Aquila 50 Yacht Power Catamaran (2025-)

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Brief Summary

After 40+ years of boat building, and more than a decade-old partnership between Marine Max and Sino Eagle, the Aquila shipyard has positioned itself as one of the premier builders of power cats. The new 50 Power Cat is proof positive the company has indeed, learned something special. Since its stability, comfort, space, maneuverability, fuel efficiency, and well-planned and executed use of both exterior and interior space, is all part of the catamaran profile, the 50 Power Cat is poised to take its well-deserved position as a serious, and enjoyable, cruising yacht.

Test Results

RPM	MPH	Knots	GPH	MPG	NMPG	SM	NM	dBa
600	3	2.7	0.6	5.1	4.4	2369	2059	53
750	3.9	3.4	0.8	4.9	4.3	2280	1981	58
1000	5.4	4.7	1.7	3.3	2.8	1528	1328	60
1250	6.7	5.8	2.7	2.5	2.1	1152	1001	63
1500	7.9	6.9	4.2	1.9	1.7	886	770	67
1750	8.8	7.7	6.4	1.4	1.2	641	557	68
2000	10.1	8.8	9.8	1	0.9	479	416	69
2250	11.1	9.7	13.5	0.8	0.7	383	333	70
2500	11.7	10.2	18	0.6	0.6	303	263	73
2750	12.5	10.9	23	0.5	0.5	254	221	73
3000	13.5	11.7	31	0.4	0.4	202	176	73
3250	18.7	16.3	36.5	0.5	0.4	239	208	73
3500	21.8	19	42	0.5	0.5	242	210	75

View the test results in metric units

Specifications

Length Overall	52' 2" 15.9 m
Beam	25' 6" 7.76 m
Dry Weight	50,735 lbs 23,013 kg
Draft	4' 2" 1.26 m
Person Capacity	30
Fuel Capacity	518 gal 1,964 L
Water Capacity	212 gal 800 L

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Props	Michigan 4 4/blade
Load	Persons + Gear = 600 lbs (272 kg) \| Fuel = 2,648 lbs (1,201 kg) \| Water = 834 lbs (378 kg) \| Total Load = 4,082 lbs (1,852 kg)
Climate	77°; 69% humidity; wind: east, 10-15 mph; waves: 1-2'; salt

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 480-hp Volvo Penta D6
Std. Power	2 x 380-hp Volvo Penta D6
Opt. Power	2 x 480-hp Volvo Penta D6 2 x 550-hp Yanmar

Purebred Cruising Cat

Captain's Report Aquila 50

by Capt. Ken Kreisler

Aquila 50 Yacht Power Catamaran cruising — A big-shouldered beam, carried fully forward, along with a 50' length, combines with high freeboard for an exterior, and interior, full of pleasant surprises for exciting entertaining, cruising, and traveling possibilities aboard the Aquila 50 Power Cat. Note the wave-piercing, bulbous bows, this for seakeeping and fuel economy.

Major Features

Standard power includes 2 x 380-hp D6 Volvo Penta direct drive inboards
Three stateroom/three head layout
Fiberglass aft cockpit and flybridge tables
Stainless flybridge supports
Manual opening hardtop hatches
Interior finishes in dark or light walnut
Windows in hull and deck meet ISO standards
Eight opening deck hatches carefully positioned to enhance ventilation in cabins and thirteen opening portlights installed in hull side windows and forward salon windows
Forward flybridge access via forward starboard bow steps with built in
stainless steel handrail for safety
Automatic fire suppression heat activated system w/alarm monitors at helm station
Propeller tunnels for reduced draft and maximum efficiency
Dedicated aluminum fuel tanks for each engine w/safety shut off valves and level monitors
Engine room insulation – flame retardant polyurethane foam covered metalized polyester film
Bulbous bows separately molded and attached to each bow w/breakaway for safety
FUSION audio system w/Bluetooth and eight Fusion speakers and 4 Zone Sound Control
Aft deck/cockpit bar area with three 316L stainless steel bar stools and large hinged
window to open to galley area

