Aquila 42 Coupé Review (2025 Edition) by NautiStyles

On Deck

The swim platform spans the space between the twin Mercury 400 V10 outboards on the 42. Unlike a monohull where the engines cut into deck space, here you still get a centre swim platform - generous in size and fitted with a big, easy-access ladder. From there, wide side decks and safe, solid port and starboard cockpit doors make movement around the boat straightforward. Non-skid sections and stainless steps provide secure footing whether you're heading forward to handle dock lines or stepping up to the hardtop.

The cockpit area is set up for relaxed outdoor living. An electric sunshade extends to shade the seating area and retracts neatly when no longer needed. The cockpit furniture includes a flexible module that can function as either extra seating or an outdoor bar, complete with drinks fridge and built-in trash bin. Twin backrests and multiple speaker zones add to the laid-back comfort. Generous storage lockers line the aft section - some large enough to stow away a paddleboard or tender - with easy push-button access.

Forward, at the bow, there’s comfortable seating for four, cup holders tucked in beside thick cushions, speakers built into the coamings, and deep lockers for lines and fenders. Both freshwater and saltwater washdown connections are here, and there’s a windlass locker with remote switch and exposed bridle points. Optional poles can support a sunshade over the entire area. It’s the kind of foredeck you’d happily claim for a quiet morning coffee or a sunset drink.

The hardtop is equipped with a sliding sunroof and optional solar panels. The whole setup makes good use of the space without ever feeling cramped - mainly thanks to the catamaran platform, so everything feels that bit roomier than expected on a 42-footer.

Step inside and you’re greeted by a bright, open-plan layout with a single-level saloon that connects directly to the cockpit. The galley is aft on the starboard side, tying in naturally with the outdoor cooking area to feel like one extended space. It’s well-equipped too: fridge-freezer drawers, induction cooktop, microwave, deep sink, plenty of overhead and under-counter storage, and even a built-in bin. There's also loads of underfloor storage, including technical access for pumps and air-con systems, plus space for dry provisioning.

To port is the L-shaped dinette, with seating for four around a fixed table that drops down to form a daybed or an extra berth with a fill-in cushion. You could easily dine here with six if the weather turned. Large windows flood the space with light and offer full 360-degree views, while a TV drops down from the overhead for movie nights. The saloon flows effortlessly out through a large sliding glass door to the aft deck, reinforcing the easy connection between inside and out.

Owner's Cabin

The owner’s cabin occupies the port hull and feels slightly more generous in floor space than the starboard guest suite. Natural light enters through a large hull window, and there’s a full queen berth with overhead hatch and reading lights. The cabin includes a hanging locker, drawers, built-in shelves, and good headroom - even above the bed, where you’ll often find compromises on other boats.

The ensuite bathroom is where the difference becomes more noticeable. It features a spacious separate shower with a clever sliding door that tucks completely out of the way, along with a freshwater toilet, mirrored vanity cabinet, and extra storage beneath the sink and on the wall. It’s a clever, comfortable space that doesn’t feel like a squeeze.

For privacy, there's a partial sliding door to close off the hull and a second door if you want complete separation.

Guest Accommodation

The guest suite sits in the starboard hull and mirrors much of the owner’s layout. It also features a queen berth, overhead hatch, reading lights, and a large hull window. Storage includes a hanging locker and outboard shelving, and the headroom remains excellent throughout.

Its ensuite bathroom is slightly more compact than the owner’s, but still includes everything needed: a sink with under-counter storage, freshwater toilet, and a separate one-person shower with an opening porthole. Again, smart use of space makes it feel practical and comfortable, whether you're on for a few days or a week-long charter.

This model runs on twin 400hp Mercury V10 outboards, paired with Aquila’s Hydro Glide carbon fibre semi-foiling system. The foil is fixed, so there's no moving parts or pitch control to worry about - and begins generating lift at around 17 knots. The result is improved range, speed, and fuel efficiency, with the boat lifting subtly onto the foil at cruising speeds. The system works passively with the hull, allowing you to fine-tune ride and efficiency using engine trim alone.

Top speed is 46-47 mph, with a fast cruise around 35-37 mph. Despite the performance, the fuel burn remains efficient, especially considering it’s only running on two engines. The hull itself is double-stepped and resin-infused using vinyl ester, delivering strength and rigidity. The deck and superstructure are built as one continuous mould for added stiffness at speed, reinforced further with carbon fibre at high-stress points.

There’s also a Fisher Panda diesel generator in one of the aft compartments, which are otherwise dedicated to storage in this outboard version. A flush system for the engines is integrated, and with the drives tilted up, the draft drops below 3ft (91.4cm), letting you nose right up to the beach.

The Aquila 42 Coupé has got real living space on a single level, two ensuite cabins, and clever touches throughout, like deep underfloor storage, a galley that flows straight out to the cockpit, and a sunshade that makes the deck still usable in the heat.

At speed, it surprises. The fixed foil lifts the hull around 17 knots, giving you more efficiency and stability without needing more power. It cruises fast, stays light on fuel, and with a draft under three feet, you can practically park it on the beach. The layout feels bigger than the numbers suggest, and handling is straightforward - even for a couple or a bareboat charter.