Induction, in the basic equipment
Americans don't mess around with comfort, it's a way of life. So in the standard equipment of the Aquila 44, offered at $698,770 ex VAT (about 630,000 euros) with 2 225 hp Volvos, there is a choice of cherry, olive or light ash wood trim. For this rate, the windlass is included as well as induction hobs. For the rest, including the finishing of the woodwork in gloss varnish matched with beautiful upholstery, extra charges will have to be made.
The essential options to navigate
It is obvious that the options catalogue is exhaustive. Cabin in the forepeak with toilet, watermaker, extra fridges and coolers, hydraulic gangway, hard top flybridge, TV and audio systems and all navigational aids are energy intensive and will need to be adapted with additional batteries and a large generator. Especially since the 64,000 BTU air conditioning system even distils the air conditioning on the flybridge. But it will be better to equip it, in this case, with the optional bimini or hard top and transparent cheeks, which are not on the list. Also missing from the list is a telescopic foot to transform the aft cockpit dinette or the flybridge dinette into a sunbathing area. In the end, our test boat was priced at $1,037,800 before tax (about 934,000 euros) with the 320 hp Volvo.
The choice to rebuild the dinghy
The practicality of a cruiser is notable for its ability to send its crew ashore as easily and quickly as possible. To do this, there are three possibilities for the Aquila 44. Classic davits are available, but there is also the choice of a stainless steel gantry with a hoist that comes back on an electric winch. This is a current trend, but if you want a really comfortable semi-rigid dinghy weighing more than 300 kg it is possible to have a retractable cradle and a crane that will allow you to pull up a heavy dinghy. Be careful not to make the stern too heavy with this option, which costs $22,575 before tax.
And the competition?
The mid-range power cat market is booming and all the major brands have entered the market. On the whole, the balance sheet is extremely positive and easily explains why the Aquila 44 has become the number one motor catamaran sales in the United States. Different from its direct competitors in the charter market, it offers an interesting alternative
The two heavyweights in the segment are the Bali 4.3 MY and the Leopard 43 PC . Both are priced lower than the Aquila, but with less volume and a less sophisticated finish. On the other hand, they have a very nice forward cockpit accessible through a front door from the saloon on the Leopard and a rear opening bay window for the Bali
With slightly higher pricing, performance and finishes The Fountaine Pajot 44 MY seduced by a greater sophistication towards the luxury of the yacht engine. Just like the FP 44 MY, the Nautitech Power 47 is illustrated with a hydraulic rear platform. It is only slightly larger and bulkier, but the price is similar.
