Aquila has long been a player in the booming powercat market, and now it's introduced its latest, the Aquila 50, at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2024. This new catamaran aims to outpace its competitors with a new exterior design and deck layout.
The highlight is an owner's cabin that arguably ranks the best among other new 15.2m (50ft) models. With a price tag of just under $2 million to an on-water spec, let’s find out what it offers.
Review Video
The Aquila 50 Yacht is the successor to the Aquila 48, positioned between the Aquila 44 and the Aquila 54. It’s a significant step forward, designed with owner feedback and clever engineering to maximise space and minimise stairs. Obviously, catamarans inherently have larger beams - the 50 has a 25ft (7.62) beam - but it's how Aquila uses this beam and they are very clever at getting the most out of it.
The flybridge is a prime example of this as it's absolutely enormous. It has distinct sections for relaxation, dining, and entertainment. It's a space that feels far larger than you’d expect on a 50-foot yacht. Moving through the yacht, there are so many thoughtfully designed areas to enjoy, each making the most of the available space.
The yacht’s ace card is the full-beam, single-level owner’s cabin. It offers an unseen-before level of space for a yacht of this length. The design team raised the freeboard, especially at the front third of the yacht, to make this possible. The result is a completely flat layout with no steps, something that’s rarely seen on a boat of this size.
Buyers have the option of a three or four-cabin configuration. The three-cabin version places the owner’s cabin on the main deck, while the fourth cabin if chosen, fits into the forepeak. For even more sleeping capacity, the saloon can be optioned with a hi-lo table that converts down into a berth. An optional interior helm is also available.
Beneath the surface, Aquila has prioritised performance. The tunnel height clearance has been carefully designed to reduce slamming in rough seas, plus if you're looking for even greater efficiency, the optional Aquila Hydro Glide Foil System can be added on. Designed by multihull experts Morelli & Melvin, the hydrofoil boosts fuel efficiency by up to 40% and increases top speed by as much as 35%, while also making transitions to planing speeds smoother and more comfortable. That's the theory, anyway.
Styling is tricky with smaller power catamarans and the cartoonish glass area does little to lessen the 50's visual impact. It's not the prettiest boat on the water but the benefits on board outweigh its challenging looks, as we'll discover in the section below.
The galley has been nicely specced. It doesn't have an enormous amount of countertop space, but there's enough for an induction hob and a split sink. Conveniently, there's a microwave oven below, with another one up top. Lots of storage space dotted around at eye level and down below.
The huge American-style double fridge with a freezer drawer below gives plenty of cooling space. More storage can be found along this Alpi-finished unit. It's hard-wearing too, which is good for charter boats which need to be tough. Easy access to all the switchboards, including the AC/DC panels, is a bonus. The C-Zone system offers digital switching for numerous systems, all contained in one place.
Moving on to the saloon, you've got a really large internal dinette. The beam again plays a role here, providing loads of seating space. There's a big storage void aft of the sofa, and the table drops to sofa level, with an infill to transform it into another berth. The television, mounted up on the wall, is a permanent fixture, while a little couples bench sits over on the side.
You can choose between three or four cabins, but the boat we saw had the three-cabin layout. In the port side hull, the aft section is a utility space equipped with a separate washer and dryer. There's also a wine cooler and storage, making laundry chores a breeze. If you need more sleeping quarters, consider swapping this utility space for an over-under bunk arrangement.
Owner's Cabin
It's extraordinary to have a completely flat, full 7.62m (25ft) wide owner's cabin without the normal compromise of dropping down into the hull for access to the bathroom or wardrobe.
The headroom is enormous and the whole cabin is very light, benefitting from the huge size of the hull windows. The forward windows also contribute to this brightness, and the gap beneath the bench provides a view out, making it feel very open - and privacy isn't compromised, as there are blinds installed. The luxury of a separate shower cubicle, twin sinks, vanity mirrors, and storage is impressive.
A private toilet cubicle is tucked neatly behind a door. On the opposite side, a huge bed is flanked by bedside tables. There's room for a sofa, but if you're planning to live aboard, a desk can replace it, providing a space to work from your boat. A bureau is hidden behind another door, leading to a large walk-in wardrobe.
The sheer size of this cabin is astounding for a 15.2m (50ft) yacht, thanks to the powercat's beam. It's a feature its rivals will struggle to compete with.
VIP Cabin
Opting for the four-cabin layout means missing out on a VIP, as you gain two cabins and bathrooms in this hull instead. However, if you're not fussed about squeezing in extra sleeping space, the VIP cabin is incredibly inviting, beginning with its bathroom. It's generously sized, with a huge, separate shower cubicle and a massive window that really helps the sense of space.
