2014 Aquila 44: Video Boat Review

Looking for the ultimate vacation? Just step aboard the Aquila 44 cruising power catamaran.

By Lenny Rudow

April 13, 2014

When you work on boats, it's tough to relax on them - until you encounter one like the Aquila 44. Sure, we were "at work" when we tested the Aquila, and as we filmed this video boat review. But it sure didn't feel like it. Take a good look at this powercat cruiser, and you'll see why.

Boat Test Notes

Overview: A cruising power catamaran designed for comfort and privacy, with three staterooms.

Concept: Take advantage of the extra room provided by a power catamaran platform, to develop a vacation-like atmosphere that incorporates privacy, easy access to the outdoors, along with trawler-like cruising abilities.

Construction:
-Vacuum-infused, including bulkheads, with vinylester resin.
-Balsa coring is scored, to allow resin infusion process to enhance strength and create water barriers in coring.
-Wiring runs go above the tunnel, elevating electrical systems and keeping them out of the bilge.

SPECIFICATIONS
Length	43'8”
Beam	21’6”
Max Draft	2.8”
Weight	35,053 lbs
Fuel capacity	290 gal.
Water capacity	63 gal.

Performance:
-Relatively low top-end (17.2 knots) but very efficient slow-speed cruise; at 5.3 knots, you get 4.8 miles to the gallon.
-Excellent sea-keeping and stability, due to catamaran hull design.
-Widely-spaced props mean you get great dockside handling attributes.

Unique features:
-Master stateroom takes advantage of the full beam.
-No cabins share common bulkheads, greatly enhancing privacy. And, each has its own private head.
-Swim platform steps also make great seats.
-Steps from bridge to foredeck make for easy line-handling.
-Great beam-to-length ratio means the boat enjoys a huge amount of space both inside and out.

For more information, visit Aquila. Or, if you'd like to learn about the Aquila 44's bigger sister, watch the Aquila 48 Video Boat Review, and read the Aquila 48 Boat Review: MarineMax Brings Charter Knowledge to Boat Design.

Written by: Lenny Rudow

With over two decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to publications including YachtWorld, boats.com, Boating Magazine, Marlin Magazine, Boating World, Saltwater Sportsman, Texas Fish & Game, and many others. Lenny is a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and he has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.