With every boat, there’s an origin story. In the case of the Aquila 47 Molokai power catamaran, it starts with MarineMax, which saw people renting boats for bareboat charters. MarineMax Vacations was born. After experimenting with several production yachts, the company decided to build its own: the Aquila line, designed for charter as well as for sale to owner-operators.

Sales are uncomplicated: Build a boat that buyers want at a price they can afford. Charter is another creature because a charter yacht has to be desirable and bulletproof. Bareboats have to be rugged, easily maintained and even easier to repair. Thus, the Aquila line became a success.

Now MarineMax spies a new niche: sport fishing. While previous iterations of the Aquila power catamaran have generally been comfy cruisers—and though the 28 Molokai dipped the builder’s toe into the sport-fish scene—the Aquila 47 Molokai has serious offshore angling written all over it. This boat can get to the fishing grounds at 60-plus knots, has amenities ranging from bait tanks to fish boxes, and is built with a nicely outfitted cabin for long weekends out chasing pelagics. At nearly 15 feet wide, this center-console cat has uncluttered 22-inch-wide walkways for chasing a fish all around. There’s also a 15-by-4-foot casting platform forward. The in-deck fish boxes are as long as 8 feet, and there are twin 42-gallon transom livewells.

On the day before I got on board, 15 anglers took the same 47 Molokai into the Gulf Stream to chase mahimahi and wahoo. They didn’t feel crowded because the 47 Molokai is CE-certified for as many as 20 passengers, with forward- and aft-facing seats. Under the carbon-fiber hardtop—which is braced for an optional Pipewelders tower—there’s seating for seven people in Stidd seats. Three are in front at the helm, and four are on a mezzanine level for kibitzing about the action.

The dash is user-friendly with twin (or triple) Garmin multifunction displays, CZone switching to control every system, neatly labeled overhead switches and buttons, custom Fusion audio and a Mercury joystick. Flipping up a panel reveals four ignition switches. Standard power on the 47 Molokai is twin 600 hp Mercury V-12 Verados, with quad 400 hp Mercury outboards optional and propelling the 47 Molokai to hit those eye-watering top speeds.

The 1,600 hp clamped to the transom is impressive, but so are other numbers associated with this slippery Peart Yacht Design hull. Running at 47 knots with the quad 400s, the 1,048 gallons of fuel provide a nonstop range of 600 miles with 10 percent reserves.

During my ride, we had a lumpy Gulf Stream with washing-machine chop. Even still, the 47 Molokai was soft-riding and comfortable, including in beam-to seas. Aquila raised the tunnel clearance above water, so there was no sneezing spray blown forward between the hulls, nor any slapping of waves at lower speeds. Quite simply, the power cat felt sidewalk-solid, even when we were at rest offshore.

The boat jumps onto plane quickly, and it was a giggle to use the knob on the steering wheel to spin doughnuts. Even better, at about 31 knots, the sound barely touched 78 decibels, which made for easy conversation.

Aquila built the hull using a lot of carbon fiber, and with resins that are 100 percent vinylester as well as infused for strength. Fore and aft watertight bulkheads add to the vessel’s monocoque strength. Muscular hinges on the three boarding doors (port, starboard and aft) make dive and dock access easy. Every hatch and locker has deep gutters to handle tropical downpours or overeager washdowns.

As a creature comfort, the 47 Molokai has a portable toilet in the cabin, which is outfitted to yacht-level finish with a queen-size berth, two skylights, windows, 6-foot-7-inch headroom, and an enclosed head with a shower. A pantograph door from the portside deck opens directly into the head, keeping the cabin pristine during fishing hours. With the standard lithium batteries, air conditioning will run for a solid eight hours.

I was also impressed by the carefully labeled, tidily loomed and accessible systems. From the baitwells (with a Hooker Pumps sea chest) to the fresh- and saltwater washdown plumbing, everything is easily reached for service. The two heavy-gauge aluminum fuel tanks have a transfer system to run off both or just one, and a charcoal fuel filter is standard.

The 47 Molokai that I got aboard also had the standard 20-plus rod holders and 10 spring-mounted cleats, plus an optional Release Marine leaning post, Gemlux outriggers, and Release Marine ladder-back seats in place of the standard Stidds.

This power cat is worth considering for owners who want a serious sport-fishing vessel, a way to entertain friends and family, or an enjoyable weekender. Beautifully designed and built, this boat is (don’t hate me) the cat’s pajamas.  

Peart Yacht Design

Headed by naval architect Chris Peart, this team is based in catamaran-rich South Africa. The company’s name is increasingly well known in North America. Power-cat design is a specialty, from initial concepts to engineering details.

CE-Certified

The CE designation stands for Conformité Européenne. It ensures compliance with European safety and performance standards. In this case, the 47 Molokai is certified for passengers in the categories of offshore, coastal and inland.

Take the next step: aquilaboats.com

The post Aquila 47 Molokai Reviewed appeared first on Yachting.

2017 Lagoon 630 – Balance – Miami, Florida

A combination of design elements come together aboard the Lagoon 630 MY Balance making it equally suited for bluewater cruising, weekend sojourns or dayboating with friends. United Yacht Sales currently has this 2017 power catamaran listed at $2.35 million.

