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Aquila 45 Sport Power Catamaran (2026-)
2 x 600-hp Mercury Verado V12 Outboards
Brief Summary
What do you get when a major builder of catamarans, in fact a company whose entire background in the industry knows nothing but the design and engineering of power cats, presents a well-appointed boat capable of 50+ mph in suitable conditions, has a cabin with a king size berth, full, stand-up wet head with electric toilet, and can easily seat 16 adults from bow to stern, for a day out? The simple answer is the Aquila 45 Sport.
Entertaining family and friends, spending the day at the sand bar, out for on-water sports and activities, getting away for the weekend, or looking forward to taking some extended travel time, the Aquila 45 Sport offers all this and a lot more in a technically advanced power cat running on a stable, seaworthy and fuel efficient double stepped, full planing hull powered by a pair of 600-hp Mercury V12 outboards.
Test Results
| RPM | MPH | Knots | GPH | MPG | NMPG | SM | NM | dBa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 700 | 3.3 | 2.9 | 2.5 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 5280 | 458.8 | 58 |
| 1000 | 5 | 4.3 | 3.9 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 514.3 | 446.9 | 61 |
| 1500 | 7.1 | 6.2 | 5.4 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 530.8 | 461.3 | 68 |
| 2000 | 9 | 7.8 | 9.2 | 1 | 0.8 | 389.1 | 338.2 | 70 |
| 2500 | 10.2 | 8.9 | 13.7 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 298.9 | 259.7 | 74 |
| 3000 | 16.1 | 13.9 | 21.8 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 294.5 | 255.9 | 75 |
| 3500 | 24 | 20.8 | 36.4 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 263.5 | 229 | 82 |
| 4000 | 29.4 | 25.5 | 43.8 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 268.5 | 233.3 | 84 |
| 4500 | 35.5 | 30.8 | 51.4 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 276.3 | 240.1 | 84 |
| 5000 | 41.2 | 35.8 | 55.9 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 295.1 | 256.4 | 85 |
| 5500 | 46.4 | 40.3 | 74.2 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 250 | 217.3 | 85 |
| 6000 | 50 | 43.4 | 89.7 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 223 | 193.8 | 87 |
| 6350 | 54.3 | 47.1 | 98.4 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 220.6 | 191.7 | 92 |
Specifications
| Length Overall |
46'6" 14.17 m |
|---|---|
| Beam |
15'0" 4.57 m |
| Draft |
2'0" .61 m |
| Draft Up |
2' 0" 0.60 m |
| Draft Down |
3' 5" 1.04 m |
| Person Capacity | 29 |
| Fuel Capacity |
400 gal 1,514 L |
| Water Capacity |
50 gal 189 L |
Acceleration Times & Conditions
| 0 to 30 | 7.5 |
|---|---|
| Load | Persons & Gear: 555 lbs (252 kg); Fuel: 1,680 gal (762 kg) |
| Climate | 74°; 74% humidity; wind: 5-10; wave: <1'; salt |
Engine Options
| Tested Engine |
2 x 600-hp Mercury Verado V12 |
|---|---|
| Std. Power |
2 x 600-hp Mercury Verado V12 Outboards |
AQUILA 45 SPORT
An Exciting Weekend Diversion
By Capt. Ken Kreisler
Captain's Performance & Inspection Report
Overview
The Aquila 45 Sport is the flagship of the builder's Sport line, and it makes its case the instant the throttles go down. Powered by twin Mercury Verado 600 V12 outboards, our test boat ran past 50 mph and touched 54 — performance that more than justifies the "Sport" designation on a power catamaran of this size. We put her through her paces in Jupiter, Florida, on the Intracoastal Waterway, with a look at sportier conditions offshore, to find out whether that name was marketing or merit. It proved to be merit.
On the Water
The 45 Sport climbs onto plane quickly and pulls hard through the midrange. We were at 25 to 30 mph almost immediately, and the twin 600s kept pushing well past that — this is a boat that runs strong and never feels like it's straining. At 40 mph the helm stayed notably quiet, helped by flat water but also by a hull and structure that keeps noise down. Topping out just over 50 mph in our runs, and 54 earlier in the day, is genuinely quick for a cruising catamaran of this displacement.
