First Look: Bali 5.2 Brings Big-Cat Comfort to the 52-Foot Class
Bali Catamarans has once again expanded its signature line of open-concept cruising cats—this time by filling a gap in the 50-foot range. The all-new Bali 5.2 takes inspiration from the flagship 5.8 and distills the brand’s hallmarks into a 52-footer designed for both long-range cruising and serious entertaining.
The Bali DNA is instantly recognizable: the up-and-over aft door that erases the line between saloon and cockpit, a solid foredeck connected to the interior by a forward door, and wraparound spaces that keep crew moving fluidly through the boat. But the 5.2 pushes the concept further with a surprising range of configurations—from private owner’s layouts to a six-cabin version capable of hosting up to 16 people.
For sailors, that flexibility means the 5.2 can be anything from a family cruiser to a charter workhorse. “The challenge is always to find more space aboard each new model,” says the design team, and here that translates to cabins with private heads and separate showers, oversized social zones, and clever modular furniture. Even the forepeaks and crew spaces are adaptable, giving owners multiple ways to tailor the boat to their sailing program.
The styling, by Piaton-Bercault, takes cues from luxury apartments, with rounded cabinetry, a large U-shaped galley, and an XXL dining table seating 12. The forward-facing chart table doubles as an office with an ocean view and integrates the latest touch-screen controls for managing comfort systems and resources.
On deck, the rooftop lounge and helm station mirror the flagship 5.8’s elevated social space, while a hydraulic swim platform at the stern creates a BeachClub feel. Under sail, a 94 m² square-top main pairs with a 70 m² overlapping genoa for balanced power, with a Code 0 option for light air days. For motoring, twin Yanmar diesels up to 115 hp each ensure solid performance.
And for U.S. sailors eager to step aboard, the Bali 5.2 is anticipated to make its stateside debut at the Annapolis Sailboat Show this October. With its blend of space, performance, and open-living innovation, it’s shaping up to be one of the most talked-about new cats of the year.
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