Aquila 42 Yacht Review (2023 Edition) by NautiStyles

On Deck

The Aquila 42 Yacht makes a confident first impression with her 6.4m (21ft) beam across 12.8m (42ft) of length, giving her an almost square footprint and serious volume for her class. That width is immediately felt at the aft, where each sponson measures over 1.8m (6ft), and guests board directly onto the wide swim platform. A full-sized swim ladder sits beneath a hatch, alongside a semi-concealed davit crane system that removes any clutter on deck. Operated via a manual winch or push-button control, the davit supports a Highfield 340 tender with sports console and stows it between dedicated chocks on the aft deck.

Integrated hanging chair hooks and Aquila’s inflatable beach platform add further versatility aft, while the design avoids stepped transitions between sponson and cockpit for ease of access. The single-level step-up keeps things practical and social, and a 50-amp shore power connection is located just inside the engine compartment hatches on either side.

Forward, the walkways are wide and you are helped along by well-positioned grab rails. Twin bow lockers offer deep fender and lifejacket stowage, with one modified to half-depth for easier access. Additional storage is accessed via a staircase into the port locker, where owners will find a fridge-freezer and ample space for luggage, tools, or long-stay provisioning.

The bow itself features flush-mounted ground tackle access and an integrated bridle system. Aquila's signature bridge-to-bow step enables direct access from the flybridge to the foredeck, making single or double-handed anchoring far simpler. There’s also a freshwater washdown, recessed hatch for ground tackle retrieval, and optional space for dive bottles or more fenders. Guests can lounge up here or use it as a functional working space depending on setup.

Up top, the flybridge is enclosed in removable panels for all-weather comfort and comfortably seats 7-8 people around a large dining table with a convertible insert. Storage compartments run beneath the seating, while a drawer-style drink fridge, sink, and grill complete the bar setup. Extra touches like oversized cupholders, wide bench seating, and a fold-up sunpad lounger add flexibility. It’s a thoroughly social flybridge with strong visibility, two overhead hatches, and quick access down to the bow via the central step-through.

Inside, the Aquila 42 makes the most of her beam, with a sliding accordion door connecting the cockpit and main salon in one open sweep. The galley is positioned aft, offering excellent usability for two people and a sociable setup for entertaining. As a special edition, hull number one differs from future models, with an open galley layout that will become a U-shaped design on later versions to accommodate an optional interior helm.

The galley itself has a two-burner cooktop, microwave convection oven, large sink, trash storage, and extensive drawer and cabinet space. There’s also a separate ice maker, fridge-freezer, and open shelving for oils and spices. Buyers can request a third burner or a dishwasher, depending on needs. Electrical panels and the simplified CZone control system are neatly installed nearby, with battery breakers, bilge pump controls, and generator switching all easy to access.

To starboard, the salon features a convertible seating area with ample storage underneath, including room for air handlers and provisioning supplies. A drop-down TV is integrated opposite, and CZone touchscreen control makes lighting, tank monitoring, and systems management straightforward. The forward interior section includes additional storage, a wine and liquor locker, and can be configured either as an interior helm station or a small office space with loveseat seating.

Owner's Cabin

The owner’s stateroom is located to starboard and takes full advantage of the yacht’s 2m (6.6ft) headroom and large windows. There’s a good-sized hanging locker, bedside shelving, exposed storage, and full climate control with USB ports and a wall-mounted control panel. The bed is low for comfort, with a modified queen mattress and surrounding floor space that allows easy movement. An overhead hatch and side portholes give cross-ventilation and natural light.

The ensuite features a two-person walk-in shower with a wood grid floor, rain shower, and ample headroom. There’s a vanity, open shelving, storage cabinetry, and an opening porthole for fresh air. It’s compact but thoughtfully designed, striking a practical balance for long stays on board.

Guest Accommodation

The port hull hosts the guest accommodation, with a mirrored cabin offering the same modified queen berth, windows, and hatches as the master. It includes vanity space, bedside cubbies, and integrated storage throughout. Additional features like a fold-up phone holder, nightstand shelves, and a mirror with nearby outlets make it practical for working or living aboard.

There’s also a cute extra cabin or utility room forward. Designed flexibly, it includes deep storage drawers, a wine cooler, washer-dryer combo, and quality fans. Though low in headroom, it’s ideal for kids or overflow guests, and can be converted into an office or workshop. In three or four cabin versions, this space shifts layout to include a perpendicular bed and a full head forward.

Accessed through the cockpit, the engine compartments on both hulls are mirror layouts, with wide openings, secure handrails and plenty of headroom. One side houses the 9kW generator, with all key systems laid out for easy servicing. Fuel tanks are split between both hulls for a total of 1,098L (290 gallons).

This hull features twin Volvo Penta D4-300s in straight shaft configuration. The standard spec is twin D4-230s, but the upgrade to 300hp gives faster acceleration and easier planing. All seacocks and filters are in reach, and the engine rooms house separate AGM engine batteries. The house battery bank is centrally located beneath the salon table to keep weight balanced.

A foil-assist version is currently under testing, with a fixed foil mounted between hulls and winglets on the aft sponsons. Paired with the 300hp engines, early results show up to 30% efficiency gains at speed. Buyers will also have the option of Yanmar 370s in the future. The foiling version targets cruising speeds from 20 knots upward, offering reduced drag and enhanced performance in choppy conditions.

The Aquila 42 Yacht made its debut at the Miami International Boat Show 2023 as the smallest model in the brand’s Yacht range, but she punches above her weight with an uber-functional layout, clever storage solutions, and serious liveaboard appeal. Designed by VPLP and built with foil-ready hull geometry, she brings cruising cat performance into sharper focus. From her convertible flybridge and clever cockpit bar stools to the thoughtful interior configuration, this is a 42-footer with the volume and versatility of something far larger. Whether cruising as a couple, hosting a dozen friends, or preparing for longer-term living, the Aquila 42 makes it all feel easy.