By the Numbers
Our test boat carried a length overall of 46'6", a beam of 15'0", and drafted just 2'0" with the engines trimmed up. Test weight was estimated at 24,371 pounds, running with roughly 70 percent fuel aboard and three passengers, on twin Mercury Verado 600 V12 outboards.
- Top speed: 54.3 mph at 6,350 RPM
- Best cruise: 41.2 mph at 5,000 RPM, returning 0.7 mph
- Range at cruise: approximately 269 miles with a 10 percent fuel reserve
- Acceleration: 0–10 mph in 2.0 seconds; 0–20 mph in 4.0 seconds; 0–30 mph in 7.5 seconds; 0–40 mph in 13.0 seconds
- Fuel capacity: 412 gallons total (two 206-gallon tanks)
Handling: The Catamaran Advantage
Cut the wheel hard over to port and the 45 Sport bites and grabs, holding its line through aggressive turns. At these speeds you'll want to warn your passengers before you carve, because the boat generates real G-forces in the corners — a credit to how hard it grips rather than a criticism.
The catamaran layout pays a dividend most buyers don't anticipate until they feel it. With a wide hardtop and the helm set near the centerline, the boat stays remarkably level through a turn. On a monohull, the same maneuver heels the boat over and swings the hardtop into your sightline, blocking your view of exactly where you're turning.
The 45 Sport simply doesn't do that — your view into the turn stays clear. Through the tighter corners, the 600s kick down and deliver even more bite and grip without bogging; there is no shortage of power back there.
At the Helm
Aquila designed this helm with the next generation of boat buyers in mind — owners who expect to be connected, with data at their fingertips. Three 16-inch Raymarine touchscreens dominate the dash, leaving ample real estate to display engine data, charts, and CZone digital switching, which controls virtually every system aboard, with room to spare for radar or a fish finder. Frequently used functions are backed up by physical push-buttons below the screens.
Visibility is a strong suit. Seated, the line of sight to the horizon is excellent; the windshield supports are slim and the hardtop posts intrude only minimally. At 5'8", I had clear sightlines whether seated, perched on the flip-up bolster with its molded footrest, or standing. Creature comforts are well sorted, too: two wireless induction phone chargers, three helm-level A/C vents for slow-speed and no-wake-zone running, a large glove box, and a full complement of USB and 12-volt outlets, including connections and card slots for chart-plotter updates.
Below Decks: Systems and Build Quality
This is where the Aquila reveals its build quality, and it is consistently impressive. The machinery spaces in each hull are spacious and genuinely easy to move through, with compartments extending well forward to additional access hatches — a reminder of just how much usable room a catamaran offers.
The detailing rewards close inspection. The engine backing plates are polished stainless steel, finished to a mirror shine — the kind of touch that runs throughout the boat. Wiring is bundled in looms, hoses are run cleanly and double clamped, the electrical components are mounted high and dry above a finished false floor that seals off the bilge below, keeping salt water from sloshing up into critical systems.
Everything is clearly labeled, from the air-conditioning filter and fresh-water pump to the AGM engine-start battery and house bank. Servicing this boat, or troubleshooting underway, would be straightforward.
Raw-water systems draw from a sea chest, providing constant, reliable pressure to every raw-water consumer aboard, with accessible strainers and clearly located, easily operated through-hull fittings and seacocks — exactly what you want to find in an emergency. Bilge pumps on both sides are easy to reach and inspect.
The Advantages of Lithium. Our test boat was optioned with a full Mastervolt lithium system in place of the standard AGM setup. The added capacity lets owners run the air conditioning all day or overnight at anchor, and the Mercury 600s can fast-charge the bank from 30 to 80 percent in roughly 40 minutes. No heavy, noisy generator is needed.
The aluminum fuel tanks — two 206-gallon units for 412 gallons total — are built in-house by Aquila and dipped in a corrosion-resistant coating for added longevity in a saltwater environment, with clean access to the vent, supply, and sending unit.
