First, let me get to the conclusion: I spent three weeks comparing twelve boat rental companies, and I only felt confident enough to write this article after actually paying to rent a boat myself.The pricing information for the Bali 4.2 online is as chaotic as the winds in the Mediterranean—if you ask ten agents, you’ll get eight different quotes.What’s more, those quotes that seem relatively cheap at first glance end up being a completely different number by the time you arrive at the marina, after all sorts of fees and taxes are added on.
I live on the Greek island of Corfu. I sold my old monohull sailboat last year, and this summer I’ve been thinking about replacing it with a catamaran.The Bali 4.2 is my top contender because I really like its bathroom design—it features a separate wet and dry area, which is quite rare among catamarans.However, I absolutely cannot just hand over my money based solely on the manufacturer’s brochure, so I’ve decided to charter one first and actually live on it for a week to see if it’s really worth the price.
First, let’s address what everyone is most concerned about: just how much does it cost?
In Croatia, the price difference between the peak season in July and August and the off-season in May and June or September and October is enormous—so huge that it might make you question your life choices.The actual quotes I received show that during peak season, the price for a week on a Bali 4.2 with a captain ranges from roughly 6,500 to 7,800 euros.If you opt for a bareboat charter without a captain, the price can be brought down to around 5,200 euros—but you’ll need to have your own sailing credentials and be familiar with the local waters.Here in Greece, it’s a bit cheaper by comparison. I ended up chartering a boat on Lefkada—the kind that comes with a captain—for 7,200 euros a week, which covered the final cleaning fees and marina fees, though it didn’t include fuel or food costs. Fuel costs range from about 200 to 300 euros per week, depending on how far you sail.
This is a pitfall that first-time visitors often overlook: the mandatory “final cleaning fee.”Many charter companies intentionally exclude this from the total price when quoting, only to inform you upon arrival that it is a mandatory charge, typically ranging from 150 to 250 euros.Additionally, if you don’t want to load your luggage onto the ship yourself, you’ll need to set aside some cash to tip the dockworkers.
Why such a big price difference? It all comes down to the boat’s age and specifications.
Among the twelve charter companies I compared, there was one identical boat named “Bali 4.2” available in two versions: a brand-new 2023 model and an older 2019 model, with a price difference of nearly 2,000 euros.The newer boat is certainly excellent—its electronics are brand-new and its sails are crisp—but to be honest, for someone like me who’s chartering a boat for a week, the 2019 model is perfectly adequate.The key factors to focus on are how many hours the generator has been used, whether the air conditioning is in good working order, and how easily the stove in the galley ignites.The boat I rented was from 2021. Its generator was a bit noisy, so I had to turn it off at night to sleep—otherwise, it would buzz constantly, just like a big fly buzzing right next to my ear.
Also, you have to read the equipment list very carefully. Some boat companies offer low quotes because the boat doesn’t come with an outboard motor—that small motor used for the lifeboat—and if you want to use one, you’ll have to pay extra to rent it.Furthermore, many items—such as stand-up paddleboards and fishing rods—are subject to separate fees.I suggest that when you’re requesting a quote, you ask directly: “What’s included in this price besides the boat?” Don’t worry about losing face—the more detailed your questions are, the fewer problems you’ll run into later.
How do ordinary people from Europe and the U.S. typically use this boat?
After observing for a while, I’ve noticed that there are mainly two types of people who come to rent the Bali 4.2.One group consists of two or three families sharing a boat, with each family bringing two children. This group prefers a boat with a captain, as the captain can assist with meal preparation and also act as a babysitter, watching over the children as they play in the water on deck.The other group consists of retired couples, who generally opt for a bareboat charter. They captain the boat themselves, cruising leisurely around the area—sailing just two or three hours a day—and dropping anchor whenever they find a quiet cove.The Bali 4.2 features a hardtop design that provides exceptional shade—in a place with such intense sunlight as Greece, it’s practically a lifesaver.During the week I rented it, the highest temperature was 34 degrees, but the temperature on deck reached over 40 degrees. However, sitting behind the helm, I didn’t feel the sun’s rays at all—that’s how it was.
