BALANCE 526 - 11 FEATURES EVERY CATAMARAN SHOULD HAVE

[@UUBrahman]

11 items: 1. Versa (up down) helm, 2. Flat glass windows, 3. Hay racks on boom, 4. Dagger boards are an option instead of keels, 5. Self-tacking jib, 6. German-style sheeting of mainsail traveler, 7. Bow sprit of aluminum long enough to join cabin, 8. Aft head allows fore cabin berth, 9. Low profile cabin top with flat deck for solar, 10. Painted hull instead of (or in addition to) gel coat. 11. Dagger boards are flush with the deck. Good points. Excellent video - thanks.

[@TheOKellys]

Single head is not a feature. Galileo has two heads anyway. Last feature is fixed keel/daggerboard option. The previous reference was to flush-deck daggerboards.

[@UUBrahman]

@@TheOKellys Thanks for straightening me out, I will edit my previous comment accordingly.

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

What a boat. Hate to say it again but you can see it all the comments. You guys are the best on KZbin for the info you focus on. It’s the things we really want to know.

[@daviddecker264]

Your design review is better than anything we have ever watched on Yachting World magazine. Congrats for the expert presentation which wasn't shabby either. I like your wisker pole with GoPro in place of a drone.

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks David. Very kind of you to say.

[@thewedword]

Very nice, Nick you were smiling like a kid on Christmas riding a new bike! Priceless, thanks for bringing us along on the ride & tour...oh, remember there's no place like home...I mean Clarity!

[@TheOKellys]

Clicking our heels....

[@davidmango3286]

Loved the smile on both your faces when you were on the helm

[@mindphaser5037]

One of the best boat reviews I've ever seen!

[@TheOKellys]

Wow, thank you!

[@VERTICALWisdom]

Great video AND music. You are right, the best boat is the one you can afford and takes you safely where you want to go. Balance is a good builder out of South Africa, nice boat.

[@donm1211]

Can't wait to take you guys out on Hull # 11 of the Balance 482. Waiting on delivery in early 2023. Phil Berman is a great guy and all the folks at Balance are top notch. Now back to building the sailing resume so I can find insurance lol. Love all your videos.

[@TheOKellys]

It’s a date! Looking forward to it!

[@jeffjones329]

Hey Don, i'm Hull 17 for late 23' !

[@hectorcyre7664]

Can hardly wait for the boat names segment. A good friend I raced against in Etchells refused to name his boats. He said they wouldn't come when he called them, so damned if he'd bother naming them. The Balance is really quite a boat, but I think you have the better idea. Buy what you can really afford now, and get outa Dodge. The best advice I ever got about buying a boat was to first figure out what the mission will be, and then buy the smallest boat you can that will completely fulfill that mission. If the mission changes, sell the boat and find another one to fit the new mission. As a consequence, we have owned several boats, but they all were matched to the mission, fit us well, and saved us a LOT of money over the years. And we have owned our current fleet of seven boats (counting dinghies and kayaks here) for 39, 38, 36, 32, 22, 5, and 3 years, respectively. Our 37' Pacific Trawler is now 45 years old and we have owned it for 39 of those years. "The older we get, the better the fit." It should work for us well into our 80's, both physically and financially.

[@TheOKellys]

Wise words. We give that same advice. Always the smallest that can do what you need it to do. That’s really cool about your history with the trawler. That says so much about you both!

[@retepekooc]

“The boat you can afford is the best boat”,Thankyou ,my l’ill Sonata 7 and l don’t feel so inadequate,Very nice boat and appreciate your experienced insights

[@helimx]

The wind noise on his mic when he closed the cover when he was on the lower helm position was a great example of the benefits of this cat. That was actually pretty surprising

[@airlegs]

Very interesting, what a gorgeous cat. Nick, best male voice compared to all other sailing videos/channels. Love your voice and speaking style. Your meteorologist days served you well.

