Power Catamaran Review: Aquila 36 Sport

Aquila commenced construction in 2012 and these days distributes a range of powered cats from 22ft to 70ft from the Sino Eagle factory in China to more than 40 dealers across 22 countries. Production sits at around 100 boats a year, but capacity has been boosted in the current climate to an annual turnaround of closer to 200.

Two boats in the range — the 36 and the 44 — have the option of the Hydro Glide system, and development is underway for the Aquila 32.

According to Aquila marketing, the foil solution boasts remarkable performance and fuel saving. And while some may think these claims are promotional hype, independent tests proved up to 40 per cent better fuel economy and 35 per cent higher speeds over the non-foiled version. This seems logical when we realise the foils lift 40 per cent of the boat’s weight out of the water at speed.

The system includes a fixed V-shaped metal foil fitted just aft of amidships between the hulls and supported in the centre to the high point of the hull’s tunnel. The dihedral shape provides a hydrodynamic lifting effect that increases with speed similar to the airflow of an aeroplane. Independent foils further back in the tunnel increase stability, like the tail fins on aircraft.

During construction, provision is made for the foils to be either retrofitted or supplied from new. This engineering also provides a breakaway point for the foils on impact with a significant object. While this might sound alarming, keep in mind that the foils are immensely strong and will cut through ropes and kelp, and are no more vulnerable than the props and legs of the engines.

All designs in the Aquila range are conceived from keel up as power cats and not simply as sailboats without a mast, as the company brochures pointedly assert. Sharp entries give way to moderate chines and spray rails, and the bridge deck has generous height to avoid slapping at speed.

Hull length is 9.94m (32ft 7in), but a comprehensive transom platform takes the overall length out to the 36ft, representing the model’s name. Hulls are built using vacuuminfused vinylester resin in a consistent and robust process, so, despite the well-engineered strength, dry weight is relatively light for a twinhull cruiser. Benefits of vinylester over polyester include strength and better resistance to water damage and blistering.

Right through the build, the finish is superb. The stainless steel hardware is all 316 grade and looks over engineered for the size of the boat. The fibreglass is smooth and blemish-free, and the joinery and upholstery are neat and look like they should last for years. Aquila has learned much from many of its boats finding homes in charter fleets where build quality is paramount.

A generator is an option, but our review boat runs an inverter through solar and lithium power for house systems including refrigeration and cooking. That means there is no air conditioning, with the owner relying on good airflow through the saloon and Sirocco fans below.

The 36 was the first Aquila explicitly designed for outboard power, and the twin 300hp Mercury V8s look right at home at the back.

Big, swept-back windows wrap around the single deck layout lending a light and simple look to the boat’s profile and explain the roomy, airy feeling on board. However, the fibreglass hardtop extends only 50cm over the cockpit, so adding an optional canvas bimini might be a good idea for our harsh summers.

Multihull roominess

Extra room onboard, afforded by the wide beam to length ratio, is a standout feature of any multihull, and the Aquila puts the space to good use. The 36 is rated for 26 passengers in protected waters, which is generous for a boat this size.

Just as impressive are ratings of 18 for coastal cruising in winds to 24kt, and 8 for ocean passages up to 40kt. (As always, conditions apply.)

Hefty fibreglass gates each side open inwards for direct access to the roomy cockpit. Our review boat is the fishing version with fibreglass mouldings in place of lounges at each transom corner. This option has a live bait tank to port and a Kenyon electric barbeque over an Isotherm fridge on the opposite side. Between the modules are a reversible transom lounge and an opening down to the swim platform with its deep slide-out boarding ladder. The lounge converts to a sunpad, and boarding over the rear platform is simple. Floor hatches on each side open to large storage spaces in the hulls.

Another worthwhile option is the fixed enclosure setup to the saloon with three sliding doors that can be opened to either side. The standard boat is open, but the doors make much more sense for a boat kept on a mooring and for all-season use. With the doors open, the layout combines with a walkthrough at the windscreen for flow through right to the bow.

Inside the saloon, we find a portside lounge and dining area with room for four guests around a drop-down pedestal table. Extra cushions add additional sleeping space or a shaded day lounge, while under the seats are the battery, storage bins and a monster size drained icebox. To make room for an observer to keep the skipper company when underway, the transverse section of the lounge flips over to make a high seat with excellent views.

