Aquila 36 Sport Review: Purring Powercat
We had the chance to visit with Aquila last month and tour the Aquila 36 Sport. Let's explore what this purring powercat has to offer.
Above: The Aquila 36 Sport on the water. Photo courtesy of Aquila Yachts.
VESSEL OVERVIEW
We had the chance to visit with Aquila last month and tour the Aquila 36 Sport for the first time. The first thing I picked up on was that the build quality is impressive across the board. The stainless steel hardware is solid and well-crafted, and the fiberglass is smooth without any imperfections. The attention to detail in the joinery and upholstery suggests durability. Aquila's experience with charter fleets, where quality is a must, is evident in the construction of this vessel.
Above: Spacious aft deck and swim platform on the Aquila 36 Sport. Photo courtesy of Aquila Yachts.
ENGINES AND PERFORMANCE
Aquila Power Catamarans just rolled out the Aquila Hydro Glide Foil System™, a cool tech upgrade crafted by Morrelli & Melvin Design & Engineering. It's now an option for the Aquila 36 Sport, making this catamaran even niftier. It kicks up the performance and fuel efficiency, giving you 40% more miles per gallon than a competitor's 36' power catamaran and a 37% boost in fuel efficiency per hour. Twin fuel injected four stroke V8 350hp motors come standard with the hydrofoil (or Inline 6, 2.6L 400hp). Cruising at speeds of approximately 20 knots, the Aquila executes smooth turns without any wallowing or the expected outward lean you might associate with a catamaran.
HELM STATION
The helm on the 36 features a sliding double seat with individual bolsters and a stainless steel footrest, making it easy to find a comfy spot with the tilting steering wheel. Excellent visibility is provided through high windows all around and minimal frames at the corners. To the left of an angled dash panel, there's a 12-inch Raymarine screen, and if you desire, there's space for a second screen. In the center, a 5-inch Mercury VesselView panel is present, but you can view all this information on the Raymarine screen as well. The matte black finish on the dash is subtle, and a row of switches lower down is shielded by a grab rail to prevent accidental operation. The controls for the twin engines are conveniently placed, with the Mercury Joystick Piloting panel right behind. Additional electronics include the Quick anchor control and a Fusion sound system with a three-zone selection. Slow speed control is a breeze and precise with the joystick. Navigating in and out of the dock is stress-free, and it's straightforward to keep the boat in position while tending to lines from the bow or stern.
Above: The Aquila 36 Sport has a wide beam and lots of deck space to spread out. Photo courtesy of Aquila Yachts.
AFT DECK/COCKPIT/SALOON
Hefty fiberglass gates on each side offer direct access to the roomy cockpit. In the fishing version, there are fiberglass moldings instead of lounges at each transom corner, featuring a live bait tank to port and a Kenyon electric barbecue over an Isotherm fridge on the opposite side. The transom lounge is reversible and converts to a sunpad, providing easy boarding over the rear platform with a deep slide-out ladder. Floor hatches open to large storage spaces in the hulls.
The Aquila 36's spacious design stands out with a roomy saloon space for its class.You can opt for the fixed enclosure setup to the saloon with three sliding doors, ideal for a moored boat and all-season use. The saloon boasts a portside lounge and dining area for four guests around a drop-down pedestal table. Extra cushions add sleeping space or a shaded day lounge, and under the seats, you'll find the battery, storage bins, and a generously sized drained icebox. The transverse section of the lounge flips over to create a high seat with excellent views for an observer.
INTERIOR CABIN
Stepping down from the saloon, each side reveals a corridor leading to the cozy cabins tucked within the hulls. Bathed in natural light pouring through expansive windows, these sleeping quarters boast berths measuring around 6.07 by 5.68 feet, creating a snug yet airy ambiance. Storage options for short jaunts include handy drawers beneath the beds and convenient side shelves. Heading aft, you'll find a well-appointed wet head, offering plenty of wiggle room and an opening port set into a stretched-out window. The freshwater electric flush toilets are smartly designed to efficiently drain into their dedicated 21-gallon holding tank.
Above: Cozy berth on the Aquila 36 Sport. Photo courtesy of Aquila Yachts.
BOW AREA
A gate and a flip-up window at the center of the wide windscreen create a full-height opening to the bow, where you'll find another lounging area with back-to-back seating or additional sunpads. A molded lid covers the Quick anchor winch for safe access over the bow when anchored close to a beach, and there's a removable stainless steel ladder for easy boarding.
SPECS
Length Overall 10.96 M / 36'0"
Hull Length 9.94 M / 32'7"
Beam Overall 4.45 M / 14'7"
Length of Waterline 9.3 M / 30'6"
Height Above Waterline with Hardtop 3.05 M / 10'0"
Hull Draft with Outboards up 60 CM / 2'0"
Light Displacement 6,608 KG / 14,568 LB
Fully Loaded Displacement 9,785 KG / 21,572
Sleeps 6 (2 in salon)
Max Passengers 26
Cabins/Heads/Showers 2 / 2 /2
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