Improved Efficiency with Aquila Hydro Glide® Foil System

The Aquila Hydro Glide® foil system is transforming the boating experience by enhancing performance, fuel efficiency, and ride comfort across various Aquila power catamaran models. What began as an optional feature on the 36 Sport has evolved into a standard inclusion on the new 42 and 46 Coupe models, with optional availability on the 42 Yacht, 46 Yacht, 50 Yacht, and capability for the 70 Luxury. 

MAKING THE EXTRAORDINARY, STANDARD: THE NEW COUPE SERIES

The 36 Sport power catamaran is widely regarded as the leading production foiling boat in the world. After years of watching this technology deliver 40% improved miles per gallon compared to competitors*, we knew the new Coupe series deserved the same advantage from day one.

At 30 MPH cruising speed, the results of the Coupes with carbon-fiber foil compared to comparable monohulls speak for themselves: 

• 46 Coupe: MORE THAN DOUBLE the fuel efficiency of comparable monohulls with inboard engines, and beats monohulls by 17% with outboards*
• 42 Coupe: Up to 76% better fuel efficiency than comparable monohulls with inboard power, and up to 18% superior fuel efficiency with outboards*

"When we started developing the Coupe series, we knew we wanted to include foils as an option for owners," says Jean Raas, chief product officer & chief executive officer of Aquila USA. "Once we realized how much our foils improve fuel efficiency and ride comfort—upwards of 35% improved fuel efficiency on the 36 Sport—we decided to make them standard on the Coupes."

The result? Every single Aquila Coupe configuration significantly surpasses monohull efficiency, delivering dramatically extended range, substantially lower fuel costs, and reduced environmental impact as standard equipment rather than expensive upgrades.

*NOTICE TO CONSUMER: The information and data around the performance of these Aquilas is approximate and subject to many different factors and variables. It is provided as a guideline only and should not be relied upon as representative of actual performance. The actual performance of your Aquila vessel will likely vary based on numerous environmental conditions including but not limited to wind speed, water currents, temperature, humidity, elevation, as well as vessel-specific factors such as bottom paint condition, optional equipment weight, and handling techniques employed by the operator.

Discover the technology and ingenuity behind the Aquila Hydro Glide Foil System in the videos below.

AQUILA FOIL CAPABILITIES: STANDARD VS. OPTIONAL

Standard equipment models:

• 42 Coupe - Foils included
  Typically see up to 76% better efficiency than monohulls (inboard) | Up to 18 % better (outboard)*
• 46 Coupe - Foils included
  Typically see more than double monohull efficiency (inboard) | Up to 17% better than monohulls (outboard)*

Optional upgrade models:

• 50 Yacht, 46 Yacht, 42 Yacht - Optional foil system
  Typically see 15%+ efficiency gains*
• 36 Sport - Optional foils (very popular choice)
  Typically sees 30-40% efficiency gains*
• 70 Luxury - Foil-capable design, available when adventure calls
  No data available at this time.

The strategy makes sense: Standard on models where efficiency transforms the day-boat experience. Optional where customization and choice matter most. The key is matching the right boat to your boating dreams—and that's where a conversation with your dealer becomes essential, especially since engine packages matter for foil optimization. 

*NOTICE TO CONSUMER: The information and data around the performance of these Aquilas is approximate and subject to many different factors and variables. It is provided as a guideline only and should not be relied upon as representative of actual performance. The actual performance of your Aquila vessel will likely vary based on numerous environmental conditions including but not limited to wind speed, water currents, temperature, humidity, elevation, as well as vessel-specific factors such as bottom paint condition, optional equipment weight, and handling techniques employed by the operator.

WHAT THE BOAT EXPERTS ARE SAYING (SPOILER: GOOD THINGS) 

Independent reviews from people who actually test boats

BoatTEST's review of Aquila 42 Coupe with foils (outboard engines): "More impressive was her handling, first offshore where we encountered some rougher water and noticed how the foil, supplying the necessary lift, eased our coming off a wave with no pounding or drag, before the boat met another head on. With our running inshore, and once we had the boat trimmed properly, we noticed how, especially during hard-over maneuvers including a series of turns to port and starboard, how she kept her rpm and speed without any noticeable change."
See their comprehensive testing data /

BoatTEST's review of Aquila 46 Coupe with foils (outboard engines): "With sleek, well-balanced lines, a low profile exterior, and large windows above and below decks, the Aquila 46 Coupe, along with the kind of accommodations only found on a cat, offers a high level of sophisticated design and engineering, including carbon fiber foils and double stepped hulls for better fuel efficiency, and is poised to take its rightful market place for those wishing to own a go-anywhere, well-appointed cruising yacht. It’s no wonder she was the in-class Yacht Style Award Winner for 2025."
See their comprehensive testing data /

