March 20, 2026
The Aquila 46 Yacht: When Catamaran Efficiency Meets Liveaboard Comfort
Efficient and spacious, the Aquila 46 Yacht pairs a 23-foot beam and twin Volvo diesels to deliver liveaboard comfort, predictable handling,…
Read the articleAquila 46 Yacht
Expert Review, Technical Specifications & Market Analysis
The Essentials
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 47' 2" |
| Beam | 23' 3" |
| Draft | 4' 1" |
| Displacement | 9,200 KG / 20,280 LB |
| Engines | 2x Volvo Penta D4 320 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 1,800 L / 476 GAL |
| Water Capacity | 800 L / 211 GAL |
| Cabins / Heads | 3 / 4 / 5 |
| Max Speed | Efficient |
| Cruise Speed | Efficient |
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
- 23-foot beam carried fully forward creates usable interior volume in the master stateroom, not the cramped V-berth typical of monohulls this size
- Twin Volvo Penta D4 320-hp diesels on 476 gallons, tuned for efficiency rather than speed — Aquila publishes no performance figures for the 46, so establish burn and range on your own sea trial
- Owner-operator layout with accessible engine rooms, straightforward systems, and no crew requirement keeps operating costs predictable compared to flybridge motoryachts in the same length class
Our Take
The Aquila 46 Yacht is honest about what it is. It's a cruising platform built for efficiency and volume, not speed or styling. The catamaran hull delivers stability and fuel economy. The 23-foot beam creates genuine interior space. The Volvo Penta diesels are reliable and widely serviced. The build quality is solid without being overbuilt. This is a boat designed for extended cruising, not weekend showboating.
This boat works for owner-operators who cruise frequently and stay aboard for multiple nights. It's ideal for couples or small families who value autonomy over image. The three-cabin layout provides separation. The flybridge is functional. The systems are accessible. If you're comfortable running your own boat and you prioritize range over speed, this makes sense. If you want aggressive styling or high-performance numbers, look elsewhere. This is not that boat.
Resale on Aquila catamarans has been stable. Mainstream Volvo Penta power keeps parts and service straightforward. Maintenance costs are predictable with the Volvo diesels. Dockage will cost more due to the beam. Factor that into your annual budget. The catamaran platform isn't for everyone, but for the right owner, the Aquila 46 Yacht delivers on its promise of efficient, comfortable cruising without the crew requirement.
Watch Our Aquila 46 Yacht Reviews
Official Aquila Premiere: Inside the Aquila 46 Yacht
Video courtesy of Aquila.
Aquila 46 Yacht Photo Gallery
Photos courtesy of Aquila.
Aquila 46 Yacht Articles & Guides
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Aquila 46 Yacht or the Aquila 46 Coupe?
They share a length and almost nothing else. The 46 Yacht is 47 feet 2 inches on a 23-foot 3-inch beam, three-to-five cabins, inboard Volvo Penta diesels, and 476 gallons of fuel tuned for efficient long-range cruising. The Aquila 46 Coupe is 47 feet 4 inches on a 17-foot 11-inch beam, two cabins and two heads, 616 gallons, and twin Mercury Verado V12 600s that push it to roughly 44 knots. Buy the Yacht to stay aboard; buy the Coupe to get there fast.
What does the Aquila 46 Yacht cost to run each year?
Fuel is the predictable part — roughly 30 gallons per hour at cruise with the D6 package, drawn from 476 gallons. The wildcard is dockage: a 23-foot 3-inch beam means a wider slip, and some marinas charge catamarans a premium, so price your home marina before you sign anything. Maintenance stays reasonable because the Volvo Penta diesels are serviced everywhere and the engine rooms are genuinely accessible, which cuts labor hours. No crew, no captain. Sea trials run out of Fort Lauderdale.
Does the Aquila 46 Yacht need a captain?
No. The 46 Yacht is laid out for owner-operators: twin Volvo Penta D4 320-hp diesels as standard, engine rooms reachable through deck hatches instead of contortions, and a centerline flybridge helm with clear sightlines. Couples run these boats for weeks at a time without hired help. The trade-off is the 23-foot 3-inch beam — it is exactly what makes the interior work, and it also means you should scout your slip and your fuel dock before you commit to a home marina.
Can you live aboard the Aquila 46 Yacht?
Yes, and it is one of the few 47-footers genuinely set up for it. Three cabins and three heads are standard, with four- and five-cabin layouts available for charter work or extended family. The master gives you 6 feet 7 inches of headroom and room to walk around the island berth. Water capacity is 800 litres / 211 gallons. Storage is the part people underestimate: deep in-deck bow lockers with ladder access, and an aft-deck hatch that swallows fenders and lines.
What is the beam-forward master on the Aquila 46 Yacht?
It is Aquila carrying the full 23-foot 3-inch beam all the way to the bow instead of tapering it, which turns what would be a cramped V-berth into a real stateroom. You get 6 feet 7 inches of headroom, an island berth you can walk around without turning sideways, and an en-suite head. Most boats this size narrow hard forward and hand you a wedge. It is the single design decision that makes the 46 Yacht livable for more than a weekend.
How far can the Aquila 46 Yacht go on a tank of fuel?
Aquila does not publish a range figure for the 46 Yacht, so there is no honest number to put here. What the yard does publish is the tank: 1,800 litres / 476 gallons, which is generous for a 47-footer. Any range or burn figure you find in circulation comes from a magazine sea trial of a single hull on one engine package, not from Aquila. Establish burn at your intended cruise on your own sea trial and get it in writing before you plan a crossing around it.