We Took Aguila’s Sleek 52-Foot Power Catamaran for a Cruise

The new Aquila 50 was designed to replace the brand’s 48 Yacht, but it’s not a simple rehash of an existing vessel. The larger cat has a brand-new running surface, an enhanced primary suite, a more elaborate tender launching system, and dozens of small details that differentiate it not only from its predecessor, but also most competitors. It has the same sensibility as the flagship Aquila 70 Yacht.

From the side, I could see that the 50’s tall, explorer-style profile is different than other big, boxy power cats in its class. It’s sleek, like a much larger expedition yacht. The superstructure is also about two feet taller off the water than the 48, a feature that allowed the design team to add larger windows into the main suite below.

The design also calls for the primary helm to be in the upper flybridge. There’s an option for a second helm in the main salon, but that choice would really mess with the feng shui that Aquila designed into this main inner social area. It measures 275 square feet and feels very open and spacious. Wraparound windows fill the space with natural light, and a large U-shaped lounge with table serves as the primary dining area, but also drops down to from a large berth. The rear galley, with a full-size fridge, microwave, convection oven and a “country” stainless-steel sink, connects to the cockpit through a large door and fold-down windows. These openings join the interior and rear outer section into one large social space that extends back to the stern.

Back up top, our sea trial into the Atlantic involved minimal seas. The 50 feels different under way than a similar-sized monohull, but it handles nicely as we head south along the Florida coast. The Aquila has a bulbous design in the inner middle section of the hull, which limits wave action and delivers a good ride. The 50 tops out at an impressive 20 knots. It’s a fun boat to drive, with visibility of both the water and the helm console one of its strong points. The helm also has two high-backed captain’s chairs that add a sense of authority to driving.

For social events, the upper bridge is the place to be and, for me, the highlight of the boat. Aquila designed excellent space into this upper deck, including a large lounge and table, and 8’7”-wide sunbeds on the rear of the cat. The outdoor galley, with a Kenyon Signature BBQ with induction stove, wetbar, and stainless icemaker, means alfresco dining without having to run into the galley. But if that’s necessary, the two-step side passage down to the foredeck is also a smart feature that allows quick access to the main cabin, or to the anchor, if coming into harbor.

In this foredeck area, sunbeds on both sides are paired with flip-up seats at the bases. There are also two seats on the outer forward edges. The lower, forward part of the bow is open across the full beam—another smart touch since it gives full visibility from the main suite. In the photo above, the line of black windows is actually the main suite, and that continues in the photo below, which shows that the owner has an exceptional view of the water.

The full-beam main suite measures 270 square feet, with good headroom and, as mentioned, a flush floor. To starboard is an L-shaped lounge, with a vanity and seat beside, and on the other side of the king-size bed are two sinks and drawers. The full head, with a separate toilet and shower, is divided from the bedroom by a frosted-glass door. The sense of space is heightened, thanks to the large windows and open layout. The suite also has excellent storage for not only personal items, but also gear. 

This first hull was a three-cabin design, with two other staterooms, both connected to the salon via sidestairs. The VIP stateroom and third stateroom were both sizable, with ensuites, thanks to each having its own pontoon on both sides. The 50 comes with an optional four-stateroom layout, but another stateroom would eat into the VIP space.

At the rear is a generously sized cockpit, with a table and lounge, and two bar stools connected to the window adjoining the main galley. The boat’s 14-foot tender catamaran, which Aquila also manufactures at its production facility in China, is on an electric hoist system that lifts the boat outwards for launch and retrieval. When the tender has been launched, the deck drops down so it’s flush with the rear decks, creating a platform for easy access to the water. Another cool feature.

The designers left enough space in the engine compartments for a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system when that becomes available. The current options list allows owners to upgrade the standard house batteries to four lithium batteries with a battery inverter and charger, for longer silent-run times at anchor. According to Aquila, both the lithium batteries and space for hybrid-electric is to make sure the boat is future-proofed for sustainability. It’s just another smart feature in this very well-thought-out catamaran.