Aquila 42 Coupe: the sporty catamaran (13 m) that consumes little fuel

For the first time, we will see a catamaran from Aquila Boats, an American shipyard and world leader in motor catamarans, at the upcoming Düsseldorf Boat Show (Jan. 17-25). While most manufacturers have converted from the sailing world, Aquila started directly from the motor, introducing some exclusive solutions that have decreed its international success. The model exhibited at the German fair will be the 42 Coupe: a fast soul that does not give up the comfort given by space, a typical feature of this class of boats.

Eagle 42 Coupe

Aquila’s Coupe range is the sporty declination of the catamaran. At 13 meters overall, the beam is “only” 4.85: still significant dimensions, bringing with it a deck layout arranged on a single level, flowing seamlessly from the cockpit, to the salon, to the bow, organized in a bow-rider configuration, typically American. Everything is arranged along the axis of symmetry traversed by a corridor that divides the galley and helm station on the starboard side, from the dinette on the port side.

Equal division also reflected below deck, with one cabin per hull, each with private bath and both independently accessible from a dedicated staircase in the main salon. So maximum privacy, excellent with a view to sharing with another couple, for example on a charter.

How are you doing?

With a relatively high length-to-width ratio for the category, it is performance that benefits. Meanwhile, ease of maneuvering and versatility increase. But most importantly, this Aquila 42 Coupe can run up to 42 knots! A figure achieved thanks to a synergy of elements: not only the reduced beam then, but also a low weight, a steppe double hull and Aquila Hydro Glide technology, a large carbon foil that joins the two hulls, generating additional lift. Even more interestingly, these sailing qualities are reflected throughout the power delivery range, with noteworthy fuel consumption.

The motorizations

The Aquila 42 Coupe’s American DNA is also seen in its ability to mount a pair of Mercury Verado V10 outboards of 400 hp each. This is one of the engines preferred by customers of this type of boat, because of the convenience and ease of use, two key features of this design. Despite the 800 total gasoline hp, Aquila technologies manage to keep consumption just over 4 L per mile at an economical cruising speed around 27 knots. But this Aquila 42 Coupe can also mount two Volvo Penta D4 DPI inboards, also 400 hp each, with counter-rotating propeller stern foot. And this is where things get even more interesting. Meanwhile, the top speed remains 42 knots, but when cruising it manages to hold 29 knots while consuming just 81 L per hour, about 2.8 L per mile. Not to mention that the stern, with the inboards, is completely free, giving unique access to the sea.

For more information, visit the shipyard’s website at this link, or the web page of the Italian distributor, FC Yachts.