March 30, 2026
The Aquila 42 Yacht: Your Floating Weekend House
Roomy as a 50-foot monohull but owner-friendly: the Aquila 42 pairs a 21-foot beam, three distinct outdoor entertaining zones, full galley a…
Read the articleAquila 42 Yacht
Expert Review, Technical Specifications & Market Analysis
The Essentials
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 41' 6" |
| Beam | 21' 0" |
| Draft | 3' 7" |
| Displacement | 15,700 KG / 34,168 LB |
| Engines | 2x Volvo Penta D4 230 HP (std) / 2x Volvo Penta D4 300 HP (opt) |
| Fuel Capacity | 1,100 L / 290 GAL |
| Water Capacity | 460 L / 122 GAL |
| Cabins / Heads | 2 / 3 / 4 |
| Max Speed | 21.6 knots |
| Cruise Speed | 16-17 knots |
Source: Spec & Photos courtesy of Aquila. Specs verified by Tony Smith, USCG 100 Ton Master, on August 9, 2026.
Part of the Aquila Yacht series — see how owners step up through the lineup.
Quick Verdict
- 21-foot beam delivers interior volume and stability that monohulls in this length can't match
- Three distinct outdoor zones (flybridge, cockpit, bow) create genuine separation for guests without feeling cramped
- Category A ocean certification with optional interior helm provides offshore capability typically reserved for larger yachts
Our Take
The 42 Yacht represents Aquila's most accessible entry into their touring catamaran lineup, and the build quality reflects their partnership with the same Chinese yard that produces boats for established European brands. The twin Volvo D4 engines are proven workhorses, and the systems are straightforward enough for owner maintenance. The 21-foot beam isn't marketing—it fundamentally changes how the boat lives compared to monohulls in this length range.
This boat makes sense for the experienced boater who's ready to move beyond day boats but isn't interested in managing crew. You need to value stability and space over speed and handling. If you're coming from performance boats, the 42 Yacht will feel slow and wide in tight quarters. But if you're prioritizing guest comfort and extended cruising, the tradeoffs are worth it. The two-cabin layout is the smart choice unless you're genuinely hosting multiple families regularly.
Resale data on Aquila catamarans shows strong performance in the 40-50 foot range, particularly in Florida and Caribbean markets where the shallow draft and stability matter. Maintenance costs are predictable—two diesels, standard systems, no exotic materials. The boat depreciates like any production yacht, but the value proposition relative to European cats helps it hold better than you'd expect. Plan on keeping it five years minimum to make the economics work..
Official Aquila Premiere: Inside the Aquila 42 Yacht
Video courtesy of Aquila.
Aquila 42 Yacht Photo Gallery
Photos courtesy of Aquila.
Aquila 42 Yacht Articles & Guides
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the Aquila 42 Yacht and the Aquila 46 Yacht?
Size and how long you plan to stay aboard. The 42 Yacht is 41 feet 6 inches with a 21-foot beam, 290 gallons of fuel, 122 gallons of water, and two-to-four cabins. The Aquila 46 Yacht stretches to 47 feet 2 inches on a 23-foot 3-inch beam, carries 476 gallons of fuel and 211 gallons of water, and offers three-to-five cabins. Pick the 42 if you cruise in weekends and want the smaller slip bill; step to the 46 if you intend to live aboard for weeks at a time.
Is the Aquila 42 Yacht certified for offshore passages?
Yes. The 42 Yacht carries Category A ocean certification, the offshore rating normally reserved for considerably larger yachts. That is an engineering and structural standard, not a marketing line, and it is backed by twin-engine redundancy and a catamaran hull that stays flat where a monohull this length would be rolling. The optional interior helm gives you a climate-controlled backup station for weather you did not plan on. The 3-foot 7-inch draft then lets you tuck into anchorages deeper boats have to skip.
What does it cost to own an Aquila 42 Yacht?
Plan on roughly $850,000 depending on options, plus $15,000 to $20,000 a year covering routine service, insurance, and a South Florida slip. Fuel adds about $150 to $200 for a hard day underway. The single largest expense in yachting — crew — is off the table, because this boat is designed to be run by its owner. Two proven diesels, standard marine systems, no exotic materials, so the numbers stay predictable. We run sea trials and private showings out of Fort Lauderdale if you want those figures checked against your own use.
How many people can sleep on the Aquila 42 Yacht?
Eight, across two, three, or four cabins depending on how you spec the boat. The standard two-cabin, three-head layout is the one most buyers choose: a full-beam master with a centerline queen and a separate shower stall, and a guest cabin mirroring it in the opposite hull. Both have standing headroom and opening hatches. Water capacity is 122 gallons, so the four-cabin version only makes sense if you are genuinely hosting multiple families and everyone is disciplined about showers.
How far can the Aquila 42 Yacht cruise on a tank of fuel?
Roughly 200 nautical miles at a 16-to-17-knot cruise, drawn from 290 gallons of fuel. That covers Fort Lauderdale to Bimini and back with reserve, or a full day exploring the Keys without fuel planning. Combined burn at cruise runs about 12 gallons per hour, which puts a hard day of running in the $150-to-$200 range. The standard Volvo Penta D4 230s are the efficient choice; the optional 300s add a little speed without changing the boat's character.
Can one person handle the Aquila 42 Yacht?
Yes. The 42 Yacht is built as an owner-operator boat. Twin Volvo Penta D4 diesels give you independent throttles for close-quarters work, the flybridge sightlines cover the bow and both waterlines from the helm seat, and there is no crew cabin because you do not need crew. Most owners run it two-up. The honest trade-off is the 21-foot beam: it is what makes the boat rock-steady underway, and it also makes her deliberate in a tight fairway. Walk the approach once and it stops being a factor.