On Deck
A final, thoughtful detail sits just forward of the engines: a hatch over the splash well. Aquila could have left this open, but enclosing it preserves valuable usable square footage on the aft deck. Because the Verado 600s should be trimmed fully out of the water when the boat is idle, the hatch lifts to clear them — and Aquila added an audible alarm to remind the owner to raise it before trimming up. It's the kind of forethought that defines a well-engineered boat.
Foredeck and Ground Tackle
At the centerline forward, the anchor locker houses a Quick windlass with a remote and access to the rode below. A deck hatch to either side opens into deep storage that easily swallows fenders and dock lines, and a fresh-water hose is on hand to rinse the anchor and rode after a night in a muddy bottom.
The Verdict
After running wide open on the Intracoastal and pushing offshore into sporty conditions, the Aquila 45 Sport delivered exactly what its name promises: serious speed, confident handling, and the level, visible ride that only a well-designed power catamaran provides — all wrapped in a build quality that holds up to scrutiny belowdecks as well as it performs on top of the water.
-
By Capt. Tripp
Major Features
- Cabin w/king berth
- Wet head w/hand-held shower wand and electric fresh water flush
- Fiberglass hardtop
- White hull
- Fusion audio system
- Slide out stainless swim ladder
- Double step hull
- Recessed stainless handrails
- Variable position stainless steel steering wheel w/spinner knob
- Composite fiberglass and stainless-steel supports for
windshield - Manual push button override switches and controls
- Port & starboard bow wet lockers for fenders and lines
- Cockpit hot/cold shower
- Cabin skylight
- Shore side power electrical system connection w/galvanic isolator
- Inverter/battery charger(s)-12V/3500W
Notable Options
- Side fold-out terraces
- Makefast aft shade system
- Lithium battery package for off-grid use of electrical systems
- Power lift television for galley
- Teak Hi-Lo cockpit table
- Reverso fresh water auto flush system
- Rain shower in the wet head
- Cabin television
- Stainless roof racks on fiberglass hardtop
- Raymarine Radome Quantum2 Q24 radar w/mount
- Hull Shield ultrasonic antifouling protection
- Manual removable bow sunshade
- FLIR M232 pan and tilt night vision camera
- Air pump for blow up toys
- Wireless remote for windlass
- Underwater lights
- Hard top spotlight w/helm remote control
- Platinum navigation package: 3 x 16" Axiom2 XL with Raystar 150 GPS, CPTS Through Hull transducer with CP100 Chirp Sonar, Ray 90 VHF
- Gold navigation package: 2 x 16" Axiom2 XL with Raystar 150 GPS, CPTS Through Hull transducer with CP100 Chirp Sonar, Ray 90 VHF
- Silver navigation package: 1 x 16" Axiom2 XL with Raystar 150 GPS, CPTS Through Hull transducer with CP100 Chirp Sonar, Ray 90 VHF
Vessel Inspection
There is a lot to see aboard the Aquila 45 Sport and with its catamaran hull allowing for a 15’0” beam to be carried fully forward, the design and engineering teams were able to supply an overabundance of space for seating, entertaining, gathering, and even a cabin for overnight stays. With the optional terraces deployed aft to both sides, and only while on the hook, her beam extends there to 19’4”.
Bow
Catamaran hulls mean a beam can be carried fully forward and on the Aquila 45 Sport that translates into a bow area able to supply wide open seating and lounging opportunities.
Helm
Aquila paid special attention to the centerline helm aboard the 45 Sport with a four seat across set up and excellent views forward into the seaway as well as all around.
Cockpit
With its one level, fore to aft design, the Aquila 45 Sport offers maximum use of its deck space and here in the cockpit and aft sections, that plan focuses squarely on seating, dining, and relaxing.
Aft
The twin 600-hp Mercury 12V outboards were specifically chosen due to their unique design with the lower units turning instead of the entire engines. In this way, Aquila was able to maximize the aft deck real estate even without deploying the terraces.
Maintenance
Accessed via deck hatches, the below decks space offers lots of room in each hull to easily get to critical areas for maintenance and servicing.
Cabin
Aquila designed the 45 Sport to cover all the bases when it comes to comfort, performance, and maximizing usable space, something that is quite evident in the living accommodations.
A Word About Performance
Equipped with a pair of 600-hp Mercury V12 powerhouse outboards, performance on the Aquila 45 Sport, and as we found out, is going to be as exciting as the boat itself.
