First presented at the Düsseldorf Boat Show 2023, and priced at €240,000 with a single Yanmar V8 as standard - or €256,000 with a few extras, excluding VAT - it now sits in a very competitive part of the market. We got the opportunity at Finn Boat to take a proper look around, tour it inside and out, and, most importantly, see how the 300HT drives.
Aquador 300HT Key Facts
- LOA 30' 5"
- Model Year 2023
- Cabins 1
- Status In Production
- Yacht Type Sportscruiser
- Use Type Dayboating
Test & Review Video
This boat comes fitted with the Zipwake system, handling both pitch and roll, though in auto-trim mode, it’s a touch too eager to correct the roll for my liking. The pitch is no problem at all, but to get it sitting just right on the water especially with a few people on board, it's better to do it manually. A few small adjustments, and the boat settles in beautifully - calm, balanced, and confident.
The 300HT is meant to be made for comfortable cruising at 28 knots. With a range of 250nm, you can just keep on going. That said, we did test it with a set of 250hp outboards, pushing it past 40 knots, which, according to Aquador, was just a bit too much, so they’re scaling back the outboard options. The single Yanmar 370 V8 feels much more in tune with the boat’s character.
The handling is lovely. The boat grips the water, and the steering has just the right amount of weight to it - precise but not twitchy. Conditions on test were very calm so we tried to test it through the crosswake of other boats. The 300HT doesn't have a razor-sharp hull slicing through the chop as it carries a fair bit of beam forward, so throttle management is key. Charge in too hard, and you’ll feel it, but ease off and approach sensibly, and it deals with things just fine.
At low speeds, there’s no joystick control, but honestly, you don’t need it. The stern drive setup makes it very manoeuvrable. The leg swings from side to side, and with a powerful bow thruster, docking and tight manoeuvres are intuitive.
In 2022, Aquador had a fresh start with its first new range of boats in over two decades. The latest models have been completely reworked inside and out, with a new hardtop design and a new AquaDynamic hull. This hull is designed to help the boat plane at lower speeds while needing less oomph to reach a comfortable cruising pace. Aquador has also updated its construction methods, using vacuum infusion to optimise material use and minimise waste during production.
The Aquador 300 HT, designed by Karl Norschau and Klaus Lamminpää of Bella Boats, is a blend of Scandinavian heritage with modern technology. The aim was to create a sporty cruiser that has comfort, a bit of luxury, and plenty of space. A key goal for Aquador is to make you feel like you're on a bigger boat than you actually are, and this one does a good job of packing a lot into its footprint.
Despite the boat’s low profile, there’s standing headroom where you wouldn’t expect it, plus deep, drained storage for stashing kit. The cockpit can also be converted into an extra sleeping area if you're hosting guests, with the wraparound canopy and Hard-Top working together to create a cosy, cabin-like space. Everything is well thought out, from the neatly clipped lines in the engine bay to the sturdy mouldings and carefully placed fittings. The helm is a great spot to be, with three forward-facing seats, a split sunroof for fresh air when you want it, and all the controls right where they should be.
The detailing is spot on, too. The woodwork feels solid and well-finished, with soft-close runners, sturdy catches, and smart inlaid Aquador logos. The walnut cabinetry gives it a warm, upmarket feel, and the amidships cabin is a real surprise.
Engine Room
Getting into the engine room couldn’t be simpler. There’s a switch just above the wet bar, hit that and the powered ram lifts the hatch, giving you easy step-down access. One of the advantages of a single-engine setup is there's a lot of extra space around it so there’s no awkward stretching or fumbling about for routine checks of the raw water strainer, fuel filter and dipstick.
Everything down here is impressively neat and tidy. The lines are clipped in properly, and the whole layout is well-organised. For engine choices, there are Volvo or Yanmar inboards or outboards. This particular boat is fitted with a Yanmar 370 V8 inboard on a stern drive.
From the outside, the boat has a lovely low profile, so you wouldn’t expect to be able to stand up comfortably in the cabin, but somehow, they’ve made it work. There’s a small entranceway with a sofa-bench where you can sit to take your shoes off, next to the forward berth. They’ve padded out this whole section so you can lean back and use it like a proper seat. For storage, there's some shelving and a really deep locker tucked in here too. Just like upstairs, the walnut woodwork gives the space a warm, high-quality feel.
In the amidship's cabin, over the berth, there’s still plenty of clearance overhead, which isn’t always the case on a boat of this size. There’s a nice big hanging locker too and under-bed storage. These are proper deep lockers with gas rams holding them open, making it easy to chuck in suitcases, extra kit, or anything else you don’t want cluttering up the cabin. Natural light is decent as well, thanks to the long door, a couple of hull windows, and a roof hatch you can pop open for extra ventilation.
In the bathroom, the headroom is a little tighter in here because the floor level is raised, but at 6ft, you can just about stand up. A shower might be a bit snug, but it’s quite normal in a boat of this size.
