Balance 502 Catamaran

Designer: Du Toit Yacht Design
Builder: Balance Catamarans, Cape Town

Vessel Overview

The Balance 502 is the latest evolution in the Balance Catamarans range, designed by Du Toit Yacht Design and built in Cape Town for serious bluewater sailors who value performance without compromising on comfort. Replacing the Balance 526 as the brand’s 50-foot model, the 502 introduces carbon-reinforced construction, refined systems, and a layout optimised for long-term cruising.

Available in both Carbon Core and Hybrid configurations, the Balance 502 delivers impressive sailing performance alongside a highly liveable interior environment. The design prioritises light weight, structural stiffness, and offshore reliability, while the interior spaces are generous, practical, and carefully considered for extended life aboard.

Large, light-filled living areas, comfortable cabins, and seamless flow between interior and cockpit spaces make the Balance 502 equally suited to passagemaking, liveaboard cruising, and relaxed time at anchor.

Jo Fensham Contribution

For the Balance 502, Jo Fensham Yacht Upholstery was responsible for all interior and exterior upholstery, including seating, cushions, soft furnishings, and custom mattresses throughout the vessel.

Working closely with Balance Catamarans, Jo Fensham delivered a fully integrated upholstery package aligned with the yacht’s performance-driven brief. This included:

• Interior saloon and seating upholstery designed for comfort and durability at sea
• Cabin upholstery and soft furnishings across all staterooms
• Custom-shaped mattresses, CNC-cut to fit each cabin precisely
• Marine-grade bedding and linens sized specifically for onboard use
• Exterior cockpit cushions engineered for UV resistance, longevity, and comfort
• Careful selection of high-performance marine fabrics and foams

Every element was specified with long-term use in mind, balancing weight, resilience, and comfort. From foam density and fabric choice to stitching detail and fit, Jo Fensham’s work enhances the Balance 502’s liveability while supporting the yacht’s offshore performance credentials.

Images courtesy of Balance Catamarans