Our test day saw air temps at 74° and relative humidity at 74% as well. Wind was no more than 10 knots and the sea conditions were relatively calm with wave heights less than one foot. Our test weight was averaged at about 24,371 pounds with 70% of the 400 gallon fuel capacity. There were three people on board.
During hole shots, our test boat averages 10 mph in 2 seconds, 20 mph in 4 seconds, 30 mph in 7.5 seconds, and 40 mph in 13 seconds. Our top speed came in at 54.3 mph at 6350 rpm. We settled into our best cruise at 5000 rpm where we noted a speed or 41.2 mph. At that rate, we calculated a range of 295.1 statute miles with a 10% fuel reserve. We found she quickly answered the helm on all maneuvers especially while making hard over, S, doughnut, and speedy turns where the Aquila 45 Sport displayed control and driver confidence at high rpm.
Summary
The Aquila 45 Sport was designed and engineered for the twin 600-hp V12 Mercury outboards. One of the main factors was in the ability of these engines to pivot their lower units without moving the uppers thus allowing the design of the aft end of the boat to be equipped with maximum space for those aboard. In addition, these hefty powerplants, along with a double stepped hull design, provides sparkling performance and precise handling when underway.
One look around, confirms the concept of a boat with carefully considered space for entertaining, gathering, and traveling. With the added plus of a king berth in the cabin, plenty of storage, and a stand-up head, the Aquila 45 Sport will supply unforgettable day/weekend, and extended time away opportunities.
Wrapping things up and given Aquila’s excellent history in this sector of the industry, there is a lot of confidence built into the 45 Sport for owners to experience firsthand while aboard and traveling.

REMEMBER, LIFE IS BETTER ON A BOAT!
About the Reporting Captains
Experts and Boat Owners
What has set BoatTEST apart from the many video-makers currently on the Internet and Social Media is the fact that for 26 years, only USCG-Licensed captains and experienced boat owners have tested and written our reports and made our videos. We believe that to provide boat owners the information they deserve, only other boat owners – who know the challenges of ownership -- can accurately report on it. It is that level of expertise and ownership experience that goes into every video and Captain’s Report that we publish. Because we know what it is like owning and operating a boat, we can pass-on the information that prospective boat buyers need to know.

Capt. Trip Smith holds a USCG 100-Ton license and has 22 years of experience navigating various types of boats, such as center consoles, runabouts, wake boats, and cruisers. He now owns a 22’ C-Dory. At 36 years old, he is living the dream of escaping the typical 9 to 5 job and has become a popular boat adventure video creator with over 75,000 YouTube subscribers. Capt. Trip Smith's expertise is evident in his 434 videos, where he shares his experiences spearfishing, collecting scallops, cooking fresh grouper on his boat’s grill, and planning his next adventure. Capt. Trip has an impressive background as a firefighter, outboard engine mechanic, boat rigger, fiberglass repair and restoration expert, and kayak safety teacher.

Capt. Ken Kreisler is a well-known figure in the marine industry, with extensive experience testing boats for major boating magazines. He has held USCG 100-Ton License for 40 years and has served as a delivery and charter fishboat captain, project manager for two small passenger ferry catamarans, making sure every details met USCG build standards. Capt. Ken is an accomplished writer, having received several BWI awards and the John Burroughs Association certificate of commendation for his children's book, "NATURE SPY," published by Macmillan. He resides with his family on the Shrewsbury River in Monmouth Beach, NJ, where he enjoys boating on his 24-foot Grady White Explorer.
Features Video Transcript
Category Context
The review opens with general market framing: outboard-powered day boats are increasingly popular; large day boats are expensive, and a purchasing mistake "can cost you up to 35% of what you paid." Most 40-something day boat options are monohulls, though catamarans — slower to catch on in the US — are noted as gaining popularity.
Overview
Captain Trent's framing of the boat: "When you picture a 45-foot catamaran that has a king-size berth and a full-size head, you think of a floating condo. Well, the Aquila 45 Sport is not that. I would consider this more of a floating private island."
Key stats cited: 1,200 total horsepower, capable of running over 50 mph, seating for up to 16 adults.
