Aquila 50 Yacht

The 50 Yacht is, as its name suggests, affiliated to the Chinese American manufacturer’s Yacht range, which extends from 42 to 54 feet. Unlike the 42, Aquila did not call on VPLP this time, but worked with J&J Design, which had already worked on the 70 and 44 and has an impressive list of achievements to its credit.
In the organization of the range, the 50 succeeds the 48, which disappeared a few years ago, but the newcomer boasts a totally different design. To create this catamaran, Aquila was strongly inspired by the customer feedback and requests. This is reflected in the addition of an owner’s cabin on the main deck, a feature that appeals to customers seeking the ultimate in “at-home” comfort.
Another major development for Aquila is that the freeboard of the 50 is much higher than on previous models, particularly as you go forward, with a deck line that rises towards the bow. Internally dubbed the “Explorer” style, it protects the bow while offering remarkable interior space. The result is a rather massive impression, as the new Aquila looks well over 50 feet long. Viewed from the front, the nacelle is unusually thick for a catamaran of this kind, giving rise to expectations of good interior habitability. However, the Aquila keeps a well-dimensioned tunnel for comfortable passage through the chop. Following the current trend in the yachting world, the Aquila boasts a very large porthole occupying three quarters of the hull length. A porthole that widens towards the bow, giving hope - once again - of a beautiful interior space. On the other hand, there is no opening bulwark, as is already the case with some manufacturers.
To produce this powercat, Aquila uses the latest available technologies, with hulls and deck built in infusion, as are the intermediate bulkheads. In fact, the shipyard uses a sandwich construction with a PVC core. There are also watertight bulkheads for safety, and the bulbs are designed to break in the event of impact to preserve the hulls. Finally, the windows are made of tempered glass for added strength.

A Very Sturdy Look

Viewed from the stern, the 50 Yacht is once again imposing, with two wide sugarscoops and an optional hydraulic platform for a tender of up to 12 feet. This dinghy can be launched using the hydraulic platform or a crane built into the thickness of the flybridge. In addition to their width, these bathing platforms feature an integrated bathing ladder and a gate for the safety of young children. The exhausts are perfectly integrated, just like on a luxury car.
As for the cockpit, it is inspired by the 42 and 44, with a large aft bench seat, a dining table for six or eight and plenty of space. The cockpit is separated from the main deck by a solid sliding door on the starboard side, while the port side features a tilting bay window and a small folding countertop. Once the window is open and the countertop unfolded, you can enjoy a bar, perfect for a drink or a meal. What’s more, once the unit is closed, the small countertop doubles up as a backsplash, which is a nice touch.
As soon as you step through the door, you’re struck by the volume of the interior. By raising the deck line, the designers have created an impressive amount of headroom. This impression of space is reinforced by the presence of bay windows running almost all around the main deck, and by a cleverly thought-out play of colors.
The layout of this space is reminiscent of that of previous models, particularly the portside galley. Complete and opening onto the cockpit, the galley is highly functional, with a number of good ideas, such as the deep sink which incorporates a second, small, removable sink that slides out on top.
Forward, a U-shaped saloon can accommodate six guests around a table. The table can be lowered to form an additional double berth.
On the starboard side, there’s another sofa, but the space can be rearranged to suit the customer’s requirements, with, for example, an interior helm station.
One of the main assets of this powercat is the owner’s cabin, located in the extension of the main deck. This new addition from Aquila also has the good taste to take up the entire width of the available space. In fact, this vast space boasts excellent headroom and generous natural light, thanks to hull portholes on each side and large windows forward. The starboard side features a corner sofa and a small desk/vanity, but the shipyard also offers a bigger desk for those who wish to work on board. From here, a door opens onto a closet and, last but not least, there is a very large floor locker to accommodate bulky equipment. A king-size bed is located in the middle, while the bathroom is on the port side. On our test model, there was no separation between the sleeping area and the bathroom, but the shipyard offers to install a blurred window for a little more privacy. The bathroom has two sinks, a separate shower and a separate toilet. There’s also a large storage cabinet, which is always handy. The whole cabin is decorated in a very Zen style, and even the large TV screen is well integrated.

3, 4 and Almost 5 Cabins

To welcome family or guests, the Aquila 50 Yacht is available with three or four cabins. In the three-cabin version, the VIP area is located in the starboard hull, with a queen-size bed and an attractive bathroom on the other side of the staircase. The cabin also features a vanity/desk. The port hull cabin also features a queen-size bed, but with a smaller bathroom, while the aft cabin has a space that can be used as a laundry, as on our test model, or for two bunk beds for children. In addition to the space available, each cabin has a large panoramic porthole for an unobstructed view of the sea.
Another strong point of these cabins is their abundant storage space, an area in which Aquila has always excelled.
For the four-cabin version, the shipyard uses a very large storage locker on the forward starboard hull and transforms it into a bedroom. Both cabins benefit from a private bathroom, though obviously smaller than on the VIP version. In fact, if you include the space with the bunk beds, the Aquila can practically offer five cabins, which is quite remarkable for a 50-foot catamaran and... perfect for chartering.
Generally speaking, we must commend the living space, which makes it easy to move around on board, and the excellent level of finish.
Bathrooms feature Corian countertops and large mirrors. The catamaran can of course be customized when ordered, within reason. The equipment is also very good, with air conditioning, reading lamps, LED lights and USB ports. The list of options is equally comprehensive, so you can easily personalize your powercat.
From the cockpit, it’s also easy to get to the bow, thanks to wide, secure side-decks and plenty of handrails. This foredeck is also very new compared to the brand’s other models. Taking advantage of the nacelle’s thickness, the designers have incorporated a mini cockpit with a bench completely forward and a series of sun loungers that can be transformed into a seat thanks to a flip-up backrest. The cockpit also features a windlass compartment and two storage lockers. Finally, let’s not forget the two small seats, perfect for dolphin watching or checking the bottom in shallow waters.
Last but not least, the flybridge. Accessible via a staircase from the cockpit, it can also be reached from the foredeck via the Portuguese deck. Unlike other models, this access has been moved to starboard, freeing up the view from the cockpit.
Occupying more than half the catamaran’s length, this flybridge offers unsurprisingly generous living space. The space has been designed to entertain, and not simply to sit back and enjoy the ride. This starts with a very complete helm station - the only one on this version - including two large screens and control panels as well as a joystick, very practical for maneuvering in a marina. Good point also for the storage space on either side of the console. On each side, there’s a lounge seat for relaxing close to the captain. Finally, two skylights can be opened to let fresh air in the flybridge. To perfect your tan, head for the aft solarium, large enough for two people. This flybridge also features a large table around which five or six people can sit. Last but not least, the starboard aft section features a real outdoor galley with sink, fridge, icemaker and grill, perfect for entertaining or organizing a barbecue evening on board.

