Hōkūle‘a

Ultimate Owner-Operator
Performance Bluewater Cruiser

Manufacturer

Balance/Nexus
Model

482
Year Built

2023
Length

48.26 ft (14.69 m)
Price

$1,580,000

36° 50’ 42” N, 76° 17’ 56” W

Dreamy Performance Cruiser

This is the newest, lowest-hours, highest-spec and best-condition Balance 482 to hit the market to date.

Hōkūle'a presents as close to new as you will find, with just 400 engine hours and exceptionally light usage since launch. The owner was thoughtful and went all in on the options list while paying careful attention to weight. If there was an upgrade that improved livability, performance, or safety, the box was ticked. This, combined with the vessel’s age, condition, and specification, makes her stand out in today’s market.

High spec, beautiful condition, low hours — this Cruising World Best Catamaran 2022 platform is exceptional.

She is equipped with a full North Sails 3Di wardrobe, giving her a clear edge in performance and durability compared to her standard sister ships. The interior and systems are in immaculate condition, reflecting careful ownership and meticulous upkeep. This is a rare opportunity to step immediately into a world-class catamaran, avoid the wait for a new build, and begin your cruising dreams tomorrow.

CURRENT LOCATION

Virginia, US
PRICE

$1,580,000
BUILDER

Balance Catamarans Capetown
MODEL

482
HULL NUMBER

12
LAUNCHED

December 2023
FLAG

US
CONSTRUCTION

Composite
NAVAL ARCHITECT

Anton Du Toit
HULL COLOR

Blue
LENGTH

48.26 ft (14.69 m)
BEAM

7.89m (25.9 ft)
DISPLACEMENT

13,300 Kg (29,321 lbs)
SPAR/MANUFACTURER

Sparcraft (Aluminium)
SAILS

Full North Sails 3Di sail wardrobe
DRAFT MAX

2.20 m (7 ft 22")
DRAFT MIN

1.16 m (3 ft 81")
ENGINE

Yanmar 4JH57
CONDITION

Like New!

56° 12’ 37” N, 14° 13’ 46” E

Luxury Performance Cruising

Gallery

56° 12’ 37” N, 14° 13’ 46” E

Discover Yacht
specifications°

Full Details

ADDITIONAL STANDOUT OPTIONS

The owner was thoughtful and went all in on the options list while paying attention to weight. If there was an upgrade that improved livability, performance or safety, the box was ticked. This, along with the vessel’s age and condition, makes it a standout.

SAILS

Full North Sails 3Di Sail wardrobe
BOOM

Fishbone boom upgrade & sail bag tracks
ADDITIONAL FUEL CAPACITY

500 Liters (132.1 US gallons) of fuel (+100 liters from standard)
ADDITIONAL BATTERY CAPACITY

2x additional Victron Lithium Ion batteries
FUEL SYSTEM

Fuel transfer and polishing system
AUTOPILOT

1 x Extra autopilot for redundancy
CAMERAS

2 x eEyeball IP day/night cameras (top mast & longeron for anchoring)
ADDITIONAL SOLAR

2 + additional Maxeon 400W solar panels
UPGRADED APPLIANCES

Upgraded SMEG & Whirlpool appliances
PORT CABIN VENTILATION

Size 10 hatch port aft cabin
FABRIC

Perennials fabric upgrade (super yacht quality)
OUTDOOR GRILL

Kenyon Electric outdoor BBQ/grill station
ANTIFOUL

Coppercoat Antifoul (10 year replacement)
STARLINK

Installed, with Yacht Router and WiFi booster”

CONSTRUCTION

LAYOUT

AFT COCKPIT

Large aft cockpit customized for family & entertaining with multiple seating and lounging areas. Outdoor grill station starboard aft with sink and faucet, perfect for entertaining with Aquatraction flooring. Clears or sunshades can be pulled down for both inclement weather or sunny, warm days.
SALOON

Open saloon with galley to port, u-shaped sofa with seating facing aft with an opening table that converts into a coffee table & bed. Fridges on the aft bulkhead with a prep station. Outboard. Clean, modern salon with 360-degree visibility, good ventilation and comfortable seating areas.
STARBOARD OWNERS HULL

Master cabin with storage cabinets throughout.