There’s one detail worth noting: the Bali 4.2’s bow—the front of the boat—has a huge sunbathing mat, but that area gets particularly rocky when the waves get rough.Among the group of friends I was leading, one young woman got seasick after lying there for just ten minutes—her face turned deathly pale.So, if you’re sailing with someone prone to seasickness, definitely don’t let them lie at the bow—instead, have them sit in the sofa area at the stern, which will make things much better.
What should beginners keep in mind when operating this boat?
Although the Bali 4.2 is over fourteen meters long, it’s not particularly difficult to handle. All the sail lines are routed to the helm, so a single person can raise and lower the sails. However, there is one thing to be especially careful about: its signature hardtop and the large front window.When backing into a harbor, the blind spots are enormous, and visibility from the stern is extremely poor.The first time I docked, I nearly scraped the boat next to me—it gave me such a scare that I broke out in a cold sweat. I strongly recommend having a crew member stand at the bow to provide guidance via walkie-talkie or hand signals; do not rely solely on your own observation.
There’s also a detail that many people aren’t aware of: the Bali 4.2’s windlass is quite powerful, but the entrance to the anchor chain locker is rather small.Once, while I was hauling in the anchor, the chain got jammed and was stuck fast. I initially thought the machine had malfunctioned, but later realized the chain had piled up in a cone-shaped heap inside the compartment, blocking the entrance.You have to use a boat hook to poke at it and break it up. This issue is not mentioned at all in the shipping company’s handover instructions, but you’re very likely to encounter it when actually operating the vessel.
Here are some of my personal thoughts on pricing.
To be honest, a weekly rental of over 7,000 euros isn’t exactly cheap. However, you need to do the math: if you were staying at a hotel, three ocean-view rooms with private bathrooms would cost 4,000 to 5,000 euros for a week, and you’d still have to hunt for restaurants every day.When you charter a boat, you buy fresh seafood every day and cook your own meals—it’s a completely different experience. In my opinion, the Bali 4.2 is better suited to a travel style where your “hotel” is on the water; it offers not so much the joy of sailing as the freedom of a mobile home.
The captain I mentioned is a local named Yannis. He told me that during this season, the boat is almost fully booked every week, with many people making reservations as much as half a year in advance.So, if you’re planning to go in July or August, you need to act now—don’t count on getting lucky and snagging a cheap ticket at the last minute. Also, when it comes to price, booking early doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get a better deal, but booking late will definitely mean you won’t be able to choose a high-quality boat.
Frequently asked questions—I’ve asked them for you.
Q: As someone who only holds a certification like ASA 104, can I charter a bareboat like a Bali 4.2 in Greece?
A: In Greece, inspections aren’t particularly strict, but all reputable companies will require you to have a logbook to prove you’ve previously operated a vessel of similar size and specifications.If you’re not confident in your abilities, it’s best to simply hire a captain. If an accident occurs and the insurance company refuses to pay out, that’s when the real cost becomes truly expensive.
Q: How much luggage can I bring on board? Is there a washing machine?
A: Each cabin on the Bali 4.2 offers a considerable amount of storage space. However, please do not bring hard-shell suitcases; soft-sided luggage is the easiest to stow.There is no washing machine on board; clothes must be washed by hand and then hung to dry on the lines set up at the stern. Given the ample wind, they will dry within a day.
Q: How much is the security deposit typically? How can I get a full refund?
A: The security deposit is usually between 3,000 and 4,000 euros and requires a pre-authorization on your credit card. When you return the boat, provided there is no significant damage and the fuel and water tanks are full, no money will generally be deducted.However, please note that if you scrape off the anti-fouling paint coating the hull, the repair costs can be quite high. Therefore, be sure to maneuver slowly when approaching the dock.
Q: Will the boat company cancel the trip if the weather is bad?
A: If a red-level weather warning is in effect, the boat company will prohibit you from going out to sea, and your fees will be carried over to a later date or refunded. However, if it’s a yellow-level warning, the decision is up to you, though the captain will offer advice.On the day I encountered strong winds, the captain directly advised us to find a bay to take shelter in for the day. Although we missed visiting one island, safety comes first, and I truly believe it was worth it.