Aquila 42 Yacht

Aquila Power Catamarans continues to develop its range of products and services, while making littles moves upmarket. As the newcomer, the Aquila 42 joins the manufacturer’s Yacht series, and even though this is the smallest in the series, its ambitions towards the premium sector are well and truly evident. What’s more, this cat is entering a highly competitive market, that of 40 to 46-foot (12 to 14-meter) power catamarans, a size in high demand by both owners and charter companies.
To seduce the customer, the Aquila 42 Yacht is already counting on its design, with a very modern look featuring simple and fluid lines, a style that is notably down to the French design firm VPLP. Nevertheless, it retains the signature of the Yacht series, namely the long hull porthole or the Portuguese deck up front. In addition to the visible factors, this design has changed the way the shipyard works, since the hull of the powercat is now made in one piece. This is a demanding challenge from an industrial point of view, but one that brings the advantage of lightness and solidity as it means that it’s no longer necessary to assemble several parts of the hull.
On the water, the Aquila even seems a little larger than it really is. This impression is due to the wide sugarscoops, the large cockpit and the vast flybridge, itself featuring a T-top.

An entirely new design

The width of the sugarscoops is quite generous and the one on port side is equipped with a swim ladder. They are complemented by a slightly higher central platform designed to accommodate a 12-foot tender. However, this central part is fixed, i.e. it doesn’t drop down level with the lower step to form a large bathing platform, which is a shame. On the other hand, access to the cockpit is quite easy and can be closed off by a gate, so is good for child safety. The relatively large cockpit is organized around the central table that can seat up to 8 guests. A large bench seat occupies the aft section, while on the opposite side, a double folding door gives access to the main deck. In addition, the window on the left of the door swings upwards, which, with the two stools, makes for a nice little bar. The whole cockpit is covered by a cap allowing you to use this space even when the sun is too hot or when it’s raining.
From there, the wide side-decks lead to the front. Designed for relaxation, the foredeck features two individual sun loungers with reclining backrests, but no table. There are also two small seats on the bow, two large lockers and a huge storage space with a ladder that, if needed, can extend the starboard cabin, which is a good idea. Finally, while the windlass is well hidden, access to its controls remains easy.
The flybridge is easily accessible from the cockpit thanks to a comfortable staircase, though it can also be reached from the foredeck thanks to the famous Portuguese deck, a feature to which Aquila is very attached. This good-sized upper space features a full helm station (the only one on board this model), but also a small galley unit with grill, sink and refrigerator and a U-shaped bench seat with a long modular table. However, it is not possible to transform this seat into a sun lounger. This flybridge enjoys excellent visibility and is protected by a solid T-Top. It can be completely enclosed with good quality transparent enclosures. It even benefits from two opening deck hatches to ventilate the area.
Under the flybridge, the layout of the main deck is quite original. For our test, we had the number 1 hull called «Special Edition», as the production model will be a little different. As soon as you walk through the door, you find a long galley on the port side with a sink, a cook top, a microwave and an oven. In the standard version, the galley will take a more functional U shape. We also appreciate its extension to the cockpit, since opening the tilting window is a real bonus at mojito time, the king cocktail in Florida. On the starboard side, there is a large refrigerator and some storage space.

Up to eight berths on board

Continuing forward to starboard, a U-shaped dining area can easily accommodate five to six people and, if necessary, be turned into an extra bed for two people. On the port side, there is currently a storage area on which a console housing the navigation electronics. The console isn’t all that accessible, being as it’s set fore-and-aft, which is a bit surprising. In the final version, this block will be completely redesigned with a seat and even the possibility of an interior helm, which seems to be a better idea. To entertain the passengers, a large TV screen is integrated in the ceiling and can be lowered on demand.
Another original feature of this main deck is that it is extended forward by a small cabin that can be used as a bedroom for a child or for the watchkeeper. It can also be used for storage, as it is also where the washing machine and the wine cellar are located. With its sloping roof and deck hatch, this small space exudes a certain charm.
More conventionally, the hulls obviously house the cabins. The port side space, intended for the owner, features a queen size bed, a desk and a large bathroom with an extra-large shower. The space is pretty generous, and we loved the amount of natural light entering through the huge portholes that also display a panoramic view of the marine scenery from the bed. There are also a few details that improve life on board, such as the LED courtesy lights, the opening to ventilate the cabin, the reading lights or the make-up area with a little folding table and a mirror. It should also be noted that each hull can be closed by a sliding door to preserve everyone’s privacy. In the standard version, there are two large cabins and a multi-purpose cabin on the main deck; the starboard hull features a slightly smaller bathroom located at the rear of the float, while the double berth is located at the front. The overall layout on starboard is a bit shorter, as there is a huge storage room accessible from the foredeck. However, the Aquila 42 will also be available in a three-cabin version with the third cabin located on the front of the main deck and a shower room in place of the storage area. There will even be a four-cabin version with two cabins on the port side. Not bad for a 42-foot catamaran. In fact, the Aquila 42 is one of the few catamarans to offer a modular configuration in this category.
In addition to this particularly livable and bright volume, the Aquila offers a higher level of finish with neat woodwork and quality fabrics. The equipment corresponds to what we expect from an American boat, i.e. very complete, with appliances, several refrigerators, USB sockets and phone charging points everywhere, multifunction switches to control the boat’s electrical systems from several locations, and complete and well-equipped bathrooms. In short, all the necessary comforts are available to live aboard for the duration of a cruise. On top of that, the standard of luxury on board allows this powercat to assume its yacht status.