Queen plus berth with large shower and head aft. Storage throughout with the AC/DC electrical breaker panel aft.
STARBOARD AFT

Large owners shower and head with discreet access to the steering system
PORT HULL FORWARD

Large VIP cabin with queen plus berth & storage throughout and access to the bow locker.
PORT HULL AFT

Double cabin with good light, ventilation & storage.
PORT MIDSHIPS HEAD

Electric Planus head, with sink, portlight and cupboards.
PORT MIDSHIPS SHOWER

Shower inboard with an emergency escape hatch.
TRAMPOLINE

Dyneema netting with lashings.
BOW STORAGE

Port and starboard watertight bow storage with access through the starboard master cabin and deck only on the port side.

SLEEPING

INTERIOR CABINTARY AND JOINERY

EXTERIOR PAINT

APPENDAGES

STANDING RIGGING

RUNNING RIGGING

SAILS

MAST, BOOM & LONGERON

MAST

Sparcraft single spreader aluminium mast (natural finish).

Antal mast track and car system.
(3) reef points.
(1) aft facing integral aluminium step.
(2) down-facing spreader lights.
Navigation lights.
(1) deck floodlight.
(1) Raymarine radar with protection guards.
(1) Antal 32.130 j2 tensioner car with lock system.
(1) Raymarine wind MHU
(1) wind indicator.
(3) sheaves for:
- jib sheet
- boom topping lift
- main halyard

Integrated mast turning blocks.
(2) harken 75 black magic floating blocks for mainsheet

Upgraded dedicated 'man aloft' line
MAST JAMMERS

XXO812 Spinlock jammers (port)
Staysail halyard
Screecher halyard
Spinnaker halyard
BOOM

Aluminium boom with aluminium hayrack
(3) clew reef points
(1) lashed outhaul to padeye
Lazy jacks (Spinlock jammer at mast base)
Cradle system and custom sail bag with oversized zipper
(4) Harken 75 Black Magic blocks
(2) Harken 100 Black Magic blocks with covered loops
(2) reef nappies
LONGERON & CROSSBEAM

Electric screecher furler
Aluminium longeron and crossbeam
Stainless wire martingale
(2) XX0812 Spinlock tack line jammers
Supertramp netting
Rocna 33 with 50m of rode and 50m of short link DIN766 G40 10mm galvanised anchor chain

DECK GEAR & LAYOUT

HELM & COCKPIT

(3) Harken 50 two speed electric winches
50 #1 jib sheet & reefs
50 #2 main halyard and mainsheets
50 #3 jib sheet & reefs
(6) Harken winch buttons at your feet
(3) Spinlock turning block organisers
(7) Spinlock XX0812 clutches:
- Jib sheet
- Boom topping lift
- Main halyard
- Stb main sheet
- Reef down line/Cunningham
- 1st reef
- 2nd reef
- 3rd reef
- Port main sheet
(1) Helm seat with cushion
(2) integrated cup holders & grab handle
Footrest
Dyneema safety strop with stainless Wichard clip to padeye
(1) Canvas sun protection bimini
(1) Raymarine Axiom 12 multi-functional display
(1) Dual Morse throttle control
(1) Maxwell AA570 anchor control display & chain counter
AFT BEAM

(2) Dinghy davits
(2) Fairleads
Integrated turning sheaves for 2:1 up/down lines
(2) Dinghy davit Spinlock XAS clutches
(2) Harken footblocks (090) leading to oversized ferrule
(2) Harken 648 17-4 mainsheet padeyes
(1) Centerline 648 17-4 mainsheet bridle transfer padeye
Custom carbon chafe pads with clearcoat finish
DECK

(11) Alloy 330mm mooring cleats
(6) Lewmar aluminium deck hatches
(8) Harken padeyes
(4) Daggerboard up/down fairleads
(4) Wichard folding padeyes
(2) Maxwell anchor windlass winch buttons
(2) Diesel deck fills
(1) Water deck fill
(1) Waste removal aft transom
(1) Harken 46 two speed mast base halyard & furling winch
(6) Aluminium stanchions with Dyneema double line guard rail
AFT COCKPIT

The triple-person 'love seat' is positioned on the centerline, facing forward, and features large storage underneath. On the starboard side of the seat, there is a BBG/Grill station with faucet and stainless sink. To the port side, looking forward, you’ll find an outdoor adjustable table with dual 1/4 leaves, providing seating for up to 8 people. This table can also be lowered into a daybed.