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks! Appreciate that. I can talk boat all day long

[@airlegs]

@@TheOKellys I am watching Odd Life Crafting’s live tonight and Roberta randomly also mentioned Nick’s voice and your general production as being the best among the sailing channels! Good job guys. 👏👏👏

[@thatguy2408]

I can never figure out why you only have 70K subscribers. Can’t believe I said only because that is truly a lot. But your quality; content and production, do warrant more. You are so much better than some of the other sailing vloggers. So, not like it will be any benefit to me but Nick needs to step up and try to corner the yet to be established sailing vlogger beefcake niche. 😜

[@TheOKellys]

Lol. First of all, I think 70 is a LOT, and we appreciate every dang one of ya! That any of you watch at all is friggin amazing. Second, we are relatively new at this. Most (not all of course) of these really big channels started years and years ago. We’ve been at it for two years, but really just over a year or so seriously. And probably most importantly, what does the number mean anyway? We are taking a hard look at the numbers right now to see how long doing this is feasible before we need to go get respectable jobs or go start a business (lol), so we aren’t oblivious to the need to grow the channel, but I don’t think we need to be super huge to get the balance sheet in order....and that’s because of the generosity of the viewers who watch the ads and the Patrons who donate. You all do make these videos possible. And we will do it for as long as we can, grateful for the opportunity.

[@rustysteel8714]

@@TheOKellys I've often thought Nick's TV weatherman experience has added to the production element of your videos. The transitions are so smooth! He's a fast learner...but we all know Megan is the boss. ❤😇 Great review... those smiles of you two at the helm were worth the price of admission. 😉

[@thatguy2408]

@@TheOKellys yes. 70 is massive. And let’s be honest though. Sailing vloggers with numbers over 100k are usually due to “the Cheesecake Factor.” You know, using all the bikini shots as the thumbnail. And I get it, add those those 10-15k of creepers. Whatever gets the views and subs up. You guys are easily in my top 5. You deserve bigger numbers in my non-humble opinion.

[@ProductionJunction1]

I agree. It’s probably because they are sincere…so although they might not be the biggest they are the best.

[@beneastwood1336]

Did Todd show you the electrical and systems installations? They are absolute works of art. I'm the owner of hull #2 of the Balance 442, the "baby Balance" ;-) You are welcome to come take a look when it's delivered in 2022.

[@shangyu2599]

Would love to see how the new configuration of the helm works

[@LoanwordEggcorn]

Congrats and thanks for supporting a great company making really nice boats.

[@RogerWilco1]

Balance also offers a mini-keels which protect the sail drive, but less wetted surface, but with daggarboards that come through them when you really need the grip. IIRC Looking forward to the boat names subject. I saw a listing once where it was claimed you had to rename the boat on buying. I thought that was hilarious (guessing they didn’t have a trademark). If the boat I buy has a halfway decent name, I will embrace it. If it is named “y-not” or “liquid asset” or “risky business” or “insta-gator” it is getting a full makeover- the name, the colors everything top to bottom so it can have a new identity and put that shame behind itself. You *have* to respect your boat.

[@agc812]

Great video! I toured 526 Alani at Annapolis in 2019. She was my favorite cat at the show. If I postpone retirement long enough...I still won’t be able to afford a used 526.

[@scottsheen6224]

"The best kind of boat, is the one you can take of with now!" awesome.

[@kjelpeterson5236]

Love those grins when you two got a chance at the helm. Great idea listing features that the industry should have across the board. Challenge to improve.

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks Kjel. Yeh it was a beautiful ride.

[@rockoneal7621]

Great production quality. Thank you for all this information. Beautiful boat!!

[@bearparts]

Your comparison vids are great. Great info, and opinions were handled with grace.

[@pfmass1]

O'Kelly's, always enjoy your videos. Y'all are just so down-to-earth and relatable. The 526 is my dream boat and I must say, you guys have reviewed it from a completely new perspective. I also want to say, the camera work and image quality of this video are amazing! It probably doesn't hurt that you were shooting a supermodel like Galileo. Keep up the great work. Stay safe!

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks Patrick. Appreciate the kind words. We are trying to up our game. By coincidence we ran into Todd and Judy today and chatted a bit about their boat. Have to say it tops our list as well.

[@geraldanderson7576]

So close to 100K subscribers.... Y'all will blow past that number soon! Pre-congratulations from San Antonio, TX! ❣🙏🥳

[@TheOKellys]

You think? That’d be pretty crazy!

[@briangdozier]

We nice to see my dream boat pop up on your channel. Excellent review!

