This comfortable motor catamaran is very popular in Asia and North America, but its functional design and spacious cockpit make it an interesting choice for the Mediterranean as well
Award-Winning Multihull Excellence
Aquila 54 was launched in 2021 and received the Multihull of the Year award that same year, and we had the opportunity to test this interesting motor catamaran of the Chinese-American manufacturer during this year’s Biograd Boat Show, where it had its Croatian debut.
Imposing Design and Structure
With a tall superstructure, a large flybridge, and a giant and tall hard-top, the new Aquila 54 appears even larger than its size (54 ft or 16.5 m). Tall hull, whose underwater part under the bows is bulbous for greater efficiency and stability, is elongated towards the stern and ends with spacious fixed stern platforms.
The superstructure is the most prominent part of this yacht, standing out with its gentle, rounded lines astern and large hull windows in the shape of an inverted wave, while the bow part, on the lower part of the superstructure, boasts another row of windows, belonging to the master cabin.
Finally, the large flybridge is available in a fully enclosed version, with a large windshield that reaches all the way to the hard top, or a fully open version – which is what we tested and would consider the most beautiful and most adapted to sailing in the Mediterranean.
Spacious and Functional Aft Deck
Aft between the hulls, the large tender platform which has become standard on catamarans over 50 feet can be raised and become flush with the main deck. The owner can choose between a platform that can be lowered below the waterline or a fixed platform, in which case the tender is lowered onto the sea using a telescopic crane stored in the aft flybridge terrace.
Well protected from wind and rain, the main deck aft area is furnished with a mild C-shaped sofa, a large dining table, a bar that is created when the glazing between the cockpit is lifted, the entrance to the skipper’s cabin on the port side of the superstructure, and stairs leading to the flybridge on the starboard side of the superstructure.
The Expansive Flybridge
The large flybridge begins with a spacious aft terrace with a bar, a large grill with a cover, a fridge, and a sink. The heart of the flybridge is a salon with an L-shaped sofa, next to which there is another large dining table. The centrally placed bridge is served by three seats and a small sofa.
The command console is almost extremely simple, with two multi-function displays, while underneath there is a horizontal surface with enough space for other instruments and switches, as well as the throttle levers and the steering wheel.
An interesting detail here is the external passage connecting the command post with the bow, a great solution for the enclosed version, leading to the bow stairs and the very bow on the superstructure, with two spacious lounge chairs and benches.
Well-Designed Bow Area
The bow is spacious, and on the tips of the bow, there are large and deep storage areas for fenders. The wide side passage, which is three steps higher than the main deck, takes back aft part and into the salon.
Modern and Practical Interior
Right next to the door, there is a spacious L-shaped kitchen on the left side and a small kitchen island in the middle, while on the right side stands a giant double fridge with a freezer. The kitchen is large enough to fit all the appliances and still be left with plenty of worktop space. Those who want more space in the salon will love the version with a galley kitchen in the left hull.
Even on the standard version which we tested, the salon offers plenty of space, with a spacious C-shaped sofa surrounding a large folding dining table on the left side, and another sofa on the right side of the salon. The interior is light and airy, with plenty of natural wood and light fabrics working together with large side windows to add to the overall feeling of spaciousness. Below those windows, there’s free space for two loungers enjoying a premium view.
Luxurious Master Cabin and Guest Accommodations
Another spot for a premium view is the master cabin, located in the bow of the superstructure, with large windows placed high, for a wonderful view towards the bow and plenty of daylight. The central part is occupied by a spacious double bed, while the large private master bathroom is located in the bow of the starboard hull, several steps below the main deck.
The bathroom is luxuriously appointed, with two sinks, a spacious shower cabin, and a separate toilet. Starboard in the left hull, the master has space for a desk and a spacious wardrobe.
The other two guest cabins also boast large double beds and private bathrooms, as well as private entrances from the salon, while the skipper’s single cabin is as luxuriously appointed as the guest cabins and also has a private bathroom.
Versions with four cabins and the galley in the stern, and the five-cabin version ideal for charter, are also available.
Performance and Efficiency at Sea
During our short sea trial, the new Aquila 54 proved to be a very pleasant yacht that cruises in a smooth, calm manner thanks to its bulbous bows and turns almost imperceptibly, tilting by mere degrees.
The maximum speed we achieved with two 480HP Volvo Penta D6 engines was 21 knots @3650 rpm and a consumption of 185 liters per hour, while the optimal speed for long cruises is 11 knots with a consumption of 50 liters per hour, or 9 knots with only 32 liters per hour.
Mediterranean Charter Potential
Available in several possible cabin and flybridge layouts, as well as open or enclosed, the new Aquila 54 is already a very popular model in Asia and North America. The open cockpit version is sure to become popular for catamaran charter in the Mediterranean, thanks to its solid and functional design and the spaciousness we all like so much in cruising.
Text Mlađan Marušić
Photo MESINOVICPHOTO, bloompix.net
Video Aquila
