Owning and operating your own charter yacht is one thing in theory, but seeing the numbers and real-life results is another. We’ve had the unique opportunity to test this firsthand with our two Bali Catamarans: Zuri 3 (Bali 5.4) and Snapdragon (Bali 5.8).
We lived aboard Zuri 3 for three years and put Snapdragon through a full year of charter in the Bahamas before making her our home. This gave us an invaluable inside view of how these boats perform as luxury charter businesses. The verdict? With proper planning and management, these Bali models are exceptionally strong, profitable, and practical for owners looking to operate a crewed charter business.
Zuri 3: Proven Success in the Bahamas
Zuri 3, a Bali 5.4 Catamaran, just completed her second charter season, and the results were impressive, especially considering the boat’s design limitations:
- Layout: 4 cabins, one reserved for the crew → effectively a 6-guest boat, which naturally limits revenue potential.
- Revenue: Despite this, she completed 20 charters at $24,000–$30,000/week, a remarkable result for a relatively small guest capacity.
Some lessons learned for owners considering charter:
- Boat credibility: New boats take time to gain broker trust. By showing Zuri 3 at a charter show and presenting our chefs’ work, bookings increased almost immediately.
- Crew matters: Professional, trained captains and chefs are essential for repeat business and positive reviews.
- Layout considerations: While we prioritized owner comfort with two suites, a 5-cabin layout generally maximizes bookings and revenue.
- Cruising ground choice: The BVI is ideal for maximum bookings, but destinations like the Bahamas offer stunning nature and unique experiences, sometimes justifying a slightly lighter schedule.
For reference, a successful charter season is about 18 weeks, though in the BVI, these boats often charter up to 28 weeks. For those using the Boat-as-a-Business program, moderate profits may be preferable to reduce tax exposure while maintaining a sustainable schedule. In short, you want to do enough charters (18-20 weeks) to be able to
- cover running costs like insurance, crew, maintenance, dackage etc.
- avoid excessive wear and tear on the boat
- avoid crew fatigue
- take available tax advantages to help offset the cost of yacht ownership
Snapdragon: Luxury Meets Charter Performance
Snapdragon, a Bali 5.8 Catamaran, had her first charter season with a full owner’s suite taking up one hull—maximizing liveaboard comfort at the expense of charter revenue potential. Even so:
- Charters completed: 12
- Rate: $40,000/week
- Season note: The season started 4 months late due to the Miami Boat Show, yet bookings were strong.
Key factors affecting charter results:
- Layout: A full-owner suite reduces available cabins but elevates liveaboard comfort.
- New and unknown: First-season boats require marketing and visibility to secure bookings.
- Cruising grounds: The Bahamas offers incredible natural experiences that attract high-value clients even with fewer charters.
A sister Bali 5.8 in the BVI is slated to charter 28 weeks, proving the model’s incredible versatility and profitability in charter markets.
Why the Bali 5.8 and 5.2 Are Exceptional Choices
Both models are among the most successful charter boats ever produced. The Bali 5.4 is being discontinued after 200+ units due to mold life limitations, but Bali continues to innovate with the 5.2, offering even more value for both charter and liveaboard owners.
Highlights of the new Bali 5.2 Catamaran:
- Modern, fully equipped layout ideal for charter or personal use
- Upgraded amenities: Muxen, air conditioning, 48-volt system, DC air conditioning, large solar array, and lithium battery bank
- Excellent pricing: Almost the same as a 4-year-old Zuri 3, with significant upgrades and efficiency improvements
- Early-bird discount: $95K off pre-orders before the Cannes Boat Show, September 10, 2025
The Bali 5.2 combines luxury, efficiency, and charter profitability. It is the perfect solution for owners who want a boat that works hard for them as a business while still providing a remarkable liveaboard experience.
Bottom line: Our real-world experience demonstrates that the Bali 5.8 and 5.2 are charter powerhouses. With thoughtful planning, professional crew, and the right marketing, these yachts offer consistent bookings, high rates, and long-term sustainability, all while delivering the luxury lifestyle every owner dreams of.
Sample Specifications for 3 x Different Bali 5.2 Configurations
The pre-Cannes boat show debut price is sub €1,650,000, an €90,000 discount! Similar discounts were offered on the Bali 5.8 when it was first released, however the reception at the first boat show not only waived the ability to offer this but also justified a price increase, which is why we bought the Bali 5.8 hull #001 and we are very happy that we did!
Specification Packages: Choose Your Layout & Price List
For reference, below are specifications and pricing for three different configurations. Interested? Fill out the form below to contact us for a more in-depth discussion about specifications, charter programs and prices.
Don’t miss the chance to secure special pricing and proven charter potential. Contact us now or click below to learn how a Bali 5.2 or 5.8 can work for you.