To starboard, there’s a galley large enough for basic cooking. Built into a Corian benchtop is a large sink with a cover that extends preparation space and provision for a second electric cooktop. Below the bench are a storage cupboard and another 85L Isotherm fridge.

A gate and a flip-up window in the centre of the wide windscreen make a full-height opening to the bow where there’s another lounging area with back to back seating or more sunpads. A moulded lid covers the Quick anchor winch for safe access over the bow when snugged into a beach, and there’s a removable stainless steel ladder for boarding.

Aft is a wet head with plenty of room to move and an opening port set into a long window. The freshwater electric flush toilets drain to their own 80L holding tank.

Outboard revolution 

The advent of high horsepower economical four-strokes was a significant change to boating a few years back and we are now used to the idea of outboards powering large vessels. Even so, I still find it surprising when, like here, the combination is so impressive. Combined with modern features like electronic power steering, auto trim and spot lock, these engines are much more user friendly and make the step into boating safer and easier for the novice, and a welcome change for salted on boaties.

The drive

The helm of the 36 has a sliding double seat with individual bolsters and a stainless steel footrest, so, with the tilting steering wheel, it's easy to find a comfortable position. Vision from the helm is excellent through high windows all around and minimal frames at the corners. 

A 12in Raymarine screen is set to the left of an angled dash panel, and there's room for a second screen if you want. In the centre is a 5in Mercury VesselView panel, but you can show all this information on the Raymarine screen as well. The dash is finished in an unobtrusive matte black material, and a row of switches lower down is protected by a grab rail to avoid accidental operation. 

The twin controls for the engines fall naturally to hand and the panel for the Mercury Joystick Piloting with Spotlock is right behind. Other electronics include the Quick anchor control and a Fusion sound system with a three-zone selection.

Slow speed control is simple and accurate with the joystick. Getting into and out of the dock is worry-free, and it’s very straightforward to hold the boat in position while attending lines from the bow or stern.

Acceleration was swift and stable with virtually no lift from the bow and a smooth transition to plane at around 14kt. The effect of the foil is unobtrusive, noticeable as a slight lift of the hull as speed increases. What is surprising, though, is the willingness of the engines to push through to 40kt, an impressive speed for a boat this size. At this speed across the small chop of the Harbour, we sat rock steady with no vibration or harmonics and only a low note from the engines.

Handling was also impressive. At cruising speeds around 20kt, the Aquila turned smoothly without wallowing and without the outward lean you might expect in a cat. At full lock and 36kt, the boat changed direction like it was on rails. I can only imagine the pressure on the foil, but obviously it’s built to cope.

During our speed runs, we didn’t see the sort of fuel burn figures we might have expected, and I’m told this was because of the full fuel load. On a trip to Newcastle after our review the Aquila team saw consumption figures around 10–15 per cent better than mine at cruising speeds. This is in line with the official factory figures as well as results from other independent reviews, so it makes sense.

The 300hp setup is the maximum with the keel. With no keel you can opt for twin 400hp engines that are said to deliver similar performance but without the fuel saving seen on the foiled version.

The wrap

Price is $945,000 including the options of rear sliding door and a fishing option with two 85L fridge/freezer and BBQ, a full electronic Navigation package, smart TV & internet and the Hydra glide foil solution. The foil package is $42,000. And while that may take a while to recoup in fuel saving, it transforms the boat into a sporty beast. The base price is $859,000.

The 36 Sport will suit a range of buyers. It’s a dayboat that will handle a crowd, or a coastal cruiser for families. You could provision it for extended time onboard and it would be just as happy as a Whitsunday explorer or a weekender on Pittwater.

The benefits of the foils are real in performance and economy. It’s not that often there are significant breakthroughs in boat design, but this Aquila brings levels of innovation to the recreational market that need to be applauded.

Aquila 36 Sport Specs

General

Capacities

Engine

Option fitted:

• Aquila Hydro Glide semi foiling system
• Exterior upholstery upgraded
• Electric BBQ + 85l stainless steel fridge/freezer in lieu of seating
• Port module with live well
• Fixed sliding three panel rear door
• 800W solar panels
• Smart TV & internet router Wi-Fi on board
• Underwater lights and premium lighting package

Aquila 36 Sport priced from $859,155

Aquila 36 Sport price as tested $945,909

Supplied by Aquila Australia

THE NEXT STEP

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