2014 Aquastar Yachts 430

Aquastar 430: Panoramic Views, Proven Seakeeping

1. General Information

The Aquastar 430 is an elegant, contemporary and exceptionally seaworthy aft deck motor yacht that blends the Guernsey yard's long heritage with a distinctly modern edge. At 13.13 m (43 ft 1 in) with a 4.27 m (14 ft) beam, it is conceived as an all-round family cruiser, with space as the guiding principle. Two palatial en-suite double cabins form the heart of the accommodation: a VIP forward cabin with a clever scissor-action double that splits into twin singles, and a vast aft master cabin lit by striking panoramic hull windows.

A well-equipped galley, a U-shaped saloon settee that converts to a double, and an optional dinette or office opposite the galley make life aboard easy. Twin 370 hp diesels and two fuel tanks of about 195 gallons each provide relaxed range, while a folding mast brings the air draft to just under 3.5 m, opening up Europe's inland waterways as well as the open sea.

2. Construction and Design

Designed by Mark Tucker of Design Unlimited together with Aquastar, the 430 rides on a large-volume GRP hull with a keel that can take the ground. Engines and fuel tanks are placed amidships to keep weight central, giving a soft, balanced ride without the bow lifting and slamming typical of planing boats with aft-mounted engines. The panoramic aft cabin windows use engineered glass over 25 mm thick, adding to the hull's strength.

The bespoke interior is offered in teak, cherry or light honey oak, finished with sealer and five coats of varnish, with matched faced boards, solid fiddles and chrome door furniture. Corian vanity units, a heated towel rail, a sprung mattress in the aft cabin and Roman blinds in the saloon reinforce a comfortable, quietly luxurious atmosphere.

3. Key Features

Panoramic aft master cabin: Large engineered-glass hull windows with opening ports flood the owner's suite with light and views.

Midship side-deck boarding: Low midship freeboard lets crew step aboard without a ladder.

Private aft deck helm: A secure aft command position with twin seats, outdoor dining, quick-deploy canopies and an optional wet bar and barbecue.

Optional stabiliser fins: Hydraulic fins work with the keel to reduce roll for exceptional comfort at sea.

Inland-waterway ready: A folding mast keeps the air draft under 3.5 m for canal and river cruising.

4. Summary

The Aquastar 430 is made for families and cruising couples who want a seaworthy, bespoke motor yacht with two genuinely luxurious en-suite cabins. It suits owners who cruise the Channel and coastal Europe but also dream of the canals, and who prefer a comfortable, balanced semi-displacement ride and craftsman-built interior to the look-alike production cruiser.