The Aquador 400 HT is the biggest boat that Aquador has ever built. The smaller boats in this range are brilliantly packaged and full of clever ideas, so there are high hopes for this, especially with the designers having more space to work with.
It’s aimed at owners who want to go further without stepping up to a much bigger yacht. It's pretty good value too - €560,000 ex VAT in show spec with a pair of diesel engines.
Aquador 400HT Key Facts
- LOA 39.698ft
- Model Year
- Cabins 3
- Max Speed 37 knots
- Status In Production
- Yacht Type Cruiser
- Use Type Dayboating
Review Video
Aquador, now part of Sweden’s Nimbus Group, has stayed true to its Finnish roots - practical design, solid performance, and smart use of space. Since 1995, it’s focused on compact cabin cruisers, and in 2022, the range was overhauled with three Hard-Top models: the 250HT, 300 HT, and now the flagship 400 HT.
All three models follow a clear formula: deep-V AquaDynamic hulls, tall freeboards, and hard tops with sliding sunroof panels and canvas enclosures for all-weather use. The 250HT is a neat little weekender, the 300HT suits short cruising with the family, and the 400 HT builds on both with longer legs, more space, and a broader cruising brief.
Compared to the 300, the 400 HT is in another bracket altogether - nearly 3m (9.8ft) longer, 70cm wider, and built to sleep 6-8. It carries more fuel and water, includes air conditioning, and is CE Category B rated for offshore passages. It was actually designed ahead of the smaller models, acting as the foundation for the range and giving Aquador room to stretch the concept further.
Design was led by Karl Norschau (Meyer Norschau Design) in collaboration with Aquador’s in-house team, taking the brand’s existing strengths - stability, efficient cruising, and smart layouts - and pushing them into a more contemporary mould. The hull has a fine entry and well-placed spray rails, helping it plane easily without demanding big horsepower. The upright bow and tall freeboard lift the interior space without upsetting the boat’s proportions.
That translates into generous headroom below and wide berths, especially forward, while the overall shape remains sharp thanks to strong lines and dark hull windows. Safety’s been kept front and centre too, with high rails, non-slip decks, integrated grab points, and a rigid hard-top with thick safety glass and padded lining to keep noise down and comfort up. Materials follow the same logic. EcoTeak decking, made from recycled plastic and sawdust, offers teak’s look without the upkeep, and solar integration is under consideration.
Where the 300HT works for weekends and short breaks, the 400HT is a genuine cruising platform. Twin inboard diesels and an efficient hull let it cover distance comfortably at a 25-knot cruise. It still shares the family feel - safe walkarounds, convertible interiors, weatherproof deck space - but everything’s been scaled up. More room, more capability, and a clear focus on onboard living.
In the cockpit, the layout prioritises volume of seating. With accommodation for six below, there’s more than enough room up here for everyone to gather around the table in comfort. You could argue there’s a bit too much seating between the two social zones, but they do serve different purposes. This is the space for proper dining - the sunpad setup gives a better balance if lounging is the focus.
The side enclosures are a familiar Marex touch. These sections will allow the cockpit to be fully enclosed in seconds, then stow into compartments built into the moulding. It’s a tidy solution that doesn’t compromise other storage. Overhead, there are skylights for natural light and ventilation, complete with blinds, and the roof panels are electric as standard. There are sliding windows on either side, too, giving plenty of control over airflow.
The seating bases lift easily with one hand, and the compartments are lined and easy to access. The galley sits directly opposite, keeping the flow simple: cook on one side, serve on the other, and everyone stays part of the same conversation.
Touch points like the table and stainless steel fittings feel solid, smooth, and well-finished. Opposite sits the wet bar-style galley, which is sensibly specced for a 40-footer. Twin sinks, a diesel hob, and a bit of natural ventilation from the overhead hatches and a side window. With the back of the saloon open, airflow should be decent enough to stop things getting smoky when cooking inside.
Appliances can be configured to suit - there’s the option to add a microwave or an extra drawer fridge, depending on how much galley use you’re expecting. There’s also cutlery storage, although the lid could really do with a catch or support, as it’s likely to fall shut unless held. Storage overall is generous, though, with soft-close drawers and lined lockers below the counter, consistent with the level of finish across the rest of the boat.
There are grab rails running through the galley area as well, which makes good sense when moving around underway. Cooling space includes a decent fridge under the counter, plus an optional drawer fridge tucked just below. And there’s even a drinks fridge hidden under the dinette seating, giving you cold storage at both the galley and the lounge - a useful detail that makes entertaining that bit easier.