[@robertlemoine3500]

Once again Okellys, a fine episode.Thankyou.

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you!

[@spikeafrican8797]

1 Clarity and a million to sail the world with is the deal I'd take too! I think you've made Clarity into something very special... plus, she's Home!

[@michynature]

I really like Balance as a company. Everything is well thought out. I don’t know if you got a chance to check out the electrical stuff but it’s an OCD person’s dream lol. It is foam core for those who want to know and I believe the 52’ is 10 tons base weight, 12 tons displacement. I like the real wood veneers, the aft shower is huge, plenty of solar, concealed dagger boards and the Versa Helm is mint. One thing I was t aware of was the German sheets so thank you for pointing that out. Maybe I forgot idk. Many great features and semi custom. Not a bad balance for a performance Cat, If it’s in your budget.

[@TheOKellys]

No, didn’t get a chance. Saw some of the plumbing and watermaker setup. Very clean. We likey!

[@edmund6392]

This was the best review of Balance cats that I have seen. Well done!

[@TheOKellys]

Well thanks!

[@loripeaceandlove6391]

Omygosh! You guys did a wonderful job on giving us the info on this beautiful boat. Also, I loved the music you chose and all the gorgeous video shots you got on the boat. GreatVideo! And Thanks to the owner and his wife for letting you film. PeaceAndLove Lori

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks Lori!

[@Upper_Room_Studios]

Love it when you guys do review type videos of other makes and models of boats. Great job and the videography and sound are superb!

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks man. We enjoy it.

[@JC-21470]

You guys have a GREAT boat and what you have done with it is amazing! No need for boat envy guys, just sail on!

[@careylogan7639]

GREAT video. Nick, ask Tod about his Tilley hat. My brother has had one for years and I finally got one for myself. You need one bro!! the Balance 526 is a sweet boat. out of my price range too. Thanks Tod and Judy for the tour!!

[@VladReal]

Excellent work people! As my school teacher said- Even I understood it already myself! Nice explanations work.

[@mikenelson1387]

Great video, but they are great every Thursday! I want to take it for a spin.

[@MrELOIGOMES]

This is a fantastic boat! I love it. 👊🏼

[@xyzaero]

Fantastic video, fantastic boat :-) THANKS

[@bradmottishaw467]

Nick, From a Google search; "The German sheeting system is called so because it was first used on a German Admirals cup boat." Great review, on an AWESOME yacht.

[@TheOKellys]

What is this google you speak of? Lol. Can you tell we have been out of service for a while?

[@bradmottishaw467]

@@TheOKellys She is a wise shaman of the Internets people, which are native to the lower part of the "Knownuttn" peoples. They reside mostly in my house.

[@nickleggatt6657]

@@TheOKellys This is not a German mainsheet system. The German mainsheet system developed for the Admiral's Cup was led up from the traveller and then forward along the boom, towards the gooseneck. From there it went down to the side decks on either side and back to a pair of winches in the cockpit. The purpose was to allow for faster, better controlled gybes, with a large crew.

[@cliffordbradford8910]

Nick Leggatt is right, the proper term for this is a 'split mainsheet'. If your traveler is difficult to adjust under load you simply need more purchase/winch power. It is essential to be able to adjust the traveler under load but a lot of cruising boats, unfortunately, have under powered controls.

[@mud5377]

Oh man I was expecting some sort of complex contraption to switch up the helm. Seeing how that versa-helm works so simply is awesome!

[@r0cketplumber]

It looks just like the throwover yoke on a Beech Bonanza. For when you want to say, "My Airplane!" and really mean it!

[@clarisd]

You guys should sell Clarity and purchase this vessel. Best presentation for this excellent vessel. Soon Balance will be showing on the east coast in the US.

[@TheOKellys]

I think we would need just a little too much financing to make that happen! But if we were going to trade Clarity for something else, the 526 would certainly be a fine choice.

[@shaneford17]

you answered alot of good questions

[@jacquesjacobsz9243]

Their choise of mainsail shape is also very important.

[@brandonchambers376]

Love the music on all your videos

[@TheOKellys]

Well thank you!

[@lionelfournier]

Always inspired music from Nick and so fitting with the video cuts by Megan. Or is it the other way round? In fact they blend into an inspiring piece, for us to drift with and demand more!

