YEAR OF THE CAT
Stability. Spaciousness. Livability. Ease of operation.
All of these characteristics make power catamarans worth a look, but perhaps the most important advantage they have over similar-length monohull cruising yachts is fuel efficiency, which can be up to 50 percent better. While switching from a single engine trawler to a twin-engine catamaran does increase the initial investment, and while the wider beams of larger powercats demand special berths, these boats offer livability and accommodations that same-length monohulls simply can’t match.
Here’s a look at what’s new in power catamarans for the upcoming season.
AQUILA 70
Following the 2019 debut of its smallest vessel, the 32 Sport Power Catamaran, Aquila is preparing to launch its largest-ever vessel, a 70-footer.
The 70’s styling resembles that of the Aquila 44 and 48, both of which have proved popular in the charter market. With a standard open flybridge (an enclosed version is available), a foredeck with twin sun lounges, a protected aft deck, and side decks, the 70 may find a niche among charter clients as well. Aquila expects to outfit the 70 with Gaggenau galley appliances, and Miele and Fisher & Paykel equipment elsewhere.
Standard power will be a pair of 600-hp Volvo Penta D8 engines with a projected top speed of 26 knots and a loaded displacement of 66 tons. Owners also can choose optional 1,000-hp Volvo Penta D13s with straight shaft drives.
The hull is composite,