Cockpit / Terrace Doors
Terrace doors are fitted port and starboard. When deployed in the down position, the boat's beam expands from 15 feet to 19 feet, 4 inches. A 15-foot beam is stated as the widest in class. Captain Trent's assessment with wings down: "She has the cockpit space of a mega yacht."
Draft: Two feet, allowing the boat to operate in shallow areas when engines are trimmed up.
Terrace door support: No visible pistons or cables supporting the doors. Captain Trent: "Aquila was able to pull this off very cleanly. I like that."
Layout benefit: With terrace-door seating occupied, movement fore and aft along the side of the boat is unobstructed. Captain Trent's stated rationale: "If I'm the captain and I'm coming in and I need to get to a dock line on the stern real quick, I don't have to ask anyone to get up. No one has to move from their seat... People aren't in other people's way, and I really, really like that."
Aft Seating Area
Rated by Captain Trent to seat approximately eight people comfortably.
Convertible backrest: Slides fore and aft. Sliding forward (with the seat in the down position and a filler cushion added) creates a large aft-facing sun pad. Sliding aft creates a shaded lounging configuration on the opposite side.
Additional shade: An electric sunshade in the hardtop extends to cover this entire area.
Storage: Present under every seat in this area, allowing Captain Trent's suggested organization approach: "If you have a lot of guests on board, you could almost designate one section for everyone. They have somewhere to put their bags, put their towels, so things aren't just cluttering up the entire boat."
Hidden TV: Located in the center of the galley area, positioned for viewing from the aft lounger. Captain Trent's assessment: "This would make a perfect spot to lounge and watch a game or a movie... Talk about an ideal evening at anchor."
Audio: Fusion JL Audio speakers both below and on the hardtop.
Transom shower: Hot and cold freshwater, positioned for rinsing off guests returning from towed water sports.
Engine cowling design: Port and starboard cowlings do not turn (only the lower unit does), allowing this design to reclaim usable cockpit real estate that would otherwise be lost to a turning engine mount.
Propulsion (Key Differentiator)
Powered by two 600-horsepower outboard engines (1,200 hp total), achieving over 54 mph. Captain Trent characterized this as "perhaps the most important aspect" of the boat, noting: "Virtually all other outboard day boats in class have to have triple or quad outboards totaling as much as 1,800 horsepower. More engines means more things to go wrong." The reduced engine count also frees additional open deck space at the stern.
Swim Platform
- Substantial handrails on both sides
- Swim ladder, described by Captain Trent as one of his favorite features: "I like this ladder because it is extremely substantial. So it doesn't matter if you're seven years old or 70 years old, you can use this ladder confidently as you're coming in and out of the water."
- Safety gates, port and starboard, for securing pets or small children while underway
Aft Galley Station (Swim Platform Area)
- Two electric Kenyon grills, concealed
- Fridge beneath the grill
- Center three-bank drawer unit with a 110-volt outlet (Captain Trent noted this as suited to a blender for making drinks)
- Three configurable sections in this area, optionable as a refrigerator, cooler, additional refrigerator, ice maker, or additional drawer bank
- Two-tone coaming pad with diamond stitching, plus an embroidered "45S" logo further forward
- Dedicated trash can storage, mirrored identically on the port side
Hardtop
Stated at 200 square feet of coverage. Fitted with perimeter LED strip lighting and RGB LED puck lighting (color-adjustable). An approximately 8-foot grab handle runs along the outside of the hardtop, intended to assist taller guests moving about the boat.
Optional black gel coat (overhead): Captain Trent's stated rationale for recommending this option: "Black absorbs light and keeps glare off the nav screens and out of the skipper's eyes. We recommend it."
Dash/helm details and performance data are referenced as covered in the companion performance video.
Cabin
Provides sleeping space for two.
Bed: 80 by 78 inches — stated to be three inches wider than a household king. Captain Trent: "We've never seen a wider bed on any boat of any size."
