Balance 442 Catamaran: FULL TOUR & REVIEW & Our Honest Thoughts 

The "owner" of this particular Balance 442 chose to have storage drawers at the Nav Station instead of the pivoting stool. The nav station does come with one vertical set of narrow drawers. They simply opted do away with the pivoting nav stool in preference for large drawers. Also, the reason for the small ventilation windows forward of the salon table is due to the lithium battery bank located under those windows behind the back rest of the seats. Balance was concerned an owner might forget and leave windows open [If they were large windows like on Ruby Rose 2] and water potentially leak down into the battery bank; creating an electrical hazard.

Quick note of appreciation for how thoughtful these boat review videos are. Despite being 40 minutes long, it remains an interesting watch throughout.

I'm at least one lottery win away from being in the market for a 45' cat, but it's always good to hear your views. No bias, just balanced and the way you see it

Just did a 3 day passage on a Windelo 50, double reef conditions, the forward cockpit is the best catamaran helm setup I’ve seen. Unique eco-electric drive boat to review.

I love these reviews far more than I should, as someone not even remotely in the market for a catamaran!

You two are fantastic at boat reviews - hands down the best. More more more - thank you both.

I think the 44'-45' cat market is similar in competition to the 40' monohull. The overall packages are similar, but it's the smaller details and build decisions which set one builder apart from another. It's been a very exciting time to watch this segment of the market develop over the past 5 years or so. Love the walkthrough and review of this one. I've been a long time fan of Phil Berman and his design ethos for each Balance model. Every decision made is thought out, and made conscientiously.

Hey Nick and Terysa, It's great to see that you are back doing the boat reviews again, love it! I think this is a great boat and your points on the build and choices are fantastic. Like yourselves, I do think a lot of boat design nowadays is as a result of personal choice as manufacturers are will to accommodate buyers to a certain extent, which again is fantastic! I probably would not buy this boat for a number of reasons, but they are personal preferences, and NOT a reflection of any poor choice/design failures of the brand here in this instance. I await the other reviews with bated breath. I was a little disappointed that you are not using the scoring system that you used for the last series of boat reviews, however. I understand that this will add a lot of extra work for you both in editing and the like but I think the addition of both ideas (scoring and view scores) will benefit the channel's appeal, and hence growth and viewership stats. I would like to see that re-implemented, but perhaps with the addition of viewers scores appended in the following episode for the previous week's boat each week. I stress again that many of the choices on design/ personal prefs in what an owner gets in their boat are personal and can affect the scores and that this would need to be pointed out each week. And, as you say, the market has 'lifted' so much since the original series, which is a great thing in itself and makes it all the more exciting. You must feel proud in having (possibly) driven much of the development of boat design and build efforts of manufacturers as a result of your series. Well done. Well done on this vlog and I hope the series goes well. Will you be interspersing the series will sails on RR2? Will you get a chance to review a Portofino, was there one at the boat show? They are an aluminium build and I'd be very interested on their boats and they have a number of design elements that are interesting, such as forward front steps down the the water/anchor. Oh, and transverse bedding are call 'athwartship' berths, or have a bed that is athwartship in positioning.

Yes I'm interested in more reviews from both of you, I think as a team you bring something truly special, and I like that you're real, down to earth and not a bikini or "show the wife's ass off" type of channel. I'm particularly interested in new trends and or new innovations. A classic example is the forward exterior helm position which while I see the "niceness" of it but the risks of it in heavy seas basically makes it a non starter for me. So for you to showcase these new design aspects, overlaying them with your joint experiences would be quite helpful and valuable. Thanks for your efforts and all the best for the future 😃😃

Would love to see a review/thoughts on the HH 44!

I enjoy watching your reviews. Please continue creating them.

