High-performance voyaging without compromise
The Balance 580 from Balance Catamarans was created for sailors who demand speed without sacrificing luxury. The Balance 580 sets a new standard in high-performance bluewater cruising, delivering a rare blend of strength, innovation, and comfort.
Crafted with foam-core, carbon-reinforced hulls and 100% epoxy construction, the Balance 580 is light, fast, and exceptionally strong. She points high with minimal leeway upwind, sails at wind speed or better in moderate conditions, and surges into the twenties in stronger winds—all while offering superb comfort and liveability.
Innovation that pushes boundaries
The Balance 580 brings together every element Balance Catamarans is known for:
- Turbocharged sail plan for performance in even light winds
- Hybrid VersaDrive propulsion for reduced fossil fuel use and higher charging efficiency
- Carbon-reinforced foam core structure for strength and durability
- Open-plan saloon and cockpit for seamless indoor/outdoor living
- Award-winning VersaHelm® system for optimal sightlines and all-weather sailing
She is designed to be handled by short-handed crews with ease, making bluewater sailing more accessible and enjoyable without sacrificing performance.
Liveability and style
With multiple interior layouts available—from three to five cabins—the Balance 580 offers extraordinary flexibility. Her Italian-styled interiors, panoramic windows, and handcrafted finishes create an inviting, functional, and luxurious onboard experience.
Whether cruising with family or voyaging far offshore, the Balance 580 offers spacious comfort, thoughtful storage, and design excellence in every detail.
A commitment to green sailing
The Balance 580 is built to sail more and motor less. With lightweight construction, efficient sailing capabilities, optional solar power up to 3,400 watts, and the revolutionary VersaDrive hybrid system, the 580 leads the way in sustainable, long-distance cruising.
The Balance 580 truly redefines the meaning of perfect balance: a catamaran where speed, comfort, strength, and beauty exist in complete harmony.
“It was clear that Berman and Du Toit had spent hundreds of hours to design what they felt was the ultimate blue-water performance cat.”
– Multihulls Quarterly
Balance 580 specifications
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Overall length | 17.78 m / 58.32 ft |
| Waterline length | 17.78 m / 58.33 ft |
| Beam overall | 8.6 m / 28.21 ft |
| Main sail area | 140.9 m² / 1,516 ft² |
| Working jib area | 79.5 m² / 856 ft² |
| Sail area (100% foretriangle) | 209.5 m² / 2,255 ft² |
| Asymmetric spinnaker area | 310.83 m² / 3,346 ft² |
| Screacher/reacher area | 125.7 m² / 1,353 ft² |
| Draft (boards down) | 3.35 m / 10.99 ft |
| Draft (boards up) | 1.65 m / 5.40 ft |
| Air draft / mast clearance | 27.43 m / 89.99 ft |
| Bridgedeck clearance (base boat) | 1.10 m / 3.61 ft |
| Displacement (base boat – daggerboard) | 16,668 kg / 36,753 lbs |
| Maximum load displacement | 21,668 kg / 47,790 lbs |
| Davit load | 400 kg / 882 lbs per arm |
| Maximum length tender | 4.27 m / 14 ft |
| Maximum weight tender with outboard | 268 kg / 590 lbs |
| Engine | Yanmar 4JH57 x SD60 |
| Fuel capacity | 2 x 500 litres / 2 x 132 gallons |
| Fresh water capacity | 2 x 300 litres / 2 x 79 gallons |
| Black water capacity | 2 x 60 litres / 2 x 16 gallons |
