S/V Little Bird is a St Augustine, FL, US based 2021 Balance 526 For Sale By Broker. Responses to inquiries may come from a broker who is representing the owner as a fiduciary. This owner requires financial settlement only. No trades.
2021 Balance 526 Little Bird – Award-Winning Daggerboard Performance Meets Bluewater Luxury – US Duty Paid!
LITTLE BIRD is a beautiful example of the iconic Balance 526, a semi-custom, meticulously maintained, ocean-proven performance cruiser that was commissioned from the factory by very experienced and knowledgeable performance multihull owners. She has been operated and maintained by a dedicated full-time professional captain since the day she launched. The result is a vessel that shows the condition that only comes from being genuinely loved and expertly looked after, with every system dialed, every detail considered, and every mile logged with intention.
Balance Catamarans redefined the performance cruising catamaran when the first 526 won Cruising World’s Import Boat of the Year and Best Multihull Over 50 Feet. Designed by award-winning naval architect Anton du Toit, the 526 is an all-epoxy, carbon-reinforced, foam-core thoroughbred with reverse-raked wave-piercing bows, flush-deck captive daggerboards, and a sail plan that will move in seven knots of breeze. She is bluewater tough, exciting to sail, and easier to operate shorthanded than boats half her size. There are very few 526s on the market at any given time, so finding one this well equipped and professionally maintained is exceptionally rare.
LITTLE BIRD is configured in the desirable owner’s version layout. The interior is finished in zebrawood and white with tobacco oak flooring, warm, modern, and unmistakably premium. Her starboard-hull owner’s suite features a king-size master forward with an extra-large head and shower aft. Guest accommodations in the port hull include a generous forward cabin and a versatile aft cabin with a split berth that converts to one large bed. In the port hallway, guests share a large head with sink and a separate large shower and sink. Both forepeaks are accessible from inside or outside and are designed for functionality: the starboard forepeak serves as a dedicated workshop with a workbench, vice, and sail storage, and the port forepeak includes a fold-up pipe cot and additional stowage. The salon features a U-shaped settee with a walnut drop-leaf table that can be converted to an oversized daybed or additional bunk. The U-shaped galley is ergonomic and fully equipped with modern appliances.
LITTLE BIRD has been sailed extensively throughout the Caribbean and along the U.S. East Coast, always under the watchful eye of her professional captain who has deep connections in the town of St. Francis, South Africa, where she was built. The owners have loved every mile but are ready to move on to new adventures. The maintenance log tells the story—regular engine services, saildrive overhauls, fresh antifoul, and much more. This is a boat that has been kept to the highest standard while actually being used for the purpose she was built for: serious offshore sailing with an emphasis on comfort and quality of life.
LITTLE BIRD is US duty paid and currently located in St. Augustine, FL. Please contact the listing agent to schedule in-person showings.
Specifications
| Name | S/V Little Bird |
| Make | Balance |
| Model | 526 |
| Year | 2021 |
| Type | Multihull Sailboat |
| Builder | Nexus Yachts |
| Designer | Anton du Toit |
| Construction | Composite |
| Cabins | 3 |
| Heads | 2 |
| Galley | Up |
Dimensions
| Loa | 56.17 |
| Lwl | 14.42 m 47.31 ft |
| Beam | 27.17 |
| Headroom | 6.67 |
| Draft | 7.25 ft |
| Mast Height | 78.5 |
| Bridgedeck Clearance | 0.93 m 3.03 ft |
Tankage
| Fuel Tanks | 2 (132 Gallons) |
| Water Tanks | 2 (132 Gallons) |
| Holding Tanks | 2 (16 Gallons) |
Performance
| Engines | 2 x Yanmar 4JH57 57 HP |
| Engine Hours | 1350 / 1350 |
| Generator | 2 x 9 kW Integrel alternator/generators |
| Displacement | 9510 kgs 20970 lbs |
| Sails | Mainsail (2025), self-tacking jib, staysail, storm jib, Code Zero (upwind), Code Zero (downwind), symmetrical spinnaker, asymmetrical spinnaker |
Layout Diagram

Inventory
Vessel Overview
- Make/Model: Balance Catamarans 526, "LITTLE BIRD"
- Year: 2021
- Configuration: Owner's Version 3-cabin layout
- Construction: All-epoxy, carbon-reinforced, foam-core
- Bluewater features: reverse-raked wave-piercing bows, flush-deck captive daggerboards
- Location: St. Augustine, FL
- US Duty Paid
Dimensions & General
- Daggerboards: flush-deck captive, line-operated on sheet winches
- Decking: Flexi teak on cockpit, transoms, steps, engine hatch, upper helm
- Trampolines: nylon black
Engines & Propulsion
- 2 x Yanmar 4JH57 inboard diesel engines, 57 hp each (approx. 1,300–1,350 hours)
- SD60 saildrives