Very nice walkthrough! Since you asked our opinion, the answer is a resounding YES! Your boat reviews should continue. Moreover, as you said, the market is changing for better performance in cruiser boats, your experience during RR2’s build, and your keen eyes to detail will make for interesting reviews. Thanx 😊

Windelo's forward helm design is at the centre of gravity for comfort & safety, is part of the main living area, all lines come to the helm, plus the anchor chain. And its a racer.

Excellent review guys. The only "biggie" you missed between yours and the balance boat was bridgedeck clearance. I'm suspecting that the balance has considerably more from the taller hulls than the seating but would really like to see the specs on that. Anyone with catamaran experience knows the importance of this! Again, great job, a fair and "balanced" review (excuse the pun!).

Really appreciate this review. Your honest pros and cons of the boat really help in decision making.

Love the reviews especially your state of the market summary at the end I found particularly interesting. Also, this episode had a really nice chemistry, like you're fully back into the swing and stronger than ever as a team. I do miss the build series but the balance (groan... sorry) between your sailing and review content keeps things fresh.

Hey there! Thanks for sharing this awesome full tour and review of the Balance 442 Catamaran. It's always great to hear honest thoughts on these boats, and your insights into the design choices, like the storage drawers at the Nav Station, are really helpful. And wow, the small ventilation windows for safety reasons with the lithium battery bank-such attention to detail!

Absolutely more reviews! Your reviews are so thoughtful and thorough, they're absolutely wonderful to watch. ❤❤❤

Excellent review and very enjoyable. Please include current Outremers as watching Great Circle's videos, it appears to handle heavy seas better than any other design I have seen and its assage making speed in a wide range of conditions is just awesome. With its narrow hulls, they really need the births forward to be athwart for ease in making the beds and getting in and out without having to disturb your bunkmate.

yes, love these reviews. Going to be in the market in the next year or so, and have been watching far too many of these!

Great review! It does feel like this cat is for a "smaller" person, but boats are just a hard shell for "compromises".

happy to see teh revieuw series again!

I really enjoyed this. I like reviews from a personal point of view. I look forward to the next one.😊

Love your boat reviews. So detailed, honest and interesting.

Definitely, we are counting on your further reviews. Thanks!

I’ve watched and rewarched your review series and loved them. Hopefully this is a great start to another series from all kind of boat shows. Keep up the great reviews. I’m all in.

You guys obviously have a lot to offer with reviews. It is great getting your spin on everything.

You two do my favorite boat reviews,and you’re even better after the build process

Excellent review, concise without being over critical. This review shows the results of the necessary compromise that you are always faced with. Looking forward to more. Cheers

Reviews are great. More reviews for sure.

I always enjoy your candid reviews. I have some passage making time on a Balance and can attest to zero squeaks and a very solid feel underway. Overall, it's a great boat. Another mid 40's boat review to add to your list is the St. Francis 46. Another new build that looks great! Cheers.

You folks are fantastic at reviews! Glad to see you back at it 🙂

Yes, more reviews please. More info is always a good thing. Thank you!

Thanks for your review of the Balance 442 continue with your reviews.

Keep the reviews coming. I love the info. Thank you

Been watching lots of the lucky folks getting new catamarans from various manufacturers to explore the world. I am very impressed with Balance in every respect. If I weren’t a powerboat person I would definitely buy a Balance.

This design and well as others like HH and Seawind, are proving the point that bulkhead steering still offers the best combo of protection and visibility. The sail handling only in the upper station makes no sense for a cruising boat.

Thx guys your reviews are very very helpful especialy for us that intend to buy in the future I’ve been looking for about 2 years but I’m one to take my time and do a lot of research which of course means watching reviews of this nature mind you I have also been watching the prices rise over that period of time I’m in Australia wanting to circumnavigate our tiny continent and drop anchor somewhere nice

Another great video guys! This cat is so beautiful and well thought out , obviously a standout. Nick, I would love to hear if any of the builders are thinking of integrating 360 camaras, they are on everything these days and what a great solution to the visibility problems inherent with most sailing vessels, especially cats.

