The Aquila 48 Power Catamaran has earned a strong reputation for being one of the most versatile, spacious, and reliable boats in its class. Built with a focus on long-range cruising and entertaining, it combines modern styling with the stability of a catamaran hull, giving owners the freedom to explore farther and more comfortably. Unlike traditional monohulls in the 45–50 foot range, the Aquila 48 makes clever use of its wide beam to maximize interior volume, while also keeping operating costs manageable.

Step aboard, and you’ll notice how thoughtfully this yacht is designed. From its expansive flybridge to its open-concept salon, the Aquila 48 feels like a much larger yacht. Whether you’re planning a family trip, entertaining guests, or even considering charter income opportunities, the Aquila 48 is designed to meet a variety of boating lifestyles. This review covers its specs, handling, features, ownership considerations, and how it stacks up against competitors.

Intended Use / Purpose

The Aquila 48 is built for long-distance cruising and luxury living on the water. Unlike smaller day boats or center consoles, this model is not just about quick outings. It’s designed for extended trips, island hopping, and entertaining groups in comfort. The catamaran layout makes it incredibly stable, reducing rolling and increasing comfort for those who may be prone to seasickness.

It also doubles as an excellent yacht for socializing. With spacious gathering areas, both inside and out, this boat works equally well for families spending a week aboard as it does for friends enjoying an afternoon on the water. The versatility of the design means it is equally comfortable in private ownership and charter operations.

Key Purpose Highlights:

• Long-range coastal and offshore cruising
• Entertaining large groups
• Comfortable liveaboard potential
• Charter-ready layout

Who is it For?

The Aquila 48 is aimed at boaters who want a balance of luxury and practicality. It appeals to those who value space, stability, and comfort above high-speed performance. Families often gravitate toward it for its kid-friendly layout and safety features, while couples see it as a perfect yacht for extended journeys.

Charter companies also love the Aquila 48 because it has the right mix of private cabins and large common areas, making it highly desirable for groups renting yachts in popular destinations. Owners who want to offset costs through charter often find this model a smart investment.

Best suited for:

• Families wanting space and stability
• Couples looking for an extended cruising yacht
• Charter operators seeking guest-friendly layouts
• Buyers looking for liveaboard comfort

How Does the Aquila 48 Compare to Other Offshore Boats?

Compared to other yachts in the 45–50 foot range, the Aquila 48 stands out primarily for its beam and volume. While a typical 48-foot monohull offers plenty of style, it rarely matches the space and stability of a catamaran. For example, boats like the Leopard 51 PC or Lagoon 46 may compete in terms of layout, but the Aquila 48 is often praised for its modern styling, thoughtful storage solutions, and strong build quality.

In terms of performance, it’s not as fast as some sport-oriented yachts, but it makes up for it with efficiency and smooth handling. Owners looking for offshore reliability often appreciate the dual-hull confidence, especially when compared with more traditional V-hull cruisers.

Design & Specifications

The Aquila 48 has been carefully engineered to maximize livability and comfort while maintaining efficient cruising performance.

• Type: Power Catamaran Cruiser
• Length Overall (LOA): 48 ft 5 in
• Beam: 23 ft 6 in
• Draft: 3 ft 8 in
• Fuel Capacity: 356 gallons
• Engines: Twin Volvo Penta diesels, 330 HP each
• Top Speed: Around 20 knots
• Cruise Speed: 15–17 knots
• Hull Design: Semi-displacement catamaran hull
• Seating Layout: Flybridge helm with lounges, aft cockpit seating, forward sunpads, large salon with dining space, multiple cabins with en-suites

What makes the layout special?

• A massive flybridge that includes dining and lounging areas with commanding views.
• A wide cockpit that connects directly with the salon for seamless indoor-outdoor living.
• Forward bow access that makes lounging at anchor easy.
• Multiple private staterooms with en-suite bathrooms, making it excellent for groups.