The lower deck is reserved for sleeping quarters, while the main living space sits above. There are three cabins in total, starting amidships with two private doubles set across the beam. The beds sit low in the space as you step down into them rather than climb up - but once in, there's enough width for a couple. Headroom over the berths is limited, especially at the forward end, though there's a bit more clearance in the starboard cabin.
Storage is modest. No hanging lockers, just a few hooks for jackets and some drawers hidden behind wall panels. Each cabin also includes a small bench seat, which adds a touch of practicality. The light oak finish keeps things clean but can feel a little stark - darker wood and personal touches would easily warm it up. Still, the berths themselves are a decent size, especially in the forward cabin, which serves as the main double.
Aft of the main double, underneath the saloon, are two more guest cabins, one to port and one to starboard. Both have proper doors, which is worth noting, as not every layout in this size bracket offers genuine privacy across all cabins. The port cabin’s berth runs athwartships, while the starboard is angled, each occupying the rear half of the cabin.
Clearance above the beds is tight due to the low saloon floor, and sitting upright in the aft end isn’t really an option for adults. That said, the cabin entrances are cleverly designed - step down near the door and the headroom increases in stages, thanks to the stepped flooring above. There’s also a recessed footwell, making space to stand and get changed, along with a seat and a full-height hanging locker built into each entryway. Natural light is well managed, too, with hull windows in two tiers plus opening portholes, so the cabins feel brighter and less enclosed than you'd expect.
In practice, these cabins suit one adult or two children each - two adults could make it work for shorter trips, but for longer cruising, they’d likely prefer the forward master and use one of the aft cabins for extra storage or kids. Still, Aquador markets the boat as capable of sleeping six adults, and for family cruising, the layout holds up well.
All three cabins share a single head compartment, located to starboard at the base of the stairs. Space has been used well here - angled bulkheads make room for a separate shower cubicle, toilet, and sink unit. For a 40-foot cruiser, a proper shower stall (rather than a curtain over a wetroom) is a bonus. Headroom is decent, and natural light helps prevent it from feeling too enclosed.
Six people sharing one bathroom will always mean a bit of juggling in the morning, but it’s a well-sized space that adds real liveaboard capability to the 400HT’s layout.
The helm here closely echoes the 300HT, which had a superb driving position during testing, and it's the same story on the 400. The seating gives great support, and the key controls fall naturally underhand. There’s no stretching or leaning to reach the important stuff, which makes a big difference over a longer stint at the wheel.
Visibility is excellent, thanks to slim mullions and a deep wraparound windscreen that really opens up the forward view. There’s a clean dash layout with a mix of digital and physical controls - modern without being overdone. Switches handle the essentials, so you’re not stuck digging through screens for everything.
As for engine options, there are three: Mercury 270hp inboards, Volvo Penta D4-320s on stern drives (as fitted here, with the optional joystick), or twin outboards. The Volvo setup gives a top end around 37 knots, while the twin 350 outboards push it beyond 40 knots. Not just quick, but flexible too - this is one of the few boats in its class built from the start to take either inboard or outboard propulsion, with no compromise either way.
That said, the lighting controls are a bit of a faff. Everything’s routed through the screen, which does offer plenty of adjustment, but there’s no simple switch to light the place up when you step aboard. A small thing, but it could be better.
Otherwise, it’s all solid. Ventilation is covered with windows on either side and a pair of standard electric hatches overhead. The build quality around the helm feels spot on - good materials, padded roof liner, sharp finish. And with the flip-up bolster, you’ve got options to sit back, perch up, or stand with a clear view ahead.
The first thing that stands out is the sheer size of the aft platform. It takes the familiar layout from the 300HT and scales it up with confidence. On the port side, there’s a stern anchor - standard setup in the Nordics, though a bow anchor is available if preferred. Storage access is fuss-free. Lift the hatch - the cushion stays attached, the gas ram holds it open - and you’ve got a place for fenders, covers, whatever needs stashing. The platform itself stays on the same level as the cockpit, so movement between the interior and exterior is seamless. The teak-tread steps built into the bulwarks rise directly to the side decks, again borrowing from the 300HT, but with a more refined finish here.
The aft seating area is a central feature. It’s well placed for lounging at anchor, with a clear line over the stern - ideal for enjoying quiet water or keeping an eye on swimmers. The table drops electrically to cushion height, turning it into a sunpad, and underneath is the engine room access.
