aquila 70 ft catamaran

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Aquila 70 Reviewed

• By Michael Verson
• Updated: July 28, 2021

Between 50 and 70 feet length overall, everything changes. That’s especially true of multihull designs, where volume increases dramatically because of the vessel’s wider beam. Engines, onboard systems, space for the tender and more get upsized, creating a higher caliber of yacht.

The Aquila 70 is an example of this principle and shows how the builder transitioned from the production mindset to a semicustom mentality.

“The aesthetics and speed are what really drove the 70′s design,” says Lex Raas, president of Aquila product development. “The majority of powercats don’t perform; they have very wide beams, and with the wrong length-to-width ratio, you’re challenged on speed. We made our yacht perform.”

The 70′s design allows for a top-end speed north of 27 knots, also thanks to Aquila saving weight by using a higher ratio of carbon fiber on the 70′s construction than on its other boats. The builder worked on the running-surface design using computational fluid dynamics. “We did extensive CFD and tank-testing on the hull and running gear, even down to the rudder shape, to get those numbers,” Raas says. Stability was also a primary goal.

J&J Design, which has penned all of Aquila’s models, was tasked with creating a profile that didn’t look boxy. J&J used tinted glass, curves and a raked superstructure to achieve that goal. In profile, the yacht could pass as a 70-foot monohull.

The ride, as I discovered on a jaunt into the Gulf of Mexico from Clearwater, Florida, is pleasant but different than it would be aboard a similar-size monohull. There’s no rolling thanks to the twin-hull form; high up, it almost felt like the 70 was gliding over the water, rather than punching through it. The yacht reached a 27.3-knot top hop at 2,470 rpm, and the cruise speed at 2,000 rpm was 21.3 knots, with fuel consumption of 62 gallons per hour. The 1,000 hp Volvo Penta D13 diesels, paired with ZF 500-1 A gears, felt like the right power choice.

The forward section of the flybridge is enclosed, and the helm console is laid out well. There are three Stidd pilot seats, and there are lounges abaft for guests to enjoy the view underway. The open aft deck has a Kenyon grill, an Isotherm fridge and freezer, and a stainless-steel sink, making this place ideal for a barbecue on the hook.

The Portuguese bridge, which has joystick controls outboard to port and starboard, makes it easy to access the bow through centerline steps. There are also passageways along the side decks to move fore and aft on the main deck. Aft, stairs on both sides of the cockpit offer access to the water, while a custom tender is stowed in the transom, flush with the yacht.

Inside, Raas says, “the interior needed yachtlike DNA, so we incorporated the highest-end appliances, a proper dining table and Italian furniture.” Just forward of the cockpit is the 70′s main social area, measuring 300 square feet with 9-foot headroom, it has a galley with top-drawer appliances (see “Spacious Salon”) to starboard and a salon with a separate dining area to port. Fit-and-finish is excellent. Calming, light-colored Alpi wood covers the walls and ceiling, while details such as leather-wrapped, stainless-steel rails and a touchless faucet add a sense of subtle luxury.

The four-stateroom, five-head layout of Hull No. 1 (buyers can choose different layouts) includes a full-beam master stateroom, VIP staterooms aft that stretch along both sides, and a captain’s cabin that connects to the engine room. Thanks to windows everywhere, natural light permeates the spaces.

Looking at the yacht from the dock, the Aquila 70 is most certainly a catamaran. But step inside, and the yacht’s look and layout feel like a sizable monohull wrapped in luxury, speed and the comforts of home.

The King Treatment

The full-beam master stateroom forward has a table and lounge as well as a king-size berth occupying the central area, which is lit by windows along the sides. To starboard is an en suite with a private head, two sinks and a glass-enclosed shower. To port is stowage with pullout drawers, overhead cabinets, and a walk-in closet big enough for liveaboards.

Who Needs a Garage?

One of the highlights of the Aquila 70 is the custom-made Aquila tender, a 13-foot cat designed to be hoisted and secured between the yacht’s twin hulls. Designed by Morrelli & Melvin, the tender offers better stability than a similar-size monohull, with more carrying capacity. Aquila says the tender makes it easier to ferry people and gear to and from the dock, and that securing the tender flush against the deck is more efficient than hanging a tender off the stern. When the tender’s in the water, the platform can be used as a beach club.