Performance & Handling

The Aquila 48 isn’t built to be a speedboat—it’s designed for comfort, control, and efficiency. When you take the helm, the first thing you notice is how smooth the acceleration feels. At cruising speeds around 15–17 knots, the yacht glides over the water with little effort.

Turning is predictable, and the catamaran design keeps it from leaning dramatically in sharp maneuvers. Guests onboard often feel more comfortable compared to a monohull of similar size. In rougher waters, the wide stance pays dividends—the hulls cut through chop, minimizing pounding, and the boat stays impressively stable.

Performance takeaways:

• Smooth handling at all speeds
• Excellent stability in rough water
• Efficient fuel consumption compared to similar-size monohulls
• Confident control for both new and experienced captains

Safety & Precautions

Aquila has put strong emphasis on safety with the 48:

• Wide walkways and sturdy grab rails for safe movement.
• Excellent visibility from the flybridge helm.
• Shallow draft for exploring more anchorages.
• Multiple access points for boarding and docking.

Precautions worth noting include the need for larger slips due to its beam and adjusting to twin-hull maneuvering, which is different from monohull handling.

Potential Downsides

The Aquila 48 does many things well, but there are a few considerations:

• Marina slips for a 23-foot beam can be harder to find.
• Top speed of around 20 knots may feel underwhelming for those seeking thrills.
• Ownership costs are still significant, even though it’s more efficient than many monohulls.

Features & Benefits

Some standout features of the Aquila 48 include:

• Expansive flybridge with multiple lounges and dining zones
• Spacious cabins with en-suites for privacy
• Fuel-efficient cruising compared to similar yachts
• Stability at anchor for greater comfort
• Excellent indoor-outdoor flow from salon to cockpit

These features translate directly into benefits like easier entertaining, safer family cruising, and more versatile itineraries.

Reviews & Testimonials

Owners often praise the Aquila 48 for its livability, comfort, and ease of handling. Many note that it feels larger than its length, thanks to the wide beam. Charter guests consistently highlight the spacious flybridge and stability at sea as key reasons they enjoyed their trips.

Critics sometimes point out that its interior finish, while modern, may not match ultra-luxury European brands. Still, the overall consensus is that the Aquila 48 strikes an excellent balance of space, performance, and value.

Storage & Ownership Costs

Owning an Aquila 48 means planning for both operational and storage expenses. The wide beam may limit marina options, and slip fees are often higher. Maintenance costs are on par with other 50-foot yachts, and fuel, though efficient compared to monohulls, remains a significant factor.

For many owners, offsetting costs through charter programs makes sense, as the Aquila 48 is popular in charter fleets and generates strong bookings. This dual-use appeal enhances its overall value.

Bottom Line

The Aquila 48 Power Catamaran offers a blend of comfort, space, and efficiency that makes it one of the most appealing yachts in its class. While it won’t satisfy thrill-seekers craving high-speed performance, it delivers what many buyers truly want: a stable, spacious, and stylish yacht that makes cruising a pleasure.

Whether you’re exploring coastal waters, hosting family weekends, or adding it to a charter fleet, the Aquila 48 provides the flexibility and confidence to make every journey memorable. For buyers looking at yachts under 50 feet, this model is absolutely worth a close look.

Fly Yachts provides a full range of services, starting with a large inventory of yachts for sale and information about luxury yachts, super yachts, and center consoles, all easily found from their homepage. To learn about their company history, team, and expert knowledge, check their About Us page, and if you want a custom yacht built, visit Build a Yacht. They feature travel options to various charter destinations around the world and list many yachts charter choices for private bookings. If you want to sell your vessel, the Sell Your Yacht page explains their process and support. For private aviation, they offer a selection of aircraft for sale. You can stay up to date on industry updates and company activities on the Gulfstream News page, and find yachting tips or advice in their Compass Articles. For any help or to get in touch, you can use the Contact page.