2019 Aquila 44

First Edition is a custom Aquila power catamaran. She is a 50’ hybrid electric yacht with a custom solar roof. In 2019, brand new and straight from the factory, she was refitted with a state-of-the-art hybrid propulsion system by Torqeedo and a custom integrated solar roof large enough to keep up with all of her energy non-propulsion needs. Her conversion took almost one year.

After 55 years of sailing, her owner wanted an environmentally friendly live-aboard power catamaran. He liked the Aquila 44 best but with the factory only offers a diesel-powered version with very limited solar. A talented team of professionals were brought together to install the Deep Blue 80 system, modify the factory roof to accommodate a huge (5.6kW) solar array, and extend the hulls by six feet. Two world renowned naval architects that specialize in catamarans helped design and lengthen the hull for better performance and stability at sea.

She was delivered new from the factory in January 2019. The two Volvo-Penta 300hp diesel engines were replaced with Torqeedo’s state-of-the-art electric drive motors. Two 40kW BMWi3 batteries now occupy the space the large fuel tanks once used. A 20kW DC generator made by Germany’s WhisperPower allowed the large fuel tanks to be replaced with much smaller ones.  It took one year of planning and four months for the refit. She now sips fuel (1.25gph) with an 800 nautical miles range at 6 knots (top speed 8 knots). She does this more quietly and with far fewer emissions. She now gets to her destination at speeds sailor and trawler captains are accustomed to with a carbon footprint that an environmentalist can live with. 

The current owner is quite content cruising at 5.5 knots, but understands today’s cruisers prefer faster passage making. The generator will be replaced with a new larger 35kW variable speed at the owner’s expense. This will give her a faster cruising speed of 7 knots (when needed). The variable speed generator still allows for more leisurely, economical, and pleasant cruising speeds, and of course, for shorter distances, she can be run silently on her 90kW of battery storage.

Her custom solar roof and aft bimini accommodate sixteen 350-watt solar panels making her carbon footprint close to zero at anchor.

Her 12’ tender is also electric and is charged by the yacht (no gasoline aboard First Edition).

You may have seen First Edition displayed at the Miami Yacht Show and the St Petersburg Boat Show. Her tender was displayed at the Ft Lauderdale Boat Show. The owner is moving on to a different lifestyle (an organic farm) and is ready to part with this fabulous yacht.She can now be seen in Georgetown, Bahamas with the sun providing all of her energy needs.