Among the rugged commercial designs are rotary-actuated rack-and-pinion steering, robust pumps and waste treatment, lifesaving and electrical systems. On the electrical side, Aquila possesses a specialized cascading bus system. When the larger of the two generators (27 kW) is operating, the yacht has enough electrical power to run every appliance. “We’ve [also] got 6 kW of inverters aboard driven by two large alternators that eliminate the need to run a genset during most crossings,” Taricco said. Switching to the smaller generator limits the number of appliances the crew may run. The Jacuzzi won’t turn on, for example. But when the yacht plugs into shore power, whether it is in South America, North America or wherever, you are good to go. Another compelling facet of the electrical system is the sophisticated Allen Bradley programmable logic controller, which turns on the 64’s running lights and any pump on the boat; it also monitors current draws and trends in exhaust temperatures and performs many other functions. “From the electronics to the electricals, we have emergency and backup systems backing up the emergency systems.”

Building Aquila was a challenge for McDonald and the Northern Marine team and one that they met head-on. The company has already integrated some of what it learned into boats on the current production line. “We are constantly looking to improve our processes to make as superior a product as possible,” McDonald said.
So if there are distant waters you want to explore or new directions you want to go, Northern Marine can create a 64 for your own odyssey.. 

LOA: 64’7”
BEAM: 18’6”
DRAFT: 6’6”
DISPL: 75 long tons
WATER: 500 gal.
FUEL: 3,100 gal.
ENGINE: 1 x 400 hp MTU Series 60 diesel

Northern Marine, 360-299-8400; northernmarine.com

Read about refits by Northern Marine here.