Balance 442

The thermometer showed only 47°F (8°C) when Phil Berman, the ship-yard’s boss, came to pick us up on the pontoons in Annapolis, Maryland. An autumnal temperature accentuated by 12 knots of wind, but when you’re having fun, the weather doesn’t matter. What’s more, a trip to the Chesapeake Bay is not to be refused, and even less so when the subject of the day is none other than the brand-new Balance 442. Still relatively young, since it will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2023, the Balance Catamarans brand currently has five models ranging from 44 to 62 feet, while awaiting the arrival of the 750, a 75-foot catamaran that should be ready by the end of 2023 or during 2024. The main idea behind the brand is to offer high-performance catamarans that are easy to handle and comfortable to spend a lot of time on board. It must be said that performance runs in the veins of the founder of Balance catamarans, Phillip Berman who was Hobie Cat world champion in 1979, in South Africa. An interesting coincidence since it is precisely in this country, in Cape Town, that the catamarans are built.

The 482’s little sibling

The 442 is the smallest model in the range. It represents an entry point to the Balance universe, but not an entry-level model. In fact, at first glance, the resemblance with its bigger sistership, the 482, is obvious. A similarity that is no coincidence, as the designers have taken the same idea, but have made it 4 feet shorter (121 cm). Regarding the aesthetics, the catamaran features long tapered hulls with an inverted bow: the floats are underlined by long hull portholes that accentuate the sporty aspect of the boat. The only notable external difference is the main deck windows, which are slightly larger than on the 482 to bring maximum light inside the catamaran.
To keep a certain simplicity and to limit the costs, the 442 does not have a carbon mast, but a more traditional spar culminating at 65½ feet (20 m) above the water.
In terms of construction, the 442 is made in a sandwich with E-glass resin (silica-based) with carbon reinforcements. A cocktail that allows it to keep a reasonable weight while benefiting from excellent rigidity.
The best way to get on board is via the large sugarscoops and the steps that lead to the cockpit. A storage locker is located in the second step. It should also be noted that a gate to block this access is provided for use if sailing with children, but when not in use, it can be cleverly stowed away in the ceiling.
Even though it is not huge - normal for a 44-footer - the cockpit remains very functional and versatile. On the port side, there is an L-shaped settee around a table, which can be transformed into a sunbathing area. Another bench seat against the transom can seat three people and, just next to it, an area with a grill and sink that is closed by a hood. Finally, a third seat is located facing aft, perfect for admiring the wake or enjoying the company of the others on board.
To separate the cockpit from the main deck, the Balance 442 features sliding doors and windows that allow the separation between the exterior and interior to be almost completely eliminated or, conversely, the cabin to be completely closed off for more privacy or for cooler evenings. The main interior space features a large L-shaped sofa on the port side that can be transformed into an extra bed. On starboard, a very good size galley includes all the appliances that you need and offers a few extra features such as a drainer integrated into the counter top. There are also two refrigerators and two freezers, enough to carry food (and drink) for a crossing, as well as numerous storage spaces. Finally, thanks to the large windows, the interior is bathed in light.

Perfectly optimized habitability

Like most catamarans of this size, the 442 is available in 3 or 4-cabin versions. On the day of our test, we were aboard the 3-cabin version. The starboard hull is reserved for the owner’s suite, which has a double berth forward in a perpendicular position and a large aft bathroom. As always with Balance, every corner of the catamaran is exploited. There are storage spaces in the passageway, elegantly hidden behind wooden doors, but also in several lockers under the berths or a nice walk-in closet next to the bed. Ideal to find a place for all personal effects and equipment on board.
The port hull features a large double berth at the bow in a perpendicular position and another at the stern. Big bonus, this aft cabin has a large rear window that also serves as an emergency exit. However, the two cabins must share the same bathroom. In the four-cabin version, the port side layout is reproduced to starboard.
A well-designed layout, since it allows for up to eight berths and even 10 if you count the convertible sofa on the main deck, all in only 44 feet. In addition, if the space feels a bit small, the volume of storage and the windows everywhere manage to give an impression of space. The atmosphere is quite modern and the owner can customize the decor by choosing the look and color of the woodwork, fabrics, flooring and even interior paint. This also applies to the exterior hull, which is available in several colors. The equipment level is above average with, for example, high-end appliances, indirect lighting and USB outlets everywhere. Of course, the finish is very good.
To favor lightness, the 442 features a traditional trampoline on the bow and an integrated bowsprit on which the two headsail furlers are installed. On each bow, there is a small seat, offering a place of choice to observe dolphins. All the halyards come back to the cockpit, which makes maneuvering much easier. And since we’re talking about the cockpit, we must focus on the famous helm station, a true trademark of Balance catamarans. In fact, to generate greater conviviality or simply to steer out of the sun or rain, the helm station pivots from top to bottom and vice versa. The maneuver is done in a few seconds, without any special handling. When the helm is up, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the rig and surroundings, while in the down position, you are sheltered under the cockpit roof, with a comfortable bench seat, all the navigation instruments in view and excellent visibility forward through the main deck, since there are no obstructions in the way. In addition, the helmsman is in the cockpit with the rest of the crew, making it more friendly.

