With the new 46, Aquila catamarans is venturing into the explorer or adventure cat realm by combining big-boat innovations with a power plant designed to travel long distances without refueling. The target market will be independent, adventurous couples.
The published specs call for twin Volvo 320-horsepower engines that will deliver a top-end-speed of 28 knots. The tanks hold 425 gallons of diesel so running at moderate cruising speeds of 15 knots or so and burning about six gallons an hour, you have a useful range of roughly 1,000 miles.
For long-haul and off-the-grid capabilities, you can opt for Aquila’s Hydroglide Foil System to improve fuel efficiency, add a 200-gallon fuel tank and install a full solar array and lithium batteries to relieve reliance on the genset.
This is all well and good for a specialized audience but the real kicker in the new design is more prosaic and sybaritic. By dropping the bridge deck down, they have been able to build in a full-width master cabin forward of the salon that will be a deal clincher for just about any couple.
The designed living spaces are open and full of light. The doors and window between the salon and cockpit slide away to form a fully unified space. This will be great in warm weather cruising and when you want to invite your cruising friends over for a shindig.
There is a lower helm in the salon, but the flying bridge will be the more popular choice in good weather because it is also the best social area on the boat and offers the best visibility when docking or eye-ball navigating.
Aquila is introducing the new 46 at the Cannes Festival of Yachting and with luck Americans will be able to have a look at it at the Ft. Lauderdale show in October.
