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Aquila 46 Yacht Power Catamaran (2026-)

2 x 320-hp Volvo Penta D4



Brief Summary

With 40+ years in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of powercats, including its latest strategic partnership with MarineMax, Aquila Yachts has found itself a leader in the marine industry with over 500 of its boats and yachts plying the world’s waters. The new 46 Powercat is one of five models offered in the Yacht lineup and is built with many of the innovative features Aquila is known for: A pleasing and aesthetically, well-proportioned profile, voluminous interior and exterior space, the latest in advanced electronics and navigational equipment, a well-balanced and practical engine package, and an impressive list of standard and optional offerings.

Test Results

RPM MPH Knots GPH MPG NMPG SM NM dBa
650 3.6 3.2 0.6 6 5.3 2588.2 2249.1 56
750 4.5 3.9 0.9 5.3 4.6 2261.9 1965.6 59
1000 6 5.2 1.5 4.1 3.6 1767.9 1536.3 61
1250 7.2 6.3 2.7 2.7 2.3 1141.2 991.7 65
1500 8.5 7.4 4.5 1.9 1.6 805.2 699.7 68
1750 9.4 8.2 6.6 1.4 1.2 608.8 529 68
2000 11 9.6 9.5 1.2 1 495.6 430.7 69
2250 11.6 10.1 13 0.9 0.8 383 332.8 71
2500 12.4 10.8 18 0.7 0.6 294.4 255.9 70
2750 13.9 12.1 22.5 0.6 0.5 264 229.4 72
3000 17 14.8 29.5 0.6 0.5 247.3 214.9 72
3250 19.9 17.3 34.5 0.6 0.5 247.2 214.8 73
3500 22.4 19.5 42.5 0.5 0.5 225.6 196.1 75
3650 23.7 20.6 49 0.5 0.4 207.3 180.1 76
Aquila 46 Yacht performance chart

Specifications

Length Overall 47' 2"
14.36 m
Beam 23' 3"
7.1 m
Draft 4' 1"
1.24 m
Fuel Capacity 476 gal
1,800 L
Water Capacity 211 gal
800 L

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Props Duoprops
Load Persons & Gear: 600 lbs/272kg; Fuel on board: 2,031 lbs/921 kg; Water on board: 542 lbs/246 kg; Total Load: 3,173 lbs/1,439 kg
Climate 76°F; 67% humidity; wind: 2-5 mph; wave: 1'; salt

Engine Options

Tested Engine 2 x 480-hp Volvo Penta D6
Std. Power 2 x 320-hp Volvo Penta D4
Opt. Power 2 x 480-hp Volvo Penta D6

Cat with The Heart of an Eagle

Captain's Report Aquila 46 Powercat

by Capt. Ken Kreisler

Aquila 46 Powercat running

The Aquila 46 Sport Powercat presents a wide, stable platform taking full advantage of interior and exterior space for enhanced time aboard. The distinctive shearline forward means impressive headroom in the bow quarters.

Aquila is Latin for eagle and if you have even wondered about whether or not you would like to soar on a powercat, this premium builder, the largest manufacturer of these exceptional boats and yachts worldwide, just may present, with its 46 Powercat Yacht, an answer to your question.

Major Features

  • Three cabin/three head layout
  • 2 x 320-hp D4 Volvo Penta inboard diesel engines
  • Hard top with stainless supports
  • Line cutters on shafts
  • 70-lb Delta anchor w/chain
  • Fiberglass flybridge table
  • One way fuel transfer from starboard to port @ 7.94gal/min 
  • Electric induction two burner cooktop in salon galley
  • Dark or light interior finish w/covered accented wall and ceiling upholstery
  • Washer/dryer single combo unit
  • 7” Volvo display at helm