Racing Performance

Perfectly designed, the helm station offers excellent visibility, access to all halyards and the console also features a rope bag to avoid cluttering the deck. The only drawback is that the 442 is offered in a standard version with only two winches, the third being optional. It’s a pity, because it is really essential.
The two hulls benefit from very fine entry bows and the Balance is equipped with two daggerboards located as far outboard as possible, in order to maximize the livability. The draft, daggerboards up is 3’10” (1.16 m), which allows anchoring in shallow creeks, while it drops to 7’1” (2.15 m) when the boards are down. To propel the boat, the catamaran is delivered with a mainsail of 813 sq ft (75.6 m²) to which are added a self-tacking jib of 321 sq ft (29.81 m²), a code 0 of 642 sq ft (59.64 m²) and an asymmetric spinnaker of 1,645 sq ft (152.83 m²). A very good wardrobe to carry the 26,000 lbs (11,800 kg) of the catamaran, a more than reasonable weight.
Designed for performance, the 442 doesn’t drag a lot of water and in fact, it doesn’t need much air to take off. On the day of our test, the wind was between 10 and 15 knots with relatively flat sea, ideal conditions for tacking. Once the mainsail is hoisted, all you have to do is unfurl the jib to feel the catamaran pick up speed almost instantly. Upwind, with 15 knots of wind, we quickly reached 7 to 8 knots. The performance improved even further on a close reach, as the catamaran almost was sailing at the wind speed, around 10 knots that day, which was already very good with the jib. Once the code 0 was up, the GPS went up a notch with speeds reaching 14 knots at 70° off the wind and 16.9 knots at an angle of 100°. This performance makes the Balance 442 one of the fastest in its class. The catamaran is capable of an average speed between 9 and 11 knots, making it possible to achieve long crossings in record time - few multihulls of the same size are capable of doing so. If we look for more precise figures, the shipyard announces the 442 as being only 7% slower than the 482, a very small difference that may make future buyers think...
Performance aside, it is the ease with which this catamaran is handled that seduced us. Apart from the absence of a third winch, which obliges you to remove one halyard to work with another, the Balance can almost be sailed alone from the helm, or at least short-handed. The wheel is very smooth and the multihull is very stable, with exemplary course keeping. Changes of tack are smooth and the same applies to gybes, which are very controlled. These characteristics mean that this unit is not reserved for experts. However, with a slightly sharper wardrobe, different settings and a little less weight on board (an operation that the shipyard can perform on request), the 442 can quickly join the club of racing sailors.
To maneuvers in the marina, or for days without wind, the Balance 442 is equipped with two 29 HP Yanmar engines, a power that allows the catamaran to reach 6.5 knots (7.5 mph) at 1,900 rpm while remaining frugal with the diesel. There are just a few vibrations at this speed, a problem that should be easy to solve.
As for the power supply, the Balance benefits from four 400 watts of solar panels installed on the roof. In addition to this, there is a generator, which allow the catamaran to be self-sufficient for long trips, especially since the fresh water capacity (2 x 92 Us gallons / 2 x 350 liters) is more than enough. Now all you need to do is cast off and go.

Conclusion

We’d already been seduced by the 482, but with the 442, Balance is putting on the market a catamaran that is almost as fast, almost as roomy and just as pleasant to use, all at a price that is nearly $ 500,000 lower. An almost perfect copy, perhaps too much so, as the difference between the two models is thin, except on the order form. So, if you mainly sail with a crew of 2 to 4 people, this model will fit you like a glove. You can even take advantage of the savings to buy a higher specification set of sails. In short, a perfect compromise between performance and comfort for miles and miles of pleasure.

The davits can carry a tender of 11’6” (3.5 m) and 472 lbs (250 kg) maximum. The sugarscoops are not very long, but they are quite wide and include storage.

Simple and effective, the two-position helm station allows you to maneuver the catamaran with little or no movement from your spot.

The front of the catamaran features a traditional trampoline for weight reasons and an integrated bowsprit. As a bonus, two seats are perfect for dolphin spotting, but also for keeping watch in shallow waters.

The mainsail has a sail area of 813 sq ft (75.6 m²), more than enough to provide good performance for the 442, especially when backed up by the Code 0.

The daggerboards lift very high, allowing the catamaran to venture into shallow creeks and even to take the ground.

All halyards come back to the helm station, whether from the headsails or from the mast step.

In the cockpit, a unit with a cover hides a grill and a sink.

The nacelle has an L-shaped settee that can be converted into an extra bed.

The galley is quite complete with even a central island, two refrigerators and two freezers. A little tip: the countertop has a drainer with its own waste.

The port hull has two double berths, but only one bathroom, to share.

On the starboard side, the owner’s suite features a Queen size bed, a walk-in closet, a huge bathroom and storage space throughout the corridor.

The 442 is full of storage, some of which is very clever, like this drawer for tools under the couch.

A pair of 29 HP Yanmar motors allow the boat to cruise effortlessly at more than 6 knots.