There are three forward-facing seats - two positioned right opposite the helm and one in the prime driving position. It’s very protected, sat nice and high with an excellent forward view, a solid handhold, and a bit of storage within reach. It’s nice to have space for three people to sit up front, all involved in the journey rather than feeling like passengers and there’s a reassuringly solid grab handle for the passenger seat as well. Above, there's a split sunroof, with independent controls for each side. If one person fancies a blast of fresh air while another prefers to stay sheltered, it can be set up just how you like.
If the weather’s not quite right for an open roof, there’s also a manual sliding window by the helmsman - something that’s always good to see. It’s great for a bit of extra ventilation but also makes it easier to communicate with the crew. The seat itself is adjustable, with a bolster and sliding function to get the perfect position. The throttle is positioned nicely, allowing you to sit back and reach everything comfortably. Visibility is good forward and aft as well.
As standard, the helm comes with a single MFD, but our test boat had the upgraded triple-screen helm. It feels a little indulgent as probably a double MFD set up would do the job just fine, but it does make it easy to lay out your data just how you want it. Everything is digital - no analogue dials at all - but the chart, engine info, and other displays are easy to read. The finish is in a grey material that minimises glare. It’s not flashy, but it’s very functional.
Aft, there’s a fixed platform, which has lots of inlaid storage options - one for the stern anchor (a cost option). In the middle, there’s a big wet storage well, which is fully lined and drained, so if you’ve got damp kit or wet ropes, you can put them in here and let them drain off without making a mess.
There are mounts in the deck for a table, because this space can be turned into a lounge area for two if you go for the optional setup. So there are two table legs and a tabletop with cupholders that you can set up. The bench folds down from the transom and it makes for a very nice perch with a great view aft over the water.
In the cockpit, you immediately get a sense of how well this space has been thought out. This area feels very open but it can also be completely enclosed. The cover system is very neat - pull them out from their dedicated storage sections in the superstructure, their on rails so zip them together in the middle, and that's it, no need to find somewhere to stow them.
The quality in this area is spot on. The woodwork on the wet bar feels solid and well-finished, and the table is a quality highlight with an inlaid Aquador logo. It’s got cup holders, a sturdy handhold, and folds out into a decent-sized dining table. Better still, it’s adjustable, dropping down to create a sunbed or an extra sleeping area. There are curtains and blinds that fit onto the cover system, so you can properly enclose the space and sleep two more people.
The galley has an induction hob and a decent-sized sink, both of which hide away when not in use, so you’ve got extra prep space when you need it. The fridge is tucked down below, keeping everything in arm's reach. As for the finish, the woodwork is beautifully done, with soft-close runners and solid catches that give it a properly well-built feel.
Side Decks & Foredeck
As one of the standout features of the 300HT is the width of its cockpit and just how much living space they’ve managed to fit in, the trade-off, of course, is that the side decks aren’t exactly big - it’s very much a case of putting one foot in front of the other. The grab handle on top of the roof moulding is right where you need it, though, to steady yourself as you move forward. Once you’re past the superstructure, things open up, and getting onto the foredeck is much easier.
On the foredeck, there’s the option to add a sunbathing cushion if you want to make more use of the space. Right at the bow, the anchor locker is split, and the bow ladder is stowed here as well. This is a feature seen often in Scandinavian boats for stepping on and off all the small islands and bow access is often the way to go.
Our Verdict
The 300HT turns out to be one of the smartest package boats I’ve tested in a long time. It manages to deliver usable living space, some thoughtful detailing, and a genuinely enjoyable helm in a size and price bracket where compromises usually show through quickly. There is still a little fine-tuning needed with the trim to get the driving feel just right, butas an all-rounder, the 300HT makes a very strong case for itself.
Reasons to Buy
- Enclosable cockpit
- Lots of glass in the hardtop
- Good headroom
- Easy engine access
Things to Consider
- Narrow side decks
- Limited shower space
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Rivals to Consider
The Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1095 is a strong contender in the 10m (32ft) range. It offers three cabins (six berths plus extra) and a convertible saloon, giving more below-deck sleeping options than many in its class. It cruises comfortably, hits around 37 knots in its faster trim, and trades off some volume for a sleeker profile. The Coupé layout gives a more enclosed feel, which helps in cooler climates as well.
If your priority shifts toward range, comfort, and long days on the water rather than outright speed, the Beneteau Swift Trawler 30 is worth a look. Its cockpit can transform into a terrace over the sea, adding connection to the aft. She comes with one or two cabins, and emphasizes fuel economy and offshore stability over sprint speeds. She’ll not match the Aquador when pushed, but in cruising mode she may beat it in comfort, range and a gentler ride.
Considering a new boat? Explore Aquador's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.
Specifications
- Builder Aquador
- Model 300HT
- Length Overall 30' 5"
- Beam 10' 7"
- Hull Fibreglass
- Cabins 1
- Berths 4
- Yacht Type (Primary) Sportscruiser
- Use Type (Primary) Dayboating
- Fuel Capacity 125 Gallons
- Fresh Water Capacity 38 Gallons
- Engine Model 1x Volvo Penta D4-320
Aquador 300HT Layout
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Main Deck
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![Main Deck Aquador 300HT]()
There's plenty of seating inside the broad cockpit
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Lower Deck
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![Lower Deck Aquador 300HT]()
The separate amidships cabin improves privacy with guests on board
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