[@kjc9trader491]

Brandon Chambers: just in case you did not know ~ Nick creates all of the music on their channels - all original, all self made!...

[@brandonchambers376]

@@kjc9trader491 Ok cool. I subscribed and will listen to some more episodes. Thanks

[@jackiemauro4774]

You guys make maybe the most fun videos. This one was also a great surprise! Love the Galileo, wish I could afford it!!!

[@benmadsen8739]

That's the best helm setup ever.

[@gasar719]

I knew it. That is my dream boat.

[@gasar719]

Balance Catamarans are such a innovative boatbuilder. They produce boats from 44ft to 76ft. On later models you have an option to delete the generator and install an Integrel instead.

[@pbristow]

What a beauty!

[@TheOKellys]

Right? Mouthwatering.

[@brendenmannix3665]

Really enjoying your channel guys, learning a lot and like both your approach. Thanks.

[@jeffmilum5858]

Nice review. Really nice boat. I think these boats are accurately named.. As a former full time cruiser on a Catana, totally agree on flat decks and low profile, which are Catana traits. Although most Catana owners like their outboard helms, the versa helm seems like a really good set up. Although, it doesn't look like there is element protection when up? Fine by me, but some sailors are very focused on this. I also like the sheeting system, which is also a Catana hallmark. Not sure about the berth orientation, we almost bought a seawind with the same, but that wasn't a selling point

[@timmitchell8784]

AMAZING!!! What fun and great insight. Thank you so much Timmy

[@geoffthefarmer]

That was a very informative video. Walk around reviews are good but a sailing review is brilliant.

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks. Agreed....gotta sail it to know it

[@ilyarique]

wish i could afford one... looks amazing!

[@kdub7641]

I’m excited for next weeks video. I’m in the process of changing my boat name. We have our notes on the process to keep Neptune appeased. And just got the email that the lettering is ready. Let’s see what you guys have for us to chew on in the next video. This weeks episode was fun. Thanks and be well N&M.

[@tommurray5156]

SV Coimbra is a fine example of not changing a name properly!! She got hammered on almost every leg of the trip, eventually beached on Tristan..

[@alimitchell5346]

What a bonny boat..👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@hsjawanda]

In addition to being an insightful and knowledge-full video, it's also very well produced (the videography, the titles, the overall storytelling etc.). Kudos!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you!

[@WeirdViking]

That has to be one of the best helm designs I've ever seen.

[@graeme-sailingskeptic]

So I love the helm area - everything right at hand! That davit system looks really good! I think possibly a forward cockpit / nav is a good option also. 35kn is when the fun really begins! hahaha

[@stinkintoad]

Hey there from Rhode Island my home state! Seadog has the German traveller setup and he loves it.

[@johnpatterson7033]

Welcome to boating, never perfect, but always fun

[@Ron-zr6se]

Nick and Megan, thank you for the insight on the Balance 526. Personally when it comes to cats I prefer the Privilege and Sunreef. However price wise, both are higher than the Balance. In the end it really depends on budget and what you are looking for in a boat.

[@danaparedes5613]

Yes, can't wait to see those features on other boats!

[@TheOKellys]

Us too!

[@johanmarais9950]

Beyond magic!!!

[@gdiup9241]

Love the follow up podcast too!

[@popsoldboats3406]

That boat is bigger than my house. However I have a goal to load all my fiberglass repair tools on a 30 foot mono Hull and make my way south to live from island to island and work my way around the Atlantic. Bucket list meet my favorite Meteorologist on their vessel Clarity. And a few other of you kids that have truly inspired me.

[@TheOKellys]

Cool! We can trade tips.... and btw, if you are a gelcoat magician and don’t step on locals’ toes, one could EASILY work their way around the world...having the best success in the most expensive areas.

[@popsoldboats3406]

@@TheOKellys Well as you said paint preferred over Gel coat I cringed as my mind went back through many years of the nightmare of getting paint off Gel Coat to bring back the durable luster.