Yes, can’t wait to see the windelo 50 best of ALL worlds!!

Huge fan of you two and all that you do. I absolutely love your reviews and would be very interested in seeing more. I very much enjoy the nonsugar-coated/honest perspective.

I enjoy the boat reviews.

Yes, more reviews with your special take on it.

Love to see more boat reviews thanks.

❤ GR8 VID ❤ LOVED IT ❤ Always FUN to watch your reviews, and this cat ROCKS ❤

Thanks much for the review and tour! I really like the Balance 442. Its proportions don't seem quite as harmonious as the larger Balances, but still very nice. 5:10 The up helm position is designed for sailing: you can see both sails and reach all the running rigging and winches for them. 14:28 Fully opening forward facing windows are nice for ventilation at anchor, but a potential source of major leaks. That's why many boats, especially racing/performance boats, don't use them. For example, HH also does not use them in their Morrelli & Melvin designed boats. The interior wood is their bamboo. I like it a lot more in this video than I thought from other views. Seems to have lots of storage, and what appears to be air conditioning. The build quality is phenomenal. 18:50 The furniture is molded in. The wood panels are facings. You can see the molded white fiberglass behind them. 21:12 The hatch above each headboard opens into a vestibule that allows fresh air with no water even in a storm. Sort of an invisible trunk version of a Dorade vent. That adds ventilation to the cabins.

I have always enjoyed. Your catamaran reviews. Would you consider doing a review of your 1370 in the same format?

Yes please do more boat reviews! You guys are the best at it and why I originally subscribed to your channel (although I do like your sailing videos too!). Safe travels and happy holidays!

Great work, I love your reviews and I hope you continue to cover boats in the 45-50 category

Loved this review. You are both professional level guides / narrators (Nick particularly puts many so called " tv personalities" to shame) and it is a super quality walk around these vessels. The manufacturers should be grateful, if not actually paying you for the work, stay positive and objective (not everyone has the same priorities for their new vessel as you) but do not be the slightest abashed about the work you are doing. The format was very smart in that you gave honest first impressions but also gave the builders opportunity to comment, no one can say fairer than that. Anyone on the build side who does not appreciate and wish to work with you needs their head examined. Great job guys 👍👏👏👏

Yes please your insight is very interesting.

Your best vlog to date for me, thank you, and you only said nob once, nice one Nick.

I am boat mad, more monohull than cat but never the less in answer to Nick's question, I really enjoy your reviews and as a loyal viewer I'm happy to watch reviews interspersing your regular content. The relaunch of the channel has been really great guys.

Love the reviews 👌

Love this,more please.

That was a really good review... I think your series of reviews, actually had a significant impact on sales teams and individual boat construction board rooms, of companies... The design development, and market demands have definitely influenced product outcomes... The manufacturers had to get there act together to meet a matured market demand... Thank you for your influence....

Great review considering you have spent the last 3 years committing to your boat… it is SO hard to remain unbiased and you nailed it here.

Yes more reviews. Endless reviews. Knysna's if you come across them. A Gunboat for fun.

My 2011 Nautitech 441 fits nicely into the performance cruiser category you described. It is fast but not like a Marsaudon or Outremer, it is comfortable but not like a Lagoon. On the lift with 800l of water and 400l of fuel, an 11’ Zar RIB and 9.9hp OB it weighed in at 13 tons. A Hydranet Mainsail powers it along in the Caribbean trades making passage speeds about 9-9.5 kts average. And the older Nautitechs made before Bavaria took over had better than average interior furnishings

I loved the video, but that custom table was incredible!

