I am looking at the Aquilas for myself. I want the 36 with the hydrofoil for THEE Great Loop and then the 70 for when I can make my final escape. I'll be the one with "My Own Ding-a-ling". Thank you for the candid owner experiences and I hope you continue on with them. PS I'm glad you got the quiet davit crane.
I would love to find out if the 36 was a good choice for the loop. I'm doing this the other way around. Big boat now...Loop later. Thanks for watching!
The issues you are having with some of quality build and parts, etc. are similar to what has happened in the RV industry since 2000. Any production boat (not custom built in the US) and production RV's built during and after COVID face the same things. Also prices were significantly increased due to demand from people who didn't want to be stuck at home and wanted a new form of recreation. Hang in there, you'll eventually get all the bugs worked out. Just hope the dealers can warranty everything.
Aquila design looks great. Quality for a 7 figure boat seems to be an issue. That issue with the wood is only going to get worse. Thanks for being candid!
Be careful leaving the water to the spigot in the on position, if it freezes it could be a major PIA and potentially flood your engine room if you’re away when it happens.
Once again, thanks Allen for your candid review of this yacht. I did have a little chuckle when you were talking about the wood on the boat. If the Aquila design folks didn't take into account that a boat might be in a damp and humid place, they need to find another line of work! It's hard to tell what the composition of the wood is but I hope it's not a veneer on particle board! Most likely "Steve" the installer over tightened the screws slightly causing them to strip. It sounds like you have come up with a good fix. It's actually entertaining to watch you learn about your boat. Question: Tell me more how the camera works. Do you have to have a constant wifi signal? Internet? Cell? Happy New Year and smooth sailing south! Paul & Linda s/v the Friendly Confines
Definitely set the activity/notification zone on the arlo cameras or you will need to charge them every month. I have 4 Arlo Pro 4 cameras. Also, to preserve battery power, make sure night vision is on and turn off the spot light
The issue with the bottom paint on a pricey boat like this would have sent me sub-orbital. I admire your tranquility. On an unrelated noted, I’m headed to Nanny Cay this week on a trip partially inspired by your BVI MMV adventures.
Thank You, my husband & I are on the California Deltas, live on the Sacramento River. We have a 37 SeaRay SunDancer, we’ve been watching Aquila for some time. Love your info Happy New Years💞
While you are in the Bahamas (or in the BVI) you can have your bottom painted with "better" paint (i.e. paints that are not permitted in the US, that will last MUCH longer.) Our last bottom job on a 44' monohull was about $4k over on the Gulf Coast, three years ago. We're going to the Bahamas for the next one.
I've just discovered your channel. I'm a big fan of cats in general and admire the Aquila 54. So much room in a 54' boat makes it great for entertaining. All the best!
We have spent the last few days in the Savannah area boat shopping!!! Tomorrow we go to Charleston to check out 3 more boats, then back to Tennessee. We LOVE this area of the country, and I was wondering if you have any suggestion for marinas for "full time cruisers", aka live aboard boaters, in this area??? I know, and have been told the term live aboard is not liked by many marinas. Ant suggestions would be great!
Well I have quite the love/hate with Savannah. This is a wonderful place with incredible people and the restaurants are to DIE FOR. However, things move very slow here. We’ve even renamed it…Slovannah. It’s really not a knock on the area…it’s a way of life. Which is good! I don’t think the marinas here care about live aboards. DM me on my IG and I’ll give you some suggestions. Thanks for watching!
B.O.A.T. Bring On Another Thousand. 😂 I know the journey. I lived on my sail boat with two kids for 10 years and I’m looking forward to buying my next one. BTW, we are neighbors, T Dieman and I are just off Tierra Rejada
Another great video, thanks . Would suggest using some DampRid hanging moisture absorbing bags. I use them on my boat and it keeps everything dry and fresh smelling. And the fridge thing…. Been there 🫣
Safe travels. Still trying to figure out why I enjoy your content so much. Conclusion...vicariously vacationing with a charming narrator or Captain (your preference) while living in the northern tundra region. My 9 year old son agrees that you have a great voice as a narrator and a beautiful boat. Enjoy the journey and happy new year. Millet Alberta Canada.