[@darren5472]

If money was no object and you were going to buy a brand new boat to spend 3 years or so to go around the world on what would it be? I love your videos guys and I think you are the only channel that would answer this question objectively. Thanks so much for all your content 🙏 😊

[@cmu4331]

Nick, Live the video and agree with your comments - very interesting. While a low profile is desirable (from a windage perspective), one has to be cautious that it doesn't come at the expense of a low bridgedeck clearance. Bridgedeck clearance should be at least 6% of the LWL (when the vessel is fully loaded). Far too many designers use 6% bridgedeck clearance when the vessel is not fully loaded up for cruising etc. - then the owner gets fed up with the noise and vibrations caused by the waves slapping the hulls and underside of the bridgedeck. While I agree with your comments regarding painting (being better than gelcoat) the only disadvantage of painting is that it needs redoing every 5 -6 years, which is expensive. I have heard figures in the order of $10K here in Australia to paint the hull! Naturally I would recommend using epoxy primer and undercoat, - even on the topsides. Never use polyurethane under the water - as it will form huge blisters. During a survey I conducted on a vessel (some time ago) I saw first hand the huge blisters caused by using polyurethane underwater. Personally I am not keen on the retruced bow (the modern trend in catamaran design). While it is fine for light to moderate conditions, I believe it is dangerous when the weather gets rough, as the boat will tend to ship huge amounts of green water on the deck - with all sorts of potential associated issues. Professional Boatbuilder and Naval Architect

[@LoanwordEggcorn]

Balance cites their 526 bridgedeck clearance as 0.88 meters or 2.89 feet. They are performance biased cats designed to not be overloaded.

[@TheOKellys]

10k would be incredibly inexpensive here in the US. We got quotes for just the outsides of just the hulls here and ranged from 22-48k if memory serves. However Awlgrip and AwlCraft are said to be 10+ year paints. Well cared for gelcoat will last much much longer, but the cumulative cost for that is not insubstantial. It’s a big big job on a boat like this just to wax.

[@cmu4331]

@@LoanwordEggcorn I absolutey agree with you - but you show me an owner that doesn't or hasn't over loaded their boat!! - in my experience (of many years) in the industry, I have yet to meet an owner that doesn't over load their boat, especially if they're going on a cruise.

[@cmu4331]

@@TheOKellys Also contrary to popular belief, gelcoat is not waterproof, especially as it gets old and is often left for too long before being repolished. If it gets a crack in it (show me boat that doesn't have cracks in the gelcoat) it will pump weter (due to hydraulics) into the laminate structure as the boat 'works' i.e. moves under the strain of sailing and the seaway etc.

[@LoanwordEggcorn]

@@cmu4331 Agree. It almost seems like human nature to want to carry more stuff. A less performance oriented boat may respond better to overloading than a performance boat with narrower hulls, etc. The Balance boats are likely not pure racing hulls, but still very fast, so perhaps their hulls are a bit more forgiving of being overloaded.

[@derekp6636]

that's an amazing boat....just wish i could afford it!

[@HopeOfJoe]

Yes, the 526 is amazing, yet agree that kind of $$$, and a very small living space. For live aboards,space on a cruising boat is already limited. She you know what I mean. Yet I do love the 526.

[@jacksbackable]

Agree on your points! Look at the Balance owner KZbin episodes, he’s passionate and is really good at explaining his product! They are currently building a couple of smaller versions. 😎🏖🌴☀️🇦🇺

[@Marker-er3ro]

New cameras are working well!

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks!

[@sailingstrathcona]

Gonna make the upgrade Nick? Cha-Ching!!

[@carsonc1272]

Another great episode! I really enjoyed it.

[@auman2]

Loved the soundtrack 👏

[@TheOKellys]

Why thank you. Made it myself.

[@hakubaholiday9006]

Another great video. Thank you. Balance boats are beautiful for sure. I just don't understand why the big production boat companies don't release a mid-40-foot performance-focused cruising cat with all these types of options - just one! There is a huge market for it and they could build them at a fraction of the cost so we can all enjoy one!

[@TheOKellys]

Here here!

[@andrewhodgdon2786]

Balance has a 44ft model being launched this year.

[@TheOKellys]

From what I know, boat building is a low margin business.