Notable Options

  • 2 x 480-hp D6 Volvo Penta or 2 x 550-hp Yanmar inboard diesel engines
  • Slepner bow thrusters for port and starboard hulls w/control at upper helm
  • 4 or 5 cabin/head layout
  • Teak wood flybridge table
  • Spotzer 25 gal/hour water maker
  • Lower helm steering and nav package includes 12” Raymarine plotter, autopilot control, adjustable captain’s chair
  • Upper helm steering and nav package includes 1 x 16” Raymarine Axiom2 ProS plotter, Raymarine 170s multifunction display, Raymarine 63 VHF w/remote station and antenna, Raymarine cam300 aft facing camera
  • Raymarine Quantum 2 Q24D 18” Radome color scanner
  • Underwater foil system
  • Electric 1,000 lb capacity crane lifting system
  • 11-kW or 12-kW generator w/remote control and fuel transfer pump
  • 14 x 120w solar panels
  • 211 gal reserve fuel tank 

Boat Inspection

Given her cat profile and dimensions, with her 23’3” beam carried fully forward, the Aquila designers and engineers had plenty of space to work with in order to supply her owners and guests aboard the 46 Powercat Yacht with optimum entertaining, cruising, storage, along with both extensive interior and exterior gathering areas.

Aquila 46 Powercat layouts

Optimizing interior space allows the Aquila 46 Powercat Yacht to be offered in four and five cabin/head layouts. In addition, the main deck can be ordered with an optional lower helm to port (Below).

Aquila 46 Powercat optional lower helm layout

Stern and Transom

The Aquila 46 Powercat Yacht is laid out for long distance travel as well as supplying entertaining and gathering spaces from bow to stern where exceptional dining and get-together locations are found.

Aquila 46 Powercat stern deck

With 7’2” of headroom here, whether on the hook and enjoying an al fresco dinner at sunset, or underway to the next stop, the stern deck makes it all happen.

Aquila 46 Powercat aft deck hatch

The large hatch in the center of the aft deck is the perfect spot for extra fenders and lines.

Aquila 46 Powercat outdoor bar

Adding to the entertainment options is this outdoor bar.

Aquila 46 Powercat aft deck salon

With the aft salon window open and secured, the salon joins the aft deck in creating a wide open entertaining space.

Aquila 46 Powercat gate to swim platform

The wide gate to the swim platform, there is one to either side, easily opens and locks into place.

Aquila 46 Powercat aft platform

The center section of the fixed platform easily supports a tender or a PWC. The port sponson hides a telescoping swim ladder making getting in and out of the water safe and easy.

Aquila 46 Powercat launch and retrieval system for a tender or PWC

Seen clearly here, Aquila’s unique launch and retrieval system for a tender or PWC can be operated by one person from the inside bulkhead on the aft port side.

Aquila 46 Powercat launch and retrieval system controls

Easy to operate, the controls for the tender/PWC launch or retrieve system offer push button functions.

Salon and Lower Helm

The expansive theme continues on the main deck salon with wide open gathering spaces and a fully found galley, complete with convection oven, sink, microwave, spacious, deep drawer and cabinet storage and counterspace, all surrounded by extra-large windows allowing the salon to be flooded by natural light.

Aquila 46 Powercat U-shape dinette

Available in either light or dark decor, the main salon offers great views all around. The U-shape dinette offers the kind of roominess for anything from a light snack to a sit-down dinner. There is also storage under the cushions.

Aquila 46 Powercat hi-lo dinette table lowers for extra berth

Should an extra berth be needed, the hi-lo dinette table lowers to transform the space.

Aquila 46 Powercat galley

The view aft. Note the specious counters, two burner stove top, full size refrigerator/freezer in the starboard aft corner, and dark wood decor.

Aquila 46 Powercat wine cooler

The wine cooler can be optioned for additional refrigeration.

Aquila 46 Powercat main electrical panel

The main electrical panel is located on the port side, at the top of the stairway to the staterooms on that side.

Living Accommodations

The Aquila 46 Powercat Yacht comes standard with a three stateroom, three head layout. However, because of her interior volume, and some rather exceptional design and engineering maneuvers, Aquila is able to offer four or five stateroom/head layouts.