Optional twin 300 hp Volvo Penta D4 diesels power Balance, should provided a 10-knot cruise speed, a 16-knot top-end speed and a theoretical max range of 4,800 miles at 6 knots thanks to its optional extra fuel tank, based on Yachting’s original sea trial. 

Balance can clearly go the distance–transatlantic even–however, do its entertainment spaces and sleeping accommodations hold up? The answer is yes. This 630 MY comes with a four-stateroom layout and has 6-foot-9-inch headroom in the salon and the staterooms. Nauta Design handled the yacht’s interior appointments, giving it light, alpine-oak finishes, storm-grey upholstery and leather accents throughout.

2013 Horizon PC60 – Indigo – Tortola, BVI

“Being a catamaran, the PC60 has a wide beam (nearly 25 feet), and the builder takes advantage of every inch of volume. You can invite 20 friends for a party aboard, and there’s elbowroom to spare, even if you only use the main deck. There’s seating for everyone too. The PC60’s twin-hull design also means exceptional stability, which allows you to have loose chairs, even on the flybridge, without worrying. There’s no need for stabilizer fins or gyros; the hull form gives a solid ride, and it’s comfortable in a seaway,” Yachting previously reported. 

With a 24-foot, 6-inch beam and volume that rivals that of a 100-foot monohull motoryacht, Horizon Power Catamarans’ PC60 gives owners home-size living and entertainment spaces in a 60-foot platform. Indigo is a 2013 PC60 that was built by and is currently listed with The Powercat Co, a subsidiary of Horizon Power Catamarans, for $1.965 million. The power cat has a Bahamas-friendly sub-5-foot draft, three well-appointed staterooms and a 1,500-nautical-mile range.

2023 Aquila 54PC – Water Born – Pompano Beach, Florida

Looking for a power catamaran made for extended cruising and entertaining in stylish comfort? Water Born, a 2023 Aquila 54PC, could check off the boxes. The asking price is $2.795 million.

“The 54′s interior has square footage that’s roughly the same amount of space as a 68- to 70-foot monohull. It’s also a smartly designed space: The cockpit has a table for alfresco dining, as well as three stools at a bar that connects to the galley inside via an opening window and door. Thanks to the boat’s 25-foot beam, the main deck effectively turns into one vast social area. Add the salon’s seating, 360-degree banks of windows and 6-foot-9-inch headroom, and the area feels more like a waterfront condo than a boat,” Yachting previously reported.

HMY Yacht Sales stated, “This Aquila 54′ has just under 50 hours on her optional 550 Cummins motors. You won’t find another like her because she is the only Aquila 54 in North America with this engine option! Commissioned by an experienced owner operator, every option on this 54′ Aquila was carefully chosen to maximize the versatility of this already fantastic platform. Everything from the upgraded additional fuel tanks to the spare propellers and shafts and electric glendinning, the owner has spared no expense.”

2023 Leopard 53 PC – Princess Oxana – Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Princess Oxana, a Leopard53 PC, is listed with Galati Yacht Sales at $1.8 million. The 2023 power catamaran has just 200 hours on its Yanmar diesels. The power cat also has a three-stateroom, three-head layout with accommodations to sleep six guests for extended cruising.

Designed for watersports fun, Princess Oxana has a hydraulic swim platform that doubles as the yacht’s tender stowage and lifts to deck height. Stepping into the 53-footer’s cockpit, there are two seating options with a bench seat with L-shaped backrest to starboard and an L-shaped sofa and fixed table to port. Adding a few loose chairs around the table creates alfresco dining six.

2021 Aquila 54 – Liquid – St. Petersburg, Florida

For cruisers looking for a power catamaran ready for voyaging adventures, there is Liquid, a 2021 Aquila 54. This power cat is capable of entertaining 30 guests and sleeping 10 (or more). Liquid has a reported top-end speed of 22 knots, a cruising speed of 15.5 knots and a range of almost 1,000 nautical miles at 7.8 knots. Liquid just came on the market and is asking just under $2.17 million. 

“The 54′s interior has square footage that’s roughly the same as a 68- to 70-foot monohull. It’s also a smartly designed space: The cockpit has a table for alfresco dining, as well as three stools at a bar that connects to the galley inside via an opening window and door. Thanks to the boat’s 25-foot beam, the main deck effectively turns into one vast social area. Add the salon’s seating, 360-degree banks of windows and 6-foot-9-inch headroom, and the area feels more like a waterfront condo than a boat,” as Yachting previously reported.

2008 Leopard 47PC – Whensday – Stuart, Florida

Whensday, a 2008 Leopard 47 Powercat listed with HMY Yacht Sales for $465,000, is designed by naval architects Morrelli and Melvin and built by South African boatbuilders Robertson and Caine, a company known for its expertise in power-cat construction.

The Leopard 47 Powercat integrates an open-plan layout with exceptional interior volume, offering a comfortable cruising platform catamaran that combines spacious accommodations with admirable performance. Leopards are perennially popular vessels with private owners as well as charter enthusiasts.

