Aquila 42 (2023-)

Brief Summary

Aquila just expanded its Yacht category lineup to four models with the creation of this newest, and now smallest, model 42 Yacht Power Catamaran.  The Yacht lineup has been hugely successful for the builder and now the touring version of Aquilas is within reach of a whole new demographic. 

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	41' 6" 12.64 m
Beam	21' 6.4 m
Dry Weight	34,168 lbs. 15,700 kg
Tested Weight	36,206 lbs. 16,423 kg
Draft	3' 7" 1.1 m
Bridge Clearance	18' 5.49 m
Weight Capacity	41,895 lbs. 19,000 kg
Fuel Capacity	290 gal 1,100 L
Water Capacity	132 gal 460 L
Total Weight	36,206 lbs. 16,423 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	8.8
Load	3 persons; 150.8 gal. fuel; 50 lb gear
Climate	64 deg., 45 humid; wind: 5-10 mph, seas:0

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 300-hp Volvo Penta D4
Std. Power	2 x 230-hp Volvo Penta D4
Opt. Power	2 x 300-hp Volvo Penta D4

Captain's Report

Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran: Smaller Yacht, More Interest

The new 42 Yacht Power Catamaran from Aquila is a two-stateroom/two-head yacht with an additional utility cabin with a single berth.  A three-cabin/three-head layout is available as well as a four-cabin/three-head version.  There are three social zones on the main deck and another on the flying bridge. 

Mission

The mission of the 42 Yacht Power Catamaran is to bring a quality cruising yacht — with the interior space of a much larger yacht — to a wider audience by creating a smaller, more affordable introductory version to Aquila’s Yacht model lineup. 

Major Features

• Designed by VPLP Design
• Twin 230-hp or 300-hp Volvo Penta D4 inboard engines
• Vinylester Resin-infused construction
• Bulbous bows
• Planing hull design
• FRP hardtop
• Central steps from the flybridge to the bow provide direct access
• Two double-berth cabins for extended travel

Performance

The Aquila 42 Yacht Power Catamaran has an LOA of 41’6” (12.64 m), a beam of 21’ (6.4 m) and a draft of 3’7” (1.1 m).  With an empty weight of 34,168 lbs. (15,498 kg), 51% fuel and three people onboard, we had an estimated test weight of 36,206 lbs. (16,423 kg).

With the upgraded 300-hp Volvo Penta engines doing the heavy work, rather than the standard 230-hp engines, we reached a top speed of 21.6 knots.  Best cruise came in at 2800 rpm and 16.6 knots.  At that speed, the 16.5 gph fuel burn translated into 1nmpg and a range of 262 nautical miles, all while still holding back a 10% reserve of the boat’s 290-gallon (1,098 L) total fuel capacity. 

Boat Inspection

Aft Deck

Gatherings will begin at the spacious aft deck, which is under the protection of the extended hardtop.  There’s the usual layout of an aft bench behind a solid pedestal table.  Ahead and to port are two barstools at the counter that, thanks to an opening window, can be blended in with the galley serving area. 

Platforms are to both quarters with a single step down to swim platforms and a best in the industry (our words, not Aquila’s), concealed reboarding ladder to port.  These platforms make for a remarkably ergonomic boarding experience in addition to a welcome relaxation spot that welcomes a few deck chairs or chaise lounges.  Of course, the absence of rails makes this an option only when not making way.  The upper platform to starboard houses a massive in-deck storage compartment.  A fixed center dinghy platform is tendered by a concealed crane tender lift system located above the platform, providing for an open aft deck space that is uncluttered. 

Bow

Ground Tackle

In the center, there’s an anchor roller to accommodate a secondary anchor or the line from a mooring ball.  In the deck is an anchor locker concealing an electric windlass with a handheld wired remote and the 44-lb. (20 kg) Delta anchor that is attached to 150’ (45.72 m) of 5/16” (15.88 mm) chain with a bridle system. 

Flying Bridge

The access to the flying bridge is from molded steps from the aft deck.  Seating includes an L-shaped sofa to port and it extends across the aft section.  Two pedestal tables are at this aft section and can join to allow dining for six.  The forward section has a swing-out seatback to convert this into a chaise lounge.  An additional lounge seat is on the starboard side.  Behind the helm seat is a wetbar with sink, Kenyon BBQ, Corian counter under a fiberglass cover and storage underneath.  The surrounding rails have acrylic wind protection inserts. 

The helm is center-mounted and includes electronic engine controls and hydraulic steering with a tilt-mounted wheel.  There’s a 4” (10.16 cm) engine display and Raymarine electronics options include a 12” (30.48 cm) Axiom chartplotter, radar, autopilot and camera displays.  The helm seat is double-wide and includes a flip bolster.

One of the main characteristics that will be familiar to the trained Aquila spotter is the center-mounted steps providing direct access to the bow from the flying bridge.  This is a much-appreciated feature, especially for those of us who are tired of heading aft, down the stairs and then up the side decks to reach the bow when we were just mere feet or meters away from the people we were trying to reach only a moment ago. 

