Catamaran Comparison · 2026
Bali 4.4 vs Bali 4.8
Two near-neighbours in the 44–49 foot class — here's how they actually differ on the water.
At a Glance
The Bali 4.4 is a 44-foot 4-cabin catamaran launched in 2021. Best for family, open space lovers, first time charter. A proven family-friendly layout.
The Bali 4.8 is a 49-foot 4-cabin catamaran launched in 2020. Best for family, luxury, open space lovers. A proven family-friendly layout.
Quick Comparison
| Spec | Bali 4.4 | Bali 4.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 44 ft (13.41 m) | 49 ft (14.93 m) |
| Beam | 7.4 m | 7.88 m |
| Cabins (guest + crew) | 4 + 2 | 4 + 2 |
| Max guests | 8 | 8 |
| Year introduced | 2021 | 2020 |
| Best for | family, open space lovers, first time charter | family, luxury, open space lovers |
| Standout amenity | AC, generator | AC, generator |
| Charter regions | Caribbean, Mediterranean, South East Asia, Mexico & Central America, Red Sea & Middle East, Northern Europe & Baltic, US East Coast & Florida | Caribbean, Mediterranean |
| Indicative price (bareboat low season) | $10,500 | $7,000 |
| Indicative price (crewed peak season) | $32,000 | $57,500 |
| View full detail | View → | View → |
Pricing data drawn from current-season bookings across BVI and Mediterranean bases. Updated quarterly.
Design & Comfort Differences
The two boats feel meaningfully different on board, even within the same nominal size class. Three specific differences worth knowing:
- Saloon and deck space. The Bali 4.4 has a garage-door aft platform that opens the saloon directly to the sea; the Bali 4.8 uses the same Bali-style aft garage door. The Bali 4.4 specifically targets open-space lovers — the indoor/outdoor flow is the headline feature. The Bali 4.8 specifically targets open-space lovers — the indoor/outdoor flow is the headline feature.
- Cabin configuration. Both boats offer 4 symmetrical guest cabins. What differs is cabin shape — the Bali typically uses a forward-galley / island-berth layout, while Bali often offsets the galley aft. Worth seeing both layouts before deciding for a couples-only trip.
- Amenities & kit. Bali 4.4 comes with AC, generator, watermaker, solar, dinghy, garage door platform. Bali 4.8 adds BBQ.
Performance Differences
Neither boat is a racer; both are cruising catamarans. But the neither — these are cruising-first boats.
In light air (under 10 knots true wind), the heavier-displacement boat will feel slightly sluggish; in 15–20 knots trade-wind conditions both perform similarly. In big Med Meltemi/Mistral conditions (25+ knots) the Bali 4.8's wider 7.88 m beam will initially feel more stable but pushes more water resistance.
For bareboat charters both behave predictably under sail and under power. We rarely see either one out-sail the other in normal charter conditions.
Price & Value
In current-season data, the Bali 4.4 starts at $10,500/week bareboat (low season, BVI or Greece) and the Bali 4.8 starts at $7,000/week. At the high end (crewed, peak season) we see the Bali 4.4 reach $32,000/week and the Bali 4.8 reach $57,500/week.
For most charterers the price difference is small (~$500–$1,500/week) compared to the total trip cost — meaning amenities, layout and your destination matter more than sticker price when choosing between two boats this similar.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose the Bali 4.4. It's the calmer, family-oriented platform; the layout is forgiving for first-time charterers with kids aboard.
Neither boat is a true performance catamaran; both are cruiser-first. If sailing feel matters most, look at the Excess 14 or Nautitech 46 Open as alternatives.
Choose the Bali 4.4. It's specifically tuned for indoor-outdoor living and the finish is the more premium of the two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bali 4.4 bigger than the Bali 4.8? ▾
Which is better for a family — Bali 4.4 or Bali 4.8? ▾
Which is better value — Bali 4.4 or Bali 4.8? ▾
Can the Bali 4.4 and Bali 4.8 charter in the same destinations? ▾
How many guests can each boat sleep? ▾
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