Some of the yacht’s recent new-equipment upgrades include reconditioned Cummins diesels, an Onan generator, solar panels, a watermaker and new mechanical, electrical and navigation equipment. Run off the grid using solar power, watermaker and a 260-gallon freshwater tank, while cruising up to 900 nautical miles. Owners and guests will voyage those miles in substantial comfort too, thanks to the powercat’s four-stateroom layout, all with queen berths. There are also four heads.

Axcell Yachts 650 – Awol Shaka – West Palm Beach, Florida

AWOL SHAKA, an Axcell Yachts 650 power catamaran, is listed with Worth Avenue Yachts with a new asking price of $2.19 million, which represents about a $1 million reduction from the original asking price.

The 67-foot powercat’s hull was constructed in 2010, however, the yacht was only officially commissioned in 2020, and it underwent an extensive refit in 2022.

The refit included an interior update, outdoor furniture being reupholstered, decks resurfaced, a rebuilt head system, repainted engine and lazzarette bays, upgraded Garmin electronics, and updated tender garage–that accommodates 15-footer–and more.

The post 7 Used Power Catamarans Available Today appeared first on Yachting.

Looking for a power catamaran made for extended cruising and entertaining in stylish comfort? Water Born, a 2023 Aquila 54PC, could check off the boxes. The asking price is $2.795 million.

“The 54′s interior has square footage that’s roughly the same amount of space as a 68- to 70-foot monohull. It’s also a smartly designed space: The cockpit has a table for alfresco dining, as well as three stools at a bar that connects to the galley inside via an opening window and door. Thanks to the boat’s 25-foot beam, the main deck effectively turns into one vast social area. Add the salon’s seating, 360-degree banks of windows and 6-foot-9-inch headroom, and the area feels more like a waterfront condo than a boat”, as reported in Yachting.

HMY Yacht Sales stated, “This Aquila 54′ has just under 50 hours on her optional 550 Cummins motors. You won’t find another like her because she is the only Aquila 54 in North America with this engine option! Commissioned by an experienced owner operator, every option on this 54′ Aquila was carefully chosen to maximize the versatility of this already fantastic platform. Everything from the upgraded additional fuel tanks to the spare propellers and shafts and electric glendinning, the owner has spared no expense.”

Water Born’s flybridge can be accessed by three sets of stairs. The main access point is from the cockpit, but a second set of stairs is in the salon and a third set is found on the foredeck.

The Portuguese-style flybridge, which has walkaround room forward of the windscreen, is enclosed in glass with two electrically opening hatches in the hardtop. Guests can be entertained in the fully enclosed, air conditioned space with a leather settee and table that seats nine or go alfresco on the aft deck, which is partially shaded by the hardtop. An electric BBQ, fridge, sink and ice maker lets owners to easily entertain guests. The windows allow for panoramic views from all points. The helmsman has a 360-degree view.

Twin Cummins diesel engines will propel Water Born up to a top speed of 24 knots and an 18-knot cruise speed. Reducing the speed to around 7 knots provides a range of about 1,000 nautical miles. Two bow thrusters, a Dockmate wireless controller and back-up cameras will help captains safely and confidently dock this vessel.    

Water Born‘s foredeck has sun pads and forward-facing cushioned seats with cup holders for guests looking for some fun in the sun. Up a few stairs, guests can easily access the aforementioned flybridge. The cockpit has a non-skid fiberglass sole and is shaded by the flybridge overhang. Forward-facing cushioned seats with table and chairs along with three stools at the wet bar can seat multiple guests during a coastal cruise. Open the salon’s glass door and flip-up the galley window, to for an indoor-outdoor space. 

One of my favorite features on Water Born is the aft galley. Centrally located, owners can easily entertain guests in the salon, cockpit and flybridge. The galley has durable, stain-resistant Corian countertops, a stainless-steel sink with cover, a central island with drawers and a slide-out garbage bin. A three-burner electric stovetop, oven and microwave make food prep easy. There’s also a double-door fridge/freezer and cabinets for more stowage.

The salon is forward of the galley. Shatter-proof windows with external overhangs offer excellent visibility and reduced direct sunlight. Eight guests can be seated on a settee with table to port or a sofa to starboard. Opening the glass door to the aft deck and galley window increases ventilation in the salon area and allows guests to easily mingle between the salon, galley, aft deck and flybridge. Need some additional space for a few overnight guests, the salon converts into two comfortable single beds.  

After a long day on the water, owners and guests can retire to one of four staterooms that accommodates eight guests. The main-deck master stateroom is a full-beam with king berth and ensuite head. Natural light flows in from windows on three sides of the stateroom, creating a cozy environment for the owners. The ensuite head has his-and-hers sinks and a shower. Guest staterooms with ensuite heads are located in each hull, which sleeps six additional guests. 

Where is Water Born located? The yacht is currently lying in Pompano Beach, Floirda.