Thanks so much for this inspiring message. Really means a lot. Stay warm up there and thanks for watching! Hope to see you down here in some warm weather soon!!!!
If the temperatures down in Georgia were freezing (or below the set temp of your freezer), and the heat in the cabin was not turned on, then the freezer compressor will shut off and everything will melt. Had the same issue on my boat a couple seasons ago (amazingly enough, with a bag of frozen strawberries :)
And THAT'S the best explanation I've heard yet. All of those things you just outlined were in place. Low temps...heater turned off...boom. Ha. Live and learn. Thanks so much for watching.
@@thewanderinghillbilly ничего не понял. То есть в салоне было настолько холодно как в морозильной камере что датчик температуры решил что её можно отключить?) Но даже если бы и так, то почему всё потаяло если при потеплении морозильник должен был бы включиться опять.
It usually takes three times hitting your head going into the engine compartment before that decrease's . Don't forget the other compartment too..... Done it ........Matt from NE
Great videos Mr. Wandering Hillbilly!! Question, do you mind if I stop by and introduce myself while you are in Ft Pierce? Terry and I have taken a tour of a 54 at the Ft Lauderdale Boat show with Captain Nick from Marine Max of Sarasota. I travel the state and could arrange my schedule to include being in the Ft Pierce area sometime when you were going to be there. Safe travels and keep up the Great videos!!
That would be awesome. However, I’m leaving for California on Tuesday and might not return to the boat for 4 weeks or so…let me know and thanks for watching!
Wow, love your videos but I was an Aquila fan until your last video. Way too many things wrong for the cost of the yacht. I will now be seriously considering Horizon over Aquila. It’s a shame, looks beautiful but too much subpar. Good luck, Aquila should be ashamed
The retractable davit hoist crane design is great in theory, but it looks very break-down-able? If you're away from the dock and it goes out you're kinda screwed. You wouldn't be able to retrieve or launch the dinghy. I suppose the older method of having a platform that goes down below water level to launch your dinghy may be susceptible to breaking too, but changing a small hydraulic pump, or swapping a busted hose would be pretty easy for a do it yourself project? A manual crank back-up could be installed with that kind of system as well.
It does have a manual crank...although I'm not excited about ever using it. Also, the platform does lower but it's not advised to have the dinghy on when moving it. Give me a few years and I'll get back to you on this. Thanks for watching!
Interesting that you have fitted Hull Shield, this system needs to be used in conjunction with ablative anti-fouling and should be anti-fouled every year. Did you also fit the Drive Shield to props and steering gear?
Yes...to props and steering. The timing of all this has not been great on my part but still learning. Will be painting and anti fouling soon. Thanks for watching.
So much PLASTIC!!!!!!! All those plactic shut offs and lines. Major money pit. Classic boats used METAL!!!!!. Sad that you paid soooooo much for a plastic boat.
That is fricken unacceptable for a million-dollar vessel of any kind! I have been looking for the best to buy in 2025 and upto this point this was my favorite power Cat but unless they address that BS I will not be buying a Aquila 54!!! Thanks, and safe travels!
@@reimagineresurgent Before you buy an FP check out the electrical systems, they're rubbish, watch the videos by Giuseppe Carnevarli, he owns 2 FP's and he outlines the problems.
@@keithhughes2104 interesting you say that. We had a guy that had a brand new FP here at the marina, and his climate control system didnt work at all. It was a brand spanking new boat, and when I looked at the controls and wiring, I said to myself, I have no idea why they didn't go with a with a traditional reverse cycle (with the traditional control box and wiring). Good to know that's a problem! Thanks!
These builders from Aquila need a lesson in haul protection from Bering, their steel hulls are fully protected and never require cleaning, 10 years with no maintenance in the water hull looks brand new same mirror reflection as day 1! Bering is superior in materials and quality look into it Aquila stop just being average, please!
Agree on the quality issue, but steel is impractical for a boat this size. Bering uses fibreglass, aluminium and steel, but for different boat purposes and size. I've been aboard Aquila and their quality leaves much to be desired. You might have noticed the shoddy workmanship in the engine room compared to say Australian and European boats like Riviera, Maritimo, Princess, Sunseeker etc.