Additional cabin features:
- Skylights and accent lighting
- Reading lights at the head of the bed
- TV and two storage cabinets at the foot of the bed
- Starboard nightstand with two drawers, switches for the locking door and cabinet lighting, plus USB and 110-volt outlets
- Opening hull-side window further forward
- Two hooks near the head entrance for towels or foul weather gear
Head (Cabin)
- Rain shower head
- Bench positioned over the electric flushing toilet
- Storage behind the toilet
- Vanity with storage underneath and a generously sized mirror
Hardtop Access (via Cabin Door)
Steps are built into the back side of the cabin door — not the primary bow access route, but a secondary route up to the 200-square-foot hardtop deck. This upper deck area includes roof racks suited to securing water toys, paddleboards, or kayaks, or alternatively for bean bags/towels for sunning.
Forward Storage Locker (Port Side, En Route to Bow)
Captain Trent estimated this locker at close to 20 feet from bulkhead to bulkhead (not directly measured), noting significant capacity: "Maybe you're running to the islands. You can fit so much water, beer, luggage, food, whatever down here to keep you stocked at your Airbnb and all your guests. You guys will be stocked for a month."
Bow
Sun lounger: Sized to comfortably fit four, possibly five adults. Includes insulated storage underneath, optionable as a cooler or fish box.
Captain's Closing Assessment
"I think Aquila, the designers, and the engineers did really well with this boat. I could see myself enjoying entertaining a large number of guests and thrilling them with the ride at over 50 miles an hour."
An additional closing note: "Be advised that the Aquila 45 Sport has a remarkably competitive price." A companion performance video is referenced for further detail.
Performance Test Video Transcript
Overview
The Aquila 45 Sport is the flagship of Aquila's Sport line, powered by twin 600 hp Mercury outboards. Captain Pat's opening assessment: "It does over 50 miles an hour, and it certainly lives up to that Sport name." Testing was conducted in Jupiter, Florida, on the ICW, with a note that offshore conditions were rough that day.
Acceleration / Top-End Run
- Boat reached 25–30 mph quickly after coming onto plane
- Reached 40 mph with cabin noise described as "fairly quiet"
- Topped 50 mph in flat conditions
- A prior run had reached 54 mph, which Captain Pat characterized as: "That's pretty quick. That's why they call this a sport... moving for a boat like this."
- Backed off to approximately 4,500 RPM afterward, noted as likely the most efficient cruise setting
Helm / Visibility
The hardtop is described as protecting the helm operator and up to three additional passengers (four total capacity at this station). A bolster allows a seated position for long-distance cruising with autopilot engaged.
Support post visibility impact: Captain Pat addressed this directly: "I do have these posts back here holding the hard top up that I guess could maybe consider them hindering your vision a little bit, but I don't really see those as being significant."
Windshield supports: Described as not too large, with Captain Pat's sight line to the horizon assessed as "fantastic" from the seated position.
Seating positions: Bolster pop-up with molded footrest provides an elevated seated height option. Standing position also offers full visibility — Captain Pat, at 5'8", reported "fantastic visibility" while standing.
Handling / Turns
Testing included hard turns to port at speed. Captain Pat's assessment: "She bites and grabs." He noted the need to warn passengers before aggressive turns due to G-forces at speed.
Catamaran-specific handling note: Because the hardtop is wide and the helm is positioned near centerline, the boat remains fairly level in turns, keeping the hardtop from obstructing the driver's view. Captain Pat contrasted this with a monohull: "If I was on a monohull and I would've just made that turn, as the boat heeled over, the hard top would've been blocking my entire view of where I was turning into."
At speed through repeated tight turns, Captain Pat noted engine response: "I can feel those 600s. They just kick down into gear. That gives a lot more bite and grip when you make these tighter turns. The boat's not bogging down. There's plenty of power in those big engines back there."
Specifications (Test Boat)
- Length overall: 46 feet, 6 inches
- Beam: 15 feet
- Draft: 2 feet (engines trimmed up)
- Test weight: 24,371 pounds, with 70% of the 400-gallon fuel capacity aboard and three passengers
- Engines: twin Mercury Verado V12s
Performance Numbers
- Top speed: 54.3 mph at 6,350 RPM
- Best cruise: 41.2 mph at 5,000 RPM, achieving 0.7 miles per gallon
- Range at best cruise: approximately 269 miles, with a 10% fuel reserve
- Hole shot 0–10 mph: 2 seconds
- 0–20 mph: 4 seconds
- 0–30 mph: 7.5 seconds
- 0–40 mph: 13 seconds
Starboard Hull Inspection
Captain Pat's pre-run inspection routine, described directly: "There's a few things I want to get acclimated with, and that is where the bilge pump is and make sure it's easy, accessible, and it works. Also, the batteries, I'm looking at those and make sure that I have boots over the terminals."
