A Legend Is Born: Aquila 28 Molokai

By Alan Jones

Less than a month after Aquila added the 54 Yacht and 70 Luxury models to the upper end of its all-catamaran lineup, two more additions expanded the fleet on the other end with the creation of its new Offshore Line that will inspire confidence with their tremendous seakeeping ability. Designed to appeal to anglers and sporty families, the 28 Molokai and 28 Molokai Cuddy are serious fishing boats that can easily shift to pleasure cruising and entertaining. 

The original boat design was developed by Kirk Clark from Molokai, Hawaii who has built catamarans for 40 years that can handle the challenging conditions there. The Aquila design team, working with Clark, reformatted his design to reflect modern styling and advanced construction techniques like the vinyl ester resin vacuum infusion process used by the Sino Eagle Group that builds Aquilas exclusively for MarineMax. 

What makes the hull design of the 28 Molokai models unique is their wide 9-foot, 8.5-inch beam that creates a stable platform, whether running or at rest. Power choices include twin 150 or 200-horsepower Mercury FourStroke outboards that are set far apart, which helps its slow-speed maneuverability. Its twin 28-foot long cat hulls have ultra-sharp entries for slicing into head seas and transition to flatter planing surfaces farther aft for higher speeds and greater efficiency, allowing it to get 2.3 mpg with Mercury 200s at a cruising speed of 22 mph. At 35 mph, the 28 Molokai still gets about 2 mpg and twin 75-gallon fuel tanks give it plenty of range. Its top speed with a pair of Mercury V6 200hp FourStroke outboards is about 46 mph.

When driving monohull boats in rough conditions, frequent throttle adjustments are often needed to avoid slamming into waves but Aquila’s Molokai catamarans do better when running at a constant speed. And here’s the kicker: the ride is softer when you go faster because of the cushioning effect of air compressing between the hulls and water’s surface. The 28 Molokai series has a taller and wider than normal tunnel with about a foot of space between the middle of the hull and the water, which enhances the cushioning effect and reduces the noise of water slapping the top of the tunnel. 

The center console design of the 28 Molokai is ideal for anglers who like to fish 360 degrees around the boat. Owners that choose the Pro Comfort option can up their entertainment potential with a giant U-lounge in the bow with cushions that are removable when in fishing mode. An optional, removable table for the bow section is ideal for food presentation. The Pro Comfort option also adds flip-up stern jump seats for added comfort when running or trolling. The center console opens from the front to give unimpeded access to the storage within and there’s room to add a portable head. 

The 28 Molokai is ready for fishing action with six rod holders in the transom and four set into the gunwales. The hard top adds seven more rod holders and gives the driver and co-pilot extra protection with a fixed windshield that even has a windshield wiper for clearing salt spray. A 30-gallon standard livewell sits behind the twin custom helm seats and there’s plenty of tackle storage in the rigging station that has a cutting board and freshwater sink below that’s fed by a 16-gallon tank that also supplies the transom shower.

The 28 Molokai Cuddy is ideal for those who need extra protection from the elements with its standard hardtop and glass enclosure on three sides. Within the enclosed Cuddy, which kids will likely claim as their domain, is a single bunk for sitting or catching a quick nap and there’s a place for a portable head underneath a hinged floor hatch. The wide-open standard deck layout creates unparalleled room for fishing but more leisurely-inclined owners can choose a doublewide cockpit lounger with a reversible backrest. Flip-up stern jumpseats can also be added along with a host of true water sports activities options including roof racks for surfboard/SUP/kayak storage, inflatable tow behind sled as well as a host of options for serious fishing or diving enthusiasts. The 28 Molokai Cuddy is designed as an al la carte option boat so that each owner can order the boat according to their specific setup requirements making the 28 Molokai Cuddy one of the most versatile boats in her size range. 

Both models have twin fishboxes with a total of 188 gallons of capacity and twin in-deck storage compartments that hold 104 gallons each. The huge, flat foredeck makes a great place to toss a cast net. And unlike most outboard-powered boats, there is room in between the wide-set engines for a usable swim ladder and Aquila makes access from the cockpit easy thanks to the removable transom door, which can be stored when not in use. Swimming pool-style grab handles make it easy to reboard after a dive or swim. 

The addition of these two new models to the Aquila lineup will create new catamaran fans thanks to their roomy layouts and incredible seakeeping ability. To learn more about the Aquila 28 Molokai catamarans, go to https://www.aquilaboats.com/.