- 2 x Gori 3-blade 15" folding propellers
- Dual ZF electronic throttles (upper and lower helm)
- ZF remote control with dual plugs (nav table and helm)
- Dual Racor fuel filters per engine
- Diesel transfer pump (2-way port↔starboard)
Charging, Inverters & Batteries
- Dual Integrel engine-mounted alternator charging system — 2 x 9 kW (up to 18 kW)
- 48V house battery bank: 4 x 200Ah Victron Lithium (48V, 20 kWh)
- Additional batteries: 2 x 200Ah 24V Victron Lithium (10 kWh)
- 1 x 5000W Victron Quattro inverter/charger at 220V/48V (50Hz)
- 1 x 5000W Victron Quattro inverter/charger at 110V/48V (60Hz)
- Trickle charger for 12V engine start batteries fed from 24V house bank
- Split electrical system: 220V/50Hz and 110V/60Hz
- Multi-voltage shore power: 2 x 50A connections
Solar
- Total solar: 3,200 W
- Coach roof: 6 x 400W glass panels, each on individual MPPT regulator (2,400 W)
- Over davits: 2 x 400W glass panels on two MPPT regulators (800 W)
Navigation & Electronics
- B&G Zeus 9" MFD at upper helm
- B&G Zeus 9" MFD at lower helm
- B&G Zeus 12" MFD at nav table
- 3 x B&G Triton displays in composite housing at lower helm
- B&G Triton display at upper helm
- B&G H5000 GFD instrument display at nav table
- B&G Autopilot controls at lower helm and nav table
- B&G ForwardScan sonar with DST speed/depth transducer (starboard hull)
- B&G Fishfinder B150M (port hull)
- B&G Radar on spreader
- B&G Wind sensor WS310 and VHF antenna at masthead
- Garmin Vesper/Cortex AIS VHF with 4 remotes
- Redundant Raymarine autopilot system: Evolution ACU-400, EV1 Sensor Core, P70 pilot control
- Raymarine Type 2/24V short shaft linear drive (installed port engine room)
- Second Raymarine Axiom display (integrated to standalone autopilot)
- FLIR M232 thermal camera on spreader (integrated to B&G)
- Down-facing camera under spreader
- GPS GP500 antenna aft of coach roof
- LED searchlight on mast
Communications & Connectivity
- Starlink High Performance satellite internet (custom cabin top mount)
- KVH / Iridium Go satellite phone (antenna on spreader)
- Peplink HD2 Dome LTE (masthead) with 8-slot SIM injector
- Peplink Balance One WiFi router
- PredictWind DataHub
- Wave WiFi Rogue Pro Dual-Band WiFi booster
- Yacht Devices NMEA 0183/2000 Router with SeaTalkNG adapter
- BRNKL Boat Monitoring Security System with salon camera
Audio / Visual
- Fusion MS-AV750 series stereo (AM/FM, DVD/CD, Bluetooth, Aux2)
- 4 x 200W 6" speakers
- 32" color TV in saloon with Tallon swivel wall mount
- Fusion antenna
Climate Control
- Frigomar air conditioning: 1 x 16,000 BTU (saloon, 110V)
- Frigomar air conditioning: 3 x 10,000 BTU units (one per cabin, 110V)
- 5 x Caframo Sirocco fans (cabins and galley; plus 2 behind saloon seating)
Water & Plumbing
- Spectra Cape Horn Extreme watermaker with Zion and charcoal filters — 15 g/h
- Dual fresh water pump system with crossover capability
- Marco upgraded water pumps (2025)
- 2 x Tecma Silence Plus 2G electric toilets (24V)
- Shore water connection with pressure regulator
- Freshwater deck wash (port transom and anchor locker)
- Saltwater deck wash (port transom and anchor locker)
- Outside shower with hot & cold water (port transom)
Galley
- U-shaped gourmet galley layout
- Miele induction cooktop
- Miele convection/steam oven (electric)
- Jura espresso / coffee maker
- Microwave (110V and 220V outlets)
- 2 x Vitrifrigo DRW180 drawer fridge/freezer units
- Ice maker under navigation station
- Solid surface countertops with waterfall feature
- Double stainless steel sink with cutting board cover
- Water filter under galley sink
- Pull-out spice drawer
- Caframo Sirocco fan in galley
Interior Layout & Accommodation
- Owner's Version: master suite forward (starboard), forward cabin (port), aft cabin (port)
- King-size master berth with bedside storage and USB/110V outlets
- Master ensuite: Tecma electric toilet, solid surface vanity, moulded basin, frosted Lexan shower partition, overhead rain shower and hand shower
- Port forward cabin: similar layout to master, full hanging cupboard, four drawers, Caframo fan, ocean air shades
- Port head: Tecma electric toilet, solid surface vanity, sink, towel rail
- Port shower: seat, massage head tap, solid surface vanity, opening portlight
- Port aft cabin: split mattress converts to large bed, storage for two bicycles under berth, Caframo fan, size 40 overhead hatch
- Starboard forepeak: dedicated workshop with workbench, vice, power socket, sail/rope rails, fishing rod rack (6 rods), size 70 deck hatch
- Port forepeak: fold-up pipe cot, sail/rope rails, composite access door, size 70 deck hatch (upgraded)
- Saloon: U-shaped settee with walnut telescopic/folding table converts to daybed (mattress included)
- Navigation station with desk, drawers, composite seat
- Built-in full-sized safe under washing machine with false panel
