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Aquila 54 Power Catamaran Review

• By Michael Verdon
• Updated: July 16, 2021

The evolution of the powercat has been steady during the past decade, thanks in part to Aquila Boats . The brand has been around for only nine years, but Aquila has sold more than 360 hulls in that time. I ran its most recent launch, the Aquila 54 Yacht Power Catamaran, in Clearwater, Florida—and learned firsthand why 27 hulls were sold before the boat even launched.

“We’re one of only three companies that design powercats this size,” says Lex Raas, head of Aquila’s product development. “The others come from sailing cats, so size and performance are different.”

Raas, who spent many years overseeing multihull design for France’s Leopard Catamarans, says the Aquila 54 came about because of demand for four- to five-stateroom multihulls that could be owner-operated. “You need that length to create these types of luxurious accommodations, not to mention a flybridge,” he says.

The 54′s interior has square footage that’s roughly the same amount of space as a 68- to 70-foot monohull. It’s also a smartly designed space: The cockpit has a table for alfresco dining, as well as three stools at a bar that connects to the galley inside via an opening window and door. Thanks to the boat’s 25-foot beam, the main deck effectively turns into one vast social area. Add the salon’s seating, 360-degree banks of windows and 6-foot-9-inch headroom, and the area feels more like a waterfront condo than a boat.

Aquila gave this first hull an ash-wood finish (the other choice is dark walnut) for a light, airy feel. The full-beam master stateroom has a queen island berth on centerline, with hullside windows and a few dressers. To starboard, the head (with two sinks, a toilet and a separate shower stall) is down a few steps. To port is enough cabinet stowage for long cruises.

The guest staterooms aft to port and starboard each have a dressing and seating area, as well as a head with an enclosed shower. The fourth stateroom, with twin berths and a separate entrance from the cockpit, can serve as crew quarters or a crash pad for two teenagers. This stateroom’s head also works as a day head.

My favorite part of the 54 was the optional sky lounge. The area can be sealed on rainy days or opened in sunny weather. Visibility from the twin helm seats is unobstructed, while the lounge area abaft those seats is its own ecosystem. Farther aft is a Kenyon grill.

The sky lounge also provides access to the foredeck via a Portuguese bridge and centerline stairs down to the bow. The setup not only makes moving between the bridge and foredeck simple, but it also provides a second route to get around the boat. Lounges on both sides of the stairs forward turn the bow into a private nook.

We left Clearwater for a short run along the Intracoastal Waterway and then out into the Gulf of Mexico. There was only a small chop, with 1- to 2-foot rollers, and the 54 felt like it was riding high off the water. One of a multihull’s advantages is minimal roll; pitch was also minimized by the foot-long underwater bulbs on the forward edges of the hulls. Those bulbs provide additional buoyancy and increase speed in displacement mode.

The hulls also plane, and with the upgraded 480 hp Volvo Penta D8 diesel inboards, this 54 reached a top-end speed of 22 knots; cruise speed was 15.5 knots. At 7.8 knots, its range is about 957 nautical miles. (Standard engines are twin 380 hp Volvo Penta D6s, and maximum power is twin 550 hp Cummins QSB6.7 diesels.)

Regarding style, J&J Design helped Aquila to give this power catamaran a yachtlike look, including keeping the profile sleeker than usual. Aquila also used well-known marine brands—many of them from US equipment-makers—throughout the yacht. Besides the Volvo Penta powerplants, the 54 has Kohler generators, Raymarine chart plotters and autopilot, SeaStar steering, a CZone system, Fireboy fire suppression, a Fusion stereo, and more. Raas says Aquila wanted owners to be assured they could service their boats in the United States.

Ironically, in that context, many of the 27 Aquila 54s that have been pre-sold are going to the Mediterranean, Asia and the Caribbean. “We hit all the right targets with this yacht,” Raas says, adding that pricing ranges from $1.5 million to $2.5 million.

What’s next for Aquila? According to Raas, potentially even bigger models. “We’re going to see the cat market explode,” he says. “Already, we’re seeing foils being adapted to catamarans, and other builders are coming up with innovative outboard versions.”