On the port side of the seating area, looking outboard, there's a long daybed that offers access to the side decks. On the starboard side of the cockpit, there is a double seat that faces aft and has storage underneath. Facing forward from this seat is the inboard helm, allowing for comfortable steering in the ‘versa down’ position.

From the lower helm seat you can access the engine controls, (3) Raymarine displays, bilge alarms, battery parallel switch, engine battery voltage, (2) Yanmar engine control panels. There is storage in the cockpit roof for inflated paddleboards and fishing rods. Underneath the lower helm seat is a large drinks fridge.

Outdoor lights
(2) Board holders in the roof with tiedowns
(3) Wrap around dropdown shade and clears
(2) 7.7" speakers
(2) Harken size 46 winches for:
- Dinghy lift
- J2 furl
- Spinnaker and zero sheets

Aft cockpit
Aquatraction flooring
(1) Outdoor transom shower
(1) Fold-away swim ladder with sockets for starboard transom
Salt water deck wash located on transom

STEERING

INTERIOR

SALOON

Clean, modern salon with 360-degree visibility

The salon incorporates:
- Galley to port
- Prep area with fridges to starboard
- Dining/lounge area starboard forward
- 3 adjustable shelves
- U-shaped settee with dining table that can sit 6 people

The saloon table has three modes:
- Dining with table leaves open
- Coffee table with leaves closed
- Spare bed with the table down and open

Dimming overhead LED spotlights
Aft opening sliding door to aft cockpit
(2) Lewmar hatches for ventilation in the fwd windows
(2) Lewmar fwd opening hatches in the headliner
Storage below cushions
Saloon air conditioning Frigomar 1600 BTU (handlers under seating)
Oceanair saloon blinds
Multiple outlets
(3) White Caframo fans
GALLEY

The u-shaped galley, located on the port side of the salon, has excellent visibility and ventilation.

Facing aft:
- White Corian/Avonite countertops
- Induction 4 plate 220v with silicone mats
- Whirlpool W7MW461 40 ltr microwave oven W7MW461
- Stainless steel sink
- Sweet water faucet
- Undercounter cupboards

Island:
(3) Draws
(2) Cupboards
NAV DESK

Fwd of the galley is a forward-facing nav desk area with:
- Integrel display
- Victron display
- Raymarine 63 VHF with microphone
(1) Double outlet
- Frigomar airconditioning saloon control
(1) Navigation reading light
(1) Sliding drawer
(1) Deep cupboard
(12) Switches for lights and bilge pumps
(2) Spare blank switches
PORT FWD COUNTERTOP

Large white Corian/Avionite countertop facing aft with:

(2) Vitrifrigo DRW180A double draw fridge/freezer
(1) Lightswitch (inboard)
(1) Double socket (inboard)

INTERIOR CABINS

STARBOARD MASTER

Full owners hull on the starboard side of the boat:
Queen + berth
Mattresses 150mm (6") thick with fabric headboards
(2) Electrical sockets with USB
Light switch
Air conditioning digital panel
(2) Caframo Sirocco fan (white)
(4) Draws at the foot of the bed
Air conditioning handler underneath bed
Full hanging cupboard outboard side
White pleated shades over hull windows
(2) Opening hull portlights
(2) Full hanging lockers
STARBOARD FOREPEAK

Access through deck hatch and the cabin through a large opening door
Size 70 Lewmar medium profile deck hatch
Access steps
(1) LED light (red/white)
Dyneema hanging line
STARBOARD MASTER HEAD

Full shower
Painted composite module
Frosted Lexan panel for separation with Lexan door
Shower drainage leading to Whale Gulper & grey box
Handheld shower with hot/cold mixer
Inboard locker with black tank housing and valves
Oval basin and mirror above countertop
Roller blinds over aft facing hull portlights and windows
(2) Draws
(2) Cupboards
Mirror
Towel rail
Towel ring
(2) Electrical socket in the vanity
Planus 24v head
PORT FWD VIP CABIN

Queen + berth
Mattresses 150mm (6") thick with fabric headboards
(2) Electrical sockets with USB
Light switch
Air conditioning digital panel
(2) Caframo Sirocco fan (white)
(4) Draws at the foot of the bed
Air conditioning handler underneath the bed
White pleated shades over hull windows
(2) Opening hull portlights
PORT FOREPEAK

