This article was written by an amateur boat owner with 8 years of experience in private yacht charter in the Florida area and over 300 hours of total sailing time. The pricing information in this article is compiled from publicly available quotes on platforms such as Boatsetter and Find a Boat for 2024–2025, as well as the author’s own actual charter records.
I’ll cover the prices first, then share my story
Alright, let’s get straight to the point.
For renting an Aquila motor catamaran in Florida during peak season—which runs from December through April of the following year—the daily rate typically ranges from approximately $3,500 to $6,500.During the off-season, however, prices drop significantly, and you can rent one for around $2,500 to $4,000. To verify this, I checked data from several platforms:
| Time Period | Daily Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Season (December–April) | $3,500–$6,500 | Flights to Florida and the Bahamas are the most expensive |
| Off-peak Season (May, November) | $2,800–$4,200 | Prices begin to drop |
| Off-peak season (June–October) | $2,500–$4,000 | Hurricane season—some companies offer discounts |
Please note: The prices listed above are only the base rental rates.
Actual expenses far exceed this amount—gas, docking fees, service charges, and security deposits—and when added up, they’ll really take you by surprise. The first time I rented a boat, I didn’t factor in the gas costs at all, and ended up with a bill that was nearly $800 higher than expected. That was an extremely painful lesson.
Why I Chose the Aquila
To be honest, at first, I hadn’t even considered Aquila—a friend introduced it to me and recommended renting a standard recreational catamaran, which is much cheaper in comparison.However, after giving it some thought, I realized that Aquila has one aspect that ordinary boats simply can’t match: power.
A motor catamaran like the Aquila is equipped with high-horsepower engines, giving it a cruising speed that’s significantly faster than that of a standard recreational boat.If you’re planning to cover the St. Lucia Reef or the Bahamas Shoals in a single day, a slow boat will definitely drive you crazy.
There’s another reason: space. Aquila catamarans are typically designed to be 12 to 16 meters in length and can accommodate 6 to 10 people.Once, I took a large group of relatives out to sea, and even with eight people on board, it never felt crowded. Each cabin is equipped with its own private bathroom, which is absolutely crucial on long-distance voyages.
That said, an Aquila isn’t the right choice for everyone.
If you’re just planning a half-day outing near a local harbor—to enjoy the breeze and snap some photos—then renting a small, affordable boat will suffice. There’s really no need to settle for an Aquila just to save face.I’ve seen far too many people who, simply because they rented a boat that exceeded their needs, ended up not enjoying their trip—worrying about fuel costs, finding the boat complicated and difficult to handle, and struggling to find a suitable mooring spot.
The Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About
This is something I figured out after spending several months learning from my own mistakes.
How are fuel costs calculated?
Most rental companies use one of two billing methods: one is an all-inclusive fuel fee, and the other is a system where you return the boat with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up.
I tend to choose the latter.
While the all-inclusive fuel option seems convenient, you’re actually likely to end up wasting fuel. With the “return to starting level” option, you simply need to fill up the tank before returning the boat. A large boat like the Aquila has a sizable fuel tank; it consumes about 15 to 25 gallons of fuel per hour of cruising, depending on speed and load. The last time I rented it for a full day, I spent about $600 on fuel for the return trip.
Security Deposit
For high-end boats like the Aquila, the security deposit typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. Some companies use a credit card pre-authorization, while others require a cash deposit.Be sure to ask in advance how long it will take for the deposit to be refunded; normally it takes 5 to 14 business days, but in some cases it can take up to a month. I once had an experience where my deposit was delayed for three weeks before it was finally refunded—it nearly drove me crazy.
Service and Cleaning Fees
This is a common pitfall that many people overlook. Some companies’ quotes seem very low at first glance, but once you arrive at the store, you’ll discover that the service fee starts at 500 and the cleaning fee is 300.My advice is to confirm all additional fees before booking—don’t wait until you’re already on the boat to realize there’s a problem with the bill.