Notable Options

2 x 480-hp D6 Volvo Penta direct drive diesel inboards
2 x 550-hp Yanmar diesel inboards
Aquila Hydro Glide Foil System™, only compatible with Yanmar engine option
Hybrid engine package
Lower helm station includes 16" Raymarine chart plotter, engine throttle control and display, autopilot control, adjustable captain’s chair, windshield wiper control
Aquila 14’ Cat RIB sport console tender, electric start with 40HP Mercury outboard, lifting bridle and securing tackle
Forward starboard hull captain’s cabin
Over/under bunk beds instead of laundry room
Individual captain’s pedestal seats at the upper helm
Port & starboard hull Sliepner E170/250TC-24v bow thrusters w/thruster control at upper helm
MakeFast electrical retracting canvas shade system integrated into aft section of hard top
Electrical dinghy crane lifting system with fixed aft platform for dinghy
Hydraulic aft lifting platform between hulls
2 x 116g/440L reserve fuel tanks
Solar panels on hardtop - 6 x 145w, 2 x 105w, 3 x 100w. Total 1400w
SeaXchange XTCII 1200 fully automatic water maker @ 189ltr/50gal per hour
Chilled water air conditioning - V50-50000 BTU
Upper helm navigation package includes 1 x Raymarine 16" Axiom2 ProS chart plotter with CPT-S transducer / Raymarine I70s multifunction display / Raymarine 63 VHF with Raymic remote station and antennae Raymarine cam300 camera mounted to face aft port onto transom area / Raymarine Evolution Autopilot with P70 Rotary Display. Additional 1 x 16" Axiom2 Pro chart plotter at main helm station, Raymarine Radar - Quantum 2 Q24D Radome 18" color scanner. Additional Raymarine cam300 camera mounted to face aft starboard into transom area
Choice of 13.5, 16, 18, or 21kW generators w/sound shield, remote control, and fuel transfer pump

Vessel Inspection

Aquila 50 standard layout with 3 staterooms and 3 heads — The standard layout offers a three stateroom, three head configuration.

Aquila 50 optional layouts

With her impressive dimensions, including an LOA of 52’6”/15.99m, and an overall beam measuring 25’6”/7.76m, the Aquila 50’s team of designers and engineers had plenty of room to work with; the result is a cruising yacht providing the kind of space for optimizing entertaining and traveling. And it all starts on the bow.

Bow

Aquila 50 bow with wide walkways and high rails — Getting to and from the bow area, from either side, is via these 34”/86.36cm wide walkways and high, robust rails which stand 28”/71.12cm off the deck. Note the grabs on the upper side of the cabin.

Aquila 50 expansive bow — As the design of a catamaran, especially one of this size, takes the beam fully- forward, the expansive bow offers a choice of seating arrangements. Here, the sunpads, measuring 51” x 87”/129.54cm x 220.98cm, gives your guests plenty of room to enjoy the day whether underway, on the hook, or taking it easy in the dock.

Aquila 50 sunpad, seats up in lounging position — With the seats in the up position, another lounging offering is available. That hatch in the middle provides additional light for the forward main deck stateroom.

Aquila 50 forward deck lounge seating — The forward deck lounge seating provides yet another opportunity for gathering on this bench spanning the bow. Those windows also provide natural light to enter the main deck stateroom. Note the in-deck storage hatches and stereo speakers/ There is also courtesy lighting to assist moving about in the dark.

Aquila 50 in-rail corner seating — Even more seating is provided by a pair of in-rail corners to either side.

Bridge Deck

Again, with her impressive dimensions, especially in the beam, the Aquila 50 has the capacity of provide large entertainment and gathering areas throughout the yacht. And here, on the bridge deck, is a perfect example of how this is accomplished.

Aquila 50 helm seats and island cabinet — Aft of the pair of optional pedestals, bolstered, and adjustable helm seats; a bench is standard, is an island cabinet with storage underneath and, as found elsewhere throughout the Aquila 50, sturdy grabs.

Aquila 50 helm — The helm is notably laid out with a pair of 16” Raymarine touchscreens taking center stage, one to starboard, the other to port. Included in the vast array of informational screens are those for the pair of Volvo Penta D6 480-hp diesel engines, autopilot and depth, Fireboy suppression system, and Fusion stereo operation. All controls and switches are positioned within easy reach. Readily accessible is the Abacus 360 screen, tying in all the cameras that are synced together and positioned around the yacht.

Aquila 50 helm with close up of the Abacus screen — Here, in this close-up image of the Abacus screen, a simple touch to all the green camera indicators, will give you a 360° view around the yacht. Touch each section, and that one is highlighted. This will come in especially handy when doing docking maneuvers on such a wide boat.

Aquila 50 opposite the helm to port is this lounge with storage below — Opposite the helm to port is this lounge with storage below.

Aquila 50 smaller lounge is located to starboard and features storage below as well — A smaller lounge is located to starboard and features storage below as well.

Aquila 50 teak dining table — Moving aft and to port on the bridge deck is this teak dining table with leafed sections. The bench seats have plenty of storage space beneath.

Aquila 50 galley console — For dining out here, and instead of having to go downstairs, there is a full galley console complete with sink, double electric Kenyon cooktop, refrigerator, icemaker, and storage space. Note the handy grabs.

Aquila 50 electrically actuated shade — For those hot, sunny days, engage the electrically actuated shade for the area.

