TRADEABOAT.COM.AU | 77
LOCAL REVIEW | BALI 5.4
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT The charter version
squeezes an amazing 14 beds and 8 toilets into the design;
Lines are led back to the flybridge helm; The aft bulkhead
lifts up at the touch of a button.
MOVABLE BULKHEAD
On the main deck the aft part will be a key
selling point for prospective buyers, especially
coming from a motorboat background where
unimpeded relaxing space is enjoyed. Another
attraction will be the direct access to the aft
cabins from gull-wing style doors on each
hull. The entire area is shaded by the flybridge
extension which is strongly supported by large
diameter stainless struts and seamlessly flows
into the saloon; at the click of a button the aft
bulkhead lifts upwards.
Inside, the saloon is dominated by the
longitudinal dinette table surrounded by an
L-shaped sofa and ahead of it is the galley, ideally
placed for serving food. Over to starboard is the
navigation station and ahead of it are the stairs
down into the hull.
This layout means the forward saloon bulkhead
is a walkway and contains cupboard space and
the door through to the foredeck cockpit – an
arrangement that allowed our four crew to moveabout easily when socialising here. The sunken
foredeck cockpit with benches and table is a
wonderful area and has good practicalities such
as deep lazarettes, a powerful Lofrans 1700W
vertical windlass and large chain locker. The
optional generator can also go here, to balance
the trim.
Given that the Bali 5.4 can sleep 12, catering
needs to be on a fairly grand scale and owners
won't be disappointed with the huge household
fridge and generous Corian work surfaces around
the U-shaped galley, plus flat space on the
forward bulkhead. Cooking is done on the four
burner gas hob with oven nearby, while barbecue
food is put on the electric plate on the transom.
Other plus points include the deep double sinks
and fiddles around all work surfaces.
The standalone navigation station has space
for several plotter screens and the main control
panel, plus a second autopilot screen; I controlled
the Bali's steering from here when I was alone
on watch.