Access from deck hatch
Size 70 Lewmar medium profile deck hatch
Access steps
(1) LED light (red/white)
Line hanging rail
PORT AFT GUEST CABIN

Queen plus-sized bed (option to become two singles)
Split mattress with removable divider
Large storage below bed (designed to fit two bicycles)
Outboard port large storage cupboard with shelving
Electrical socket with USB
(3) Inboard storage lockers
(2) Caframo Sirocco fan (white)
(2) White pleated Oceanair blinds
PORT GUEST SHOWER

Shower compartment forward of daggerboard trunk
Fwd opening door
White Avonite countertops with moulded basin
Storage locker underneath basin
Hans Grohe mixer tap
Mirror above countertop
Adjustable shower rail with hand shower
Towel rail
White roller blind over windows
PORT DAY HEAD

Planus 24v head
Avonite white countertops
Molded in basin
Storage cupboard
Towel rail
Electrical socket
White roller blind over hull window

CAPACITIES

SYSTEMS

PROPULSION

Primary engines: located in the aft with two large opening Lewmar access hatches with nonslip covers

(2) Yanmar 4 JH45 water cooled 4 cylinder diesel engines

- Port engine hours: 400 (Sept 25)
- Starboard engine hours: 400 (Sept 25)
*Full maintenance records available on spreadsheet

Drive type: Sail drive SD60 with (2) Bruntons Varifold 3 blade 19" x 15" folding propellers with Propspeed

(2) Dual Racor fuel filter with pressure gauge
Fuel transfer pump connected to Racors in the engine room
(2) 12v AGM engine start batteries
Oil storage
(2) Electronic throttle controls
HOUSE ENERGY

(2) Dual 20kW Integrel charging system
(6) 200 amph Victron Li-ion batteries @ 24v (+2 from standard)
Located behind the main mast bulkhead
Shore power cable: 20m 32A Marinco with easy lock system starboard transom step with US dock side plug
(2) Dual Balmar 604-24-70 (70A) alternators
The entire boat runs off inverters, including the Samsung washing machine
(6) 400w glass panels ventilated solar panels each on own regulator (+2 from standard - Davits and coachroof)
AIR CONDITIONING

(3) Frigomar reverse cycle air conditioning units
- 10,000 BTU in each cabin
(1) Frigomar reverse cycle air conditioning unit in saloon
- 16,000 BTU
LIGHTS, SOCKETS, FANS

LED ceiling lights throughout, including service areas
LED reading lights at heads of each berth
Port aft cabin (2) single outlet with (4) USB ports
Port and starboard forward cabins (1) single electrical outlet and (4) USB either side of the bed
Nav desk area (2) single outlet with (4) USB ports
Galley (4) electrical outlet
Saloon seat near starboard companion way (1) electrical outlet and (2) USB ports
Starboard side below electrical panel (2) electrical outlet and (4) double USB ports
Port head (1) IP rated outlet
Starboard head (1) 110v outlet and (1) 220v outlet
Starboard owners passageway (2) electrical outlet
(1) Starboard electrical cupboard 110v outlet
(2) Underwater lights
ELECTRICAL BREAKER PANEL

Dedicated electrical cupboard located on the starboard owners walk through housing:
- AC/DC breaker panels
ELECTRICAL

Starlink
(1) Locomarine Yacht Router Mini S5 with S5 WiFi booster
Fusion stereo system - Apollo series RA770 with 1600w amp, (2) 7.7" speakers in cockpit & (2) 8.8" in saloon
Switch and chain counter at helm for windlass Maxwell AA560
Courtesy lights (blue), one on each transom step and one in each companionway
Samsung washer/dryer 230v
AUTOPILOT

Raymarine Evolution autopilot with P70s control head & ACU 400, EV1 sensor core
Raymarine Type 2 - 24v long shaft linear drive

NAVIGATION

WATER

DISCLAIMER

42° 54’ 37” N, 0° 10’ 46” E

Contact your broker
for full details

Spike Abram

Founder & Multihull Specialist

Feel free to contact your broker "Brokers` name" for all the yacht’s details.

