Superyacht Amenities and Long Legs Combine to Create the Aquila 50.
It’s never easy designing the successor to an immensely popular model, but it seems that Aquila Catamarans nailed it with the new Aquila 50 that they’ve taken to calling an “Explorer Yacht.” The Aquila 50 is the successor to the popular 48 and settles into the line between the 44 and 54.
I stepped aboard Hull No. 1 at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show with Nick Harvey, Aquila’s chief revenue officer, whose enthusiasm for the new design is infectious.
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Aquila 50 Explorer Yacht Design Highlights
Harvey pointed out a few key elements that bring this model to a higher level. First is the raised freeboard, especially in the forward sections of the hulls with a visible step up in the sheer line and the addition of huge hull windows. Presumably, this extra height enhances safety in a seaway, keeping the decks drier. It also creates space for a sumptuous master suite with exceptional views, but more on this later.
On the 270-square-foot foredeck, an enormous sunpad morphs via moveable backrests from flat beds to two rows of seating facing forward toward a bench that runs along the bow railing. This spot will be a magnet for a party since it’s capable of accommodating more than a dozen.
On the aft end, the newly designed hydraulic swim platform carries the dinghy but also extends the cockpit space. With the tender offloaded and the platform raised to deck level, there is ample room on the cockpit for a couple of lounge chairs or beach towels. This platform is like a back porch with the best views. Harvey mentioned that the dinghy is hoisted with a crane because the platform isn’t designed to submerge which means that its moving parts are less likely to break due to corrosion from prolonged water exposure.
Two other features that are an Aquila trademark were carried over to this new model. First are the bulbous or wave-piercing bows which add buoyancy, minimize hobby-horsing, and elongate the waterline for better fuel efficiency. They’re designed to break away in case of collision which adds safety for distance voyaging as do the forward and aft watertight bulkheads. Second is the now-familiar Aquila direct access between the bow and the flybridge. On this model, the stairs have been offset to starboard. If you need to get from the helm to the windlass or dock lines in a hurry, this is the only way to go.
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The Flybridge
There are two paths to the flybridge. As mentioned above, there are steps with a substantial handrail to steady yourself from the foredeck. Additionally, there’s an L-shaped staircase from the cockpit that is designed to be maneuvered easily even with the boat underway. Once up top, you’re treated to one of the four gathering spots aboard with this one sprawling over nearly 500 square feet.
The helm is on the centerline facing a comprehensive dash with two 16-inch Raymarine MFDs, engine screens, and the wheel with the throttles set just off to the right. A double bench seat is standard, but our boat had two optional independent captain’s chairs with headrests and bolsters that add comfort and safety. Overhead are twin opening hatches for light and air, and a thick grabrail fronts the console.
Flanking the helm are two lounges which highlight a tricky point. Flybridge helms offer excellent visibility forward and just about none aft which necessitates the use of a backup camera. Add in the two lounges on either side of the wheel and you really can’t sight down the side to check your progress when coming in to dock which isn’t ideal.
In terms of entertainment features, this flybridge lacks for nothing. A straight galley runs along most of the starboard side and combined with the additional module behind the helm seat, the chef has access to a sink, fridge, and extra storage. An L-shaped dinette to port will easily seat six and is just ahead of another large sunbed which is partially covered by the hardtop and partially exposed for the best sunning opportunities. As expected, the views are superb.
Accommodating Spaces
Although the Aquila 50 is available with up to four cabins and four heads, by far the most dazzling version is the standard three-cabin layout with a posh, full-beam master suite that dominates the forward section of the interior and benefits from windows on three sides. Unlike the 48, which had the master berth on the main level and then dropped the head and lounge/office deep into the hulls on either side, the Aquila 50 ties it all together on one elevated level in this 180-square-foot retreat. The head is to port with twin vanity sinks, a toilet in the bow, and a shower aft. To starboard is a large closet, an L-shaped settee, and a desk with panoramic views. The sofa makes a wonderful place to sit with a book, but true liveaboard explorers may consider asking for extra drawer or locker storage here.
The three-cabin version ensures privacy for guests with only one cabin per hull. It also creates space for a utility room that will be critical for voyagers. You can turn this room into a skipper cabin, as well, although one can be added to the starboard bow.
The salon features a U-shaped dinette to port and a straight settee to starboard which is replaced with an interior helm station if one is optioned. Below the sole are batteries and a cavernous stowage space that is completely finished so it can store anything from luggage to provisions.
The galley is aft and like on other Aquila models, its location creates an attractive indoor/outdoor bar that’s bound to be a focal point. With an opening rear window, a foldout countertop, and three bar stools, this area forms a wonderful transition from the interior to the cockpit where breakfast can be served at the dinette which stretches along the transom. When entertaining at home, everyone gathers in the kitchen and with this galley arrangement, expect the same to happen aboard.
Propulsion and Options
The Aquila 50 comes standard with twin 380-hp Volvo Penta D4 diesels although Hull No. 1 and probably most models headed to the U.S. will have upgraded 480-hp engines. With the larger motors, cruising speed is 18 knots where she’ll burn around two gallons per nautical mile. Expect to reach 21-22 knots at wide-open throttle depending on load and conditions.
The various propulsion options are where things get interesting. You can spec the Aquila Hydro Glide (AHG) V-shaped foil system. Although it’s not for fully foiling out of the water, this system will help raise about 40 percent of the boat’s weight creating a smoother ride, a higher top speed, and improved fuel economy. However, the system requires an upgrade to twin 550-hp Yanmar engines. Alternately, you can go green with Aquila’s hybrid package of electric motors and diesel range extenders which will also necessitate a lithium battery upgrade. Harvey had no information on the upcharge for either system and since this was the first hull, Aquila is still working it out.
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The standard package includes four AGM batteries for a total of 800 Ah for hotel needs plus two start batteries and solar panels on the flybridge to keep them all topped up. The 20 kW Kohler genset will pitch in to run the Webasto air conditioning, and all systems may be monitored via CZone digital switching.
The Aquila 50 Explorer Yacht is Ready to Go
I’ve long been a fan of Aquila and its out-of-the-box thinking. Whether you’re looking for comfort, clever use of space, plentiful stowage, or a soft ride, you’ll find at least one model that will work for you in its robust lineup which now stretches from 28 to 70 feet. The new Aquila 50 hits the sweet spot for cruising couples, and her offshore capabilities will allow them to stretch their legs. “It’s a true explorer,” added Harvey. No doubt that it is.
-by Zuzana Prochazka
SPECIFICATIONS
LOA: 52′ 2″
Beam: 25′ 6″
Draft: 3′ 7″
Displacement (loaded): 71,167 lbs.
Fuel/Water: 422/212 U.S. gals.
Power: 2x Volvo Penta D6 @ 480-hp
Max/Cruise Speed: 22/18-19 knots
Contact: Aquila Power Catamarans
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