A Few Money-Saving Tips I’ve Tried Myself
Rent During the Off-Season—It’s Much Cheaper
June through September is Florida’s off-season, and during this period, prices can drop by more than 30% compared to the peak season. The only downside is the heat. In the summer, outdoor temperatures in Florida often exceed 35 degrees, and since there’s no shade out at sea, being exposed to the sun all day can be quite uncomfortable.However, I found that returning to the boat at noon to rest and recharge, then heading out to explore in the mornings and evenings, actually made for a pretty good overall experience.
Weekly Rentals Are More Cost-Effective Than Daily Rentals
A significant number of rental companies offer weekly discounts ranging from 10% to 15%. If you can arrange a rental for five to six consecutive days, the average daily rate will be much cheaper than renting on a daily basis.
Avoid popular routes and holidays
During Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter, prices for Aquila charters in Florida and the Caribbean can double, and it’s often difficult to secure a booking during these periods.If you can plan your trip to avoid these specific periods, not only will you get better rates, but you’ll also have a wider selection of boats to choose from.
Details Beginners Often Overlook
Check the Contract Terms
The first time I rented a boat, I didn’t read the contract carefully and later discovered that returning the boat just one hour early still counted as a full day’s rental. I learned my lesson: Before signing the contract, make sure to ask for clarification on all terms, especially those regarding overtime, cancellations, and damage compensation.
Check the Boat’s Condition
As a high-end brand, Aquila’s boats are generally in good condition, but it’s still possible that some individual companies may not meet maintenance standards. Be sure to conduct a thorough inspection before boarding: Check the deck for cracks, listen to see if the engine sounds normal, and verify that all amenities in the living area are in working order. I once witnessed someone who only discovered after renting a boat that the air conditioning was broken, leaving them to sit in the sweltering heat for an entire day.
How to Choose Insurance
Many rental companies will try to sell you insurance, but I suggest you first carefully review your existing boat owner’s insurance or travel insurance to see if it covers chartered vessels.I used to think my travel insurance was sufficient, but when an incident occurred, I discovered the policy explicitly stated “excludes powered catamarans”—I almost had to pay $12,000 out of pocket to repair the boat.
Answers to a Few Common Questions
Q: How much more expensive is the Aquila compared to other brands?
Well, to be honest, Aquila falls into the mid-to-high-end category. Compared to typical recreational catamarans, it’s about 30 to 50 percent more expensive, though it might be slightly cheaper than a standard monohull sailboat. The main reasons for the higher cost are the engine and maintenance expenses.
Q: Do I need a captain’s license?
When renting an Aquila motor catamaran in Florida, you generally do not need a professional skipper’s license; however, the rental company may ask you to provide a short video demonstrating your operating skills or require you to pass an online test they administer.This is primarily to protect themselves from liability; after all, in the event of an accident, they cannot claim they failed to inform you of how to operate the vessel.
Q: Where is the best place to rent?
Personally, I’m most familiar with the Fort Lauderdale and Miami areas in Florida. Both locations have a wide selection of boats, and competition on pricing is relatively fierce. If you plan to travel to the Bahamas, you might also consider departing from Key West, as it’s closer.
Q: What’s the ideal number of people for an Aquila charter?
In my opinion, a group of six to eight people is the most comfortable. Although the boat itself can accommodate more people, you need to take into account the living space, kitchen, and bathrooms on board. If there are too many people, it can actually make the trip less enjoyable.
A Few Final Thoughts
Renting an Aquila motor catamaran is, at the end of the day, an experience—not a status symbol.
Too many people rent boats that exceed their budget just to post on social media, forcing themselves to make do, only to end up having an unpleasant time and regretting the money spent. In reality, you need to figure out what you really need—whether you want to zip quickly between multiple attractions or comfortably take your family on a leisurely trip—and the answer will become clear.
Price is one thing, but what’s more important is how you plan to make the most of your time.
Wishing you all a pleasant trip out at sea and a safe return.
Disclaimer: The prices listed in this article are market reference prices for 2024–2025. Actual prices vary depending on the season, route, and rental company; please refer to real-time quotes on each platform. This article does not contain any affiliate links or promotional content.