Spacious Salon

The 300 sq. ft. salon/galley is populated with top brands for preparing meals (including a Gaggenau cooktop, oven, microwave, espresso machine and wine chiller) and for relaxing (the Natuzzi Italia decor includes a coffee table, bar chairs, a lounge and dining furniture). Other features such as electric blinds, Denon HEOS surround sound and controllable LED lighting deliver a high-end feel.

Take the next step: aquilaboats.com

• More: aquila , Aquila Boats , August 2021 , Catamarans , Powercats , Reviewed , Yacht Reviews , Yachts
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Aquila 70 Luxury Review (2022 Edition)

The power catamaran sector is booming and Aquila is ahead of the curve. Does the flagship 70 have what it takes to topple the new kids on the block? We caught up with it at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show to find out 

When it comes to power catamarans, comfortable deck spaces, stability, massive volume and efficient cruising are all part of the package. The 70 is the flagship of the Aquila range so expectations are high and the signs are promising.

It has three or four very good cabins, a stylish and (naturally) spacious salon and well-balanced deck spaces. Its pair of Volvo Penta D13 1,000hp engines also make it good for a top speed of close to 30 knots and cruising speed anywhere between 8 and 25 knots. It certainly got a lot going for it but is it as good in the flesh as it appears on paper? Keep reading to find out. 

Aquila 70 Luxury Key Facts

• LOA 69.751ft
• Model Year 2022
• Max Speed 27 knots
• Status In Production
• Yacht Type Catamaran
• Use Type Cruising

Test & Review Video

YachtBuyer Score

In this article:

Our Verdict

Rivals to consider.

• Specification

Our Scores Explained

Design & Build

Catamarans tend to be at an aesthetic disadvantage to their monohull counterparts but in the flesh, the 70 is a handsome and imposing machine. It's not too tall, nor too square and the wheelhouse is neatly incorporated into the overall design. In this sector, it's about as handsome as it gets and any compromise on style quickly drifts away as you step onto the vast deck areas. We're talking side decks the size of bowling alleys and a foredeck that you could host a badminton competition on. 

Its obvious vastness aside, there is some really good design such as the tender platform, which drops down between the hulls at the aft end to create a ramp for launching and recovering the tender and it just so happens that Aquila produces a 14ft (4.3m) tender that fits perfectly in this space. At the other end of the boat, a staircase that leads up the centre of the windscreen to the Portuguese bridge gives a useful additional access point to the top deck aside from the staircase in the main salon. 

The quality of construction and fit-out appears to be very good but there's only so much you can garner from the shelter of a Fort Lauderdale Boat Show berth. There have been no corners cut on components though and there are pleasing touches like the chunky pop-up cleats and the high-end Gaggeneau appliances in the bar and kitchen. 

Access is very good to the engine room(s), which feels very spacious because the engines have one to themselves in each hull so there is plenty of space to work on the blocks and access the various ancillaries. 

Interior Accommodation

In this big power cat sector there a differing approaches to accommodation, some go for sheer cabin space to maximise the number of people who can sleep on board whereas others use the luxury of space available to create larger, more comfortable cabins. The Aquila is in the latter camp and it has a maximum of four guest cabins (some rivals have six) but they are all spacious, well-finished and connected to attractive ensuite bathrooms. 

The owner's cabin is on the main deck and it stretches greedily across the 27ft (8.2m) beam to deliver a fantastic living space. The large double bed is mounted centrally and flanked by bedside tables with a neat vanity to port on the same level. Drop down into the starboard hull and it's all about storage with a full-height double wardrobe and an array of drawers and eye-level lockers. Head over to the port hull and you find the bathroom, with its twin sinks open to the cabin and separate cubicles for the shower and toilet compartments. It's a stunning cabin and one that would require a much bigger monohull boat to try and equal. 

