Catamaran 464

cruising3-cabinwith deck saloon

Overview
Balance 464 Carbon and 464 VersaDrive

Performance
The Balance 464 is a long-range cruising catamaran combining performance and ease of handling. With carbon sandwich hulls and a powerful sailplan, the 464 points well to windward with low leeway and maintains speeds typically between 7.5 and 8.5 knots under close-hauled conditions thanks to its large-area carbon daggerboards. Off the wind it can reach up to 17 knots, and when surfing down waves peak speeds of 20 knots are possible using high-performance carbon rudders. The presented polars (VPP) were modelled by the Wolfson Unit (University of Southampton) based on the average cruising displacement of a Balance 464; they assume flat seas, well-trimmed sails and a clean hull and do not guarantee fixed performance.

Construction
The internal structure of the Balance 464 Carbon Core is built entirely in carbon fiber: floors, bulkhead panels, main beams, bulkheads, daggerboards, daggerboard trunks and rudders are all carbon. This carbon sub-structure is encapsulated with closed-cell foam cores under vacuum and e-glass fabrics, fully impregnated with 100% Vinylester resin. The result is a lighter, stiffer and quieter hull that improves onboard comfort at all speeds.

Propulsion and hybrid systems
Available in conventional and VersaDrive hybrid versions. The VersaDrive Hybrid integrates electric and diesel propulsion with high-power lithium battery charging. In the VersaDrive Hybrid configuration fuel consumption can be reduced by up to 25% using an estimated ~36 kW (48 V) lithium battery pack capable of recharging at up to 15 kW per engine. Integration with E‑Power 48 V Integrel alternators reduces the need for a third diesel generator and improves energy efficiency. Up to 3,000 W of air-cooled glass solar panels can be installed to extend electrical autonomy.

Architects
Phillip Berman
Anton du Toit

Available documents
Digital brochure (Europe version) available for download from the builder's website.

Technical characteristics / specifications

• Overall length (LOA): 14.19 m
• Length at waterline: 14.19 m
• Overall beam (max): 7.6 m
• Mainsail: 76.76 m²
• Self-tacking jib: 37.69 m²
• Gennaker: 97.46 m²
• Asymmetric spinnaker: 173.23 m²
• Indicated total sail area: 123.7 m²
• Draft (daggerboards down): 2.27 m
• Draft (daggerboards up): 1.14 m
• Mast height (air draft): 21.61 m
• Headroom: from 899 mm to 832 mm
• Light displacement (empty): 11,500 kg
• Maximum cruising displacement: 12,500 kg
• Structural maximum payload capacity: 17,550 kg
• Engines: Yanmar 4JH45 x SD60 (indicated configuration)
• Fuel capacity: 2 x 400 litres
• Fresh water capacity: 2 x 350 litres
• Black water capacity: 2 x 42 litres
• Davits load: 250 kg / davit
• Max tender length: 3.5 m
• Max tender + outboard weight: 214 kg
• Construction: internal carbon fibre structure; closed-cell foam cores; e-glass fabrics; 100% Vinylester resin
• Daggerboards: large-area carbon daggerboards
• Rudders: high-performance carbon fibre rudders
• Hybrid system (VersaDrive): ~36 kW lithium batteries (48 V) with charging up to 15 kW per engine; up to 25% fuel reduction in hybrid mode
• Solar panels: optional up to 3000 W (glass, air-cooled)