Head height here is remarkable, with measurements of 2m (6ft 7in) to 2.03m (6ft 8in) throughout - great for a 15.2m (50ft) yacht. There are some good storage solutions, including a big hanging locker, more drawer storage, and floor-to-ceiling shelves for all your stuff. There's even underfloor storage
The cabin also features a television that swings down from the ceiling with a soundbar. Reading lights on either side of the bed, along with socket repeaters are all very convenient. A nice bureau space for makeup or jewellery adds something a bit more compared to the cabin on the other side.
Double Cabin
The guest cabin has beds positioned to take in views through a big hull window. Unlike the manual TV on the flybridge, these are electric and lower down automatically. A sound bar sits over the bed, so the space is almost like a cosy cinema room. Each cabin offers individual AV systems and air conditioning.
Storage in the cabin is pretty good, with bedside drawers and a substantial hanging locker behind the door. A private bathroom, probably doubling as the day head as it's near to the cockpit, features a separate shower cubicle and feels airy and bright, with another lovely large hull window.
The flybridge helm is, as standard, the only helm station on the Aquila 50. While there's the possibility of a downstairs helm to be added, this elevated position offers a brilliant spot for driving. It can be enclosed for full protection but Aquila has still allowed for ventilation. A couple of hatches up top invite light but also give some fresh air, even when the covers are up. The seating arrangements here are optional adjustable helm seats that replace the bench that comes as standard.
The helm layout has clear sightlines and easy access to controls. Everything is within arm's reach, and the upright dash means you can see everything clearly. With a twin shaft setup, manoeuvring is straightforward, further supported by a 360-degree camera system on the Raymarine screens. This top-down view should prove its worth when docking, showing exactly where the yacht would be in relation to the pontoons.
In terms of performance, expect the yacht to cruise comfortably between 16-18 knots, with a top speed of around 22 knots. The 50 is designed to go in a straight line really, but you will be comfortable while doing it.
There is an option for a lower helm, so you’d sacrifice a forward portion of the saloon for the dashboard and seat. The windscreen would be very shallow, however. Although most driving will likely be done up on the flybridge, it's nice to have an indoor option.
On a catamaran, you normally get a pair of bathing platforms, but Aquila offers an optional platform that connects them both to create a long, flat deck stretching across the boat's full width. For tender, the platform comes paired with Aquila's patented crane system, installed above at the back of the flybridge. This crane doesn't lower the tender into the water; instead, it aligns with the deck, so you can walk straight across.
In the cockpit, the beam's significance is undeniable. The side decks are impressively spacious, so there's loads of room to move around this area. A big table finds its place here, with seating aft and an overhang for protection during al fresco dining. There's room for directors' chairs on either side if needed for a larger dining party.
Bar stools slide up to a window that lifts up and over, so the area can become a bar area extending into the main saloon. There are big storage spaces beneath the floor, including engine room access on either side. Additionally, beneath the steps, there’s a large storage void. And there are beautifully designed steps on the other side of the cockpit, gently curving up to the flybridge.
Side Decks & Foredeck
The side decks are reassuringly wide and secure, equipped with a toe rail to keep your feet protected. There are nicely high, strong guard rails and a continuous rail along the deck for handholds and security, even if the sea is a bit choppy.
Arriving on the foredeck, there's a lovely, inviting living area that feels like a veranda over the sea. The seating arrangements have lots of options. Sunbeds ratchet up into benches, and there's a lovely bench facing the boat, so the view is unobstructed from the owner's cabin below. There's lots of storage here, and the anchor windlass is easily accessible. If you have the captain's cabin, the foredeck is where the access would be, and it would be a good idea for chartering to offer some crew accommodation. Alternatively, it's a storage area.
The journey to the flybridge isn't only from the cockpit, there's another staircase positioned on the starboard side of the foredeck that links the aft and forward staircases, making navigation just so easy. This design choice also frees up room on the flybridge itself, with the chunky railings providing a reassuring grip as you go up or down.
Once you're up on the flybridge, you'll appreciate the sheer size of it. Just over 15.2m (50ft), it's spacious enough to do lots of different activities. Sunbathing? Absolutely. But if you want shade, there's a bimini that pops out from the back of the hard top. Cooking is a pleasure here, too with a massive wet bar. Positioned at the back of the boat, there's a grill so the breeze can catch the smoke away from the hard top, and it's still very close to the dinette.
