Aquila 45 Sport Sea Trial: 1,200 Horsepower and Surprising Comfort

To truly test a vessel, nothing beats a long enough passage to evaluate its behavior under various conditions. That is precisely why we chose to test the Aquila 45 Sport during a 120-mile transfer from the French coast to Genoa. The route allowed us to conduct an in-depth analysis of the features of the new flagship of Aquila Catamarans’ sport line, starting from hull efficiency to its ability to maintain high speeds even in rough seas.

The Aquila 45 Sport is a power catamaran that immediately stands out for its proportions. The typical beam of a twin-hull configuration translates into a usable deck area far greater than what one would expect from a monohull of similar length. All of this is accompanied by an aggressive design, with crisp lines and styling solutions reminiscent of the sports car world.

At the stern, we find twin 600-horsepower Mercury V12s, a power setup that immediately hints at the performance ambitions of this model. What interested us most, however, was verifying how effectively this power was harnessed, particularly regarding fuel economy and ride comfort.

Performance and Fuel Consumption: Efficiency Surprises Even at 20 Knots

After pushing the throttles forward, it takes only a few moments to appreciate how responsive the Aquila 45 Sport is. The boat accelerates rapidly, reaching 20 knots effortlessly without requiring major trim adjustments. At this speed, the instruments show a total fuel burn of just 105 liters per hour (approx. 27.7 gph). This is a particularly impressive figure considering the vessel’s size, its wide beam platform, and the installed horsepower. Specific fuel consumption is around 5.25 liters per nautical mile (approx. 1.39 gal/nm), making 20 knots an attractive pace for those prioritizing fuel efficiency.

Increasing speed step-by-step, we reach 25 knots at 3,900 RPM. Under these conditions, each Mercury V12 burns 74 liters per hour, for a total burn of 148 liters per hour (approx. 39.1 gph), equivalent to 5.92 liters per nautical mile (approx. 1.56 gal/nm). But it is at 30 knots that the test becomes even more telling. The engines run at 4,400 RPM, while the electronics register 89.5 liters per hour per engine. Total consumption is therefore about 179 liters per hour (approx. 47.3 gph), or 5.97 liters per nautical mile (approx. 1.58 gal/nm). This figure deserves close attention: moving from 25 to 30 knots, fuel consumption per mile remains virtually unchanged. This means the Aquila 45 Sport can maintain a fairly high cruising speed without significantly penalizing fuel efficiency.

Aquila 45 Sport – Recorded Performance

Rough Sea Navigation: Stability and Comfort Even at 30 Knots

The sea conditions encountered during our trial proved especially useful for assessing the seakeeping qualities of the Aquila 45 Sport. Sea conditions ranged from slight to moderate, with roughly three-foot waves coming primarily head-on. This is a demanding situation for a high-speed catamaran, as it forces the twin hulls to repeatedly punch through waves, testing the hull’s capacity to absorb impacts and maintain a stable ride. Yet, cruising at 30 knots, the Aquila 45 Sport delivered a compelling performance. The boat slices through wave action without transferring jarring slams to the crew, maintaining a balanced attitude that allows for fast travel with high comfort levels.

It is under these exact conditions that one of the core benefits of Aquila’s design philosophy shines through: the ability to merge sporty performance with stability, without turning every wave into a strain for those onboard. Naturally, onboard feel always depends on sea state and speed choices, but throughout our test, the catamaran’s behavior was reassuring—even when we decided to push the pace further.

Turning Test: An Agile and Surprisingly Nimble Catamaran

One of the most interesting parts of our sea trial involved maneuverability. Due to their specific geometry and wide beam, catamarans handle differently than monohulls, especially when executing turns at speed. We therefore conducted several high-speed turns at a steady 30 knots.

The first turn, executed hard to starboard, surprised us immediately. The Aquila 45 Sport changes heading within a tight turning radius while keeping the deck virtually flat on the water. This behavior differs sharply from a sporty monohull, which typically leans into turns. Here, the feeling is one of great transverse stability combined with precise response to helm inputs.

Repeating the maneuver to port yielded identical traits: quick turn entry, controlled attitude, and a remarkable feeling of security. We then chose to cross our own wake, layering those waves on top of the existing sea conditions. Even here, the hull handled the forces smoothly without violent impacts, confirming the solid impressions gathered during straight-line cruising.

Top Speed: Aquila 45 Sport Reaches 48.8 Knots

After evaluating fuel economy, comfort, and maneuverability, came the most anticipated moment of the trial: discovering the maximum speed achievable with the twin 600-horsepower Mercury V12s. We pinned the throttles forward, and the response was instantaneous: the two massive outboards pushed hard, raising speed rapidly. We passed 40 knots, then 43, 45, and finally 48 knots. The acceleration continued until reaching 48.8 knots, the top speed recorded during our test.

This performance is exceptional for a vessel in this class, particularly considering this is not a boat designed purely for speed, but rather a power catamaran equipped with vast social spaces, substantial furnishings, and a true master cabin. Making this result even more noteworthy were the sea conditions. Despite three-foot waves, the Aquila 45 Sport maintained a surprising level of comfort even at full throttle. The feel at the helm is that of a vessel capable of efficiently leveraging installed power without compromising the stability that remains one of its chief strengths.

The Stern: Fold-Down Terraces and Spaces Befitting a Larger Yacht

With navigation complete, we began our deck tour starting at the stern—arguably one of the most spectacular areas on the Aquila 45 Sport. The initial impression is that of being on a yacht far larger than its 45-foot length suggests. Credit goes largely to the catamaran layout, which allows for a generous beam and usable deck area rarely matched by traditional monohulls.