AQUILA is looking more and more like a bubble gum business with these below quality materials that surely have been seen before in the boat-building industry! Being exposed for less than a year in the average weather nothing extreme and having fasteners becoming unsecured from an unstable material that's used everywhere on the interior of your vessel is a complete fail my friend thats a deal breaker in my book! Can just imagine the horror of what is next to fail and when a month, 6 months the next season! If anything shows weakness and failure that quick and in numerous places throughout the boat, it should not be used period, guaranteed the rest will fail sooner than later if not addressed correctly! Just saying! No Excuse for such an important factor in building a boat IMHO!
"battery went dead" got the like, LOL. Love that you keep the silly things in the video.
Only real men know the woodglue/toothpick trick. I'm impressed! Love those old carpenter tricks.
We get about 8 weeks on our Arlo cameras. I wish it was 6 months.
Good to know. Thanks for watching!
Scary to drill for those camera mounts!😮
I am looking at the Aquilas for myself. I want the 36 with the hydrofoil for THEE Great Loop and then the 70 for when I can make my final escape. I'll be the one with "My Own Ding-a-ling". Thank you for the candid owner experiences and I hope you continue on with them. PS I'm glad you got the quiet davit crane.
I would love to find out if the 36 was a good choice for the loop. I'm doing this the other way around. Big boat now...Loop later. Thanks for watching!
That hydrofoil breaks and also can crack the hull.
If it worked as advertised all boats would have them
The issues you are having with some of quality build and parts, etc. are similar to what has happened in the RV industry since 2000. Any production boat (not custom built in the US) and production RV's built during and after COVID face the same things. Also prices were significantly increased due to demand from people who didn't want to be stuck at home and wanted a new form of recreation. Hang in there, you'll eventually get all the bugs worked out. Just hope the dealers can warranty everything.
You are correct sir. She’s beginning to hum now. Very exciting. Thanks
Man: thanks! Really. You lifted my valualuable opp knoledge next step in an a sec.. Regards! 😄
These "impression" videos are great! Keep them coming.
Thank you so much for this message and thanks for watching
Thanks for the video great content!
My pleasure! Thanks for watching.
Aquila design looks great. Quality for a 7 figure boat seems to be an issue. That issue with the wood is only going to get worse. Thanks for being candid!
This is an amazing design that you will not see on another Power Cat. The issues of build take time. Very happy with my purchase. Thanks for watching
Be careful leaving the water to the spigot in the on position, if it freezes it could be a major PIA and potentially flood your engine room if you’re away when it happens.
Yes! I’ve been warned. I always turn in off when I leave the boat for an extended time. Thanks for watching!!!
Once again, thanks Allen for your candid review of this yacht. I did have a little chuckle when you were talking about the wood on the boat. If the Aquila design folks didn't take into account that a boat might be in a damp and humid place, they need to find another line of work! It's hard to tell what the composition of the wood is but I hope it's not a veneer on particle board! Most likely "Steve" the installer over tightened the screws slightly causing them to strip. It sounds like you have come up with a good fix. It's actually entertaining to watch you learn about your boat.
Question: Tell me more how the camera works. Do you have to have a constant wifi signal? Internet? Cell?
Happy New Year and smooth sailing south!
Paul & Linda
s/v the Friendly Confines
Definitely set the activity/notification zone on the arlo cameras or you will need to charge them every month. I have 4 Arlo Pro 4 cameras. Also, to preserve battery power, make sure night vision is on and turn off the spot light
The issue with the bottom paint on a pricey boat like this would have sent me sub-orbital. I admire your tranquility.
On an unrelated noted, I’m headed to Nanny Cay this week on a trip partially inspired by your BVI MMV adventures.
Thats awesome. Have a wonderful trip. Yeah...patience is a must in boat ownership...thanks for watching!
Lol. A better bottom would have added to that cost considerably.
The issue is disclosure, but as they say, "Buyer beware".
Loving your input! They guys are going to hate you when I order mine.
Thank You, my husband & I are on the California Deltas, live on the Sacramento River. We have a 37 SeaRay SunDancer, we’ve been watching Aquila for some time. Love your info
Happy New Years💞
That is awesome! Thanks so much for watching!
