Aquila 28 Molokai Boat in Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 US
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28 Molokai
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Aquila 28 Molokai: BoatTEST Review
Overview
The Aquila 28 Molokai represents a notable departure for Aquila, a company traditionally known for building cruisers, as it introduces a center console catamaran designed to handle challenging sea conditions like those around the Hawaiian island of Molokai. This model is developed in response to brand loyalty and customer feedback, aiming to combine offshore capabilities, fishing functionality, and family-friendly features in a single versatile vessel.
Fishing Features and Cockpit Design
Designed with serious anglers in mind, the 28 Molokai offers an array of fishing amenities. The cockpit includes a blue aerated live well with rounded corners, a sink, and grab handles surrounding the area for convenience and safety. Lockable tackle storage is positioned just above, complemented by charge ports, beverage holders, and a water fill. The hardtop features five rocket launcher-style rod holders with two additional holders on the outer sides, along with spreader lights. Additional rod storage is found in 14 cap rail-mounted holders around the cockpit, including six at the transom. Padded bolsters provide 360-degree comfort except at the aft door, and the cockpit maintains a consistent depth of 23 inches from bow to stern. The boat also includes insulated and macerated fish boxes, large storage compartments with rod storage extending forward, and raw water washdown facilities. Storage for Plano tackle boxes is integrated beneath the helm seats, and the open cockpit space measures three feet four inches by eight feet two inches, offering ample room for fishing activities.
Family and Recreational Amenities
Beyond fishing, the 28 Molokai is designed to accommodate family and recreational use. The transom features flip-up bolsters that reveal two comfortable, easy-to-deploy seats. A transom door provides access to the swim platform, with dedicated storage inside the console for the door and a ladder, complemented by sturdy handrails for safe water entry and exit. The bow area is a single-level deck without steps, enhancing safety and accessibility. Seating includes two forward-facing lounges, an aft-facing seat, and a double-wide forward-facing seat just ahead of the console, all with removable cushions and self-draining storage beneath. A table stored within the head compartment adds functionality. Safety is enhanced by a grab rail encircling the bow.
Foredeck and Head Compartment
The foredeck is equipped with three compartments: two provide access to the anchor rode, and the center compartment stores the anchor itself. An optional windlass is available, and a center-mounted cleat secures the anchor rode effectively. The foredeck also serves as an excellent casting platform when the hatches are closed. The head compartment is notably spacious due to its forward location, and it offers convenient access panels for electronics installation and maintenance.
Helm and Electronics
The helm station is thoughtfully designed with a large, in-line compass and a wide, c-deck-lined cubby across the top of the console for storing delicate items such as cell phones. The helm panel accommodates a 12-inch screen, with three electronics package options: the Coastal package with one 12-inch screen, the Offshore One package adding an upgraded fishing transducer, and the Offshore Two package featuring a second 12-inch screen for the observer. Additional features include a centrally located Fusion stereo, vessel view display, multiple electrical switches, and a tilt-mounted steering wheel with digital throttle and shift controls. Footrests are provided in two layers for ergonomic comfort, and a flip-down platform raises the captain five inches off the deck for improved visibility. Flip-down armrests and grab handles flank the seats, enhancing comfort and safety. The helm is enclosed by glass on three sides, allowing ventilation and distortion-free visibility, although the VHF radio placement is being reconsidered by Aquila.
Power and Performance
The 28 Molokai offers engine options starting at 150 horsepower, with the test boat powered by twin 200 horsepower Mercury Verado outboards turning 16.17-inch props. The vessel measures 30 feet 9 inches overall in length, with a beam of 9 feet 8.5 inches and a maximum draft of 2 feet 6 inches. During testing, the boat reached a top speed of 45.8 miles per hour at 5300 RPM. The optimal cruising speed was 22 miles per hour at 3000 RPM, yielding a fuel burn of 9.6 gallons per hour and a range of approximately 307 statute miles while maintaining a 10% fuel reserve from the 150-gallon capacity. Notably, the boat can cruise comfortably at 26 miles per hour on a single engine tilted out of the water. Weighing 6,188 pounds dry, the catamaran’s light weight contributes to its efficient ride. Acceleration tests showed 0 to 20 miles per hour in 5.1 seconds, 30 miles per hour in 7.8 seconds, and 40 miles per hour in 11 seconds. The absence of a wave piercer between the hulls creates an air pocket that cushions the ride at around 30 miles per hour, which was identified as the sweet spot for wave penetration and ride comfort. The boat maintains a level attitude in turns without leaning, providing a dry ride except in beam seas where some spray reaches the windshield due to wind conditions. The vessel’s trim is best managed around 26 to 27 degrees to maintain optimal bow height, with no need for trim tabs, simplifying operation.
Model Variations and Market Position
The 28 Molokai is available in three versions: a base model featuring a simple bench seat up front, the standard center console version, and a cutty version that encloses the bow area and includes an optional Isinglass enclosure for the stern. This model represents Aquila’s entry into a new market segment, blending the offshore capabilities of larger boats with the versatility of a catamaran and the practicality of a center console. It is particularly well suited for those seeking a combination of fishing functionality and family-friendly amenities in a compact, efficient package.
Conclusion
The Aquila 28 Molokai successfully integrates the offshore performance and stability of a catamaran with the practical features of a center console fishing boat, while also offering comfortable accommodations for family and recreational use. Its thoughtful design, efficient powertrain, and versatile layout make it a compelling option for boaters seeking a multi-purpose vessel capable of handling challenging sea conditions. The boat’s ease of operation, combined with its spacious and well-appointed fishing and leisure areas, positions it as a strong contender in its class.
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 Aquila 28 Molokai | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Price on request | Price on request | Price on request | Price on request | $17,700 | $114,900 |
| Location | Fort Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale | Port Charlotte | Spring Hill |
| Nominal Length | - | - | - | - | 23' | 27' |
| Engine Make | - | - | - | - | MerCruiser | YAMAHA |
| Total Engine Power | - | - | - | - | 350 hp | 200 hp |
| Days on Market | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 406 | 546 |
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Contact Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show about Aquila 28 Molokai
Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33316
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