Engine backing plates: Polished stainless steel. Captain Pat: "That's a pretty fancy detail that Aquila has taken down here in the build of the boat. Now, that's something that reflects throughout this entire boat, and I like that about Aquila."
Additional systems noted: Fuel-water separator, wiring run in looms ("done really clean"), hot water heater, and a pump for the Reverso engine-flush system.
Forward extension of this compartment (accessed via additional hatch): Mastervolt charger, overhead DC fuses, AC breakers, bus bars, and a battery switch. Captain Pat noted the bilge design specifically: "Everything is high up off the bilge. And actually, this is a false floor. There's a bilge under here. And this is finished cleanly, so this just keeps everything protected. You don't want salt water getting in your bilge and then sloshing around and splashing up on all of your electrical components. This is a great thing Aquila's done in here."
Starboard side additional items: A breaker for shore power and a galvanic isolator.
Port Hull Inspection
Bilge pump: Confirmed easily accessible.
Through-hulls: Captain Pat's stated rationale for checking these: "In the event of an emergency, you want to be able to turn them off, and they're easily located and easy to turn on and off." These connect to a seachest, which Captain Pat noted as a positive Aquila design choice for providing constant pressure to raw water systems.
Raw water strainer: One noted, serving the air conditioner filter.
Labeling: Confirmed present throughout — aircon filter, fresh water pump, engine start battery (AGM).
House battery bank: The test boat was optioned with a full Mastervolt lithium system (AGM is standard). Captain Pat noted the benefit: "If you do choose to option up to the lithium system, you have a large capacity here, so you can run your AC all day or all night if you're on the hook." He also noted a specific charging capability of the Mercury 600 engines: fast-charging these batteries from 30% to 80% in 40 minutes.
Fresh water tank: Located behind this inspection point; the compartment extends further forward to an additional midship access hatch, mirroring the starboard side layout.
Fuel Tank
Located under the next forward hatch, mirrored on the starboard side. Manufactured in-house by Aquila from aluminum, dipped in a corrosion-resistant coating (giving it a darker tint) to extend service life in a saltwater environment. Air vent, supply line, and sensor sending unit are all noted as easily accessible atop the tank.
Capacity: 206 gallons per side, totaling 412 gallons.
Splash Well Hatch
Located just forward of the engines. Captain Pat explained the design rationale: "Aquila could've left this open, but putting this hatch here really gives a lot more space back here on the aft deck, which is where you want that square footage and usable square footage." The hatch accommodates the engines when trimmed fully up (required specifically for the 600 hp Mercurys when not in use, since "they don't need any of that lower unit down in the water, and not all boats can do that"). An audible alarm reminds the operator to lift the hatch before trimming the engines up, preventing interference between the engines and the closed hatch.
Helm Electronics
Captain Pat noted Aquila's design intent: "When Aquila was designing this helm, they really tried to keep in mind the modern generation and the next generation of boat buyers who like to feel more connected."
- Three 16-inch Raymarine touchscreens, providing room for engine data, chart plotting, and CZone switching (whole-boat control) simultaneously, plus room for additional displays such as a fish finder or radar
- Standard push-button controls for frequently used functions
- Two wireless induction phone chargers
- Three AC vents at the helm
- Large glove box
- USB connections (for chart plotter updates) and card slot inserts
- 12-volt outlets and additional USB charging ports
Anchor System / Bow Storage
Centerline anchor locker with a quick windlass (remote-operated) and rode access below. Two additional deck hatches, one on each side, open to a "pretty deep locker" containing three large fenders and dock lines. A freshwater hose is provided to rinse the anchor and rode after retrieval from a muddy bottom.
Captain's Closing Assessment
"After running wide open in the ICW, running offshore in some sporty conditions, the Aquila 45 Sport proved that she is a sport."