Further along the wet bar, you’ve got a double sink, ice maker, and fridge. The big dinette table expands, accommodating more people around it, and there's also a secondary bar area for added convenience. And there are plenty of railings up here, so moving around feels secure.
A TV drops down from the hard top and while there's no fully enclosed flybridge option, you can fit fairly solid covers that can be used even at full speed.
As you might expect from a catamaran, the engine rooms are split. One is in each hull. On the port side, accessed through the deck hatch you do have to go down a fair distance to reach the bottom of the hull using a slightly uncomfortable ladder. This particular area houses the generator, providing a bit more to delve into. For better access, there is a large hatch that is removable.
Standard engine options include the Volvo Penta D6 380s, while this yacht has the D6 480s, getting a top speed of about 22 knots. An alternative includes Yanmar 550s, fitted alongside an optional carbon foil between the hulls to boost lift and reduce engine wear.
Getting around the engine is easy, with everything arranged neatly. The clear fuel filter bowl allows easy inspection, and the fuel tank is well-positioned. Cabling is tidy, and the headroom is absolutely excellent. Standing comfortably, I can reach the generator and steering and anything else really. Maintaining this boat should be straightforward.
Built in China, Aquilas tend to represent pretty good value for money. The boat we saw at the show was just shy of $2 million to a turn-key spec that included things like a bow thruster, air-conditioning, a generator, a suite of navigation equipment, and the tender launch system.
Running costs ought to be a consideration with a multihull. Not fuel economy, which is likely to be good compared to a 50ft monohull but berthing/haul out could cost more as the boat is so wide for its length. It's worth taking to the marina to make clear any additional costs to mooring a power cat on their premises.
Our Verdict
Aquila's latest model is another impressive package. While some aspects may feel a bit basic like the finish, the overall build appears to be robust. It may not represent top luxury, but the updates to the design, deck arrangement, and owner's cabin are standout features. The space onboard is just fantastic and Aquila has used the beam wisely on the 50 - I can't think of a current rival that matches it. If you're in the market for a power catamaran of this size it's a must-see.
Reasons to Buy
- Clever use of the wide beam
- Very easy to move around
- Stand-out owner's cabin
- Masses of space on the flybridge
Things to Consider
- No interior helm as standard
- Feels sparse inside
- Challenging styling
Looking to own a Aquila 50 Yacht ? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Aquila 50 Yachts for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Aquila 50 Yacht , customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used yachts for sale and find your perfect yacht today!
Rivals to Consider
When comparing rivals to the Aquila 50 Yacht, the Silent Yachts SY62 Fly certainly stands out for its guest accommodation. Hosting up to 12 guests across 6 cabins, it’s a better bet for maximising onboard capacity. While the Aquila 50 boasts a full-beam master cabin with an ensuite bathroom, the Silent Yachts SY62 Fly offers sheer volume, likely to raise a smile for those with plenty of family and friends to entertain. Adding to this is its eco-friendly propulsion system, powered by solar panels and electric motors for a virtually silent cruising experience.
The Horizon PC52 provides a blend of performance and comfort, boasting a cruising speed of 18 knots. It's right up there with the Aquila 50's performance with twin 480hp Volvo Penta D6-480 engines. The Horizon PC52 proves its mettle as well with efficiency, though it caters to a slightly smaller group of up to six guests. If you fancy a bit more speed without compromising on comfort, this great-looking boat is ideal for family escapes. Its spacious flybridge, complete with a helm station, is great for commanding views while navigating.
Now, the Fountaine Pajot MY6 is wonderful in its own right, with a cruising speed of 10 knots, and a maximum speed of 30 knots, it doesn’t mess about when it comes to raw performance. Its expansive flybridge, featuring a generous seating area and sun pad, offers an ideal spot for sunbathing or panoramic sea views.
In contrast, the Prestige M48 has a slightly shallower draft (0.2m less than the Aquila 50) providing for navigation in waters that deeper vessels like the Aquila 50 might find tricky. While it doesn’t dominate in performance, its ability to access isolated spots is incredibly appealing for adventure seekers. The Prestige M48 incorporates a unique hull design that enhances stability and reduces fuel consumption, making it a smart choice for eco-conscious yacht owners.
Considering a new yacht? Explore Aquila's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.
Specifications
Aquila 50 Yacht Layout
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Flybridge
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![Flybridge Aquila 50 Yacht]()
The flybridge is huge for a 50-footer
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Main Deck
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![Main Deck Aquila 50 Yacht]()
The lower helm, if chosen, is positioned on the starboard side of the saloon
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Lower Deck
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![Lower Deck Aquila 50 Yacht]()
The single-level owner's cabin, forward, is a standout feature
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