[@hakubaholiday9006]

@@andrewhodgdon2786 It looks sweet! kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4SoqoOBebCbnqc

[@andrewhodgdon2786]

@@hakubaholiday9006 Thank you, we've worked very hard to perfect the design of the 442. Feel free to reach out if you'd like additional information. My contact info is listed at the end of the video you shared above.

[@Nick-cr6bj]

Very informative, thank you

[@dpurrington]

Lots of big smiles on you guys. :-)

[@nchabanier]

Excellent vdo.well done

[@clintbillton2161]

There is always a bigger fish. I'm verry happy with the bone I have. Great vid as always. And btw, I wish more Americans were more like you two. Ride on!

[@DCGULL01]

On paper- I'm in. I have dreams of electric powered boats starting with a 526. 14,000 Lbs. displacement is almost nothing and it is stiff to boot. I do notice hobby horsing with this platform, but- I'd adjust (offset by average speeds!). I LOVE this boat.

[@VIDEOAC3D]

Phil Berman has a video on the official Balance Catamaran channel that explains why they don't recommend all electric. They do, however, work with a state of the art alternator company to eliminate the genset.

[@heisenbugz]

Interesting they removed the traveler for the main but added one for the jib. You would think if two sheets are better for the main, two sheets would be better for the jib. Did original marine engineers have it backwards?

[@Bluenoser613]

It's a jib track but I can see how it's like a traveler.

[@cliffordbradford8910]

You have to have a track for a self tacking jib; that's how they self tack.

[@neliosamch3195]

I like the Balance but I can afford the versa helm option only.

[@TheOKellys]

Lol

[@PeterAcrat]

Thank you 👍

[@HolidayRambling]

Nice music, sounds inspired by maximum overdrive

[@HolidayRambling]

D.T.

[@hipotures]

1. **Versa Helm** - A movable helm that can be positioned for optimal visibility and protection depending on the weather. 2. **Flat Tempered Double-Paned Glass** - Strong, clear, and easier to replace than Lexan plastic, enhancing forward visibility. 3. **Hay Racks Alongside the Boom** - Assist in handling the mainsail, particularly with flaking the sail and preventing battens from catching on Lazy Jacks. 4. **Flush Dagger Boards** - Dagger boards that are flush to the deck, keeping the side decks clear and enhancing performance. 5. **German Sheeting** - Two separate sheets that control the boom, replacing the more complex mainsheet traveler system. 6. *Bowsprit* - Made of aluminum and designed for flying a Code Zero or an asymmetrical spinnaker, with a well-considered design to handle compression forces. 7. **Aft Master Head** - An aft-positioned master head that allows for better air circulation and more space in the front of the boat. 8. **Lower Profiles and Flatter Decks** - Stiffer structures with a lower center of effort that improve sailing performance and ease of walking. 9. **Painted Epoxy Laminate** - Paint as a finish instead of gel coat, offering better durability and easier maintenance. 10. **Optional Dagger Boards** - The ability to choose between fixed keels or dagger boards, offering more flexibility depending on sailing preferences. 11. **Elevated and Protected Helm Position** - The versatility of having an elevated helm for visibility and a lower protected position for comfort in bad weather.

[@vincent5]

Oh they are so cool...

[@bradgustafson448]

You need one of those!

[@TheOKellys]

! And a lotto ticket first!

[@wesanderson7918]

Great video!

[@shangyu2599]

7:53 Have you had a chance to ask the owners how it is like to sleep in their front cabin while underway??

[@TheOKellys]

They said a little hard to climb up into it, but no comment on motion. They probably not bothered. They are very experienced.

[@shangyu2599]

@@TheOKellys I am concerned about the motion since I felt a little sea sick while preparing meal for crew on a Lagoon 400 beating into 0.7m waves, that put me off galley down option altogether too.

[@LoanwordEggcorn]

@@shangyu2599 Galley up in the salon seems much better for socializing while cooking and around meals. Also better ventilation, etc.

[@brucemcnair2]

Great review

[@Zr0din]

SUPER interesting, but there were a bunch of terminologies (as a youtube boat watcher, not a real sailor) that I need to be schooled on to fully understand what you are talking about. Maybe this isn't aimed to me but I consider it an important video.

[@franklinjackson3637]

What do you guys think about the new gun boats helm position inside the house?

