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LOCAL REVIEW | BALI 5.4
INFUSED HULL
Catana use the latest infused foam moulding
system to create a relatively light but strong vessel.
Unusually for a sailing catamaran, the entire
foredeck is fibreglass (rather than trampolines)
which could cause some wave impact but on the
other-hand does increase rigidity. Twin mini keels
protect the spade rudders which are behind the
sail drive legs, so in theory the hull can dry out
or survive a grounding. Inside, the engine room
on each hull is spacious, allowing them to house
hot water, air conditioners and house batteries
with room to spare. All service points – water,
oilways, drive belts and injectors were visible on
the Yanmar engines. Also, here I could see the
the sturdy steering linkages and quadrants (that
are on stainless shafts), along with the emergency
tiller (should the hydraulic steering fail).COTE D' AZUR VOYAGE
I liked the Bali 5.4 so much that I offered to
help deliver it back to the French yard, a nearly
400 nautical mile journey along the lovely
Mediterranean coast. Having lived on the shores
of the Mediterranean for seven years I confess a
strong liking and familiarity with the region, so
little excuse was required for a sail along near the
Spanish border.