You get big-boat features on the Aquila 46 Yacht, with a five-cabin layout, full-beam owner's space, and a foil. It costs around £1 million and stays under 15.2m (50ft), but offers the volume and flexibility of something much, much larger.
So where’s the catch? On paper, it looks like too much boat for the money. In reality, it’s one of the best-rounded packages Aquila has launched so far. Read on to find out more.
Review Video
The Aquila 46 replaces one of the most successful power catamarans in its class. More than 200 Aquila 44s were sold, but this is far more than an update of a successful blueprint.
The 46 is a new design from the ground up, created in partnership with J&J Design and built by Sino Eagle Yachts using modern composite methods. It gains just over one metre in length and half a metre in beam compared to the 44, but the effect of those changes runs through every part of the structure.
The hull and deck are vacuum-infused using vinylester resin and PVC foam core, with no plywood used in the structure. Bulkheads are also resin-infused composites, helping to reduce weight and increase stiffness. The result is a cleaner, lighter hull built to CE Category A standards - one step up from the Aquila 44’s original B rating, and an important upgrade for offshore use.
Beneath the waterline, the hulls are fitted with Aquila’s signature wave-piercing bows, each one topped with a moulded breakaway tip designed to shear off safely in a collision. The bridge deck clearance has been increased to reduce wave slap and improve comfort in head seas.
Aquila also offers its Hydro Glide foil system as an option - a fixed steel wing that spans between the hulls, providing lift at speed and reducing drag. The claimed fuel efficiency gain is around 30% at cruising speed, with a softer ride as a secondary benefit. It won’t suit every owner, but those doing longer passages may find the return worthwhile.
Engine choices include twin Volvo D4 320hp units as standard, with options for D6 480s or 550hp Yanmars. All are shaft drives, and the hull design has been built around steady, long-range cruising rather than high-speed handling.
The foil option was factored into the hull structure from the start, and its mounting points are reinforced within the mould. With the 480hp engines, top speed is around 20 knots, and cruising at 17 knots gives a range of roughly 250nm.
One of the most important changes in the 46’s design is the shift in how the volume is used. The owner’s cabin has moved from the port hull, as it was in the 44, to a central position on the main deck. That change frees up both hulls for guest cabins or alternate layouts, and brings more glass into the forward profile to boost natural light. The 46 can be configured with three, four, or five cabins. It is more flexible, and it makes better use of the extra width and length.
The increased beam (now 7.1m/23ft 3in) brings benefits to every level of the boat. The hulls carry more volume, the weight distribution is more even, and the platform feels steadier in a seaway. The wider stance also allows for more fuel storage, increased access to systems, and a better separation of spaces on board.
Step inside, and the first thing that hits you is the size of the galley. For a boat under 15.2m (50ft), it feels enormous. The amount of countertop is impressive, and because the galley is split across the beam, you get space to move around without brushing past other people.
The connection to the cockpit is a big part of that. With the window open and the bar set up outside, the whole aft section works as one space. Aquila has removed the central support post that featured in older models, so now it is a clear opening straight through, and it makes a big difference from inside the saloon.
Cooking is handled by an induction hob with an oven below and a microwave above. On the opposite side, a full-height American-style fridge freezer provides serious cooling space, backed up by a wine cooler built into the base of the unit. There is dedicated bottle storage here, too. It all feels like it has been designed for people who actually spend time on board.
There is storage everywhere, and it's not just about how much space you get, but how accessible it is. You do not have to move cushions or open fiddly panels to get even the deeper storage voids.
To starboard, the saloon table drops to form a daybed, which pairs with a ceiling-mounted TV that swings down for evening use. There is room to stretch out and watch a film or tuck away with a book.
Aquila fits CZone as standard, so all the lighting and systems run through preset modes. Press a single button, and everything powers up or shuts down. There is no need to flick individual switches or dive into breaker panels. The system is tucked neatly into a panel at the end of the saloon counter, alongside the VHF and stereo controls.