Aquila 46 Powercat washer/dryer combo

Located in the starboard sponson hallway, this combo washer/dryer will come in handy during time away from home.

Aquila 46 Powercat island berth

The island berth offers some 6'7" of headroom, lots of ambient light, pleasing décor, a drop-down television, Bluetooth speaker, and more than abundant storage space.

Aquila 46 Powercat island berth en-suite

Adjoining these quarters is the en suite head with vanity, window, dedicated stand-up shower, and electric toilet.

Aquila 46 Powercat port side cabin

The port side cabin is a mirror image of the starboard one, complete with en suite head.

Aquila 46 Powercat owner's stateroom

The owner’s stateroom, here seen in the light wood décor and the standard three stateroom, three head layout, takes full advantage of the Aquila 46 Powercat Yachts’ 23’3” beam, as well as that elevated bow area, to create a spectacular surrounding from which to enjoy time aboard whether aboard for extended weekends or longer time away while cruising. Steps down to either side, again maxing out the space provided by the raised forward section, allows for an office and full, en suite head. The four or five stateroom/head options, uses these spaces to add the extra berths. (Photo courtesy of Aquila)

Bridge Deck

As we’ve seen, a key word to describe what the Aquila 46 Powercat Yacht presents is expansive, and topsides, on the bridge deck, is where this is perfectly illustrated with spacious outdoor room.

Aquila 46 Powercat bridge deck

Seating, dining, and enjoying the splendid vistas afforded from the bridge deck have been carefully laid out. Note the optional solar panels installed on top of the overhead as well as the telescoping davit system whose mechanism is located under the aft sunpad.

Aquila 46 Powercat centerline helm

The centerline helm offers the kind of space necessary for a pair of 16" touchscreens and all other necessary equipment within easy reach for safe operations.

Aquila 46 Powercat bridge deck

With 6'10" of headroom on the bridge deck, and making full use of the wide beam, the combination guarantees a special place to enjoy all that being aboard promises.

Aquila 46 Powercat single lounge seat

Outboard of the helm, and to starboard, is this single lounge seat.

Aquila 46 Powercat double lounge seat

Over to port, there is another lounge, this one wide enough for two.

Aquila 46 Powercat large storage cabinet on back of helm

On the back of the triple bolstered helm seat is a large storage cabinet. Note the robust stainless rails found here as well as everywhere aboard the Aquila 46 Powercat Yacht.

Aquila 46 Powercat bridge deck seating

Moving aft is the main gathering place on the bridge deck featuring an optional teak wood table and L-shape seating with storage beneath the seats.

Aquila 46 Powercat bridge deck grill

Over to starboard is the galley with electric grill, storage cabinet, sink, and either a refrigerator or an ice maker.

Aquila 46 Powercat large sunpad

Completing the amenities and located fully aft is a large sunpad, easily seating at least three guests.

Aquila 46 Powercat tender/pwc lift mechanism

Aquila's patented tender/pwc lift mechanism is also located here with push button controls located on the port transom.

Bow

With the ability to carry the 23’3” beam fully forward means that everywhere aboard the Aquila 46 Powercat Yacht, extra room is afforded to creating exceptional gathering and entertaining spaces.

Aquila 46 Powercat wide walkways

Getting to and from the bow is made safe as easy by wide walkways to either side. Note the robust and high rails leading the way, the grabs above the window, and the deck hatches allowing natural light to enter the staterooms.

Aquila 46 Powercat bow

Outstanding views and comfortable surroundings await those who choose to hang out on the bow. Oversized lounges, with backrests, deep in-deck storage with additional storage under the cushions, and lots of seating typify the space. Note the artistic curve to the bow rail which follows the raised forward portion as well as the starboard stairway to and from the bridge deck.

