Aquila Power Catamarans, a Brand Built by a Dealer

Born in a BVI charter fleet

Aquila is unusual because it was created by people who sell and charter boats rather than by a traditional boatbuilder. In 2011 MarineMax launched a power catamaran charter business in the British Virgin Islands and needed a boat that guests could handle, that burned less fuel than a monohull of similar volume and that could survive constant turnover. It partnered with Sino Eagle Group, a Chinese composite builder, which began building the Aquila 38 in a dedicated factory in 2012.

The name is Latin for eagle, a nod to the builder. The Aquila 44, which entered production in 2014, became the breakthrough model and passed 200 sales before the Aquila 46 took over from it in 2025. Its success in charter gave MarineMax a feedback loop that few builders enjoy: every charter turnover produced information about what broke, what guests misunderstood and what they loved.

From cruising cats to outboard dayboats

The original Aquila formula is a twin-diesel cruising catamaran with a forward-facing salon, a big flybridge and cabins in each hull. We cover four Aquilas in depth, and three of them follow that recipe. The Aquila 44 is the volume seller, a 17-knot cruiser on twin Volvo D4s with a head for every cabin. Hull refinements, including bulbous bows tested and adopted around 2015, aimed to improve its efficiency and ride, and a later 44 Yacht update refreshed the styling and engine choices.

The Aquila 50 Yacht, shown at Fort Lauderdale in late 2024 as the replacement for the Aquila 48, is aimed squarely at private owners rather than fleets. Higher topsides make room for a full-beam master on one level forward, prop pockets keep draft at about four feet, and a standard three-cabin plan adds a utility room that can serve as a laundry. It runs about 18 knots on the optional Volvo D6 480s, and a VPLP-developed Hydro Glide foil is offered. A separate sailing catamaran also wears the Aquila 50 badge, so check which one a listing means.

At the top of what we cover, the Aquila 54 Yacht, delivered from 2021, offers three, four or five cabins, a Portuguese bridge, more flybridge space and close to 1,000 miles of range at trawler speed. It has become a favorite with owners who want to cross to the Bahamas in comfort.

The Aquila 36 Sport took the brand in a new direction in 2017 as its first outboard model. It is a 36-foot dayboat with a cabin and head in each hull, twin Mercury Verados giving roughly 35 to 40 knots, and versions for private use, charter and fishing or diving, plus a Morrelli & Melvin foil option. A new 35 Sport joined it in 2026. The range has since widened further, with Molokai center console cats, coupe models and sailing catamarans, so the brand now spans roughly 28 to 70 feet.

What MarineMax ownership means for buyers

The biggest advantage of an Aquila in the US is service. Because MarineMax sells the boats, owners have access to a large network of stores in Florida, the Gulf, the Northeast and the Great Lakes. Parts flow through one channel and technicians see many identical boats, which is reassuring for a brand that is still young compared with Leopard or Fountaine Pajot.

Resale has been solid because power catamarans remain in short supply, but charter history splits the market. Ex-charter Aquila 44s with high hours can list around $450,000, while privately owned, lightly used boats can approach $900,000. Used 36 Sports have listed from about $380,000 to $700,000, early Aquila 50 Yachts trade close to new money, and a 54 typically costs between about $1.15 million and $2.4 million.

• Ask for the full charter log and maintenance records if the boat was in a fleet
• Check engine hours, exhaust elbows, V-drives and shaft seals on both hulls
• Inspect the bridgedeck underside and forward crossbeam area for slamming damage
• Look closely at generator and air conditioning, which run constantly in charter
• Survey soft furnishings and hardware for heavy-use wear