There is an option for a lower helm, but almost no one has specced it at this point. With the upper helm fully protected and most boats heading to fair-weather cruising grounds, the storage gained by leaving it out is too valuable to give up.
Owner's Cabin
This is one of the best features on the boat. You do not usually get an owner’s cabin like this under 50ft. It is forward on the main deck, full beam, and split across three sections: sleeping, working and the bathroom. It feels like the sort of cabin you would expect to see on a much bigger yacht.
The bed is on the centre line with space to walk around both sides. There is full standing headroom above, and natural light pours in through the massive side windows. You can move around the cabin freely without ducking or squeezing past furniture, and the use of glass means you always have a good view out.
A bureau desk takes up the space on the starboard side, set into its own corner with a seat and storage. Opposite that, more lockers and shelving run along the hull. Forward is the toilet compartment, completely separate with a solid door, and aft is the shower, again a dedicated cubicle so the two occupants can shower and use the toilet at the same time. In the middle, twin sinks sit out in the open, acting as a kind of divider between the bedroom and bathroom areas. It's another piece of design that gives the 46 that "big boat" feel.
The cabin is not on a single level, and that is one of the few trade-offs. You step up and down between sections, where the larger Aquila 50 Yacht has a flat deck. But the space you get more than makes up for that.
The four and five-cabin arrangements make the very most of the space on board, but for private owners, the standard three-cabin layout gives you this full-beam master with everything built around it.
Guest Accommodation
Guest cabins on multihulls used to be tucked away, crammed into the ends of the hulls with barely enough room to stand. The volume Aquila has unlocked in the hulls is genuinely impressive, so that is really not a problem.
Both guest cabins - in the 3-cabin arrangement - feel identical in size and layout. The only real difference is that one has a washer-dryer tucked into the lobby outside, with extra storage above. Inside, each cabin has a full double berth with side tables, reading lights, and proper headroom throughout. You are not climbing in from the foot of the bed or ducking to get dressed. You can stand, move around, and store your gear without compromise.
The storage in these cabins continues the theme from the rest of the boat. Hanging lockers, drawers, and deep shelves are all here. For guests staying more than a weekend, that makes a difference. There is space for luggage, not just clothes, and it is all easy to access without unpacking into strange corners.
Both cabins have private ensuite heads with separate shower cubicles. These are not wet rooms. You step into a proper shower space, with a solid screen and room to move. There is more storage in each head too - again, not just a token locker behind the mirror, but real space you can use.
It all adds up to a standard of guest accommodation that feels more like what you would expect on a larger yacht. The cabins are quiet, private, and generous in layout. They do not feel like they are cut down to make the numbers work.
The access alone up to the flybridge helm makes a big difference. Being able to step straight up from the foredeck changes how the space works, because as the skipper, you are not running aft, down the side deck, and all the way forward. Instead, you can be there in seconds.
This is not a boat you throw around, but Aquila has still made sure it feels good from the helm itself. Twin helm seats sit side by side, each with individual bolsters and armrests. You can sit, stand, lean, and everything stays within reach. The footrest is well-positioned, the wheel is adjustable, the throttles fall easily to hand, and visibility is clear. It's a brilliant driving position.
The screens are big and well laid out. Two Raymarine displays flank a central Volvo engine monitor. Below that is a manual compass, with deep cup holders on either side that can hold drinks or small devices. Aquila has even built in a slot for phones and tablets, complete with a charge point. Handholds are solid and right where they need to be.
This is a multihull, so straight away there’s plenty of beam to enjoy. On the aft platform, the lower sections on either side are flat and broad, with that raised hump in the centre marking out the tunnel between the hulls.
There’s no drop-down platform here as you get on the 15.2m Aquila 50, but you do get Aquila’s tender lift system. It’s a neat, built-in crane that stays tucked away until needed. Swing it out, hook on, lift up to 450 kilograms, and drop the tender onto the deck. Simple. It’s all powered from a switch in the cockpit, right next to the deck shower.