Contact broker

Office

Newport, Rhode Island, United States,

Email

spike@rapideyachtgroup.com

Phone

+1 203 274-0927

56° 12’ 37” N, 14° 13’ 46” E

What our clients say

Reviews

“Guy was a great help on our passage from Virginia to the Bahamas. ”

While we have spent maybe 120 nights at sea ourselves, Guy’s help in pre-passage prep, weather analysis, and especially multihull boat training was really appreciated. He is professional, easy-going, and highly recommended.

Our Balance 526, now “Volare”, is exactly what we wanted. We’re enjoying cruising the Exumas, and looking forward to more adventures.

Eric Gosch

Buyer of former Blue Diamond

“Spike is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to high performance multihulls like my Gunboat 48. ”

Over the years, he’s supported me with resources, connections, and advice, it’s been invaluable.

John John Florence

3X World Champion Surfer, Olympian, Founder of Florence Marine X

“As a seller of a higher end performance catamaran, Rapide proved to be the ideal choice for me, for 3 main reasons. Spike brought to bear a really effective combination of in-depth product expertise, sound advice on pricing and position, and solid buyers well matched to the boat.”

High performance, blue water, catamarans are a very niche market. Spike’s years of experience in this field really set him apart from other brokers that don’t specialize in this area. For this reason he provides better feedback on positioning and pricing and most importantly finding qualified buyers that understand and appreciate and are willing to pay for the special capabilities of high performance catamarans.

Rich Schneider

Seller Balance 526 Blue Diamond

“Thank you for offering an alternative to all the shit brokers out there! We feel fortunate to be working with you.”

We came to Rapide looking for a safe, well-performing catamaran that could take our family around the world. As passionate sailors with a clear vision—and after a frustrating experience with another broker—we knew we needed someone transparent, knowledgeable, and truly on our side. Spike listened. He understood what we were after. It’s rare to find a broker who genuinely gets it, and even rarer to find one who truly cares. That’s why we’re so glad we found Rapide. Thank you.

Courtney and Mike

World Cruising Dream

“In the world of performance yachts, no one matches Spike Abrams technical capability, commitment to excellence, and high level of customer service.”

Spike’s Rapide Yacht Group had it all together… from the very first contact he gave me solid advise and handled a complex transaction expertly at every hurdle and step. Engaged and responsive at all times, even after the close, I couldn’t be happier.

Edgar

Buyer Gunboat 60 Moementum

“Trustworthy, hardworking, and most friendly. What started in a search for a Gunboat, ended in a long-lasting friendship and relationship with the guy who sold it to us.”

It has been the longest time since my dad dreamed of owning a Gunboat. With the long dream came the longest road. There has been so much consideration, so much decision making and so many emotions involved in this process. It has truly been overwhelming and yet so fulfilling. With all honesty, if it wasn’t for Spike we would not be here and proud Gunboat owners. Every text message, every phone call, every trip to see a boat, every decision and indecisiveness we had -Spike was there, answering honestly with our best interest at heart.

The Haeger Family

Buyer - Gunboat 57 Vai Vai

“Spike's hands-on experience running and managing a similar Gunboat has proven invaluable as we embark on our adventures into the Pacific.”

As the proud new owners of a Gunboat, we required a deep level of expertise in managing our program. We engaged Spike early in our ownership to help with project set-up as well as develop ongoing systems and processes that simplify and optimize our ownership experience. Alaia has an ambitious cruising plan. Spike’s hands-on experience running and managing a similar Gunboat has proven invaluable as we embark on our adventures into the Pacific

Nick Thompson

Buyer & Seller Gunboat 60 -

“Spike Abram is one of the rare professionals in the multihull space who combines deep technical knowledge with real diplomacy”

Identifying and hiring a knowledgeable owner’s representative to protect a client’s investment during construction is essential. A strong project manager must balance technical expertise with clear, tactful communication. Spike is one of the few professionals in the performance multihull segment who brings both—and does so with integrity.

Dave

Yacht Designer

“Spikes technical understanding and operational knowledge of high-performance cruising multihulls are widely respected within the industry.”

Spike’s skill and experience have been invaluable components of my multihull ownership. His technical understanding and operational knowledge of high-performance cruising multihulls are widely respected within the industry. He has added value in every aspect of my boat ownership experience.

Greg Gigliotti

Gunboat seller

56° 12’ 37” N, 14° 13’ 46” E

We offer you the most exceptional yachts