Yachting Magazine: "It felt akin to Aladdin’s magic carpet ride as we bounded across the tops of the frothy seas at 25 to 35 knots. When we had to cross larger ship wakes or maneuver sharply, a quick trim to tuck the engines back in tightened up the ride without the need for trim tabs or interceptors."
Read their Aquila 46 Coupe review / 

Boating Magazine: "It's hard to believe a piece of metal with no moving parts can be the approximate equivalent of adding 200 horsepower, 100 gallons of fuel and 100 miles of extra range. But when it's a hydrofoil attached between the hulls of an Aquila 36 Sport power catamaran, that's the net effect."
Read their complete head-to-head analysis /

BoatTEST's review of Aquila 36 Sport with foils: "Our tests, when compared to Aquila test numbers of an identical boat without foils, improved top speed by 6 mph or 16%—44.1 MPH vs. 38 MPH w/o foils. At 4500 RPM the 36 with foils went 31.7 MPH, 8.7 MPH or 37% faster than the boat w/o foils." - regarding comparing Aquila 36 Sport with and without foils.
See their comprehensive testing data /

HOW DOES THIS ENGINEERED FOIL SYSTEM DO ALL THIS?

The simple science behind not-so-simple engineering 

Here's what Morelli & Melvin figured out: Gino Morrelli and Pete Melvin didn't just wake up one day and decide to stick wings on a catamaran. These are the same minds behind America's Cup foiling technology. Turns out, decades of making sailboats fly translates pretty well to making powerboats more efficient.

The setup is beautifully simple:

• Fixed foil system spanning between the hulls (no computers, no moving parts, no drama) - with materials and positioning optimized for each model
• Two stabilizer fins that prevent the bouncing-ball effect at higher speeds
• 40% hull lift at cruise speeds (which is the sweet spot between "this is working" and "we're now flying")

Why it works so well: Traditional hulls push through water like a linebacker through a crowd—lots of effort, lots of resistance. Hydrofoils are more like a ballet dancer—lift yourself above the chaos and glide through with grace. The result? A 25-to-1 lift-to-drag ratio compared to a regular hull's 4-to-1. That's not just better; that's "wait, run those numbers again" better.

The Aquila advantage: Most foil systems need computers and active control to keep you from becoming a very expensive submarine. Ours is set-and-forget. The dihedral V-shape naturally stabilizes itself, which means you get all the benefits without needing a physics degree to operate your boat.

Beyond fuel savings: The foil system also reduces engine wear and tear by lightening the load during operation. When the engines don't need to work as hard to maintain speed, they last longer and need less maintenance. It's efficiency that pays dividends beyond the fuel dock.

YOUR BURNING FOIL QUESTIONS, ANSWERED

Because "how does this actually work?" is a fair question

CHOOSING YOU AQUILA FOIL ADVENTURE your

For weekend warriors who want efficiency baked in: 42 or 46 Coupe with standard foils. Zero decision fatigue, maximum fun per gallon.

For yacht owners who like to customize their experience: 50 Yacht, 46 Yacht, or 42 Yacht with optional foil upgrade. Build your vessel exactly how you want it, with the option to add serious range when adventure calls.

For the performance enthusiasts: 36 Sport with optional foils. Very popular choice - run smaller engines while maintaining the same speed as larger engines, dramatically reducing fuel consumption. This is where the foil story began and continues to evolve.

For the luxury adventurers: 70 Luxury with foil capability. When your dreams require the ultimate in space and performance, the technology is ready when you are.

The bottom line: Talk to your dealer. Engine packages matter for foil optimization, and they'll help you find the perfect match for your waters and your adventures.

NEXT STEPS

The path from curious to cruising

Talk to the experts: Your local Aquila dealer knows which configuration makes sense for your boating style, your waters, and your adventures.

Review resources:

• BoatTEST technical reviews - Independent speed and efficiency data

  • Aquila 46 Coupe with foils review

  • Aquila 42 Coupe with foils review

  • Aquila 36 Sport with foils review

• Boating Magazine deep dive on the Aquila 36 Sport - Complete head-to-head testing analysis
  
  

*NOTICE TO CONSUMER: The information and data around the performance of these Aquilas is approximate and subject to many different factors and variables. It is provided as a guideline only and should not be relied upon as representative of actual performance. The actual performance of your Aquila vessel will likely vary based on numerous environmental conditions including but not limited to wind speed, water currents, temperature, humidity, elevation, as well as vessel-specific factors such as bottom paint condition, optional equipment weight, and handling techniques employed by the operator.