Balance 540

This new model follows the same program as its predecessor but features improvements across the board—an integral carbon structure for greater stiffness, a more powerful sail plan (the speed polars promise an 8% increase in performance), and 25% more volume. Other changes include a larger opening to the nacelle/saloon, bigger hull portholes, as well as the adoption of a cutter rig with three furling headsails, as on the 580.

The 540 also offers the optional VersaDrive propulsion system, which combines dual ICE/electric motors. Fuel consumption can be reduced by 25%, while the 36kWh battery bank can be quickly recharged under sail (up to 15 kW per motor). The solar panels have a combined capacity of 3,000 kWp - enough to be self-sufficient at anchor.

Technical specifications

Builder: Balance Catamarans
Length: 54’6” (16.61 m)
Waterline length: 54’5” (16.6 m)
Beam: 27’6” (8.38 m)
Draft: 4’1”/10’4” (1.24/3.16 m)
Air draft: 81’5” (24.82 m)
Light displacement: 32,000 lbs (14.5 t)
Mainsail: 1,247 sq ft (115 m²)
Genoa: 695 sq ft (64.54 m²)
Spinnaker: 2,693 sq ft (250.15 m²)
Motors: 2 x 57 HP or 2 x 15 kW + 2 x 20 HP or 2 x 34 kW and 2 x 45 HP
Fuel: 2 x 132 US gal (2 x 500 l)
Fresh water: 2 x 103 US gal (2 x 390 l)