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Aquila 42 Coupe (2025-)

2 x 400-hp Mercury Verado



Brief Summary

The Aquila 42 Coupe Power Cat is the natural pathway between the company’s Sport and Yacht lines. Presenting a low profile, sleek exterior is only a prelude of what awaits inside. With a spacious interior, a pair of staterooms with ensuite heads taking full advantage of a wide beam carried fully forward, and the option of twin Mercury outboard or Volvo Penta inboard, sterndrive diesel power, and paired with double stepped hulls and a carbon-fiber foil, the Aquila 42 Coupe is at home for day trips, extended weekend travel, or long distance voyages. 

Test Results

RPM MPH Knots GPH MPG NMPG SM NM dBa
600 2.8 2.4 1.9 1.5 1.3 604.2 525.1 62
1000 4.7 4 3.6 1.3 1.1 537 466.7 62
1500 6.4 5.6 5.3 1.2 1 495.1 430.2 64
2000 8.2 7.1 9.1 0.9 0.8 367.2 319.1 69
2500 9.5 8.2 12.5 0.8 0.7 310 269.4 71
3000 10.3 8.9 19.8 0.5 0.4 212.2 184.4 73
3500 11.5 9.9 28.2 0.4 0.4 166.5 144.7 78
4000 17.3 15 31 0.6 0.5 229.2 199.2 81
4500 24.4 21.2 38.9 0.6 0.5 257.5 223.8 83
5000 35.3 30.6 42.7 0.8 0.7 338.5 294.1 85
5500 40.7 35.4 51.6 0.8 0.7 323.7 281.3 86
6000 44.2 38.4 60.6 0.7 0.6 299 259.8 86
6200 46.2 40.1 65.9 0.7 0.6 287.7 250 88

Specifications

Length Overall 42' 10"
13.06 m
Beam 15' 11"
4.85 m
Dry Weight 18,740 lbs
8,500 kg
Draft Up 2' 10"
0.86 m
Draft Down 2' 11"
0.89 m
Fuel Capacity 410 gal
1,552 L
Water Capacity 52 gal
197 L

Acceleration Times & Conditions

0 to 30 21.4
Props Merc Rev X
Load Persons & Gear: 600 lbs/272 kg; Fuel: 1,924 lbs/873 kg; Water: 167 lbs/76 kg
Climate 76°; 68% humidity; wind: 5-10 mph; wave: .5-1'; salt

Engine Options

Tested Engine 2 x 400-hp Mercury Verado
Std. Power 2 x 400-hp Mercury Verado

A Cat for All the Right Reasons

Captain's Report 

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Cat

by Capt. Ken Kreisler

Always a trend setter in this sector of the marine industry, Aquila has led the way in the design and engineering of power catamarans to such a degree as to take the worldwide lead featuring a wide variety and range of cruising boats and yachts.

Regardless of size, each Aquila Power Cat represents the company’s innovative approach to providing a wide, stable, seaworthy and fuel efficient platform, and with its Coupe lineup, you have a textbook representation of this concept. 

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran running

Performance, thanks to the choice of either twin outboard or inboard diesel power, double stepped hulls, and a carbon-fiber foil. leads the way aboard the Aquila 42 Coupe.

Major Features

  • Double stepped hull design 
  • Carbon fiber Aquila Hydro Glide semi-foiling system
  • Galvanic isolator protection system
  • Mastervolt 200A/3500W inverter/battery charger 
  • C-Zone DC digital switching system
  • 2 x 400-hp Black Mercury Verado V10 outboards with JPO
  • Port and starboard cockpit boarding doors; safety gates aft
  • Electrically operated forward door between bow and salon
  • Custom stainless steel retractable swim ladder with teak steps at aft deck swim platform 
  • Manual hi/low table w/fold out sections convert to sleeping area w/fill in cushion
  • Electric windlass (12v-1000W) w/hard wired hand-held control in anchor locker
  • Two way, three panel sliding glass door aft
  • Flip down/up fiberglass engine well covers

Notable Options

  • Synthetic teak decking
  • 2 x Volvo Penta D6-440hp DPI sterndrive diesel engines
  • Electrically operated sunroof
  • Electric aft bbq w/refrigerator freezer combo
  • Retractable canvas sunshade system 
  • Drop down television in salon
  • 9-kW Fischer Panda diesel generator
  • Lithium ion battery bank

Vessel Inspection

Cat designed hulls are known for utilizing the beam from bow to stern and aboard the Aquila 42 Coupe, this favorable use of space, both inside and out, is quite apparent. 

