15 April 2026 · 5 dk okuma
Enhanced Efficiency with Aquila Hydro Glide Foil System

The Aquila Hydro Glide® foil system is transforming the sailing experience on many Aquila catamaran models by enhancing performance, fuel efficiency, and cruising comfort. Initially an optional feature on the 36 Sport model, this technology is now standard on the new 42 and 46 Coupe models; it remains optional on the 42 Yacht, 46 Yacht, and 50 Yacht models, and is now also available on the 70 Luxury model.

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MAKING EXCEPTIONAL THE STANDARD: THE NEW COUPE SERIES

The 36 Sport motor catamaran is widely recognized as the leader in the mass-produced foil boat segment worldwide. Having observed over the years that this technology delivers up to 40% improvement in fuel efficiency per mile compared to its competitors*, we knew the new Coupe series deserved the same advantage from day one.

At a cruising speed of 30 MPH, the results offered by the Coupe models with carbon fiber foil equipment compared to similar monohull boats are clear:

46 Coupe: More than TWICE the fuel efficiency compared to similar monohull boats with inboard engines; and 17% better performance with outboard engines compared to monohull boats*
42 Coupe: Up to 76% better fuel efficiency compared to similar monohull boats with inboard engines; In outboard motors, it provides up to 18% better efficiency*

“When we started the product development process, we knew we wanted to include the foil system as an option in the Coupe series,” says Jean Raas, Product Director and CEO of Aquila USA. “After seeing how much our foil systems improve fuel efficiency and sailing comfort—providing over 35% fuel efficiency increase in the 36 Sport model—we decided to make this feature standard in the Coupe models.”

The result? Each Aquila Coupe configuration delivers significantly better efficiency compared to monohull boats; offering considerably longer range, significantly lower fuel costs and reduced environmental impact as standard equipment—all without requiring an expensive upgrade.

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*CONSUMER WARNING: This information and data regarding the performance of Aquila models are approximate values ​​and depend on many different factors and variables. They are provided for guidance only and should not be assumed to represent actual performance. The actual performance of your Aquila boat will vary depending on environmental conditions such as wind speed, currents, temperature, humidity, and altitude, as well as boat-specific factors such as hull paint condition, optional equipment weight, and operator's handling techniques.

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

Enhanced Boat Efficiency | Aquila Hydro Glide Foil System™

At Aquila, we are constantly innovating and developing new solutions to further enhance the user experience. The Hydro Glide Foil System™ is one of the best examples of this, offering increased efficiency and stability.

An In-Depth Look at Hydro Glide Foil

How Hydro Glide Foil Came About

AQUILA FOIL CAPABILITIES: STANDARD vs. OPTIONAL

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Models with standard equipment:

42 Coupe – Including foils
Generally up to 76% better efficiency (inboard) compared to monohull boats | Up to 18% better (outboard)*

46 Coupe – Including foils
Generally more than double the efficiency (inboard) compared to monohull boats | Up to 17% better (outboard)*

Models with optional upgrades:

50 Yacht, 46 Yacht, 42 Yacht – Optional foil system
Generally provides a 15%+ efficiency increase*

36 Sport – Optional foils (a very popular option)
Generally provides a 30–40% efficiency increase*

70 Luxury – Foil-compatible design, usable when adventure calls
Data not currently available.

The strategy is quite clear: It is offered as standard on models where efficiency transforms the daily boating experience. It is left optional on models where customization and freedom of choice are paramount. The key is to match the right boat with your sailing dreams — and at this point, a discussion with your authorized dealer is critical, especially since engine packages are crucial in foil optimization.

*CONSUMER WARNING: This information and data regarding the performance of Aquila models are approximate values ​​and depend on many different factors and variables. They are provided for guidance only and should not be assumed to represent actual performance. The actual performance of your Aquila boat will vary depending on environmental conditions such as wind speed, currents, temperature, humidity, and altitude, as well as boat-specific factors such as hull paint condition, optional equipment weight, and operator's handling techniques.

WHAT BOAT EXPERTS SAY (SHORT ANSWER: GOOD THINGS)

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Assessments from independent experts who actually test boats

BoatTEST's review of the foil-equipped Aquila 42 Coupe (outboard motor):

“What was even more impressive was the maneuverability; when sailing in slightly choppy waters on the open sea, we noticed that the foils, which provide the necessary lift, smoothed our descent from the waves without any bumps or friction; then the boat encountered the next wave. When sailing close to the shore and with the boat set to the correct trim, we observed that it maintained its RPM and speed without any noticeable changes, especially during aggressive maneuvers, including sharp turns to starboard and port.”

Browse detailed test data /

BoatTEST's review of the foil-equipped Aquila 46 Coupe
(outboard motor):
“With its sleek and balanced lines, low-profile exterior design, and large windows above and below deck, the Aquila 46 Coupe offers the accommodation comfort typical of catamarans; sophisticated design and engineering solutions such as carbon fiber foils and a double-step hull structure for better fuel efficiency make it ready to take its place in the market for those who want to own a well-equipped cruising yacht that can go anywhere. It's no surprise that it won the Yacht Style Award in its class in 2025.”