Side Decks & Foredeck
The approach on the foredeck echoes what they did on the 300 – a low-profile silhouette with a surprising amount of freeboard. The upright bow gives you extra interior volume without bulking up the lines, so it still looks sharp from the outside.
The side deck access is fairly steep, and once you're up there, the decks themselves are narrow - it's very much a one-foot-in-front-of-the-other situation. That said, there are toe rails, and there’s a continuous grab rail along the roof, which makes moving forward feel relatively secure.
Up at the bow, that rail ends, but guardrails pick up the job, continuing down either side of the sunpad area. It’s not a huge space, but it’s been made as practical as possible. The whole surface can be flattened out for sunbathing, or you can lift the pop-up backrests if you’re stopped or cruising gently.
There are cup holders, slots for loose items, and a large hatch bringing light into the cabin below. Deck hardware is neatly recessed to keep the layout clean, and the cleats are positioned for access through the side deck windows. No bow anchor on this particular spec, but that’s available as an option.
The engine room access is two-stage - once the electric hatch lifts, there’s a manual hatch underneath that gives you a bit more space to move. It’s a 40-footer, so you’re not expecting a huge machinery space, but there’s more room than you might think. There’s also a quick-access hatch from the cockpit for routine checks, plus a forward access point if deeper work is needed.
Ventilation and natural light help keep the space workable during the day, which makes a difference when you’re doing anything beyond the usual. With twin inboards, there’s enough room to move around both sides and reach the aft end of the engines. Opt for the outboards, and the entire space turns into an enormous storage area.
At the time of writing, a well-specified 400HT came in at around €560,000 ex VAT. Does that represent good value for money? The thing about Aquador is that they may be small, but they are high-quality boats. The fit and finish, attention to detail and standard of components are all very good, so yes, you may pay more than the equivalent Benetau, for example, but you're getting a classier boat.
Our Options & Pick
In terms of specs, we think the Volvo D4 320s with the sterndrive joystick would suit the boat very well and make it very manageable for those who are early in their boat owning journey. The layout with the sun pad and tender garage may be worth investigating, too. Though the aft dinette is pleasant, there's enough seating already, and the ability to carry a small tender will make it easier to explore shallower, more remote destinations.
Our Verdict
The 400HT doesn't quite meet the promise of its smaller sister, which is one of the best boats in its sector. It doesn't feel as though the design hangs together as well, despite the fact that the designers had more space to play with. Below, there is a lot of cabin space with just one bathroom, and on deck, so much seating it's hard to know what to do with it. On the plus side, the 400HT feels like a well-built craft with plenty of sensible, practical detailing and excellent levels of deck storage. With its clever cover system, it's also a great "lock up and leave" boat that you can use easily all year round. The fact that it's available with outboards may broaden its appeal in comparison to its rivals.
The YachtBuyer Score provides a clear, category-by-category assessment of how the yacht performs in the areas that matter most. In this review, the Aquador 400HT receives an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars.
Reasons to Buy
- Value for Money
- Spacious cockpit
- Good variety of engine options
- Quality finish
- Excellent storage space
Things to Consider
- Only one bathroom
- Cramped accommodation
- Too much cockpit seating?
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Rivals to Consider
The Nimbus C11 sleeps six - same as the 400HT - and leans toward owners who put a premium on performance and fuel efficiency. It’s happy cruising at 26 knots, and the shallow draft opens up more options in skinnier water. The asymmetrical deck layout gives you a wider starboard side deck, which makes moving around on deck that bit safer and easier.
The Marex 375 also sleeps six and is geared more toward longer spells on board. It’s got a generous cockpit, a properly fitted-out galley, and practical touches like sliding side doors and an aft canopy system that keep the airflow moving and simplify deck access.
The Targa 37 trims down to five berths across two cabins, so it’s a bit tighter on accommodation. But for shorter runs or weekend use, it still holds up well. The flybridge seats five, adding height and visibility along with another good outdoor spot when the weather plays ball.
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 400HT
- Length Overall 39.698ft
- Beam 12.992ft
- Hull Fibreglass
- Cabins 3
- Berths 6
- Yacht Type (Primary) Cruiser
- Use Type (Primary) Dayboating
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 185 Gallons
- Fresh Water Capacity 58 Gallons
- Engine Model 2x Volvo Penta D4-320
Aquador 400HT Layout
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Main Deck
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![Main Deck Aquador 400HT]()
The aft seating module is a nice touch. It lifts to reveal engine room access
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Lower Deck
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![Lower Deck Aquador 400HT]()
Sleeping the maximum six adults with just one bathroom could be an issue
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