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran single level deck layout

The single level deck layout, with wide open spaces, makes getting fore and aft safe and practical.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran staterooms layout

With a pair of full beam staterooms forward, along with ensuite heads and plenty of storage space, traveling aboard the Aquila 42 Coupe is made easy.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran layout with optional sterndrive diesel inboards

Equipped with sterndrive diesel inboards affords the aft deck more space. The living accommodations remain the same.

Bow

With the 15’11” beam carried fully forward, the bow space aboard the Aquila 42 Coupe is maxed out to the fullest for creating an exceptional seating area.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran bow with pair of lounges with high backs and arm rests

A pair of lounges, with high backs and arm rests to either side, makes the seating here nice and comfortable and situated to make the most of relaxing while underway, on the hook, or even in the dock. Holders have been designed into the upper deck to allow poles for a bow shade to be easily put up and taken down. Large storage compartments are found beneath the seats. Note the bolster surrounding the space as well as the grabrail on each side.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran located just aft of the seat backs are cup holders and safety hatches leading from and to the staterooms on each side

Located just aft of the seat backs are cup holders and safety hatches leading from and to the staterooms on each side.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran center hatch houses the windlass, chain, and rode

Fully forward, the center hatch houses the windlass, chain, and rode, with the other two for storing enders and mooring lines. A windlass remote is located in the starboard hatch.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran electrically actuated door to allow for passage to and from the bow area

Also located here is this electrically actuated door to allow for passage to and from the bow area. Note the heavy duty gasket.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran electrically actuated door fully closed

When fully closed, along with the bottom portion of the door, held tight by magnets, the bow and the interior are sealed off.

Interior

With its focus trained on cat design, and utilizing all available space to its full potential, the Aquila teams outfitted the 42 Coupe with the kind of spacious interior usually found on much larger vessels.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran salon area surrounded by large windows

Surrounded by large windows all around, and including the optional sunroof, the salon area is flooded by ambient light. Note the light colored wood and countertops as well as the sliding glass ports on both sides.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran optional sunroof

With the optional sunroof open, the space becomes even lighter while more air is allowed to circulate in the salon.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran starboard helm

The starboard helm features a pair of 19-inch Raymarine touchscreens, on the left side are the pair of buttons for opening and lowering the electric bow door, the C-Zone controller is just to the right, and up on the far starboard ledge are the throttles, joystick, spotlight control, and VHF radio. Also located here is a wireless induction charger for an iPhone. Everything is situated just where it should be and within easy reach.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran twin helm seats

The twin helm seats are bolstered, have a high back, and the entire base can, when releasing the lever mechanism, slide back and forth. Note the opening glass port to starboard.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran 120v AC electrical panel, DC breakers, and Fischer Panda generator controls

Just forward and on the port side of the helm console is the 120v AC electrical panel, DC breakers, and Fischer Panda generator controls.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran steering wheel with screen in the middle

One of the more high tech features found at the helm is this screen in the middle of the wheel. Located behind the spokes are paddles with back lit, push button, programmable controls which the operator can customize as per individual use including autopilot, radio volume, lights, and a host of other functions.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran seating near helm console

Opposite the helm console is another seating/lounge area and just aft of that is the stairway to the port guest stateroom.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran salon dining space

The salon dining space is located to port and aft of the helm. The table is leafed and its hi-lo design allows it to be lowered so filler cushions can be used to create another berth should that be necessary. There is storage under the seats. The space forward leads to the aforementioned port guest stateroom while the stairway to the owner’s quarters is located just aft of the helm seats and to starboard.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran galley features deep sink, lots of cabinet and drawer storage, two burner electric induction cooktop, microwave, and undercounter refrigerator/freezer combo

The galley is to starboard and features deep sink, lots of cabinet and drawer storage, two burner electric induction cooktop, microwave, and undercounter refrigerator/freezer combo. The pair of salon deck hatches here allow access to mechanical spaces including black water tank, electricals, and upgraded, and optional, lithium battery bank.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran large galley countertop

The galley countertop measures 28" wide and 53" in length, offering plenty of room for food prep and serving. With the sink insert in place, even more space becomes available.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran triple glass doors from cockpit and aft section

Getting to and from the cockpit and aft section is via these triple glass doors which can open and close from either side.

Cockpit & Aft Section

As we’ve seen, the cat design affords lots of room to spread out, sit, and entertain, and that  same theme continues here in the cockpit and aft section. 

