Part 2: Vision in Form – The Bali Design Philosophy That Reshaped Onboard Living

The Architecture of Freedom: How Space Becomes Experience

From Small Spaces to Flowing Volumes

Traditional catamarans often feel like a stack of discrete compartments – cockpit, saloon, hulls – each with its own boundaries. BALI sought to dissolve those boundaries. The design ethos centers around spatial continuity:

• Seamless indoors/outdoors: The rear pivoting door that opens the entire back wall of the salon is more than a novelty – it erases the division between indoor and outdoor living. And easily closes once again for comfort, privacy or safety, at the touch of a button.  
   
• Opening side windows: Large sliding side windows work in conjunction with the rear to create volume and air flow. Sightlines extend farther, air flows more freely, the boundary between sanctuary and sea blurs.

This spatial philosophy is not only aesthetic, it’s functional. When design prioritizes how people live, rest, socialize, and move on board, then every cabin, lounge, walkway, and opening becomes more than another box – it becomes part of the experience.

Foredeck Reimagined: From Net to Usable Outdoor Space

One of BALI’s signature moves is the conversion of what used to be a wide net (or trampoline) across the bows into a usable solid foredeck lounge or forward cockpit. This reimagining has multiple implications:

• Purposeful surfaces: Instead of underutilized forward space with trampoline netting, Bali chose a solid foredeck that can serve as a social lounging area, sunbathing zone, or safe observation platform. An optional sunshade makes the space even more usable, with protection from the sun while still letting the breeze pass through. 
   

• Safety and comfort: The rigid foredeck promotes the feeling of safety both underway and at anchor. Walking or lounging feels more secure on the solid foredeck surface. 

   

Increasingly, other catamaran designers are following suit with smaller forward trampolines. What was once a controversial design element has begun to ripple across the market.

Superior Flybridge Design

A spacious, functional flybridge is now one of the most coveted features among catamaran buyers. It elevates life on board – literally – offering panoramic views, effortless sailing visibility, and a relaxed social hub that perfectly complements the open-concept living below.

BALI Catamarans flybridges are an exceptional example, particularly with their unique flybridge access design that’s both functional and elegant.

• Easy, safe access: The pathway to the flybridge is laid out with intention – two wide integrated stairways on either side of the catamaran. While others offer steep or spiral step access, BALI design facilitates an easy, safe and comfortable movement.

In short, whether sailing or at anchor, BALI flybridge access excels in freedom, flow, and above all, safety.

Charter Proven

A strong validation of BALI’s quality and design philosophy is its widespread adoption in charter fleets. Charter operators recognize that value, quality and desirable design features make it an ideal investment. 

Charter vessels are tested daily, by crews with varying skills in varied conditions, with little mercy. BALI Catamarans not only withstand that ongoing usage, but also manage to be one of the most well-loved charter platforms for space and comfort. 

The fact that BALI is so prevalent in that world is testament to a design philosophy that balances aesthetics, ergonomics, and durability. And for private buyers, that’s a huge benefit: you’re buying what has already survived the crucible of daily, heavy use.

Experience the BALI Difference

The story of BALI is not simply about making a catamaran – it’s about rethinking what a catamaran can be. Come and experience the difference firsthand – Check out our upcoming events and see the BALI difference for yourself.