Guests To Impress

Guests don't do too badly, either. One guest cabin is in the port hull just aft of the master and with the berth running across the hull the views out of the window can be enjoyed from the comfort of the bed. Other nice touches include a TV that swings down from a panel in the ceiling, electric blinds (as is the same throughout the boat) and a spacious ensuite with a separate shower cubicle.  There is a similar guest suite in the starboard hull that backs onto either a utility space with a washer/dryer and extra storage or, as an option, another cabin with twin bunks. The extra sleeping space will be welcome for many but many liveaboards will appreciate having a dedicated utility space and laundry area. 

Aft of this area is the day head, sensibly placed at the bottom of the starboard companionway so guests don't have far to go from the main deck to use the toilet during the day. 

Home From Home

The main salon is a flexible space with a variety of options regarding layout and furniture style. The boat I got on board in Fort Lauderdale had hand furniture by Italian brand Natuzzi, giving this Chinese-built, American-owned cat an unexpected slice of European flair. It's a lovely space that has an easy home-from-home flow to it and seriously bolsters the boat's liveaboard credentials. The split bar and galley to port work particularly well with a small bar area complete with three attractive stools on its inboard edge that backs onto a domestic fridge/freezer, microwave and built-in coffee machine. As mentioned above, the appliances on this boat are top quality and the size you would expect in a domestic kitchen. 

Forward, the galley is split across a central island and sideboard. With such an open-plan arrangement the smoked glass partition which fires up from the galley island at the touch of a button to provide some privacy if crew are in the kitchen is a good addition. 

Talking of crew, their accommodation is accessed via the cockpit so they can come and go without interrupting those in the saloon. It's not huge but it's well-designed with twin bunks, a chart table and a separate bathroom, which leads to a watertight door with access to the port engine room. Access to the starboard engine room is via the day head in the starboard hull. 

A staircase just inside the cockpit doors leads up to the sky lounge. This area can either be fully enclosed or, as was the case with the boat at the show, partially enclosed with panels that zip in and out. The fully enclosed version is less fiddly to open and close but the zip panels offer greater flexibility and open the sky lounge up to the sun deck more effectively. The area is air-conditioned and has hatches overhead for natural ventilation. The aft deck isn't huge but it's got enough space for some free-standing furniture and a decent wet bar with BBQ grill, sink and some cooling space. 

Helm Station

The main helm station is on the top deck but, as an option, you can have a simple lower driving position in the salon with a set of throttles and either thruster controls or the joystick, which combines both. Having no steering wheel or even a seat hints that this isn't supposed to be anything other than an occasional driving position. Another set of MFDs on the salon deck is useful either way, as is a repeater for the C Zone control, which handles all the boat's onboard systems.

Most of the time the driving will be done from up top and that's no bad thing because the helm station is superb. Three Garmin MFDs sprout out from the top of the dash with minor controls arranged on the lower dash. Three gorgeous Stidd seats provide a comfortable vantage point and more adjustment than you will ever need. Smartly, because the dash is quite a long way from them, Aquila has added a control panel for the three MFDs and a joystick to the arms of the central seat so the skipper can sit back and control everything from afar. It's a great setup made all the better by the wing station adjacent to the side door, which delivers an unobstructed view down the starboard side when mooring. 

Deck lifestyle

In opting for the enclosed top deck arrangement Aquila has knowingly sacrificed some outdoor living space. Although the sun deck is perfectly spacious it can't compete with the vast top decks of the Sunreef 70 or Fountaine Pajot 67 Power. The balance on the main deck is very good, however. The cockpit breathes with ease that, at this LOA, only a cat can and, as mentioned above, the side decks are laughably wide. Up front, the foredeck is a great entertaining space with a pair of sunken benches in the forward well and a couple of broad sun pads with pop-up back backrests further up the coachroof.

The practicality of this area stands out. In the forepeaks there is a pair of storage voids so big you can store a paddleboard in them on its end - a liveaboard power cat is only as good as its deck storage and the Aquila's is excellent. And that staircase that leads up to the forward of the top deck is a brilliant bit of design that transforms the accessibility of the deck spaces. 

The split aft platform can be a compromise on some cats but that clever tender launch system solves an issue here, too. Bridging the two decks creates another living space at the boat's tail end and means guests can easily cross from one side to the other and enjoy the space as a whole, rather than being perched on two separate islands. 