Aquila 50 aft sunpad — Completing the bride deck is this aft sunpad, wide and long enough for several guests to enjoy the surroundings on.

Aft Deck

As we’ve seen so far, the Aquila 50 takes full advantage of her dimensions to provide spacious entertaining and gathering spaces aboard. As we have a look at the aft deck area, the promise of things to come is evident.

Aquila 50 eight steps down are well lit for nighttime access and there are plenty of available grabs for safe passage up and down — The eight steps down are well lit for nighttime access and there are plenty of available grabs for safe passage up and down.

Aquila 50 aft deck — The aft deck measures 21'2" x 8'6"/6.45m x 2.59m and provides yet another entertaining space for family and guests. The dining table here is 34” x 78”/86.36cm x 198.112cm, and with the transom bench, with its large storage below, and some additional chairs, al fresco meals for up to 10 people is possible.

Aquila 50 leads and cleats — Fair leads and large, sturdy cleats and found to either side and here, to starboard, are the controls for the hydraulic swim platform.

Aquila 50 shore power hookups — Across to port are the shore power hookups, with both controlled by CableMaster units.

Aquila 50 swim ladder — Fully aft on the swim platform, accessed using wide walkways on either side, is this swim ladder to starboard. It has a unique fold-out design that is easily managed from its compartment whose lid closes in both the deployed and stored positions.

Aquila 50 center-mounted platform — The center-mounted platform measures 112” x 61”/284.48cm x 159.94cm and features chocks for a PWC or tender.

Aquila 50 davit system — For easy launch and retrieval, Aquila's exclusive, patented, semi-concealed davit system with a 1,000-pound capacity is located above the platform and installed in the bridge deck’s overhead.

Aquila 50 davit system controls — The controls for the davit system are located on the port side and as well, a hot/cold freshwater shower.

Aquila 50 optional second swim ladder — The port side space can be configured with an optional second swim ladder or a passarelle.

Main Deck

The opportunities for providing entertainment spaces aboard the Aquila 50 are fully realized on the main deck…and even before entering the area.

Aquila 50 refrigerator/freezer — Entering the main deck, to starboard is the stainless, double-door, full size refrigerator/freezer. Note the storage cabinet adjoining the appliance.

Aquila 50 main electrical panel — Just forward of the refrigerator is the main electrical panel.

Aquila 50 galley — The fully found galley is to port and offers plenty of counterspace and storage. Note those wide windows forward and to either side.

Aquila 50 convection oven/microwave — Below the sink is this convection oven/microwave which can be optioned as a dish washer. We were in the middle of preparing a snack and explains the presence of a dish towel.

Aquila 50 galley countertop space — This image shows how much space is allotted to the countertop. The entrance to the port quarters is via a staircase seen here.

Aquila 50 induction stove top — Cooking comes easy aboard the Aquila 50 Power Cat courtesy of this four-burner Kenyon induction stove top.

Aquila 50 salon seating and dining space — Fully forward in the salon, and over to port, is this C-shape seating and dining space. Note the entrance to the beamy forepeak stateroom.

Aquila 50 salon dining table — The dining table is on an electrically actuated, carefully engineered hi/lo. In the down position, insert the filler cushion and the space becomes one large berth.

Aquila 50 50" flat screen television on the forward bulkhead — A 50" flat screen television is found on the forward bulkhead.

Aquila 50 bench seat opposite the dining/berth area — Opposite the dining/berth area is this bench seat. The stairway to the starboard VIP quarters is found here as well.

Living Accommodations

The Aquila 50 Power Cat can be configured in several ways to accommodate the staterooms and heads. On this boat, we have a three stateroom, three head layout. A four-cabin option is available as is a lower helm forward and to starboard.

Aquila 50 starboard VIP — The starboard VIP offers a large berth, plenty of storage, sizeable hull windows, sound bar and 46” television, which electrically lowers from the overhead, and an ensuite head.

Aquila 50 starboard VIP head — The well-lit head features a separate walk-in shower, storage, and a large hull window allowing even more natural light to enter the space.

Aquila 50 port stateroom — The port stateroom, accessed from the galley, also features an island berth, overhead television and sound bar, and lots of storage space.

Aquila 50 port stateroom ensuite — The ensuite head has a separate shower compartment and large hull window.

Aquila 50 washer and dryer — The aft end of the port stateroom features side by side washer dryer machines in a space offering multiple storage areas. It can also be optioned as a bunk room by moving the appliances elsewhere.

Aquila 50 forepeak quarters — The full beam forepeak quarters is a well-planned space. An overabundance of storage space is found here as is the side-to-side room, large walk-in closet, extra seating, recessed LED lighting, and 50” television w/soundbar.