- Samsung 220V washer/dryer (220V and 110V outlets)
- Triton display in owner's cabin (readable from berth)
- All cabins and heads fitted with Oceanair pleated and roller shades (white)
- Interior finish: zebrawood and white, Selemix matte white, tobacco oak flooring, Macro suede graphite headboards, Pacifica marine vinyl ceilings
- Leviton 110V AC outlets and fast-charge USB-C throughout; additional 220V Euro outlets in key locations
Deck & Exterior Equipment
- Innovative Versahelm design: convertible up helm and down helm positions
- Hard bimini over helm station
- Upper helm canvas cover for winches, clutches, and plotter
- Cockpit: modern design with lower helm seat (storage under with liferaft pullout) and larger starboard lounger with closing storage locker
- Cockpit table with two telescopic legs, lowers to form cockpit daybed (white composite)
- Sunshade awnings with built-in composite track
- Kenyon electric BBQ mounted at rear of helm seat with silicone collapsible cover
- Surfboard holders under cockpit roof (3 hangers)
- Pad eyes under cockpit roof for hammock
- Carbon grab handles around coach roof
- Carbon stanchions (12)
- Carbon dock line chafe plates (10)
- Aluminum swim ladder (port side, fold-up, removable)
- Fishing rod holders: 1 port, 1 starboard
- Large inflatable fenders
- Fresh antifoul: Micron CSC x2 plus one coat on leading edges and waterline
Rigging & Sails
- New Ullman RDL mainsail (2025)
- Ullman RDL self-tacking jib
- Ullman RDL staysail on removable inner forestay
- Dacron storm jib (orange)
- Ullman Code Zero upwind (90 m²) with halyard lock
- Ullman Code Zero downwind (120 m²) with halyard lock
- Symmetrical spinnaker
- 240 m² asymmetrical spinnaker
- Aluminum mast with single spreader and wire rigging
- Antal slide system and mast steps (port side)
- Schaefer receptacles (6) for mainsail
- 3.6 m track for self-tacking jib
- Profurl C380 manual jib furling unit
- Winches:
- 3 x electric size 50 winches on cabin top at upper helm
- 2 x electric size 46 winches on aft coaming (dinghy lift, jib/code zero furling, daggerboards)
- 1 x electric size 46 winch on foredeck (spinnaker and code zero halyards)
- Additional switch sets for cross-operation of winches
- 10 x Antal roller cleats
- Aluminum front bar and longeron with self-launching bow roller (port side) for spare anchor
- Hayrack upgrade on aluminum boom including trampoline
- Rig inspection and tensioning performed (Oct 2025)
Anchoring & Mooring
- Maxwell HRC 10 windlass (48V, non-capstan) with foredeck foot switches
- Maxwell wireless switch and chain counter at helm
- Primary anchor: Rocna 40 with 100 m of 10 mm chain
- Secondary anchor: Fortress FX-37 (9.5 kg) with 3 m chain and 90 m rope
- Self-launching bow roller (port side) for secondary anchor
Safety & Survival Equipment
- Liferaft stored under helm seat
- ACR GlobalFix Pro EPIRB with case
- 4 x Spinlock 6D PFDs with HRS
- 2 x rechargeable handheld VHF radios
- Harken bosun’s chair
- BRNKL boat monitoring security system (salon camera)
Tools, Spares & Miscellaneous
- Substantial engine and sailing spares inventory
- Toolkit in settee drawer
- Line bag package
- Lift rings in all floor inspection hatches
- All Oceanair blinds (saloon, cabins, heads, showers)
- Marine canvas covers throughout
- Kenyon electric BBQ, surfboard holders, cockpit hammock pad eyes, sunshade awnings
- Carbon wheel, carbon stanchions, carbon grab handles, carbon dock line chafe plates
Tender
- Tender details: ask broker
Recent Maintenance & Upgrades (selected highlights)
- Mar 2026: Replaced Spectra high pressure pump A; replaced starboard engine mounts at 1,234 hrs; replaced port alternator belt
- Jan 2026: Replaced port engine Integrel belt (Micro V 8PK1330HD)
- Oct 2025: Main engine service (Racor, fuel, oil, impellers); port & starboard saildrive service (oil & seals); peak bearings replaced; new aircon unit starboard forward; watermaker HP pump diaphragms replaced; rig inspection/tensioning; antifoul Micron CSC x2 plus one coat; daggerboard prep & Island 99 x2
- Sep 2025: Service all deck winches
- Apr 2025 / Mar 2025: OEG replacements and servicing
- Oct 2024: New mainsail; Plexiglas hull sides replaced with glass; new Moonlight ports; new lithium battery bank (24V, 2 units); new black water tank (starboard); antifoul; daggerboard work; props Prop Speed
- Multiple engine, saildrive, sail and winch services documented 2022–2025
Notes & Documentation
- Professional full-time captain maintained since launch
- Extensive Caribbean and U.S. East Coast cruising history
- Maintenance log available for review
- Buyer to verify all details with surveyor/agents as needed


























































































































































