Value For Money

Even at a price of around USD$4.9 million (ex VAT) or £5.5 million (ex VAT) * the 70 still feels as though it is delivering plenty of bang for the buck. Given the number of guests you can sleep in comfort, the generosity of the deck and interior spaces, its range and its liveaboard potential it delivers pretty well on value for money, especially when you consider what you might have to spend on a monohull that offers the same amount of real estate. 

Naturally, there are plenty of cost options that need to be added to create the most complete package but one worth highlighting would include the Volvo Penta joystick, because anything that helps to manoeuvre something this wide is going to be useful. The tender platform is a good option both for storage and as another living area at the water's edge and the semi-enclosed sky lounge has the best balance between protection and openness. There's a long list of options and some like air-conditioning and navigation packages will depend on where the boat is kept and what cruising it will do but those above are some of the key considerations. 

The layout is a personal choice but the galley on the main deck with either the utility space or a fourth cabin down below makes the most of the boat's interior beam. 

The final consideration with catamarans is berthing costs. It's very dependent on where the boat is kept and what type of mooring it's on but, due to the extra width for the given length, some marinas will charge more for a catamaran than a monohull of the same LOA. 

*Prices correct at the time of publication  

Big power catamarans are going to be growing in popularity and the Aquila 70 is a great example of the genre. One of the most impressive aspects of the 70's design is that it looks and feels like a monohull on the inside. It doesn't feel like a wipe-clean paired back charter spec, it has all the luxurious touch points that you would expect of a classy monohull with a price tag like this. The benefits in terms of space are clear to see both on deck and inside the boat with that added catamaran bonus of built-in stability and slow-speed cruising comfort that makes more relaxed, efficient cruising genuinely appealing. If a big cat is on your shopping list then the 70 should be towards the top of it. 

Reasons to Buy

• Generous living space
• Vast owner's cabin
• Flexbile layout
• Stylish interior
• Efficient cruising

Things to Consider

• The flybridge isn't as big as some rivals
• The looks won't suit all tastes
• Its width could mean higher berthing costs

There aren't masses of boats that rival the big Aquila but there is strong direct competition from experienced catamaran builders. Let's have a look at them.

The Horizon PC68 is actually slightly shorter and narrower than the Aquila but it doesn't feel like it. As with most Horizon products, the use of space is very impressive, both on deck and inside the PC68 feels much larger than it actually is. This is a serious amount of living space for a sub-20m motor yacht. On board, there is the option to have three or four cabins on the lower decks while on the main deck, a forward salon is standard with a main deck master cabin an alternative layout that we imagine will prove pretty popular. Horizon is well-known for its liberal attitude to customisation, though, so more specific requests are likely to be catered for within reason. With a pair of MAN i6 850hp engines expect similar performance to the Aquila and a top speed in the low to mid-20s. 

There aren't many shipyards with more experience building catamarans than the La Rochelle-based outfit Fountaine-Pajot but the Power 67 is the largest power catamaran that it has ever built. It doesn't have the main deck master option of the Horizon and Aquila, the master instead occupies the forward end of the starboard hull, but there is a five-cabin option that will no doubt appeal to those who wish to run the boat for charter. There is also the option to have the galley in the port side hull, leaving a truly enormous lounge in the main salon. Another neat feature is the door from the salon to the foredeck where, as an option, you can have a hot tub. With engine options of twin 300hp or 480hp and a fuel capacity of 4,000 litres, the 67 has a cruising range of nearly 2,000nm. 

If it's sheer living space you're after then say hello to the Sunreef Power 70 . It's marginally longer than the Aquila but, amazingly, it's over 3m wider. All of that beam delivers spectacularly large deck spaces and an interior that, as an option, can fit six guest cabins and still have sleeping space for three crew. The Polish outfit has - true to form - created something that looks and feels very different to other boats in this sector with its gleaming colour scheme and contemporary interior finishes. The top deck may not have the option to be fully enclosed like the Aquila and Horizon but it's an enormous space with the option to have a hot tub at its centre. Like the Fountaine-Pajot, there's an option to have the galley on the lower deck, which leaves a sprawling main deck salon with masses of seating and direct access to the foredeck via the forward door. It's not just a floating home though, with an 8,000-litre standard fuel capacity and the option to have 12,000 litres it can cover some serious ground, too. 