While you are in the Bahamas (or in the BVI) you can have your bottom painted with "better" paint (i.e. paints that are not permitted in the US, that will last MUCH longer.) Our last bottom job on a 44' monohull was about $4k over on the Gulf Coast, three years ago. We're going to the Bahamas for the next one.
Great suggestion. Thanks for watching!!!
Lol.
And then you people wonder and complain that there is "dirty water"
Exactly how do you think it gets dirty?
Will be interesting to see how the ultrasonic antifoul goes
I agree! We shall she.
I've just discovered your channel. I'm a big fan of cats in general and admire the Aquila 54. So much room in a 54' boat makes it great for entertaining. All the best!
It’s an amazing vessel. Totally happy with my purchase. Thanks for watching
@@thewanderinghillbilly My pleasure! 🙂
We have spent the last few days in the Savannah area boat shopping!!! Tomorrow we go to Charleston to check out 3 more boats, then back to Tennessee.
We LOVE this area of the country, and I was wondering if you have any suggestion for marinas for "full time cruisers", aka live aboard boaters, in this area???
I know, and have been told the term live aboard is not liked by many marinas.
Ant suggestions would be great!
Well I have quite the love/hate with Savannah. This is a wonderful place with incredible people and the restaurants are to DIE FOR. However, things move very slow here. We’ve even renamed it…Slovannah. It’s really not a knock on the area…it’s a way of life. Which is good! I don’t think the marinas here care about live aboards. DM me on my IG and I’ll give you some suggestions. Thanks for watching!
B.O.A.T. Bring On Another Thousand. 😂 I know the journey. I lived on my sail boat with two kids for 10 years and I’m looking forward to buying my next one.
BTW, we are neighbors, T Dieman and I are just off Tierra Rejada
Another great video, thanks . Would suggest using some DampRid hanging moisture absorbing bags. I use them on my boat and it keeps everything dry and fresh smelling. And the fridge thing…. Been there 🫣
Great tip! I swear it sometimes feels like that boat itself is sweating. ha. Thanks for watching.
Safe travels. Still trying to figure out why I enjoy your content so much. Conclusion...vicariously vacationing with a charming narrator or Captain (your preference) while living in the northern tundra region. My 9 year old son agrees that you have a great voice as a narrator and a beautiful boat. Enjoy the journey and happy new year.
Millet Alberta Canada.
Thanks so much for this inspiring message. Really means a lot. Stay warm up there and thanks for watching! Hope to see you down here in some warm weather soon!!!!
If the temperatures down in Georgia were freezing (or below the set temp of your freezer), and the heat in the cabin was not turned on, then the freezer compressor will shut off and everything will melt. Had the same issue on my boat a couple seasons ago (amazingly enough, with a bag of frozen strawberries :)
And THAT'S the best explanation I've heard yet. All of those things you just outlined were in place. Low temps...heater turned off...boom. Ha. Live and learn. Thanks so much for watching.
@@thewanderinghillbilly ничего не понял. То есть в салоне было настолько холодно как в морозильной камере что датчик температуры решил что её можно отключить?) Но даже если бы и так, то почему всё потаяло если при потеплении морозильник должен был бы включиться опять.
Alot of times, some manufacturers don't sand properly at the factories before applying bottom paint.
You think? Lol
It usually takes three times hitting your head going into the engine compartment before that
decrease's . Don't forget the other compartment too..... Done it ........Matt from NE
Hah. Too true
Is this paint of antifouling? Is the repaint a warranty item that the factory will pay for?
Great videos Mr. Wandering Hillbilly!! Question, do you mind if I stop by and introduce myself while you are in Ft Pierce? Terry and I have taken a tour of a 54 at the Ft Lauderdale Boat show with Captain Nick from Marine Max of Sarasota. I travel the state and could arrange my schedule to include being in the Ft Pierce area sometime when you were going to be there. Safe travels and keep up the Great videos!!
That would be awesome. However, I’m leaving for California on Tuesday and might not return to the boat for 4 weeks or so…let me know and thanks for watching!
Wow, love your videos but I was an Aquila fan until your last video. Way too many things wrong for the cost of the yacht. I will now be seriously considering Horizon over Aquila. It’s a shame, looks beautiful but too much subpar. Good luck, Aquila should be ashamed
Look at the illiad 50- underrated power catamaran
Two Oceans 555. Unmatched.