Take the next step: aquilaboats.com

• More: aquila , Aquila Boats , Catamarans , May 2021 , Power Catamarans , Powercats , Reviewed , Yacht Reviews , Yachts
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© 2024 Southern Boating Media

Speeding ahead of the competition, the boat of your dreams is waiting for you.

The Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran is equipped with features that will bring a smile to any boater’s face—whether you plan on cruising near or far.

The 42 Yacht is built to CE Certification Category A and designed by world-renowned power catamaran design firm VPLP Design, so you can be assured that is is safe and seaworthy.

Advanced electronics packages make this boat easy to operate, and are also sure to make your friends jealous. Engine options from Volvo Penta are both remarkably efficient and easy to maintain.

For guests, the yacht features three alfresco entertainment areas serviced by a full galley and wetbar. And when all is said and done, there are various stateroom options to suit your boating lifestyle.

New Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran

The Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran is ahead of the competition and ready for your next on-the-water adventure! Whether you are a hardcore cruiser or enjoy a day on the water, the seaworthy, luxurious, and stylish vessel has something for everyone.

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The Brilliant Aquila 42 Yacht – Power Catamaran

Aquila’s 42-foot yacht is beyond versatile.

By: Captain Christopher Kourtakis

The aft cockpit deck is a great social area and the perfect spot for entertainment. One thing that I really like for parents or grandparents with young children is that you can easily see the rear swim platform and have easy access from either side of the cockpit.

There is a six-person couch to the aft with a large table forward and two permanently mounted bar stools to the forward port that are directly in front of the window that opens into the cabin area. If you want to add a couple additional chairs next to the table, there is ample room for an additional three to four guests.

Entering the salon, you cannot help but be in awe of the spacious and well-designed galley to the port side. The large freezer and refrigerator are immediately across to the starboard. Built into the galley area is a microwave, cooktop and yes, an oven. There is also a large counter space for food prep and plenty of storage for supplies and cooking devices such as pots and pans.

Forward on the starboard side of the salon is the U-shaped dinette that can be converted into additional sleeping quarters. Just forward of the seating is a navigational station with VHF radios, the stereo and Sea Zone controls. The TV folds down from the ceiling with its unique design. The panoramic windows provide you with 360° views of the water and outside surroundings.

Below, you will find the owner’s cabin to the port side. Midship is the utilities cabin with a single bunk, optional washer/dryer combo and an abundance of storage. There is even a wine cooler installed to give it that extra touch of class. The guest suite is on the starboard side. You can opt for a three cabin with three heads or a four cabin layout if you prefer.

The bridge on this 42 can be accessed from the bridge to bow stairs or from the rear cockpit area. The space is large and perfect for entertaining. Centre of the bridge is the large outdoor cooking area with sink and electric grill.

To the aft of the large L-shaped dinette with a custom designed table that offers a fill in leaf to create one large table or two smaller tables to provide easy in and out access to the bench seating.   The helm is just forward of the entertainment centre and offers a double wide bench for the captain and guest.  

There is nothing left to the imagination on this boat.   Aquila has thought about everything, and you will not be disappointed on this spectacular 42.

Specifications

Overall Length: 12.64 m / 41’ 6” Beam Overall: 6.4 m / 21’ 0” Height Above Waterline w/Hardtop: 5.49 m /18’ Light Displacement: 15,700 kg / 34,168 lbs Fully Loaded Displacement: 19,000 kg / 41,895 lbs Fuel tank: 1,100 L / 290 gal Water tank: 460 L / 132 gal Holding tank: 160 L / 42 gal MSRP: $855,750 USD

For more information:   www.aquilaboats.com

* prices and specifications subject to change without notice

Aquila Power Catamarans, the leading manufacturer of power catamarans globally, is commemorating a decade of setting new standards in performance, innovation, and excellence.

Having garnered the trust and satisfaction of numerous customers across the world, Aquila’s remarkable expansion and worldwide achievements have pushed our international design and engineering teams to surpass elevated benchmarks. With a robust network of over 90 dealers in 22 countries, including the United States, Aquila continues to thrive on a global scale.

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