The boarding ladder hides under a flush hatch in the middle. It’s a proper ladder too, and not the usual flimsy swim steps. There’s no dedicated seating right at the stern, but that actually keeps the space clear and easy to use. Whether you’re swimming, loading gear, or getting on and off a tender, there’s room to move and nothing in the way.
Cockpit
At the full beam of 7.1m (23ft 3in), the cockpit feels wide and open in a way that most monohulls of this length can only dream of. You can spec the boat with crew space if needed, but most owners will run it themselves. That makes deck handling details more important. You get full-sized cleats set high and low, giving options whether you’re side-to or stern-to, and the fairleads are big enough to take serious line loads. There’s no dedicated line locker, which would have helped keep things tidy, but the moulded ledge around the edge gives you somewhere to coil and stow them off the deck.
Then there’s the bar. It’s a big part of what makes the cockpit such an appealing place to hang out. A pair of chunky stools align with the counter, and the galley window lifts on gas struts to open the space right through.
It's a great space, and there is a mass of storage beneath the deck, though they could have done a better job of integrating the deck drain, which is made of white plastic and stands out like a sore thumb.
Side Decks & Foredeck
The side decks feel like they belong on a 60-foot monohull. They are wide, flat, and secure, with railings that come up to a good height and stay sturdy all the way forward.
Once forward, there is room to spread out. A large sunpad sits in the centre, flanked by raised benches and forward-facing seats tucked right into the forepeaks. The backrests flip up in multiple positions, so you can stretch out, sit upright, or face aft toward the flybridge. It is flexible and well thought out.
Storage is outstanding. On many boats this size, the forward lockers feel like a bit of an afterthought. That is not the case on the 46; these are deep, dry, and easy to climb into, with enough space to hold a full set of fenders and still have room to spare. One sits directly below the sunpad, with a second mirrored opposite. It is not crew accommodation, as you would find on a larger model, but it offers real storage volume where it counts.
Between the lockers is the anchor gear, cleanly laid out and easy to reach. From here, you can also see the increased bridge clearance between the hulls. Aquila raised it over the 44 to reduce wave slap and help with the sneezing effect that can affect cats. They now claim it is the highest in class.
Flybridge
The flybridge is another area that feels big for a boat of this length. Aft of the helm, a long L-shaped seating area wraps around a folding table. There is a bar station opposite, with storage underneath and space for guests to stand behind the helm while underway. Further aft, a proper outdoor galley includes a twin grill setup, sink, and chilled storage below. At the very back, a full-width sunpad gives guests a place to stretch out.
Even here, Aquila has thought about the detail. The sunpad has fixed armrests with cup holders built in, so you do not have to reach for a drink or prop yourself up awkwardly. The height of the hardtop matters too, as on some boats this size, the roof sits quite low. Here, there's plenty of clearance, even for those well over 6ft tall.
This is where the benefits of a multihull quite literally run deep. Drop down into either of the engine rooms and the space you find is amazing for a boat of this size.
One hatch for each hull, and they're big with gas-assisted struts and non-slip surrounds. You lift the lid and climb straight down into a full-height compartment that swallows the engines with ease, and there is space to work around everything with no need to crouch.
The engines do not take up all the space, as the smaller 480hp Volvos appear lost in the volume available. Even if you opt for the larger 550hp Yanmars, you will still have clear access to every side. The shaft is visible and easy to reach, as is the generator, which sits just aft of the engine with clean space all around it. Fuel filters are mounted at eye level, with clear inspection bowls, so it's easy to check the quality of the fuel. Aquila’s engine spaces have come a long way.
For a 46 Yacht specified to the high standard of the boat we saw, the price in the UK will be around £1,200,000 ex VAT and considering the space and level of accommodation on board, that seems pretty strong value.
Value is a core principle for Aquila, and this is one of the benefits of building the boats in China. Simply, it costs a lot less than building in Europe or the US, and that cost saving is passed on to the consumer. In the early days, this could mean a pretty clear compromise in design and quality, but Aquila is a slick operation now and right up there with the Euro/US mass producers.