Take the next step: call or text the listing agent, Vincent Brennan, (904) 392-7115, HMY Yachts

Quick Specifications

• Length Overall: 54′
• Maximum Beam: 25′
• Max Draft: 4’6″
• Cruising Speed: 18 knots
• Max Speed: 24 knots
• Hull Material: Fiberglass
• Engine Make: Cummins
• Engine Model: QSB 6.7L
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Combined Horsepower: 1,100 hp
• Range: 957 nm
• Fuel capacity: 765 Gal.
• Freshwater Capacity: 238 Gal.

The post For Sale: 2023 Aquila 54PC appeared first on Yachting.

For cruisers looking for a power catamaran ready for voyaging adventures, there is Liquid, a 2021 Aquila 54. This power cat is capable of entertaining 30 guests and sleeping 10 (or more). Liquid has a reported top-end speed of 22 knots, a cruising speed of 15.5 knots and a range of almost 1,000 nautical miles at 7.8 knots. Liquid just came on the market and is asking just under $2.17 million. 

“The 54′s interior has square footage that’s roughly the same as a 68- to 70-foot monohull. It’s also a smartly designed space: The cockpit has a table for alfresco dining, as well as three stools at a bar that connects to the galley inside via an opening window and door. Thanks to the boat’s 25-foot beam, the main deck effectively turns into one vast social area. Add the salon’s seating, 360-degree banks of windows and 6-foot-9-inch headroom, and the area feels more like a waterfront condo than a boat,” as reported in Yachting.

Liquid’s flybridge can be accessed by two sets of stairs. The main access point is from the aft deck, but a second set of stairs from the fore deck also leads up to the flybridge. The Portuguese-style flybridge, with a walkaround forward of the windscreen, is enclosed and has two electrically operated hatches in the hardtop. Guests can relax in the air-conditioned space with a leather settee and table that seats nine, or on the aft deck, which is partially shaded by the hardtop. The electric BBQ, fridge, sink and ice maker on the aft deck allows owners to easily entertain guests up here.

The flybridge offers everyone panoramic views and opening the sliding glass doors, sunroof and windows creates an open-air vibe. The captain has clean sightlines and twin Volvo Penta D6 diesel engines that push Liquid up to that top speed of 22 knots. The aforementioned 15.5 knots is a comfortable cruise speed, and dialing it back to around 7 knots will extend Liquid’s range to to around 1,000 nautical miles. Two bow thrusters, a Dockmate wireless controller and back-up cameras help with close-quarters maneuvering.

Liquid has a large foredeck with sun pads and forward-facing cushioned seats with cup holders for guests looking to enjoy sundowners and a view. Up a few steps, there is direct access to the flybridge. The cockpit has a Flexi teak sole shaded by the flybridge overhang. Forward-facing cushioned seats with a table and chairs, along with two stools at the wet bar, will seat multiple guests during a coastal cruise. Lower the tender for an excursion to a private beach, or take a dip off the swim platform. Open a glass door and the galley window, the lines between inside and outside entertaining disappear.

One of my favorite features on Liquid is the aft-galley arrangement. Centrally located, owners can easily entertain guests in the salon, aft deck and flybridge. It’s set up with stain-resistant Corian countertops, a stainless-steel sink with cover, a central island with stowage and a slide-out garbage bin. Three-burner propane cooktop, oven and a dedicated microwave storage location with outlet makes for easy meal prep. A double-door fridge/freezer keeps cold goods fresh and an array of cabinets and drawers offer space to stow galley accessories. 

Forward on the main deck is the salon, which benefits from sizable windows with external overhangs, offering excellent visibility and reduced direct sunlight. Set the mood with overhead LED lights, LED mood lighting, LED courtesy lighting and wall-mounted LED lights. Eight guests can be seated on a portside settee with table or a starboard side sofa. Opening the glass door to the aft deck and galley window increases ventilation in the salon and it allows guests to easily mingle between the spaces. Need some additional room for a few overnight guests, the salon furniture converts into two single berths.  

After a long day on the water, owners and guests can retire to one of five staterooms. The master stateroom has a king-sized berth with an ensuite head and is located forward on the main deck. Natural light flows in from windows on three sides, creating a cozy environment for the owners. The ensuite head has his-and-hers sinks, a shower. Two guest staterooms with ensuite heads are located in each hull. Liquid was also outfitted with captain and crew quarters. When not in use, owners can use the extra space for stowage, or stuff a few extra teenagers aboard for the evening.  

“The award-winning Aquila 54 power catamaran delivers a world-class cruising experience with the highest CE Class A rating for recreational open ocean capability. Liquid is durably constructed and features Aquila’s signature Portuguese bridge deck with full walkaround enclosed climate-controlled bridge helm and lounge. This sumptuously appointed catamaran yacht is ideally designed for long range cruising in a variety of sea conditions and for entertaining, with multiple social areas that are loaded with amenities. Liquid is configured with the optional aft captain’s quarters, but she can easily be handled by an owner operator. Main deck extends forward for a full-beam master suite, while guests are accommodated in private starboard and port hull en-suite staterooms. Unique bulbous bows developed by Aquila in 2016, provide a seaworthy, comfortable, and fuel-efficient ride, like no other cruising catamaran yacht!” MarineMax Yachts stated.

Where is Liquid located? The yacht is currently lying in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Take the next step: call MarineMax Yachts at (888) 890-4187.

