The watchword: efficiency. This sport cruiser with integrated foils has exceeded all expectations – in comfort, fuel efficiency and performance
by Sacha Giannini
Let’s start by noting that the Aquila 46 coupé is almost twice as efficient as a monohull.
This is due to the carbon-fibre laminated foil, the rail ribs, the deflector knee, the chine strips, and two small stabilising fins at the stern on the inside, which prevent rolling and ensure impeccable lateral balance.
The trapezoidal galley table lowers flush with the deck to save space.
// The aft glass panel in the saloon opens fully, creating a seamless transition between the interior and exterior. //
During the test, with approximately 1,000 litres of fuel on board from a total of 2,330 litres, the wind was 10 knots from the south, and the sea was mildly choppy, with occasional cross-waves caused by passing boats. We were four on board: two crew members, myself, and Alain Raas, the Global Brand Director at Aquila Power Catamarans.
A small openable window provides natural ventilation on the starboard side of the deckhouse, above the galley at the stern, in the cabins, and in the bathrooms.
Powered by two Volvo Penta D6 engines, each producing 480 horsepower, we sailed over 600 miles, and the results were very encouraging:at 1000 rpm, we recorded a speed of 6 knots with a fuel consumption of just 9.5 litres per hour. Fuel consumption increased steadily and proportionally with every 500 rpm. We achieved the best performance between 26 and 29 knots at 4500 rpm, with a fuel consumption of 97 litres per hour.
The dashboard is fitted with a 22-inch Simrad touchscreen. Everything is intuitive and within easy reach: throttles, joysticks and the bow thruster control. The position of the three seats in a row in the wheelhouse can be adjusted at the touch of a button.
For completeness, it is worth noting a slight drop in efficiency with respect to range, observed between 10 and 15 knots, due to the semi-displacement effect. Once you reach 25 or 30 knots, performance improves significantly thanks to the integrated semi-foils. That said, it’s well known that at low speeds it’s a bit harder to move in eco mode because the stepped hull and foils aren’t designed for slow sailing. The Aquila 46 coupé offers superb manoeuvrability and excellent longitudinal stability, preventing porpoising. At high speeds, it provides impressive lift and good seakeeping, eliminating the risk of dangerous spin-outs.
The hull and deck are constructed entirely using vinyl ester infusion. No structural components are made of wood; instead, they are made from a variable-density PVC Core.
The Aquila Hydro Glide carbon-fibre foiling system is a patented development created in 2018 by Gino Morrelli and Pete Melvin, exclusively for the American brand. It is an excellent solution for optimising fuel consumption, reducing engine wear and improving speed with less available horsepower. The system is integrated into the hull via solid mountings and allows for a shallow draught. Although slightly deeper than both hulls, it does not extend beyond the propellers, ensuring safe and smooth navigation.
AQUILA USA INC.
www.aquilaboats.com
[email protected]
PROJECT
Aquila – Morrelli & Melvin Design & Engineering
HULL
LOA 14.44m • Maximum beam 5.46m • Draft 1.10m • Displacement 14,500 kg • Fuel tank volume 2,334 l• Water tank volume 440 l • Waste water tank volume 160 l • Maximum power rated 1,200 hp
MAIN PROPULSION
2x Volvo Penta D6 480 hp (353 kW) DPI Sterndrive • Optional 2x 600 hp (447 kW) V12 Verado Mercury
EC CERTIFICATION
14 (B offshore) • 22 (C coastal) • 32 (D inland)
PRICE*
MSRP ex-factory is 1,309,900 US $
* Il prezzo si riferisce a Luglio 2026
(Aquila 46 Coupé – Flying high at sea – Barchemagazine.com – Excerpted from Barche, July 2026)