Specifications

• Builder Aquila
• Model 70 Luxury
• Length Overall 69.751ft
• Beam 26.903ft
• Draft 4.757ft
• Yacht Type (Primary) Catamaran
• Use Type (Primary) Cruising
• Cruising Speed Max Speed
• Fuel Capacity 1,448 Gallons
• Fresh Water Capacity 412 Gallons
• Engine Model 2x Volvo Penta D13-1000

Aquila 70 Luxury Layout

The air-conditioned top deck can be fully enclosed or part enclosed with zip-in panels 

The split bar and galley to starboard have a home-from-home feel 

Three cabins are standard but the utility space in the starboard hull can be replaced by a cabin with twin bunks 

Jack Haines

Jack is YachtBuyer's Reviews Director. He is a writer, editor and presenter with 15 years’ experience testing over 350 motorboats of all shapes and sizes, from 20ft RIBs to 120ft yachts (and even the Royal Navy Frigate HMS Sutherland ). 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 22, 2021

US Contact: Alain Raas Aquila Power Catamarans (727) 900 – 7809 [email protected]

Flagship Aquila 70 Luxury Power Catamaran Debuts In Palm Beach

CLEARWATER, FL (March 22, 2021) – The flagship, the Aquila 70 Luxury Power Catamaran set to debut at the 35th Annual Palm Beach International Boat Show March 25 through 28.

Alain Raas, Aquila Brand Manager comments, "This breathtaking and powerful catamaran is like nothing you have ever stepped aboard. With an aesthetically pleasing design at every angle, the Aquila 70 embodies the stunning luxury yacht that it is."

The Aquila 70 tops out at 27 knots yet can still cover long ranges at slower speeds. Power and maneuverability come from a pair of Volvo Penta D-13 1000hp inboard engines coupled with joystick control. Carbon fiber bulkheads and reinforcements keep weight down while adding to the yacht's strength. The high bridge-deck clearance allows for even more comfort underway and improved speeds.

Sophistication and elegance fill every room on board the Aquila 70 Luxury Power Catamaran. Sleek lines and forms enhance contrasting colors and textures providing you with a contemporary feel. For relaxation and entertainment, the Aquila 70 offers massive spaces designed with a European flair that is bright, inviting, and welcoming, including a 27-foot-wide master suite. Versatile interior layouts, along with rich wood finishes, soft fabrics, touch control smart appliances by Gaggenau, designer Italian furnishings by Natuzzi Italia, incredible headroom, and panoramic windows, make the onboard experience even better.

Outdoor areas receive just as much attention. The Aquila signature bridge-to-bow stairs make it easy to access the foredeck from the flybridge, which can be fully open or enclosed with A/C and a wide Portuguese bridge for easy access from aft to bow. If you prefer, spend your time hanging out aft, with its comfortable plush seating, generous beach area, deep swim ladder, and excellent dinghy launch.

Alain Raas continues, "Gorgeous lines, super balanced, intelligent luxury, and so much more. We welcome everyone to make an appointment in advance and visit us at the MarineMax display on ramp 6. Our team will be available to answer questions and provide more details about the luxurious features found on the 70."

The 35th Annual Palm Beach International Boat Show takes place Thursday, March 25 through Sunday, March 28, along Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach, directly across the Intracoastal Waterway from Palm Beach. Book an appointment to tour the Aquila 70 Luxury Power Catamaran online here, www.aquilaboats.com/PBBS .

• Press Day Video Interview | https://youtu.be/l4Dwj2iLkyQ
• Palm Beach International Boat Show Website | https://www.pbboatshow.com/en/home.html
• Book an Appointment at PBIBS | www.aquilaboats.com/PBBS
• Aquila 70 Webpage| www.aquilaboats.com/models/power-catamaran/70
• Aquila 70 Images | https://aquila.smugmug.com/A70L

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The All-New Aquila 70 Power Catamaran

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