Quick Specifications

• Length Overall: 54’2″
• Maximum Beam: 25’2″
• Max Draft: 4’6″
• Cruising Speed: 15.5 knots
• Max Speed: 22 knots
• Hull Material: Fiberglass
• Engine Make: Volvo Penta
• Engine Model: D6-480
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Combined Horsepower: 960 hp
• Fuel Capacity:  581 Gal. 
• Fresh Water Capacity: 238 Gal.

The post For Sale: Aquila 54 Power Catamaran appeared first on Yachting.

Aromas from sizzling steak, local lobster and freshly caught mahi mahi wafted through the air as an inflatable Santa ballooned on the flybridge of Mark and Janeen Traylor’s Horizon Power Catamarans 52. The Georgia-based couple was in Marsh Harbour, Bahamas, preparing for one of their most memorable family Christmas dinners.

Coker and Cathy Price of South Carolina also had what they described as their “best family vacation ever” aboard a catamaran—an Aquila 48 they chartered in the British Virgin Islands.

These are just two examples of boaters who have joined the shift toward catamarans in the past decade or so. While a catamaran or two used to be an anomaly at a marina, an increasing number of boaters are embracing the volume and efficiencies that catamarans offer. Marinas along the US East Coast are now building docks with transient catamaran cruisers in mind, and some charter companies now focus on cats because an increasing number of customers prefer them.

The Traylors made the transition from 35- and 60-foot monohulls to a 53-foot Horizon power cat. The Prices owned several catamarans smaller than 30 feet long before buying an Aquila 36, christened Nauti Cat after Cathy.

“If you’re at anchorage, it’s much more stable. If you’re on a monohull, it just doesn’t take much at all to tip it from side to side,” Mark says. “It’s very family-friendly. As far as the amount of space that you get on it and having people be able to move around the boat and not feel like you’re right on top of each other, comparing it to a monohull, there’s just not much of a comparison at all.”

Coker also says there’s no comparison: “I don’t know why they even make monohulls anymore.”

Catamaran builders are seeing substantial increases in customer demand. Darren Henn, VisionF Yachts and Silent-Yachts sales broker for the United States, says that before the pandemic, Silent-Yachts sold four or five vessels a year. Since 2020, the builder has sold 15 or 16 hulls a year at an average price of $3.8 million to $7.6 million, he says.

Prestige Yachts, which launched its M-Line of catamarans with the debut of the M48 at the 2022 Cannes Yachting Festival, has sold more than 20 of the hulls and recently launched a new flagship for the line, the 65-foot M8.

The Silent VisionF 82, which made its global debut at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, has a 32-foot-6-inch beam with an open-layout flybridge that, alone, could comfortably host upward of 20 guests. The 581-square-foot salon is dedicated entirely to socializing.

“I think it comes back down to usable space on the boats,” Henn says. “People want to be able to host parties. They want to be able to have friends. If you’re on any other vessel of similar size, you’re going to be able to put a fraction [of the] amount of those people. Once you see the bow of this vessel, you’re going to be like, ‘Man, you can put 100 people up in the front.’”

Other boatbuilders are designing catamarans to appeal to even more styles of boating. Aquila’s 47 Molokai, for instance, is a center-console sport-fisherman that can reportedly top out at around 62 knots and cruise at about 42 knots. It also has a cabin belowdecks for a couple to use on a long weekend. The wide-open, performance-centric design is much different from the first cats that came onto the market years ago.

“Traditionally, catamarans are boxes on the water, rectangles on the water,” says Alain Raas, Aquila brand manager for MarineMax. “You’re starting to see the more sporty look, the swept lines. And then you’re also getting up in speed now. All of our models, we’re really focused on semiplaning or planing hulls. We’re not just focused on going slow. We want to have the option to go fast for our clients.”

Another factor driving catamaran popularity is charter bookings. The Moorings now offers close to a dozen power and sail catamarans as part of its charter fleet. MarineMax Vacations specializes in power cats, and Regency Yacht Charters says it’s seeing broad demand for even bigger cats, such as the Sunreef 80.

Some of those charter clients, like the Price family, go on to buy power catamarans. They took delivery of Nauti Cat in January 2023. Its stability makes for an easy cruise from South Carolina to the Bahamas, they say, and its 2-foot draft allows for shallow-water approaches with family and friends aboard near Edisto Beach, South Carolina.

The Traylors say they’re not going back to monohulls. As of this writing, they were preparing for their first Abacos season aboard a new Horizon PC60.

“The catamaran charter market is just exploding,” says Bob Denison, president of Denison Yachting. “We’re going to continue to see the growth in the catamaran segment of the market take off, and it’s never going to be a trend. This thing is here to stay. I think in 50 years, catamarans are going to be just as common as monohulls.”

The post Power Catamaran Popularity Rising appeared first on Yachting.

Versatility is at the heart of the 47 Molokai, which will be the second and larger offering in the Aquila Power Catamarans Offshore range. The vessel measures 49 feet, 4 inches length overall with a 14-foot-7-inch beam. The center-console design builds on the offshore-fishing foundations laid by the 28 Molokai while enhancing entertainment abilities and granting weekending opportunities for a couple.