[@TheOKellys]

Gunboat has had the forward helm for about as long as I can remember. Chris White designs as well. Hard to give an opinion as we’ve never sailed either one, but seems to us that it could be a pretty wet ride up front like that, especially if you’re going fast. So putting the helm inside makes a lot of sense. But also wouldn’t that take away a bit of the thrill of sailing? Don’t know.....anyone out there with a Gunboat want to take us for a ride?

[@franklinjackson3637]

@@TheOKellys the Sirius boats have an adjustable helm like the balance but on a monohull. If I won the lottery I would like the Sirius 35ds. They seem really comfy and functional

[@JibeTalking]

Thanks for sharing the features of the Balance 526. I really like the boat, for $1.7 mil why shouldn't I??

[@Mark-us777]

I want one!

[@MaryOKC]

Excellent.

[@bojanu7212]

All nice, but the "German-style" main sheets is a cheep solution for small boats, but sure not for big multihulls. You can imagine, easing the windward sheet in case of sudden squall, if you will need to. You can imagine the boom shooting high and the main hitting the shrouds. With the main sheet traveller it is easy task to easy the traveller car and get the wind away from the main. Additionally, traveller car controlling requires much less forces.

[@goneawol7498]

Windelo Catamarans..... The perfect helm.

[@drcorydc1]

As I understand it: "German Sheeting" is a _single_ line system that runs from one winch, through the traveler, to the boom, back through the traveler, to the opposite side winch. So that, the boom is controlled from either side. A traveler is still used in "German Sheeting". What this boat has, from what I can see, is; dual (port and starboard) sheets on the boom. Each with its own block set-up. No traveler is involved. So, "Dual" or "Twin" sheeting.

[@drcorydc1]

A variation of the "German Sheeting" from that described above (www.jeanneau-owners.com/hintsandtips/36igermanmainsheet.html). And This variation, (www.harken.com/gallery/gallery_main8.jpeg) is also referred to as "Admiral's Cup" Sheeting by Harken. But still, They too, use a traveler.

[@drcorydc1]

Twin or Dual Mainsheets _without_ traveler, as I understand it (www.boatdesign.net/attachments/boom-mainsheets-jpg.14676/). This is what appears to be what is on this boat.

[@drcorydc1]

In my ongoing research of "German Sheeting," I have now seen the term used in single line and double line sheeting systems. As well as, with and without a traveler. So, apparently the term, as used, has a broad definition. Love your vids! 😎👍

[@rustie4242]

Do you know that the cockpit is where you sail and control the boat from, it is not a large lounge area... On a cat, a single helm with all lines led to 2 winches is simply the cheapest way to build a cockpit, much cheaper than twin helms with 6 or 8 winches. No traveller, is also just cheap, this mainsheet system is called a split mainsheet. A German system uses a traveller where the sheet is run forward to the mast and then aft to the cockpit. This is a very nice cat with some wonderfull features but like most of the production cats has been designed liveability first and sail controls second. I prefer the design to have all the sailing attributes, including hull shape and cockpit layout, as first priority and then the accommodation built to suit. This produces a fantastic Bluewater cat but has some compromise in the living space. Cheers Rustie.🍻 PS the versa helm has no vision of the sails in the down position, it's in heavy conditions you need to see your sails.. IMHO.

[@LawrenceBroussard]

Nice Review

[@SomeTechGuy666]

Would love to know what the pointing speed of Clarity is (SOW/VMG) versus the Balance 526. On beach cats (Hobie 18) the main sail angle going to wind is everything. I totally get why you like the "German" main sheet "traveller" system. Not sure what to say about daggerboards. Retractable would probably be a pain due to leaks, lost cabin space and such. But why don't cats have side deployable dagger boards like the AC75s have for their foils ?

[@nickcooper14]

Love it🤟🏼🤟🏼

[@2thelight]

There aren't too many boats made with epoxy vs vinylester/polyester, this is a huge price difference, if they didnt use epoxy maybe the 1.7m would be much less, if it was closer to a leopard I would get one, love the design inventions but need to check out the engines and locations and drive type.

[@billfournier439]

Have herd a few good independent reports on the Balance. Really like your input of things. I don't recall, but have you been able to check out any of the Seawind Cats? Stay safe! 👍👍⛵👍👍 😀