View detailed test data /

Yachting Magazine: “Sailing through foamy waves at speeds of 25 to 35 knots felt like riding on Aladdin's magic carpet. When we needed to overcome larger ship waves or make sharp maneuvers, a quick trim adjustment to bring the engines inward made the ride more stable without the need to use trim tabs or interceptors.”

Read the Aquila 46 Coupe review /

Boating Magazine:
“It’s hard to believe that a piece of metal with no moving parts can be equivalent to approximately 200 horsepower, 100 gallons of fuel, and an additional 100 miles of range. But that’s exactly the net effect when it comes to a hydrofoil placed between the hulls of the Aquila 36 Sport motor catamaran.”

Read the detailed comparative analysis /

BoatTEST’s foil-equipped Aquila 36 Sport review:

“In our tests, compared to the same Aquila test data without the foil, we saw a 6 mph or 16% increase in maximum speed — 44.1 MPH with the foil, 38 MPH without the foil. At 4500 RPM, the foil-equipped 36 model reached 31.7 MPH, making it 8.7 MPH or 37% faster than the foil-less version.”

View detailed test data /

*CONSUMER WARNING: This information and data regarding the performance of Aquila models are approximate values ​​and depend on many different factors and variables. They are provided for guidance only and should not be assumed to represent actual performance. The actual performance of your Aquila boat will vary depending on environmental conditions such as wind speed, water currents, temperature, humidity, and altitude, as well as boat-specific factors such as hull paint condition, optional equipment weight, and operator's handling techniques.

HOW DOES THIS ENGINEERING MARVEL FOIL SYSTEM DO ALL THIS?

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The Simple Science Behind Complex Engineering

What Morelli & Melvin discovered is this: Gino Morrelli and Pete Melvin didn't wake up one day and decide to attach wings to a catamaran. They are also the minds behind America's Cup foil technology. It seems that decades of experience in "making sailboats fly" can be applied remarkably well to making motorboats more efficient.

The setup is surprisingly simple:
• A fixed foil system running between the hulls (no computers, no moving parts, no mess) – materials and positioning optimized for each model
• Two stabilizing wings to prevent bouncing at high speeds
• 40% hull lift at cruising speed (the ideal balance point between "it works" and "we're flying now")

Why it works so well: Traditional hulls cut through the water like a rugby player in a crowd — a lot of effort, a lot of resistance. Hydrofoils are like a ballet dancer — they rise above the chaos and glide gracefully. The result? A 25:1 lift-to-drag ratio compared to the 4:1 ratio of traditional hulls. This isn't just better; it's so good it'll make you say, "Wait a minute, let's double-check those calculations."

The Aquila difference: Most foil systems require computers and active control mechanisms to protect you from becoming an expensive submarine. Our system works with a "set it and forget it" approach. The dihedral V shape naturally self-balances; this allows you to reap all the benefits without needing a physics degree to operate your boat.

Beyond fuel savings: The foil system also reduces engine wear by decreasing load during operation. When engines run less to maintain their speed, they last longer and require less maintenance. So this is efficiency that pays off not just at the refueling station, but in the long run.

AQUILA FOIL MACERANIZI SEÇİN

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For weekend users (those who want efficiency built in from the start): 42 or 46 Coupe with standard foil. Zero decision fatigue, maximum enjoyment per gallon.

For yacht owners who want to customize their experience:
50 Yacht, 46 Yacht or 42 Yacht with optional foil upgrade. Build your boat exactly as you want it; with the option to drastically increase range when adventure calls.

For performance enthusiasts:
36 Sport with optional foil. A very popular choice — with smaller engines, it dramatically reduces fuel consumption while maintaining speeds achieved with larger engines. This is where the foil story began and continues to evolve.

For those seeking luxury and adventure:
70 Luxury with foil compatibility. If your dreams demand maximum space and performance, the technology is waiting for you when you're ready.

Bottom line:
Talk to your dealer. Engine packages play a critical role in foil optimization and will help you find the option that best suits your waters and planned adventures.

NEXT STEPS

From Curiosity to Sailing

Talk to the experts: Your local Aquila dealer knows the configuration best suited to your boating style, the waters you'll be in, and your adventures.

Research resources:
BoatTEST technical reviews – Independent speed and efficiency data

• Aquila 46 Coupe (foiled) review
• Aquila 42 Coupe (foiled) review
• Aquila 36 Sport (foiled) review

Boating Magazine's in-depth analysis of the Aquila 36 Sport – Comprehensive comparative test data

*CONSUMER WARNING: This information and data regarding the performance of Aquila models are approximate and depend on many different factors and variables. They are for guidance only and should not be assumed to represent actual performance. The actual performance of your Aquila boat depends on; This will vary depending on environmental conditions such as wind speed, water currents, temperature, humidity, and altitude, as well as boat-specific factors such as hull paint condition, weight of optional equipment, and operator's handling techniques.