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran grill console

With the aft door slid all the way open to port---it also slides open to starboard---and its close proximity to the salon galley, the cockpit grill console is a welcome addition to entertaining and food preparation and service. A refrigerator/freezer combo is below. Note the heavy duty boarding door here with another on the opposite side.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran aft bench seats/lounges

The aft bench seats/lounges easily convert to water views by simply flipping the backrests. Storage space is located under the seats. That console on the port side is an optional grill with countertop, and refrigerator/freezer pull out. A port safety gate closes the area off. Deck hatches here get you down to the machinery spaces in each hull. Access to the optional Volvo Penta D6 inboard diesel engines would be through these hatches. The port hull has storage space, fresh water tank, hot water heater, and raw water sea chest. The port hull also has storage space, another sea chest, and plenty of room for the optional 9-kW Fischer Panda diesel generator along with a dedicated fuel tank.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran swim platform

The swim platform measure 7'3" x 2'2", and is easily accessed through the port safety gate. Situated on the centerline, and deployed and stored in a dedicated hatch in the platform, is the swim ladder. Robust and wide-stepped, it is easy to use for getting in and out of the water.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran optional sunshade

Covering almost the entire aft section is this optional, electrically operated sunshade.

Living Accommodations

While both the bow and salon spaces take full advantage of the Aquila 42 Coupe’s 15’11” beam, so do the forward staterooms. The guest quarters are to port and owners to starboard, with each having ensuite heads and stand-up showers.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran guest quarters

With plenty of headroom, large windows, and sufficient storage space, especially under the mattress, guests will feel right at home when traveling aboard the Aquila 42 Coupe.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran guest head

Located aft is the ensuite head with separate stand up shower, electric toilet, sink, and storage space. The same space is afforded the head for the owner’s stateroom on the starboard side.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran owner's stateroom

The owner's stateroom and ensuite head are mirror-images of the quarters to port.

A Word About Performance

Just as with her big sister 46 Coupe, the carbon-fiber foil is standard on the 42 Coupe, and offers advanced performance and handling while underway. With her double-stepped hulls perfectly matched with a pair of 400-hp V10 Mercury outboards, or optional twin Volvo Penta D6-440hp DPI sterndrive diesel engines, exciting seaworthiness, handling and fuel efficiency also comes standard.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran carbon-fiber foil spanning the hulls

As you can see in the illustration, the carbon-fiber foil is mounted athwartships and near the aft section, spanning the hulls. The foil acts like an airplane wing, creating lift that will raise the 42 Coupe up about 6-inches as the boat moves through the water. Because of the foil’s design, and positioning, hauling does not present any problems.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran 2 x 400-hp Mercury V10's

With the twin 400-hp Mercury V10's trimmed just right, and with the double stepped hull and Aquila carbon fiber foil at work, our test boat displayed outstanding performance and fuel economy. With this combination, larger engines are not necessary.

Our test day saw air temps at 76°, relative humidity of 68%, with wind at 5-10 mph. The Aquila 42 Coupe we were on had an approximate weight of 21,430 pounds with 66% of the 410 gallons of fuel on board and three passengers. 

Our top speed came in at 46.2 mph at 6200 rpm and we found the best cruise speed at 5000 rpm and 35.3 mph. At that rate, we calculated an approximate range of 339.0 sm with a 10% fuel reserve. Our out-of-the-hole shots saw our Aquila 42 Coupe reach 10 mph in 3.3 seconds, 20 mph in 11.8 seconds, and 30 mph in 21.4 seconds. More impressive was her handling, first offshore where we encountered some rougher water and noticed how the foil, supplying the necessary lift, eased our coming off a wave with no pounding or drag, before the boat met another head on. With our running inshore, and once we had the boat trimmed properly, we noticed how, and especially during hard-over maneuvers including a series of turns to port and starboard, how she kept her rpm and speed without any noticeable change. And, sitting back and enjoying the ride, she tracked straight and true. While each day out can and will present different sea and wind conditions, the Aquila 42 Coupe proved to be a reliable performer.

Summary

The Aquila 42 Coupe successfully spans the gap between am outboard powered cruising sport cat and, given her impressive beam that is carried fully forward, a much larger yacht. This added space allows the design and engineering teams to focus on outfitting her with creature comforts and amenities to make her quite comfortable and able to spend her days on the water with nearby trips, long, extended weekends away, and quite capable of making longer voyages such as Great Looping and island hopping for example. 

Her design includes double stepped hulls and a foil, enabling The Aquila 42 Coupe to require use less horsepower to get the job done. The result is better fuel economy and superior handling under a wide variety of conditions. And with long lists of both standard and premium optional equipment, your 42 Coupe will be a personal statement of ownership.

With a company leading the way in worldwide catamaran production, and proven, sea-worthy designs, should a boat like the Aquila 42 Coupe be lighting up your radar screen, and whether you will be new to cat ownership, or have had your hands on the wheel of a smaller vessel and are ready to move up in size, set up a visit and sea trial. You will not be disappointed.

Aquila 42 Coupe Power Catamaran running

Remember, life is better on a boat!