Aquila 50 forepeak quarters with large hull windows — Large hull windows combine with LED lighting to create a dynamic and exciting look. The extra seating area here offers a vanity as well.

Aquila 50 forepeak quarters vanity — While not an ensuite head, this vanity, with storage below, separates the space from the berth. An optional glazed half-glass screen can be installed. Note the double sinks on the side bulkhead with additional storage below.

Aquila 50 electric toilet — The electric toilet is in its own separate space.

Aquila 50 shower compartment — The shower compartment offers both wand and showerhead, hull side with opening hatch, as well as a double teak grate on the deck.

Machinery Space

Two hulls mean two separate areas to house all the components that go into not only moving the Aquila 50 Power Cat through the water, but all the other equipment necessary for its safe operation. With plenty of freeboard, each hull has the kind of space for all critical maintenance checks, and in addition if any other work is necessary, provides the kind of space to avoid any knuckle busting, knee scraping, or elbow knocking situations.

Aquila 50 engine room — Accessed through a hatch to either side topsides, and down a stainless ladder, gets you into the engine room. The space is duplicated on the other side. In addition to the hatch, a large portion of the upper deck can be removed should that be necessary.

Aquila 50 Equipped with a pair of Volvo Penta D6 480-hp inboard diesels — Equipped with a pair of Volvo Penta D6 480-hp inboard diesels, this Aquila 50 Power Cat’s engine room provides the kind of space to make engine checks simple and easy. As well, all hoses are double clamped for added safety.

Aquila 50 wiring — All the wiring is well laid out, labeled, and readily accessible for any technician to access.

Aquila 50 drainage hoses — The drainage hoses, taking any water from topsides, directs them overboard here.

Aquila 50 Kohler generator — As with all the equipment in each hull, the Kohler generator, housed in a hush box, is also easily accessible for any kind of maintenance and daily checks. Hot water heater, sea strainers, and other gear are all placed in open areas.

A Word About Performance

The Aquila 50 Power Cat has a few advantages over a monohull when it comes to performance. One of them is her impressive beam of 25'6"/7.76 M, and an LOA of 52'2"/15.9 M. Combined, these dimensions, and a draft of 4'2"/1.27M, not only allows for added interior space but also has a positive effect on her performance by allowing air to pass through the hulls and ‘lift’ the boat up slightly thus reducing its wetted footprint as it moves through the water. Add a pair of bulbous bows for dealing with choppy or other conditions which can make for a bumpy ride, while also decreasing drag. Other benefits include improved fuel economy and speed, and a reduction in pitching and rolling. The outcome is having a boat designed to deal with those situations in a positive way.

Our test boat came in at approximately 54,817lbs/24,864.57kg, with 72% of her 518gal/1,960.84l and four people aboard. Conditions that day saw a 10-15 knot wind, cloudy conditions and an air temperature of 77°, a relative humidity of 69%, and a sea state of two feet. She was powered by a pair of Volvo Penta D6 480-hp diesel inboards turning Michigan 4-bladed props. She got up on plane at about 1900 rpm and found our best cruise at about 1600-1700 rpm. And just a word about operating the boat under plane speeds: It’s best to use the sticks to maneuver rather than the wheel and rudder as the big cat responds a bit better. Once up on plane, it's time to grab the wheel.

We recorded a top speed of 20.3 knots at 3680 rpm, and a best cruise of 19 knots at 3500 rpm. At that rate, we calculated a range of about 210 nautical miles with a 10% fuel reserve. And because the hulls are so far apart, successful close quarters maneuvering in and around the dock is the product of a short learning curve.

Aquila 50 cruising — Our test Aquila 50 Power Cat, with its twin bulbous bows, handled the conditions on test day as they were designed to do.

Conclusion

Aquila engineered and designed the new 50 Power Cat with numerous important things in mind. Among them are comfort, expansive entertaining space both outside and inside, and of course, safety. She presents the kind of overall length and beam allowing for maximum use of bridge, main, and lower deck accommodations, along with lots of storage space, to make for a superb cruising yacht capable of spending extended time away.

Also under consideration were the most economical inboard diesel engines to choose from along with a comprehensive list of standard and must-have optional equipment, this to make your Aquila 50 Power Cat a personal statement of ownership. She can also be equipped with solar panels on the hardtop, a hybrid engine package, and an Aquila Hydro Glide Foil System™, compatible with the Yanmar 550-hp engine option.

There is a lot more to see on this big boat and should you be in the market for a yacht of this type, your time will be well spent by visiting your Aquila dealer and making an appointment for a visit and a sea trial aboard the 50 Power Cat. It will be an eye-opening experience and one that just might change your boating adventures for a long time.

Aquila 50 cruising

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