Catamaran Comparison · 2026

Bali 4.6 vs Bali 4.8

Two near-neighbours in the 48–49 foot class — here's how they actually differ on the water.

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At a Glance

Bali

Bali 4.6

The Bali 4.6 is a 48-foot 4-cabin catamaran launched in 2019. Best for family, luxury, open space lovers. A proven family-friendly layout.

Bali

Bali 4.8

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 4.6	Bali 4.8
Length overall	48 ft (14.62 m)	49 ft (14.93 m)
Beam	7.66 m	7.88 m
Cabins (guest + crew)	4 + 2	4 + 2
Max guests	8	8
Year introduced	2019	2020
Best for	family, luxury, open space lovers	family, luxury, open space lovers
Standout amenity	AC, generator	AC, generator
Charter regions	Caribbean, Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, South East Asia, Mexico & Central America, Atlantic & Offshore, Red Sea & Middle East, Northern Europe & Baltic, US East Coast & Florida	Caribbean, Mediterranean
Indicative price (bareboat low season)	$11,500	$7,000
Indicative price (crewed peak season)	$43,000	$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 4.6 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 4.6 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 4.6 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 4.6 starts at $11,500/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 4.6 reach $43,000/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?

If you're a family with kids

Choose the Bali 4.6. It's the calmer, family-oriented platform; the layout is forgiving for first-time charterers with kids aboard.

If you want performance / a sailing-feel boat

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.

If you want luxury / open-space

Choose the Bali 4.6. It's specifically tuned for indoor-outdoor living and the finish is the more premium of the two.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bali 4.6 bigger than the Bali 4.8? ▾

The Bali 4.6 is 48 ft (14.62 m) long with a 7.66 m beam, while the Bali 4.8 is 49 ft (14.93 m) with a 7.88 m beam. The Bali 4.8 is the longer boat, but the difference of 1 ft may be marginal once you step on board.

Which is better for a family — Bali 4.6 or Bali 4.8? ▾

Both boats are well-suited to families. Bali 4.6 is best for family / luxury; Bali 4.8 leans toward family / luxury. The Bali 4.6 has more equal-sized cabins which is helpful for two- or three-generation trips. Talk to a 2Hulls expert about specific cabin configs.

Which is better value — Bali 4.6 or Bali 4.8? ▾

The Bali 4.8 is the lower-priced option (starts around $7,000/week bareboat), with the Bali 4.6 starting around $11,500/week. The price difference of ~$4,500/week is usually worth it if you specifically want family; otherwise the Bali 4.8 gives you most of the experience.

Can the Bali 4.6 and Bali 4.8 charter in the same destinations? ▾

Bali 4.6: Caribbean, Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, South East Asia, Mexico & Central America, Atlantic & Offshore, Red Sea & Middle East, Northern Europe & Baltic, US East Coast & Florida. Bali 4.8: Caribbean, Mediterranean. Where they overlap (often the Caribbean + Mediterranean), they're both well-supported by local charter fleets and you can usually get a checkout sail either way.

How many guests can each boat sleep? ▾

Bali 4.6: 4 guest cabins + 2 crew cabin(s), sleeps up to 8 guests in standard charter config. Bali 4.8: 4 guest cabins + 2 crew cabin(s), sleeps up to 8 guests. Both sleep the same number — your choice depends on layout and amenities.

Keep Comparing

More 48–49-foot Catamaran Comparisons

Bali 4.6 vs Bali 4.4 48 ft vs 44 ft · same brand Bali 4.6 vs Bali 5.4 54 ft vs 48 ft · same brand Bali 4.6 vs Bali 4.2 48 ft vs 42 ft · same brand Bali 4.6 vs Leopard 48 48 ft vs 48 ft · same cabins Bali 4.6 vs Lagoon 50 50 ft vs 48 ft · same cabins Bali 4.6 vs Excess 14 48 ft vs 47 ft · same cabins

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