Cool like the reviews for sure

First off, yes to the boat reviews continuing. I enjoy them and your opinions, who better than someone who has sailed thousands of miles sailing. I loved the interior as soon as I saw it mainly because it was not all white- it had color and texture. That table alone was amazing. I am thinking that “mancave’ might have been used as a kids cave by the owners. Great place for someone with kids to allow them to have own space for video games, watch tv away from the asults

So glad your are doing these reviews again. I wish you stayed with you original intro music “Only This Matters” from Ten Towers. It was such a great hook when you did your previous reviews. Basically created your own theme song for boat reviews.

Yes to more reviews as well as longer content (20 to 30 minutes or more) on your regular videos.

Ty, eye liner or something you did looks really good. Good to see some new reviews. Two opinions are not better than one. But, I trust both of your opinions

Amazing review! Pls, do an update of the Balance 526mk2. All the best.

Great to see your boat reviews again. What I did not like on this boat is the seating higth inside! It's too low to get agood view out to the deck and also the sea. Part from that I agree with Nicks concern about the hull and cabin higth, one thing is sidewind when sailing and especially docking but the overall apperance make it too "stubby". I'd love to see more of the tech stuff onboard like engine access, ancilliary equipment and electrical and plumbing systems. These things seems to be forgotten. Also would be good to see all measurements in metric! Looking forward to your travels on RR2 in SE Asia.

Thanks guys. Another excellent review. I enjoy your reviews and find them very practical, thorough and objective. You cover a lot of ground and highlight well (in my opinion) the good and the not-so-good. Please keep your reviews coming. A central source of trustworthy reviews by the same neutral reviewers (you two) I find makes your reviews even more valuable as you have a large data set from which to draw your conclusions.

I viewed this 442 the day before(I think) in the rain. Stunning! Would love to see one of your exceptional reviews on the Outremer 52.

Groovy video

We all know nothing will ever be better than Ruby Rose 2😄

Great video guys and very fairly presented. All boats are always a series of compromises, and the 1370 and 442 definitely each have their own to consider. Having sailed 7,000 offshore miles aboard Balance boats over the past year waiting & training for our own, there are a number of items that’s aren’t accurate or could use clarification, but would be impossible for you guys to know without spending a lot more time and getting a passage under your belts. Thanks for all the videos you do, and best of luck with RR2!

Very nice Cat. Good explanation.

This is a very beautiful and cozy feeling boat. Interior design is pleasant. Would love to see you review the Windelo that has the helm forward (or midship). Seems like a very interesting design. The Outremere 52 is another to see your review of.

OOOh why not Sanctuary Cove, would love to see you guys in Queensland, quick sail down from Thailand :) Absolutely love your review videos. No one does it quite like you. Unbiased and analytical look at every aspect of the boats. Cant tell you how happy I am to see you both doing so well on your new boat and back to making videos. Your doing an amazing job.

Keep doing the reviews

You young in's are living the dream now. To bad you had to go through the two year torcher chamber, but hey your free as birds now!

Beautiful Table !!!!! WOW that was a Nice boat!!!!! BUT I do Love yours better!!

I thoroughly enjoy your reviews. I appreciate how you provided an opportunity for Phil to offer feedback. I'm curious. What do you think about sticking around after the show in order to test sail the boat? Alternatively, you might consider participating in owner group sails (e.g. Balance University). IMHO, sailing the boat is the most important part of any review.

I would have opted for the Navigation Chair due to lower back issues, and fewer drawers in that area. Also, I did not like the lines had to be operated from the upper helm position and no glass to protect me, my chart plotter,, and my winches for me to use in high winds and bad weather conditions on passages. I do like the versa helm design but I need more room between the seat and helm and it must be a comfortable seat position with a footrest rest as the first mate is only 5ft 2 inches tall. Plus, cost difference between a Balance 442, and a Ruby Rose Edition Seaswind 1370.

Seawind or Balance? I think would choose an Outremer! All look great boats and these are great brands,, anyone would great.

Forward cockpits as HH and Windelo are designing would appear to be a good solution, although to date they are in rather larger 50 foot plus boats. I look forward to your reviews of them.

