New 35-Footer Combines Catamaran Space with Twin Mercury Verado Performance
The all-new Aquila 35 Sport power catamaran made its highly anticipated US debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show last week, introducing boaters to a compact yet spacious platform that challenges conventional thinking about what a 35-footer can deliver. With a generous 14 foot 9 inch beam, the 35 Sport delivers usable space that would typically require a 40 to 43 foot monohull to match, making it an attractive proposition for buyers seeking efficiency without compromise. Aquila has engineered the 35 Sport around the principle that size on paper matters far less than how that space is actually used. The layout flows seamlessly from a social bow area through a convertible aft cockpit to a four-seat helm station, all anchored by a private queen cabin below. A hardtop overhead provides additional lounging space, water toy storage, and a launch pad for swimming or water sports. The design philosophy prioritizes movement and flexibility, with power-sliding U-shaped seating that widens the walkway at the touch of a button, eliminating the need for crew to shuffle when docking or moving fore to aft.
The helm itself reflects thoughtful design principles that prioritize confidence and ease of operation. A low dashboard delivers true 360-degree sightlines, with every control positioned intuitively within reach. This accessibility means that anyone stepping up to the wheel can take command with minimal learning curve, a significant advantage for charter operations or families rotating helm duties. The double-stepped hull design contributes to both acceleration and ride quality, delivering what Aquila describes as heart-racing performance paired with stability and efficiency. Power comes from a choice of twin Mercury Verado V8 300 or V10 400 outboards, giving owners flexibility to match their performance preferences and fuel consumption targets. The outboard configuration also maximizes interior volume and simplifies maintenance compared to inboard alternatives. For operators accustomed to larger vessels, the 35 Sport's responsiveness and maneuverability offer a refreshing change of pace without sacrificing the comfort and amenities expected in the modern luxury market.
The private queen cabin represents a significant departure from typical day-boat thinking. Rather than treating overnight capability as an afterthought, Aquila has invested in genuine comfort below, with proper headroom, storage, and natural light. This makes the 35 Sport equally at home on a full day out with friends and family, a romantic getaway for two, or even charter operations where overnight revenue potential adds to the business case. The convertible aft cockpit is perhaps the most versatile feature on the boat. Depending on how owners configure the seating and table arrangements, the space transforms from an intimate dining area to a sprawling lounge to a water sports staging area. This flexibility speaks to the boat's ambition to serve multiple use cases without requiring owners to compromise on any single scenario.
Aquila's decision to debut the 35 Sport at FLIBS underscores the company's confidence in the North American market and its understanding of what buyers in this segment are seeking. The show's timing and prestige provide immediate visibility among serious buyers, dealers, and media, accelerating awareness during the critical fall selling season. Early reactions from the show floor suggest strong interest, particularly among buyers who have felt constrained by the space limitations of traditional 35-foot designs or frustrated by the fuel consumption and complexity of larger platforms. The 35 Sport joins Aquila's expanding Sport lineup alongside the recently launched 45 Sport, giving the builder a two-model range in this performance-oriented category. The 36 Sport and 32 Sport remain in the lineup, offering additional options for buyers with different priorities or budgets. This tiered approach allows Aquila to capture demand across a wider spectrum of the market while maintaining the design coherence and brand identity that have made the company a recognized name in catamaran construction.
For dealers and brokers, the 35 Sport represents a compelling offering in a market segment where buyers often feel forced to choose between space and performance, between day-boat simplicity and overnight capability, or between fuel efficiency and power. The 35 Sport's design philosophy suggests that these trade-offs are not inevitable, that thoughtful engineering and smart layout can deliver genuine versatility without requiring buyers to accept significant compromises in any dimension. The catamaran market has evolved considerably over the past decade, with builders increasingly focused on delivering monohull-like performance and handling characteristics while retaining the stability and space advantages inherent to twin-hull designs. The 35 Sport appears to represent the latest iteration of this evolution, combining proven Aquila DNA with fresh thinking about how modern boaters actually use their vessels. With its US debut now complete, the 35 Sport is positioned to make a meaningful impact on the competitive landscape in the mid-size power catamaran segment.
This article has been sourced from press releases and cross-referenced with multiple websites. Facts originally seen at Source.