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Aquila 54 Review – Full Specs, Performance, and Features Explained

The Aquila 54 Power Catamaran is one of those yachts that immediately feels different the moment you step aboard. Designed for both private owners and the charter market, this model offers a careful balance of innovation, luxury, and practicality. It’s not just about its size—it’s about how that space is used. With its twin-hull design, expansive flybridge, and thoughtful interior layout, the Aquila 54 promises not only efficiency and stability but also the kind of lifestyle that makes long days at sea feel like home.

The Aquila brand has built a reputation for delivering catamarans that are as rugged and seaworthy as they are stylish. The 54 continues that tradition by offering versatility: it can be configured with multiple layouts, allowing buyers to choose between private-ownership designs or charter-friendly setups. For those seeking a yacht that can handle bluewater passages while still delivering all the creature comforts of a luxury villa, the Aquila 54 checks nearly every box.

Intended Use / Purpose

The Aquila 54 is crafted for versatility, but its strongest purpose is long-distance cruising with an emphasis on comfort and efficiency. Unlike traditional monohulls, this yacht provides extraordinary stability at sea, which makes it appealing for extended voyages or hosting guests who might be sensitive to motion.

Equally important, the yacht serves as a perfect entertainment platform. Its wide beam opens up spaces for socializing, dining, and relaxing both inside and out. For owners planning to charter, the Aquila 54 is a proven favorite in the rental market thanks to its multiple staterooms and ease of handling.

Key takeaway: The Aquila 54 is more than a cruiser—it’s a home on the water designed to travel far, carry friends and family, and keep everyone comfortable throughout the journey.

Who Is It For?

This yacht appeals to a diverse group of buyers, which is part of its strength. It works equally well for:

  • Families who want a safe, spacious yacht for vacations and adventures.
  • Couples planning liveaboard lifestyles who need long-term comfort.
  • Charter operators looking for a highly rentable yacht with wide appeal.
  • Experienced boaters seeking an upgrade from smaller models into something capable of handling longer passages.

Where speedboats thrill adrenaline seekers, the Aquila 54 attracts those who prioritize comfort, reliability, and space. It is ideal for those who want to slow down, explore at their own pace, and truly enjoy the destinations along the way.

How Does the Aquila 54 Compare to Other Offshore Boats?

When set against other offshore catamarans, the Aquila 54 stands out for its customizable layouts and clever use of space. Compared to the Leopard 53 Powercat, the Aquila feels slightly more refined in finish and offers more flexibility in cabin configuration. Against larger monohull yachts in the same size category, the Aquila wins in fuel efficiency and stability, though it doesn’t match their raw speed or dockside prestige.

It’s a yacht that doesn’t try to outdo sport yachts—it focuses instead on creating a stable, efficient, and luxurious platform for extended stays on the water.

Design & Specifications

The Aquila 54 is striking in appearance, with a modern profile that emphasizes wide decks and tall living spaces. The catamaran hull gives it a unique stance both at the dock and underway.

  • Type: Cruiser / Power Catamaran
  • Length Overall (LOA): 54 ft 2 in
  • Beam: 25 ft 2 in
  • Draft: 4 ft 3 in
  • Fuel Capacity: 1,000 gallons (approx.)
  • Engines: Twin Volvo Penta inboards (varied HP options)
  • Top Speed: Around 24 knots
  • Cruise Speed: 17–18 knots
  • Hull Design: Semi-displacement catamaran hull
  • Seating Layout: Flybridge with helm and lounges, salon with dining area, aft cockpit, forward seating, and private staterooms

Design highlights:

  • Expansive flybridge with grill, wet bar, and dining areas.
  • Salon and galley flow together for a home-like feel.
  • Multiple cabin layouts available (from owner’s suite to charter-style setups).
  • Large windows throughout, flooding the yacht with natural light.

Performance & Handling

Taking the wheel of the Aquila 54 feels like driving something much smaller than its 54-foot size suggests. Thanks to responsive throttles and excellent helm visibility, maneuvering is intuitive—even in tight marina slips.

At a comfortable cruise speed of 17–18 knots, the yacht glides across the water smoothly, while its wide stance eliminates much of the side-to-side rolling common on monohulls. Acceleration is steady, not aggressive, but enough to get you where you want to go without drama.

The real magic is in rougher seas. The catamaran hulls don’t smash into waves the way deeper-V monohulls can; instead, they part the water with confidence. While it’s not a performance yacht built for speed turns, it handles predictably and offers peace of mind, even when conditions are less than perfect.

At the helm, expect:

  • Smooth handling with easy course corrections.
  • Predictable turns with little heeling.
  • Confidence in chop, making longer passages less fatiguing.

Safety & Precautions

Safety is a cornerstone of the Aquila 54’s design. Wide walkways, strong handrails, and a well-thought-out deck plan allow passengers to move about comfortably. Visibility from both the flybridge and inside helm stations reduces blind spots when docking or maneuvering.

With its 1,000-gallon fuel capacity, the Aquila 54 also reduces the need for constant refueling stops, which can be a safety advantage on longer routes. Still, buyers should remember that the wide beam requires wider slips, and bridge clearance should be checked in advance given the yacht’s tall profile.

Potential Downsides

As versatile as it is, the Aquila 54 does have a few trade-offs:

  • Beam size: At over 25 feet, marina space can be a challenge.
  • Speed limitations: It’s not designed for 30+ knot speeds, so buyers craving speed may prefer other models.
  • Operating costs: Larger engines and systems mean higher maintenance budgets than smaller powercats.

Features & Benefits

The Aquila 54 is packed with features that enhance real-world usability:

  • Flybridge living: Full outdoor kitchen, seating, and helm station.
  • Multiple cabin layouts: Owner-focused or charter-ready designs.
  • Expansive storage: Both in the hulls and throughout the main deck.
  • Indoor-outdoor flow: Seamless transition between salon and aft deck.
  • Fuel efficiency: Better mileage than a monohull of similar length.

Benefits for owners include: lower operating costs per mile, better comfort for guests, and a yacht that feels just as practical for private cruising as it does for commercial chartering.

Reviews & Testimonials

Owners often describe the Aquila 54 as “a yacht that feels like a house on water.” Reviews highlight its stability, interior comfort, and ability to cover long distances with minimal fuel burn.

Charter operators praise it for guest comfort and rental appeal, noting that passengers enjoy the sense of space and the smooth ride. Some owners mention it isn’t finished with the same level of luxury as ultra-premium European yachts, but most agree it delivers excellent value for the money.

Storage & Ownership Costs

The Aquila 54’s wide beam means slips may come at a premium, and storage during off-season periods needs to be carefully arranged. Routine maintenance on twin Volvo diesels, onboard generators, and systems will be on par with other yachts in the 50–60 foot category.

However, fuel efficiency helps offset some operating costs, and owners who place their yacht in charter often find it generates strong income. Overall, the ownership costs are in line with premium yachts of this size, with the benefit of potential charter revenue.

Bottom Line

The Aquila 54 Power Catamaran is a yacht built for those who want to go farther, stay longer, and do so in comfort. Spacious, stable, and thoughtfully designed, it provides a lifestyle that appeals equally to private buyers and charter clients. While it’s not the fastest or most opulent yacht in its class, it shines in practicality, fuel efficiency, and livability.

For families planning island-hopping adventures, couples looking for a floating residence, or charter operators seeking a versatile yacht, the Aquila 54 deserves serious consideration. It’s not just a boat—it’s a smart, stable, and stylish platform for exploring the world.

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.

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