For anglers, the 47 Molokai has 16 rod holders mounted on the gunwales, another 10 at the bow, six at the transom, eight on the hardtop and four welded into the grab rails just abaft the second-row helm seating. Aquila conceals a tackle stowage box, and a bait- and tackle-rigging station in the backrests of the three-person aft-facing mezzanine seating. Anglers also have tackle-box stowage beneath the second-row helm seating and to port. There are flush-mounted stowage lockers to port and starboard.

Aft, there are two 42.5-gallon transom livewells by Hooker Electric. Here, there is also stowage with a lid on the outboard side of each livewell, and owners heading out for big game can opt to convert these compartments into tuna tubes. The 47 Molokai  has two 90-gallon in-deck fish boxes, each with dedicated macerator pump-outs.

Whereas the 28 Molokai had seating for eight, including its two helm seats, the 47 Molokai has seating for 17 throughout the yacht: 14 forward-facing and three aft-facing positions. There are two foldaway stern bench seats that can seat two people each, in addition to the two rows of seven total helm seats and three foredeck lounge seats. Forward of this seating, there is a sun pad.

Abaft the cockpit’s aft-facing seating, there is a table, but it’s removed if owners choose an outdoor cooking setup instead of the seats. In either configuration, owners will have a place to stow drinks and snacks here, with insulated coolers beneath the seating.

The 47 Molokai has a double-stepped hull design that Aquila says provides better handling and stability, and reduces drag. The hull, deck and cockpit sole are infused with vinylester resin, and there’s an infused-fiberglass structural grid. Primary forward and aft bulkheads are made of carbon fiber, while the secondary bulkheads are vinylester-resin-infused. The 47 Molokai’s hardtop is made of carbon fiber.  

Take the next step: aquilaboats.com

The post Aquila’s 47 Molokai Is Bigger and Better appeared first on Yachting.

Built by the Sino Eagle Group, the Aquila 36 power catamaran is a versatile outboard-powered dayboat that is also capable of weekending and angling adventures. There are two en suite staterooms, one in each hull, with nearly queen-size berths and 6-foot-6-inch headroom. On the main deck, which can be covered by an optional fiberglass hardtop, cruisers have a dinette, a cooktop, a fridge, a sink and a smokeless grill. Top speed is 35 knots with 350 hp Mercury Verados. As of July, there were 11 Aquila 36s available, ranging from $439,000 to $725,000.  

From the Archive

“The Aquila 36 is a departure from her sisterships in that she is an outboard-powered, express-cruiser-style catamaran, but she also adheres to MarineMax’s philosophies. With a single main living level from bow to stern and a beam of 14 feet, 7 inches, the Aquila 36 is like a bowrider on steroids. She has seating that can handle 20 adults for outings and barbecues, and there are two staterooms below, one in each hull, for family weekending.”

— Yachting, August 2018

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Between 50 and 70 feet length overall, everything changes. That’s especially true of multihull designs, where volume increases dramatically because of the vessel’s wider beam. Engines, onboard systems, space for the tender and more get upsized, creating a higher caliber of yacht.

The Aquila 70 is an example of this principle and shows how the builder transitioned from the production mindset to a semicustom mentality.

“The aesthetics and speed are what really drove the 70′s design,” says Lex Raas, president of Aquila product development. “The majority of powercats don’t perform; they have very wide beams, and with the wrong length-to-width ratio, you’re challenged on speed. We made our yacht perform.”

The 70′s design allows for a top-end speed north of 27 knots, also thanks to Aquila saving weight by using a higher ratio of carbon fiber on the 70′s construction than on its other boats. The builder worked on the running-surface design using computational fluid dynamics. “We did extensive CFD and tank-testing on the hull and running gear, even down to the rudder shape, to get those numbers,” Raas says. Stability was also a primary goal.

J&J Design, which has penned all of Aquila’s models, was tasked with creating a profile that didn’t look boxy. J&J used tinted glass, curves and a raked superstructure to achieve that goal. In profile, the yacht could pass as a 70-foot monohull.

The ride, as I discovered on a jaunt into the Gulf of Mexico from Clearwater, Florida, is pleasant but different than it would be aboard a similar-size monohull. There’s no rolling thanks to the twin-hull form; high up, it almost felt like the 70 was gliding over the water, rather than punching through it. The yacht reached a 27.3-knot top hop at 2,470 rpm, and the cruise speed at 2,000 rpm was 21.3 knots, with fuel consumption of 62 gallons per hour. The 1,000 hp Volvo Penta D13 diesels, paired with ZF 500-1 A gears, felt like the right power choice.

The forward section of the flybridge is enclosed, and the helm console is laid out well. There are three Stidd pilot seats, and there are lounges abaft for guests to enjoy the view underway. The open aft deck has a Kenyon grill, an Isotherm fridge and freezer, and a stainless-steel sink, making this place ideal for a barbecue on the hook.

