 50.5′, the Bali 5 2 tops out around 9.5 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √50.5′ LWL = 9.5 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
SA / Displacement
20.9
Powerful cruiser/racer — quick in light air, reef early when it pipes up.
Displacement / Length
146
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Hull Speed
9.5kts
Estimated Speed by Wind
Rough boat speed estimates at different true wind speeds and points of sail — derived from hull speed, SA/D, and displacement, not measured polars.
| Point of Sail | 6 kts TWS | 10 kts TWS | 15 kts TWS | 20 kts TWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Close-hauled40–50° | 4.2 | 5.3 | 5.9 | 6.2 |
| Close Reach60° | 5.1 | 6.4 | 7.2 | 7.5 |
| Beam Reach90° | 6.2 | 7.9 | 8.8 | 9.5 |
| Broad Reach120–135° | 5.8 | 7.3 | 8.1 | 8.8 |
| Run150–180° | 4.6 | 5.8 | 6.5 | 6.8 |
These are simplified estimates based on hull speed (9.5 kts),
SA/D (20.9), and empirical efficiency curves — not instrument-measured
polars. Real-world speed varies with sea state, bottom condition, sail trim, and current.
Speeds in gold approach hull speed;
bold gold means near or at hull speed.
Wind Range & Comfort Envelope
Estimated wind ranges for comfortable sailing on the Bali 5 2 — based on sail area, ballast, and displacement characteristics.
Ghosting
0–6 kts
Light air, motor-sailing likely. Need patience and a light genoa.
Sweet Spot
6–18 kts
Comfortable under full sail. Best speed-to-comfort ratio.
Time to Reef
18–26 kts
Time to shorten sail. Reef the main, swap to a working jib.
Heavy Weather
26+ kts
Storm conditions. Storm jib or bare poles. Seek shelter if coastal.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Bali 5 2.
| Bali 5 2 | Balance 526 | Island Spirit 525 | Lagoon 52 | Outremer 52 | Voyage 510 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 52.2 | 52.5 | 51.7 | 52.0 | 51.6 | 51.8 |
| LWL | 50.5 | 51.2 | 51.7 | — | 51.5 | 51.5 |
| Beam | 26.8 | 27.2 | 26.9 | 28.7 | 25.9 | 26.9 |
| Displacement | 42 | 26 | 36 | 57 | 27 | 42 |
| Sail Area | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | 1 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | 20.9 | 30.3 | 27.9 | 18.1 | — | 22.1 |
| Comfort | — | 9.8 | — | 21.7 | 10.8 | — |
| Capsize | — | 3.63 | — | 2.98 | 3.44 | — |
| Hull Speed | — | 9.6 | — | 8.9 | 9.6 | — |