A Conservative Standard Powertrain

Then there’s the dynamic part, and in this area, the shipyard has real legitimacy. The hull design remains fairly traditional, even if it features the brand’s trademark bow bulbs. Despite the cozy layout, the shipyard has also succeeded in keeping displacement to a minimum: in running order, the Aquila 50 Yacht weighs in at just over 32 tons - a reasonable amount.
Thanks to the bow thrusters and joystick, getting out of the marina remains easy, and Aquila has also installed a camera system all around the catamaran, giving the captain a car-like 360° view on his screen. Once again, this comes in very handy for keeping an eye on the surroundings in a crowded marina.
To drive the powercat, Aquila offers three engine options: 2 x 380 and 2 x 480 HP D6 Volvo Penta and 2 x 550 HP Yanmar. During our test, we had the standard version, i.e. the one with 2 x 380 HP. This is not a ridiculous amount of power, and allows cruising at around 15 knots, with a peak speed of just over 20 knots. On the other hand, lift-off is a little slow, even though this is not a racing boat. Interestingly, acceleration is very smooth. The best thing is to go along at 5 or 6 knots and then push the throttles. In this case, the powercat quickly gets out of the water and into its lines and does so smoothly. The handling itself is beyond reproach. In addition to the smoothness of the hulls, the powercat retains excellent trim and lateral balance. More surprisingly, the turning radius is really short, a good point for a vessel of this size.
However, for even greater versatility, we strongly advise you to opt for a larger engine. Apart from the speed gain, which allows you to reach more distant destinations, this will give you more acceleration and faster planing, which is quite pleasant.
With 518 gallons of fuel, the 50 Yacht should benefit from a good range. The catamaran also carries up to 212 gallons of fresh water, so you’ll have plenty for a cruise. Electrical energy is provided by four lithium batteries that give a total of 800 Ah. Two 180 Ah batteries are dedicated to the engines.
These characteristics should evolve in the future, as the shipyard is working on a hybrid version of this catamaran, which should also incorporate solar panels (already available as an option). Finally, a version with foils is also being studied, as was the case with the 42.

Conclusion

With the 50 Yacht, Aquila offers a catamaran with an owner’s cabin on the same level as the deck: this concept - which is gaining in popularity - was previously reserved for much larger powercats. In any case, the layout is perfectly adapted for Aquila’s target audience. The new Aquila doesn’t stop there as it propose well-separated living spaces in the cockpit, on the foredeck, inside and, of course and on the flybridge. The flybridge is also one of this powercat’s major assets, as it has been designed with entertaining in mind. And with a starting price of just under $1.3 million, the Aquila is well placed in the face of growing competition.

The Aquila 50 Yacht remains quite impressive from the stern, with two wide sugarscoops and appreciable details such as the well-integrated exhausts.

As you can see from this aerial view, the flybridge occupies a large area.

The cockpit is organized in the same way as on the 42 and 44.

The foredeck features a small cockpit and sunbathing area with folding backrests.

By tilting the bay window up and unfolding the backsplash, you create a convivial bar area.

The Portuguese bridge is located on the starboard side. A good idea that frees up space and doesn’t obstruct the captain’s view.

The helm station is complete and ergonomic, with a good number of storage compartments.

An interesting detail: two opening window hatches are located above the helm station.

Behind the helm station, a dining area seats 6 to 8 guests.

For topping up your tan, the sunlounger at the back of the flybridge offers a breathtaking view.

The highlight of this flybridge is the large, well-equipped outdoor galley with grill.

The galley, located on the port side, is very complete and particularly well thought.

The small settee on starboard can make way for an interior helm station (optional).

The galley sink is equipped with an additional removable sink, ideal when cooking.

The port side of the owner’s cabin features a corner sofa and a vanity table. If required, the shipyard also offers a version with a real desk.

Located in the extension of the main deck, the owner’s cabin occupies the entire width of the catamaran, so there’s no shortage of space.

The VIP cabin features a queen-size bed, a vanity and spacious head.

The head is located on the port side of the owner’s cabin, with a separate shower, two sinks and a separate toilet. For more privacy, a blurred glass window can be installed between the bed and the bathroom.

All on-board systems can be controlled from the panel on the main deck.

An additional room can be used either as a laundry or for two bunk beds.