The Portuguese bridge, which has joystick controls outboard to port and starboard, makes it easy to access the bow through centerline steps. There are also passageways along the side decks to move fore and aft on the main deck. Aft, stairs on both sides of the cockpit offer access to the water, while a custom tender is stowed in the transom, flush with the yacht.

Inside, Raas says, “the interior needed yachtlike DNA, so we incorporated the highest-end appliances, a proper dining table and Italian furniture.” Just forward of the cockpit is the 70′s main social area, measuring 300 square feet with 9-foot headroom, it has a galley with top-drawer appliances (see “Spacious Salon”) to starboard and a salon with a separate dining area to port. Fit-and-finish is excellent. Calming, light-colored Alpi wood covers the walls and ceiling, while details such as leather-wrapped, stainless-steel rails and a touchless faucet add a sense of subtle luxury.

The four-stateroom, five-head layout of Hull No. 1 (buyers can choose different layouts) includes a full-beam master stateroom, VIP staterooms aft that stretch along both sides, and a captain’s cabin that connects to the engine room. Thanks to windows everywhere, natural light permeates the spaces.

Looking at the yacht from the dock, the Aquila 70 is most certainly a catamaran. But step inside, and the yacht’s look and layout feel like a sizable monohull wrapped in luxury, speed and the comforts of home.

The King Treatment

The full-beam master stateroom forward has a table and lounge as well as a king-size berth occupying the central area, which is lit by windows along the sides. To starboard is an en suite with a private head, two sinks and a glass-enclosed shower. To port is stowage with pullout drawers, overhead cabinets, and a walk-in closet big enough for liveaboards.

Who Needs a Garage?

One of the highlights of the Aquila 70 is the custom-made Aquila tender, a 13-foot cat designed to be hoisted and secured between the yacht’s twin hulls. Designed by Morrelli & Melvin, the tender offers better stability than a similar-size monohull, with more carrying capacity. Aquila says the tender makes it easier to ferry people and gear to and from the dock, and that securing the tender flush against the deck is more efficient than hanging a tender off the stern. When the tender’s in the water, the platform can be used as a beach club.

Spacious Salon

The 300 sq. ft. salon/galley is populated with top brands for preparing meals (including a Gaggenau cooktop, oven, microwave, espresso machine and wine chiller) and for relaxing (the Natuzzi Italia decor includes a coffee table, bar chairs, a lounge and dining furniture). Other features such as electric blinds, Denon HEOS surround sound and controllable LED lighting deliver a high-end feel.

Take the next step: aquilaboats.com

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The evolution of the powercat has been steady during the past decade, thanks in part to Aquila Boats. The brand has been around for only nine years, but Aquila has sold more than 360 hulls in that time. I ran its most recent launch, the Aquila 54 Yacht Power Catamaran, in Clearwater, Florida—and learned firsthand why 27 hulls were sold before the boat even launched.

“We’re one of only three companies that design powercats this size,” says Lex Raas, head of Aquila’s product development. “The others come from sailing cats, so size and performance are different.”

Raas, who spent many years overseeing multihull design for France’s Leopard Catamarans, says the Aquila 54 came about because of demand for four- to five-stateroom multihulls that could be owner-operated. “You need that length to create these types of luxurious accommodations, not to mention a flybridge,” he says.

The 54′s interior has square footage that’s roughly the same amount of space as a 68- to 70-foot monohull. It’s also a smartly designed space: The cockpit has a table for alfresco dining, as well as three stools at a bar that connects to the galley inside via an opening window and door. Thanks to the boat’s 25-foot beam, the main deck effectively turns into one vast social area. Add the salon’s seating, 360-degree banks of windows and 6-foot-9-inch headroom, and the area feels more like a waterfront condo than a boat.

Aquila gave this first hull an ash-wood finish (the other choice is dark walnut) for a light, airy feel. The full-beam master stateroom has a queen island berth on centerline, with hullside windows and a few dressers. To starboard, the head (with two sinks, a toilet and a separate shower stall) is down a few steps. To port is enough cabinet stowage for long cruises.

The guest staterooms aft to port and starboard each have a dressing and seating area, as well as a head with an enclosed shower. The fourth stateroom, with twin berths and a separate entrance from the cockpit, can serve as crew quarters or a crash pad for two teenagers. This stateroom’s head also works as a day head.

My favorite part of the 54 was the optional sky lounge. The area can be sealed on rainy days or opened in sunny weather. Visibility from the twin helm seats is unobstructed, while the lounge area abaft those seats is its own ecosystem. Farther aft is a Kenyon grill.

The sky lounge also provides access to the foredeck via a Portuguese bridge and centerline stairs down to the bow. The setup not only makes moving between the bridge and foredeck simple, but it also provides a second route to get around the boat. Lounges on both sides of the stairs forward turn the bow into a private nook.

We left Clearwater for a short run along the Intracoastal Waterway and then out into the Gulf of Mexico. There was only a small chop, with 1- to 2-foot rollers, and the 54 felt like it was riding high off the water. One of a multihull’s advantages is minimal roll; pitch was also minimized by the foot-long underwater bulbs on the forward edges of the hulls. Those bulbs provide additional buoyancy and increase speed in displacement mode.