I clean boats like that in Chicago and all bigger sizes and little sizes
The retractable davit hoist crane design is great in theory, but it looks very break-down-able? If you're away from the dock and it goes out you're kinda screwed. You wouldn't be able to retrieve or launch the dinghy. I suppose the older method of having a platform that goes down below water level to launch your dinghy may be susceptible to breaking too, but changing a small hydraulic pump, or swapping a busted hose would be pretty easy for a do it yourself project? A manual crank back-up could be installed with that kind of system as well.
It does have a manual crank...although I'm not excited about ever using it. Also, the platform does lower but it's not advised to have the dinghy on when moving it. Give me a few years and I'll get back to you on this. Thanks for watching!
Interesting that you have fitted Hull Shield, this system needs to be used in conjunction with ablative anti-fouling and should be anti-fouled every year. Did you also fit the Drive Shield to props and steering gear?
Yes...to props and steering. The timing of all this has not been great on my part but still learning. Will be painting and anti fouling soon. Thanks for watching.
Clicked on your 'All my gear' link , thinking I would peruse your merch. And guess what? It ain't there any more. Someone moved yer merch!!
Here it is.....www.amazon.com/shop/thewanderinghillbilly/list/20V8NDRO1S7RB?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d
Thanks for watching!
To m.r Hill Billy it might be a thought to get your misses to get u a beany I'm from Western Australia, if u ever get over this
Way,give me a call
Thanks for watching
Does your Aquila have the ultrasonic antifouling system?
Yes! Hull Shield. But I just installed it. Thanks for watching!!
@@thewanderinghillbilly thank you for the quick response. You have a really great boat. Safe travels
Ablative paint should wear, but that’s just ridiculous!
agreed
Cheap chinese quality
So much PLASTIC!!!!!!! All those plactic shut offs and lines. Major money pit. Classic boats used METAL!!!!!. Sad that you paid soooooo much for a plastic boat.
Thanks so much for watching.
That is fricken unacceptable for a million-dollar vessel of any kind! I have been looking for the best to buy in 2025 and upto this point this was my favorite power Cat but unless they address that BS I will not be buying a Aquila 54!!! Thanks, and safe travels!
If you haven't already, look at the fountaine pajots PCs. Love them, especially the main quarter layout.
@@reimagineresurgent Before you buy an FP check out the electrical systems, they're rubbish, watch the videos by Giuseppe Carnevarli, he owns 2 FP's and he outlines the problems.
@@keithhughes2104 interesting you say that. We had a guy that had a brand new FP here at the marina, and his climate control system didnt work at all. It was a brand spanking new boat, and when I looked at the controls and wiring, I said to myself, I have no idea why they didn't go with a with a traditional reverse cycle (with the traditional control box and wiring). Good to know that's a problem! Thanks!
Do yourself a favour and look at the Two Oceans 55 or the Sunreef 60. Top TOP quality with amazing layouts.
These builders from Aquila need a lesson in haul protection from Bering, their steel hulls are fully protected and never require cleaning, 10 years with no maintenance in the water hull looks brand new same mirror reflection as day 1! Bering is superior in materials and quality look into it Aquila stop just being average, please!
Agree on the quality issue, but steel is impractical for a boat this size. Bering uses fibreglass, aluminium and steel, but for different boat purposes and size. I've been aboard Aquila and their quality leaves much to be desired. You might have noticed the shoddy workmanship in the engine room compared to say Australian and European boats like Riviera, Maritimo, Princess, Sunseeker etc.
AQUILA is looking more and more like a bubble gum business with these below quality materials that surely have been seen before in the boat-building industry! Being exposed for less than a year in the average weather nothing extreme and having fasteners becoming unsecured from an unstable material that's used everywhere on the interior of your vessel is a complete fail my friend thats a deal breaker in my book! Can just imagine the horror of what is next to fail and when a month, 6 months the next season! If anything shows weakness and failure that quick and in numerous places throughout the boat, it should not be used period, guaranteed the rest will fail sooner than later if not addressed correctly! Just saying! No Excuse for such an important factor in building a boat IMHO!
The bow bulbs make for excellent ride qualities on Aquilas, that's why they sell but everything else about them seems shoddy!