Balance makes a beautifully finished boat and you pay for that finish level.

Thanks for another great video. Ruby Rose II is nicer, in my opinion.

Please do keep the reviews coming! That said, after two years, I am still very hungry to watch you sail! (Especially around Thailand, which is one of my favorite cruising grounds (as a spectator)) BTW, please tell me you are going to be visiting the Trat area! (Koh Chang, Koh Mak, Koh Kood, etc.)

Incredibly good attention to so many aspects but how do they sail ? What’s the motion at sea gonna be? Bridgedeck slamming? Vibrations? Rudderaction to hold course in waves ? Needs of reefing and ease and safety of doing so ? Are these boats really useable for the people that buy them?

Theresa, that Locker ahead you wouldn't like in use. Imagine your clothes when there is fire on the cooktop - I remember of a tour on a kat, were some shirts were burnt.

as a livaboard sailer on a catamaran, what is your view on galley size? as an example on the windelo you have a u-shaped galley or a L shaped galley with the L shaped galley you have more seating options. which do you feel is more important?

like reviews!

Any chance you two would comment on or check out the Windelo if given the opportunity? Very interested to hear your opinion on the helm position. As far as the Balance, their large showers are the key feature for me. It is the standard by which I measure other vessels.

The reviews that the 2 of you do could not be better. Nic is the analytical type who insists on accurate REAL weights - I love your commitment to the physics view of weight - cut the garbage and give me reality. Terysa gives a beautiful balance point with her interest in interior design, the galley and how it it fitted out. Guess who cooks in that family. In short she is a woman and interested in the things a woman would be interested in. A great dynamic duo for reviews.

Probably the first boat review I have seen where someone actually points out some of the design flaws of the boat and not just selling the same marketing bs as the builder. It is refreshing. And to stand against the latest helm fad, even more so! The raised helm was developed for charters, to keep the captain separated from the drunk guests and the drunk guests separated from all the dangerous sailing stuff. It makes no sense for long passages, or any kind of actual sailing. I too am uneasy with trusting the thin dyneema of lazy-jacks to prevent the boom from beheading me. And this boat has no option at all to control the sails from the safety below which is a big minus. But perhaps there is a new 'fancier' charter market opening, and that is what this boat is aimed for?

Maybe review monohulls as well!

+1 More Reviews

Still prefer your 1370 Nick & Terysa. And I'm on the side of Richard re the Safari windows... Perhaps I'm a little biased? I just think having been on various Seawinds I prefer the interior flow of the 1370 to the 442. Happy sailing my friends 😊

Five years from now I would love to see you do a new comprehensive review of the 45 range, I think we will see alot of small but important improvement. I did not like how narrow the doors was down below in the hulls.

would be very curious to get your view on the Nautitech 44

Given you have a bunch of electric winches, you would not have to be in the upper helm position to sail the boat for line control. I THINK (i haven't sailed the boat) you could just have main/jib sheet on 2 winches and be able to press the buttons without going up or opening the hatch to expose yourself. That also assumes you have reverseable e winches. It starts becoming a different story when say it is raining, the wind kicks up and you need to reef. Now you do need to do line management, e.g. let out the main (that is prob already on a winch), but now lower the halyard (probably not already on a winch), tighten the reefing line (not on a winch), etc. So you would be exposed for the 5-10 minutes. Not too terrible if the wind kicked up from 15 to 22. But if going from 22 to 30 and raining, would not be pleasant. Maybe a dodger attached to the bimini that comes down in front of the winches could help? I have extensive sailing experience in Seawinds, and not always thrilled about looking through 2 sets of windows when the weather is poor.

Still not used to this Friday 😅😅 but I admit I want more on RR2 .. frack I sound like something from a stars wars 😂😂😂rd2 please

Great review. The balance is a beautiful vessel but as a bigger guy (6ft, 110kg) there's no way I'm fitting down below in some parts without a fai bit of alteration.