Galley

Moving inside through the stainless-steel framed glass door, we have a wonderful first impression of a large space thanks to the huge 21’ (6.4 m) beam of a cat.  Windows surrounding the deck add to this effect in addition to providing so much natural light.

The galley is fully featured for extended times on the water.  Actually, it’s equipped enough for this to be a liveaboard.  Appliances include a two-burner induction cooktop, a convection microwave, and a DC-powered refrigerator/freezer.  The counters are Corian and Aquila added significant storage into the design plan. 

Salon

The salon seating is to starboard and consists of U-shaped seating around a salon table that seats six.  There’s an option for lowering the table and adding filler cushions to create a berth for those additional guests that just won’t leave.

There’s excellent visibility from the surrounding tempered glass windows, even from the seated position, and all are fitted with custom blinds.  External overhangs outside the windows reduce glare and channel rainwater off the windows.  At night, lighting consists of overhead LED lights, LED mood lighting and deck-level courtesy lights.  All decking is synthetic wear-resistant and maintenance-free. 

In addition to the aft door and window, there are two opening portlights in the salon windows to allow for flow-through ventilation.  Bug screens are fitted to all but the aft galley window.  With everything closed, the 50,000 BTU air conditioning will handle the climate control.

In the standard configuration, there’s no lower helm but one is offered as an option. While it does take up some usable gathering area on the main deck, we find it to be a fair tradeoff to enclosing the flying bridge in Isinglass.  There… we said it.  Send those cards and letters in. This lower station will include a 12” (30.48 cm) Axiom display, a multi-data display, an autopilot and a C-Zone control panel for all the vessel’s electrical functions and tank monitoring. 

Utility Room

Forward and in the center is a utility room that can serve many purposes.  Standard is a stateroom with a single 32” x 77” (81.28 cm x 195.58 cm) berth and plenty of accommodations for storage.  Alternatively, it can be fitted out as laundry.  It can be made into a dedicated stateroom with its own head in the three-cabin and four-cabin configurations.  It can even be left empty and open.  Regardless, it has reduced headroom so as not to impinge on the panoramic view from the forward windows. 

Cabins

In the standard configuration, there are two ensuite cabins, one to each hull.  The master will be to port and differs from the starboard by the location of the head, the direction the berth faces as well as the fact that it includes a desk/vanity.  Of course, it’s also larger in size and includes a larger head with a rain shower and more storage space.  The VIP to starboard does not have a desk/vanity but is equally as comfortable and panoramic as the master cabin.  Both the master and VIP berths measure 59” x 79” (149.86 cm x 200.66 cm). 

Optional Equipment to Consider

• 3-cabin/3-head layout
• 4-cabin/3-head layout
• Dark walnut interior
• Light ash interior
• 2 x 300-hp Volvo D4 inboard engines
• Bow thruster x 1 — stbd hull - 8.0hp - 6.0kw
• Polycarbonate windshield for helm station — black
• Helm station canvas cover — black
• Electric barbecue at wet bar with fiberglass lid, stainless steel ice maker, 68.68 qt (65L) refrigerator
• Dinghy Davit crane system with fixed FRP platform between hulls for dinghy placement
• Removable carbon fiber aft deck access passerelle (6.6kg/14.5lbs)
• Wireless remote for windlass
• Generator — Kohler  9kw/60hz or 50hz with sound enclosure, remote control, & fuel transfer pump
• Additional 2 x AGM house batteries
• Solar panels 2 x 100w
• Watermaker — 17-gallon/63-liter-per-hour — spectra newport400 (12 volt) with Z-Ion protection system
• Pre-wire and plumb boat for washer/dryer hook up
• Fresh water deck wash pump for bow area
• Variable speed chilled water air conditioning - 50,000 BTU chiller for interior living spaces
• Fans in cabins
• Fill in cushion for salon table
• Washer/dryer single combo unit — ventless (installed in utility/midship cabin)
• Convection oven installed under main galley countertop
• Prefitting for customer-supplied drop-down concealed ceiling salon TV  
• TV cable shoreside connection
• Propane cooktop in lieu of standard two burner electrical induction cooktop
• Electric wine cellar in utility cabin — 23 bottles
• Additional fridge/freezer in galley — 65 liters (cannot be ordered with ice maker in galley)
• Ice maker in galley (cannot be ordered with additional fridge/freezer in galley)
• Coastal navigation package — 1 x Raymarine 12" Axiom Pro S chart plotter with cpt-s transducer / Raymarine 63 VHF with Raymic remote station and antenna / Raymarine cam220 camera mounted on aft of flybridge for docking / Raymarine evolution autopilot with p70 rotary display
• Offshore navigation package - includes coastal navigation package as detailed above with the addition of Raymarine radome rd418hd color scanner 4kw 18 inch and Raymarine AIS 700 system with antenna coupling
• Interior steering package with 12" Axiom display, i70s multifunction display, and p70r autopilot display
• Evolution autopilot wireless remote
• Spotlight with remote
• Underwater lighting aft — blue

Observations

There’s a lot to like about the new 42 Yacht Power Catamaran.  It brings all the functionality of a family cruiser with the roominess of a catamaran all together with the build quality of an Aquila.  Being a smaller version makes it more affordable and opens it up to a larger audience.