Why a 9.86-metre catamaran deserves a closer look
The Aquila 32 Sport occupies an interesting place in recreational boating: at 9.86 metres overall, it is compact enough to remain a dayboat for many owners yet broad enough to support a very different layout from a conventional single-hull boat of similar length. Aquila’s official specification gives the Sport a beam of 3.85 metres, a figure that helps explain the amount of deck space available for seating and moving about.
The model is designed for a mixture of social cruising, swimming and short overnight trips. The manufacturer presents it as a platform for activities on the water, while the technical sheet confirms one cabin, one head and one shower. Buyers should distinguish between comfortable overnight use for a small group and the larger numbers permitted for day outings under certain certification categories.
The important question is not whether a power catamaran can be described as spacious; many are. It is whether the arrangement makes everyday tasks more pleasant: boarding from a pontoon, moving past seated guests, securing equipment and returning from a swim without turning the cockpit into an obstacle course. Those are the circumstances in which the extra beam becomes valuable.
Twin outboards and different ways to configure the boat
Aquila lists twin 225-horsepower Mercury Verado V6 outboards as standard equipment, with twin 300-horsepower Mercury Verado V8 engines and joystick piloting available as an option. That is a substantial spread of power for a vessel under ten metres. Buyers should be careful, however, not to translate a horsepower figure into a claimed speed without validated trials at the chosen load and propeller specification.
The maker quotes approximately 1,060 litres of fuel capacity in two tanks. Combined with the twin-outboard configuration, that may appeal to owners who want to undertake coastal trips beyond a single bay. It is not enough information to publish a reliable cruising range: actual consumption will depend on engine choice, sea conditions, speed and how the boat is loaded.
Berthing arrangements deserve as much attention as propulsion. The listed beam is considerably wider than that of some single-hull dayboats, and a marina berth that easily accepts the length might not have the required width. Owners considering a purchase should confirm annual berth availability, lifting arrangements and trailer or yard-storage limits before concentrating solely on cockpit appointments.
The cockpit as a flexible social space
The Sport’s exterior areas are designed around time spent together. From the helm area to aft lounging, the arrangement creates alternatives for people who want to watch the passage, enjoy a meal or prepare for a swim. On a family boat, this separation can be helpful because not everyone wants to remain in the same seat for a full afternoon.
A hardtop and opening roof hatches are included in Aquila’s published equipment description. Their usefulness is straightforward: shade and airflow can change how long a group remains comfortable on deck during a hot cruise. Buyers should inspect the actual boat to understand how much protection the roof gives when the sun is low or rain arrives from the side.
Storage is equally important, though less conspicuous in photographs. Lifejackets, fenders, mooring lines, towels and watersports equipment need assigned places if an active day is to remain orderly. On a practical sea trial, guests should be asked to move through the cockpit as they would at anchor and alongside, because the feeling of space is determined by real use rather than an empty show boat.
Cabin, bathroom and passenger certification
The official layout provides a single enclosed cabin and head, with berths for up to four people when salon accommodation is included. This supports a small overnight party or allows children to rest during a longer day afloat. It should not be read as evidence of separate private cabins for four adults, and the exact arrangement should be inspected before planning a cruising holiday.
Aquila provides CE design categories and associated passenger capacities in its published technical information. The figures differ by category—B, C and D—and must be interpreted within the applicable operating conditions and local rules. A headline maximum passenger number is not a sensible planning number for every voyage, weather forecast or intended activity.
Owners should also consider the practical consequences of overnight use: fresh-water management, toilet arrangements, ventilation, battery capacity and refrigeration. The manufacturer lists approximately 110 litres of fresh water and an 80-litre holding tank, which puts real limits around showers, dishes and the length of an independent stay. A little planning can make a short cruise more enjoyable than attempting to treat the boat like a much larger motor yacht.
What to test before committing
A sea trial should begin with the intended use, not just acceleration. An owner seeking a stable swimming platform may prioritise safe movement and calm handling at low speed, while another who regularly makes longer coastal passages will want to compare ride comfort and fuel consumption across a range of conditions. Both should examine visibility from the helm and the steps required to dock safely.
The Aquila 32 Sport is also a reminder that a larger beam can produce both benefits and trade-offs. The wide social deck and accommodation possibilities are attractive, but the boat may need more berth width and a different lifting plan from a narrower monohull. These considerations should be calculated with the intended home marina, not treated as surprises after delivery.
With published dimensions, propulsion options and a defined accommodation plan, the 32 Sport gives buyers a useful basis for comparison. The strongest case for this type of boat is the ability to bring friends and family onto the water without making every outing a logistical exercise. Whether this particular model is the right choice will be established through an as-built specification, the owner’s actual plans and a properly conducted trial.