The throttles hit the wall, and twin 200 hp Mercury outboards spooled up with dog-sees-squirrel urgency. The Aquila 28 Molokai Power Catamaran’s speed came quickly. Soon, Aquila brand manager Alain Raas and I were shooting across an aquamarine sea off Pompano Beach, Florida, at 40.5 knots. The feeling was more akin to flying over the water than riding atop it.
The 28 Molokai’s hull tunnel is wide and deep, creating a pocket of pillowlike air that provides a sense of liftoff. With a 34-gallon-per-hour fuel burn at its top speed, the 28 Molokai has a range of 160 nautical miles after considering a 10 percent reserve on its 150-gallon fuel capacity. Dial back the speed to a 28.7-knot cruise and fuel burn drops to 17 gph while range jumps to 227 nm.
In addition to offering speed and a stable ride, the 28 Molokai can be set up for the avid angler. Notable fishing features include two 94-gallon insulated fish boxes, a 30-gallon livewell, 15 rod holders and Taco outriggers. There is also a removable cutting board, a sink, pullout tackle boxes and undergunwale rod stowage. For live-bait fans, the bow’s cast-net space is about 4 feet wide with unimpeded room to throw.
If cruising locally is on the float plan, there are two forward-facing foldout seats aft in the cockpit. The seats measure 22 inches wide and 17 inches deep. The coaming lifts up, the seats fold down, and the coaming forms a backrest. The helm accommodates a skipper and companion. The forward section of the helm console has a built-in bench seat for two. A head is inside the console and accessed abaft the seat. There is another bench seat at the bow, and abaft it to port and starboard are two more lounges with removable backrests. All the cushions can be taken off when it’s a fish day.
For boaters who want more protection from the elements, the 28 Molokai is offered in a cuddy-cabin layout.
Sprinting across the water or sitting on the hook, the Aquila 28 Molokai is a solid blend of form and function.
Take the next step: aquilaboats.com