However, Aquila pushed design boundaries further by introducing two fold-down side terraces. When deployed, they expand the available floor area even more, creating seamless continuity between the cockpit and the sea. In the rearmost section, forward of the impressive twin Mercury V12s, sits a large convertible sunpad. With a few quick adjustments, the layout converts into a spacious bench sofa ideal for hosting large groups. The entire aft area can be shaded by an electrically operated awning—a feature that proves invaluable during long summer days.

Moving forward toward the center of the cockpit, we find another social area centered around a large C-shaped sofa and a dining table. Versatility remains a standout theme here as well. The flip-flop backrest can be oriented forward, expanding the aft sunbed surface to adapt the space to different needs. This design represents a highly evolved take on the day boat concept: not merely a vessel for getting somewhere quickly, but a true floating platform built for outdoor living.

The Outdoor Galley Equipped for Entertaining Large Groups

Along the port side of the cockpit stretches a large wet bar spanning roughly 10 feet in length. While its physical footprint is substantial, it is the sheer amount of equipment that impresses most. Beneath the countertop are numerous storage compartments, deep drawers, and two large refrigerators, while the upper surface houses a grill, barbecue, and sinks. This setup enables owners to prepare and serve meals and drinks without constantly running below deck.

This design aligns seamlessly with the Aquila 45 Sport philosophy—a vessel built for spending extended hours outdoors, blending high-speed runs, anchorages, and social gatherings. Furthermore, the space distribution keeps different activities separated, allowing guests to relax on sunbeds while others use the dinette or outdoor galley.

Helm Station: Four Helm Seats and Mercury Technology

The helm station is another signature highlight of the Aquila 45 Sport. Here, the shipyard combined the ergonomics of a sport boat dashboard with the luxury comfort of a larger yacht. The first standout feature is the presence of four forward-facing helm seats, all complete with armrests, premium upholstery, and detailed stitching. This arrangement lets the owner and three guests share the driving experience in comfort and protection, even at high speeds.

The dashboard layout is clean and rational, with all major controls within easy reach. Features include Mercury electronic throttle controls, joystick maneuvering, and the Skyhook digital anchoring system, which holds position using electronic propulsion management.

Onboard electronics are centered across three large multifunction displays providing chartplotting, engine parameter monitoring, RPM and fuel management, and vessel system control. What stands out most, however, is not just the depth of instrumentation, but its ergonomic layout. Every control sits exactly where you expect it to be, making operation intuitive and keeping focus where it belongs: on navigation.

The Foredeck: A Massive Lounge Overlooking the Water

To reach the foredeck, we walk along a wide side deck protected by handrails that run its full length. Here again, the catamaran beam proves to be a major practical advantage: moving forward is effortless and safe. Upon reaching the bow, we encounter another key feature of the Aquila 45 Sport: a massive forward-facing sofa that comfortably seats four to five people. It offers a premier spot to enjoy the ride with completely unobstructed views of the horizon.

Yet the foredeck is not designed solely for guest seating underway. Surrounding cushions enhance comfort, making the area versatile for various uses. Whether relaxing at anchor, taking in views, or fishing, the padded surfaces offer comfortable support, underlining the shipyard’s commitment to outdoor versatility.

Below Deck Surprises: A Master Cabin with Unexpected Dimensions

While the exterior spaces of the Aquila 45 Sport are more than enough to set this vessel apart from standard sport day boats, stepping below deck reveals one of its most surprising highlights. Despite its clear sport orientation and extensive deck space dedicated to outdoor living, this catamaran conceals a genuine master cabin with dimensions well beyond expectations.

The center feature is a massive double bed with width comparable to, if not exceeding, a standard king-size bed. Flanking the bed are a nightstand, storage lockers, and power outlets, while modern architectural lighting creates a warm, refined ambiance. The cabin also includes an en-suite full head with a separate shower—an amenity that significantly expands the yacht’s cruising capabilities.

Thus, the Aquila 45 Sport is far more than a day-boat platform. Having such a comfortable sleeping layout enables owners to plan weekend cruises without giving up privacy or essential comforts. This balance of contrasting qualities makes the project so compelling: high-performance sporty capabilities reaching near 50 knots on one hand, and accommodations belonging to a higher size class on the other.

Conclusion

The Aquila 45 Sport successfully bridges characteristics that rarely go hand in hand: impressive performance, expansive living areas, reasonable fuel economy at cruising speeds, and exceptional ride comfort. Our 120-mile passage from Port Fréjus to Genoa gave us a thorough real-world test in challenging sea conditions, facing roughly three-foot head seas.

The data speaks for itself: a top speed of 48.8 knots, under 6 liters per mile (approx. 1.58 gal/nm) at 30 knots, and nimble turning performance backed by excellent stability. Yet judging this catamaran solely by figures would miss the bigger picture. The huge cockpit, fold-down side terraces, four-seat helm station, large bow lounge, and surprising master cabin transform the Aquila 45 Sport into an extremely versatile yacht. It is crafted for owners who love fast cruising without sacrificing the joy of long hours spent onboard with family and friends.

Rounding out the package is one of the inherent advantages of a catamaran hull: exceptional transverse stability, which is especially welcome at anchor. For anyone seeking a sport day boat with impressive performance, expansive living spaces, and comfortable overnight accommodations, the Aquila 45 Sport is undoubtedly a contender to take very seriously.

Aquila 45 Sport – Technical Specifications

Sources and References

Aquila 45 Sport – FAQ