Smooth Sailing

The Aquila 42 Yacht inaugurates a brand-new hull design with a fairly high nacelle and hulls. These are relatively narrow at the bow, but really widen out towards the stern. This profile ensures excellent stability, while the bow bulbs, a specialty of the ship- yard, help maintain stable trim while cutting the wave before the bow hits it for maximum comfort. In real-life conditions, this concept once again works very well. The 42 gives a real feeling of ease and comfort, whether you’re at the helm or are a passenger. The Aquila 42 Yacht is really very stable for the crew - you don’t have to «suffer» being under way: going along at sea creates the perfect moment to chat, read a book, have a drink or simply enjoy the scenery. Moreover, due to its size, the Aquila is really easy to maneuver without needing to be an expert. In the turns, it keeps a good lateral balance without oversteering, which is quite pleasant. As for the powertrain, the standard version features twin 230 HP Volvo D4s, which is already very good power that should correspond to a quiet and economical cruising program. The multihull we tested was powered by two 300 HP Volvo D4 engines. A welcome amount of extra power. Thus equipped, the powercat is fast with a quick start and planes in less than 8 seconds. It is also responsive, especially when exiting curves, which validates the idea that it is always good to have a little reserve power. Regarding the numbers, the performance is far from being ridiculous, with a cruising speed of around 17 knots, but pushing the handles down, one reaches almost 22 knots. However, this powercat doesn’t claim any sporting ambition, but offers speeds that are more than sufficient for a cruising program.

Conclusion

Even if it is the smallest model of the Yacht family, the 42 brings a touch of modernism to the whole production of the shipyard. Benefiting from clever manufacturing processes, it also features innovative and modular space management to adapt to all needs. Comfortable and easy to steer, the Aquila is aimed at a wide range of customers, from beginners to experienced sailors who want to keep a smaller size catamaran for easy use, without needing a captain. It will also be perfect for the charter market, knowing that the powercat is becoming more and more important in that sector. In short, this is a real Swiss Army knife in multihull mode.

Getting beamier as you move aft, the hulls offer nice wide sugarscoops.

The side-decks are wide and comfortable, and there are plenty handrails to hold on.

The crane is discreetly housed in the roof: it is used to hoist the dinghy onto the central aft platform.

The cockpit features a nice bench seat and a table for 8 to 10 guests, not far from the galley.

By tilting the window up, the aft galley becomes a bar between the saloon and the cockpit.

The flybridge is quite large and offers everything needed to entertain guests, starting with a table and grill. The full-length table has a removable central element for easy circulation. The galley unit with the sink/refrigerator is complete, but not intrusive.

The helm is very airy which makes it easy to move around. It remains nevertheless very complete and benefits from excellent visibility.

The anchor station is very well integrated. If needed, access to the windlass remains easy.

A true trademark of the shipyard, the Portuguese deck allows for easy movement between the foredeck and the flybridge.

Thanks to the large glazed surfaces, the main deck is bathed in light and enjoys an almost 360° view. The dining area can accommodate up to six people and, if necessary, can be turned into an extra bed.

On the production model, the galley will be U-shaped while the navigation area will also be modified and will be able to accommodate an interior helm position.

The owner’s cabin, on the port side, has plenty of space and a long porthole for a panoramic view of the sea. Well adapted to the new ways of remote working, this room features a desk (a little narrow). One small practical detail - the builder has provided a make-up area.

With a cruising speed around 18 knots, the Aquila is ideal for a wonderful coast-hopping program.

The owner’s cabin bathroom is worthy of a luxury hotel with a spa-like atmosphere.

In this 2-cabin + 1-multipurpose room version, the guest cabin has a good amount of space, almost comparable to the owner’s cabin.

At the front of the main deck, there is a small multi-purpose cabin that can be used as an extra sleeping area. Here, you’ll find the washing machine and the wine cellar.

The catamaran features electrical outlets and USB sockets throughout the boat, as well as a device for controlling the boat’s electrical systems from several locations.

As with other models in the range, the hull incorporates bulbous bows to improve comfort and stability.

The standard version is powered by 2 x 230 HP D4 Volvo engines, which can be increased to 2 x 300 HP.