Aquila 46 Powercat profile showing raised bow

From this angle, it's easy to see how the aesthetics of a raised bow adds to the overall pleasing profile of the Aquila 46 Powercat Yacht. Note the forward bench seating and again, the starboard access stairs to and from the bridge deck.

Aquila 46 Powercat starboard bow hatch

As an example of the overabundance of storage space aboard, the starboard bow hatch has a ladder to access the bottom of the space.

Aquila 46 Powercat deck hatch

Another deck hatch allows access to the bow storage space and as seen her, connects into one large area.

Aquila 46 Powercat bow seat

The bow seat offers a two-piece bench and additional single seats on each side. Note the amount of deck hatches here with the center one housing the anchor, rode, washdown hose, and Quick electric windlass.

Machinery Space

The all-important engine room—there are two aboard the Aquila 46 Powercat Yacht—has been designed and equipped for easy access to all critical areas including the engines, pumps, hoses, generator, wiring, and safety equipment among many others.

Aquila 46 Powercat engine room access

Access to each engine room is via a large in-deck hatch on the aft section.

Aquila 46 Powercat engine room

Headroom combines with wide open spaces to allow all critical engine checks, along with access to pumps, filters, hoses, generator, and other critical check points to be monitored and maintained plenty of ‘wrench room’ to avoid any knuckle busting or elbow smashing.

Aquila 46 Powercat wiring is clearly marked, labeled, and easily accessible

Wiring is clearly marked, labeled, and easily accessible.

Aquila 46 Powercat FireBoy system

Also within easy reach, and clearly visible for inspection, is the FireBoy system.

Aquila 46 Powercat engine battery in case

The engine battery is located in its own, dedicated and protected case.

Aquila 46 Powercat Kohler generator

The hands-on owner/operator will appreciate the easy access to the Kohler generator.

A Word About Performance

As our test day delivered, the Aquila 46 Powercat Yacht, with six passengers aboard, successfully balanced the economics of a cruising yacht with the right power package, including optional engine offerings, with her ability to provide comfort and safety while underway.

Conditions were calm with a 5 knot wind, air temp of 76°, and a relative humidity of 67%, and the first thing we noticed was how quickly our test boat, powered by standard twin D6 Volvo Penta 480-hp inboards, with an approximate weight of 49,000 lbs and 60% of our 476 gallon fuel capacity. We got up on plane during our hole shots, and with no trim to consider, went from 0 to 10 kts in an average of 5.4 seconds and 0 to 20 kts in an average of 18.3 seconds. In high speed maneuvers, we experienced little leaning during hard over turns, and noted a decrease of 2 knots of speed before settling her into straight runs. We topped out at 20.6 knots at 3650 rpm and noted our best cruise speed settling in at 3000 rpm, with a comfortable speed of 14.8 knots where we calculated a range of about 214.9 nm with a 10% fuel reserve.

One thing to consider that will affect the Aquila 46 Powercat Yacht’s overall performance is opting for the hull foil. If the foil option is chosen, it must be matched with the Volvo Penta D6 480-hp or the Yanmar 550’s. This is because once the foil becomes activated, between 19 and 21 knots, and it starts generating lift, the additional horsepower is necessary. The overall effect will increase speed, enable the machinery to be more efficient, and result in a smoother ride. 

Aquila 46 Powercat optional foil system

The optional foil system is placed in its proper position before installation. (Photo courtesy of Alain Raas)

Summary

By now, the plus side of catamarans are well known and accepted; a wide, stable, fuel efficient platform supplying voluminous exterior and interior space. Aboard the Aquila 46 Powercat Yacht those qualities are elevated with superior construction, elegant and luxurious touches, and the kind of design and engineering making it a cat apart and ready to supply the kind of special on-water adventures for all those aboard. With up to a five stateroom, five head option, and an overabundance of storage space, she is more than able to take her owners and their guests away in comfort whether on a weekend jaunt or longer cruises.

Aquila 46 Powercat running

Remember, life is better on a boat!