Our Options & Pick
Choosing between the bigger Volvos and Yanmars will come down to personal preference and parts/service availability, but we'd avoid the smaller Volvos as they might feel a bit underpowered when the boat is loaded. The foil is £20,000, so we'll have to reserve judgment until a sea trial to see if it's worth that significant outlay.
The layout, similarly, will depend on how you intend to use the boat, but as an owner/operator, the 3-cabin arrangement offers an excellent balance between owner and guest spaces.
We may be an outlier, but the lower helm addition adds versatility and means you can drive with some protection without having to arrange the covers on the flybridge. In warm waters, it's probably not necessary, but if you want to use the boat year-round in colder climates, the lower helm will come in handy.
Our Verdict
The Aquila 46 is more than a stretched 44 or squeezed 50. Aquila has improved the structure, reworked the layout, pushed the build quality, and delivered a platform that does more with the space it has. There are limits (speed, handling, and big beam in marinas), but those are part of what makes this design work. It's stable, carries its weight well, and gives owners excellent range and room within the 15.2m (50ft) shell. For private buyers or charter use, there’s very little else this size that uses its space better.
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 Aquila 46 Yacht receives an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Reasons to Buy
- Massive volume
- Excellent storage
- Flexible cabin arrangements
- Improved fit & finish
Things to Consider
- Wide in tight marinas
- Sedate performance
Looking to own a Aquila 46 Yacht ? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Aquila 46 Yacht Powercats for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Aquila 46 Yacht , customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used powercats for sale and find your perfect powercat today!
Rivals to Consider
The Prestige M48 offers a smooth, monohull-friendly entry into the catamaran world. At 14.8m (48ft 7in) with a 6m (19ft 8in) beam, it’s easier to berth than the Aquila and favours a softer, more styled interior with raised levels of finish. It doesn’t match the Aquila’s raw volume or layout flexibility, and there’s no foil option, but it delivers quiet cruising, strong design integration, and a refined feel throughout. It suits couples or families stepping up in comfort without needing the extra beam and deck space.
The Aquila 46 Coupe shares the hull but aims for a different buyer. It trades the flybridge for a lower profile and outboard or sterndrive propulsion, pushing top speed up to 43 knots. Beam drops to 5.5m (17ft 11in), so internal space is more limited, and the layout caps at three cabins. It suits buyers looking for performance, shelter, and short-hop usability rather than extended cruising or charter. For owner-drivers wanting pace and protection, it’s a compelling alternative. But for space, flexibility, and offshore use, the flybridge version still leads.
Considering a new powercat? Explore Aquila'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 Aquila
- Range Yachts
- Model 46 Yacht
- Length Overall 14.36m
- Beam 7.1m
- Draft 1.24m
- Hull GRP
- Cabins 3
- Berths 6
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 1,800 Litres
- Fresh Water Capacity 800 Litres
- Engine Model 2x Volvo Penta D6-480
- Engine max range (speed type) 250 (nm)
Aquila 46 Yacht Layout
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Flybridge
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![Flybridge Aquila 46 Yacht]()
The flybridge is probably the size of a 60ft monohull
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Main Deck
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Standard main deck layout
![Main Deck Aquila 46 Yacht]()
The standard main deck layout with dinette to starboard and galley to port
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Optional port side helm
![Main Deck Aquila 46 Yacht]()
The main deck with the optional helm fitted
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Lower Deck
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Standard 3 cabin layout
![Lower Deck Aquila 46 Yacht]()
The standard 3-cabin arrangement of the boat we reviewed
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Optional 4 cabin layout
![Lower Deck Aquila 46 Yacht]()
The 4-cabin arrangement goes into the space where the owner's bureau would be on the starboard side
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Optional 5 cabin layout
![Lower Deck Aquila 46 Yacht]()
The 5-cabin layout will no doubt be very popular with the charter fleets
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