The new Aquila 44 catamaran offers buyers an easy-to-operate vessel and joins the 38 and 48 in the Aquila Power Cat lineup of power catamarans. China-based Sino Eagle Group builds the Aquila line specifically for MarineMax Vacations charter business, but the 44 and 48 are available for private ownership as well. The Aquila 44 features three staterooms (owner’s cabin and two guest staterooms) and spacious ensuite heads. A unique stainless-steel pipe hoist system for raising and lowering the tender directly to the water off the transom is nearly foolproof. “The tender hangs out of the way in the up position when not in use,” says Raul Bermudez, vice president of Marine Max’s charter division.
The Aquila 44 has a single flybridge helm station. An L-shaped settee offers center seating for the skipper with guests to port. Forward of the helm pod to starboard is another settee, and operators will love the forward staircase access to the bow. If the pilot has to quickly run down to the bow to tend a line, it can be done quickly.
Interior comfort abounds, with a 360˚ view from the saloon and galley that features a large seating area, hidden TV stowage and plenty of storage for living on board and long vacations. The well-appointed galley features include Corian countertops, electric fridge and freezer, induction cooktop stove, and stainless steel microwave oven as well as a double stainless-steel sink. The full-beam queen master is located all the way forward, while the port and starboard hulls house two guest queen staterooms. A starboard sitting area can be converted into an office or children’s room.
Specifications for 44/48
LOA: 43’8″/48’3″
Beam:21’6″/23’6″
Draft:2’8″/3′
Fuel/Water: 290/206; 356/206 U.S. gals.
Power: 2x Volvo Penta D4 225-hp diesels/ D6 330-hp diesels
Contact
Southern Boating June 2014