The hulls also plane, and with the upgraded 480 hp Volvo Penta D8 diesel inboards, this 54 reached a top-end speed of 22 knots; cruise speed was 15.5 knots. At 7.8 knots, its range is about 957 nautical miles. (Standard engines are twin 380 hp Volvo Penta D6s, and maximum power is twin 550 hp Cummins QSB6.7 diesels.)

Regarding style, J&J Design helped Aquila to give this power catamaran a yachtlike look, including keeping the profile sleeker than usual. Aquila also used well-known marine brands—many of them from US equipment-makers—throughout the yacht. Besides the Volvo Penta powerplants, the 54 has Kohler generators, Raymarine chart plotters and autopilot, SeaStar steering, a CZone system, Fireboy fire suppression, a Fusion stereo, and more. Raas says Aquila wanted owners to be assured they could service their boats in the United States.

Ironically, in that context, many of the 27 Aquila 54s that have been pre-sold are going to the Mediterranean, Asia and the Caribbean. “We hit all the right targets with this yacht,” Raas says, adding that pricing ranges from $1.5 million to $2.5 million.

What’s next for Aquila? According to Raas, potentially even bigger models. “We’re going to see the cat market explode,” he says. “Already, we’re seeing foils being adapted to catamarans, and other builders are coming up with innovative outboard versions.”

Take the next step: aquilaboats.com

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The hits keep coming—a phrase that is all too accurate for what usually would be a bustling fall boat-show season, but instead is seeing yet more cancellations due to COVID-19.

So, we’re choosing to look at the phrase differently this year. Because the truth is that the hits—as in star-quality creations that leave us grinning—also keep coming from builders unveiling and launching new models filled with innovation and beauty.

Indeed, the good stuff is now arriving in all market segments, from motoryachts to power catamarans to bluewater-ready fishing machines and re-imagined classics. No matter what form of yachting suits your fancy, there’s a new model out there that’s ready to get you on the water in style. The following pages offer a look at some offerings from builders hitting all the right high notes.

The Benetti Diamond 145 is the first launch in a new class of yachts for the builder. Exteriors on the fiberglass yacht are by Giorgio M. Cassetta, with interiors by Benetti’s in-house team. Accommodations are for 10 guests in five staterooms, including a full-beam owner’s space on the main deck forward. The sun deck has a dining area, there’s a pool at the bow on the upper deck, and the aft space is focused on guests with the garage off to the side. According to Benetti, the Diamond 145 has a top speed of 11 knots and a range of 5,000 nautical miles, thanks to twin 1,400 hp MAN engines.

The Aquila 54 is the new midrange model in the builder’s line of luxury power catamarans, which also includes 44- and 70-foot models. The 54 can be ordered with three, four or five staterooms, as well as with the galley up or down and with or without skipper’s quarters. The flybridge can be open or fully enclosed with air conditioning. In all versions, the master stateroom spans the full beam forward, with windows that allow for panoramic views. Before the first hull of the Aquila 54 even hit the water, the builder says, 15 purchase orders for the yacht had already been placed.

CRN Yachts, part of the Ferretti Group in Italy, has delivered M/Y 137. It is a fully custom yacht with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure. Nuvolari Lenard developed the concept as well as the interior and exterior styling. Six staterooms accommodate 12 guests, with the upper deck serving as the owner’s personal retreat. The yacht is the first from CRN to earn IMO Tier III certification, meaning nitrogen oxide exhaust emissions have been reduced by 70 percent. Three more custom builds are expected next from CRN, at lengths overall from 196 to 236 feet.

The V-46 joins 33-, 37- and 41-foot models in the Valhalla lineup from builder Viking Yachts. It’s available with quadruple Mercury V-8 450Rs, Mercury Verado 400s or Yamaha V-8 425s. That power, combined with a 694-gallon fuel capacity and a double-stepped hull by designer Michael Peters, should make the V-46 a contender for getting out to the canyons fast. The console, accessed through a portside door, has air conditioning and 6 feet, 7 inches of headroom. A head is inside, along with a galley and a convertible dinette for overnights on the hook. Up top, a tower is optional.

To create the Wheeler 38 from Wheeler Yacht Company, Bill Prince Yacht Design reverse-engineered the Wheeler Playmate made famous by author Ernest Hemingway. The design allows the boat to be built today from mahogany, using modern epoxy cold-molded construction techniques that didn’t exist in Hemingway’s day. Brooklin Boat Yard in Maine is bringing that design to life, with the Wheeler 38 reportedly being capable of hitting 30 knots. On board the classic-looking beauty are air conditioning, an autopilot, Sub-Zero refrigeration and other 21st-century amenities.

The Ocean Alexander 32L is part of the builder’s Legend series, which also includes the 36L. The 105-foot 32L has a main-deck master among its five staterooms and can be ordered with an open flybridge or a sky lounge. Use of aluminum-beam engineering allows for the extensive use of glass shown in the image below, creating wide views of the surroundings from most spots on board. Draft is about 5 feet, 6 inches, making the 32L an option for Bahamas cruising. Fuel capacity, according to Ocean Alexander, is 4,000 gallons, which should allow for long-distance passages.

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