Boat Test: 2026 Aquila 36 Molokai

Overview

The power-cat market has matured rapidly over the past decade, but few boats have embraced the versatility of the cat design as completely as the Aquila 36 Molokai. It carries the hardware to satisfy dedicated anglers, yet spend a day aboard and it’s clear that the 36 Molokai is more than a just fishing boat. It’s a well-built platform built for owners who want to fish one weekend, cruise to a waterfront restaurant the next, and then make a comfortable island run whenever the marine forecast safely allows for such an adventure.

That broader mission starts with the hull. Our test took place in conditions that would expose any weaknesses. A stiff 17-mph northeast breeze pushed confused 3- to 5-foot seas against an outgoing tide, creating the kind of steep, closely spaced chop that often turns a sea trial into a full-body workout. Instead, the 36 Molokai seemed completely at home.

One of the biggest advantages of a well-engineered catamaran design is its ability to separate wave impacts between two hulls, softening the ride while maintaining lateral stability. Aquila’s long, narrow sponsons and generous tunnel height help minimize pounding while reducing the tunnel slap and sneeze that can plague some cat designs.

Just as important was how predictably the boat handled. Some catamarans will grab with one hull first in quartering seas, causing an abrupt direction change. The Molokai tracked cleanly whether running into the seas, quartering across them or turning at speed.

Engines

Power comes from twin Mercury outboards, either 300 hp V-8s or 425 hp V-10s (our test boat was equipped with an experimental power package so we used the factory-supplied test info for the specs). These numbers show a top speed of 51.6 mph with the 425s and a fast cruise in the low-40-mph range. Combined with 508 gallons of fuel capacity, the boat offers enough range for offshore adventures or weekend island hopping without constantly eyeballing the fuel gauge.

Interior and Accessories

At the helm, the Molokai feels considerably larger than its 38-foot overall length suggests. The nearly 12-foot beam creates room for three comfortable helm seats beneath the hardtop while still allowing easy movement around the console. Visibility is excellent through the safetyglass windshield, and the helm can be configured with either twin 22-inch multifunction displays or three 19-inch screens.

Mercury Joystick Piloting for Outboards takes much of the stress out of docking, while CZone digital switching consolidates the boat’s electrical systems into an intuitive touchscreen interface. Aquila wisely backs up many primary functions with traditional overhead switches, giving operators a simple alternative when rough conditions make touchscreen operation less convenient.

Below the helm, a side-entry door leads into a surprisingly practical cabin. With nearly 5 feet of headroom, air conditioning, a wet head and enough space to escape the weather or spend the night, it adds another layer of versatility without compromising deck space above.

The cockpit is where the Molokai’s dual personality becomes most apparent. Anglers will appreciate the extensive rod holders, two standard 52.5 gallon livewells (plus the option for more livewells and tuna tubes) and well-insulated fish boxes. Variable-speed Hooker pumps allow crews to fine-tune water flow to pressurize the wells for delicate baits, while an aft-facing multifunction display in the hardtop lets everyone monitor the sonar to see what’s lurking in the spread.

Many of those fishing features do double duty. The expansive aft work station doubles as an outdoor galley with a sink, grill and generous stowage. Sliding coolers become comfortable mezzanine seating, while foldaway transom seats quickly transform the cockpit from fishing deck to social space. The broad beam gives everyone room to move, whether preparing tackle, entertaining friends or simply stretching out.

Water access? A side dive door and transom swim ladder simplify boarding from the water. The forward deck features a large sun lounge that turns the bow into an inviting place to relax. Beneath the cushions is additional stowage that can be configured for gear or as another insulated fish box, depending on the day’s plans.

Throughout the boat, thoughtful engineering reinforces Aquila’s reputation for building larger cruising yachts. Large service hatches provide terrific access to pumps and mechanical systems, even for my 6-foot-plus frame. Hardware is secured with Nylock fasteners to help resist vibration over time. Optional lithium battery systems can power onboard amenities, including air conditioning, for hours without the need for a generator. Individually, none of these details are groundbreaking. Together, they create a boat that feels exceptionally well thought out.

Read Next: Aquila 47 Molokai

The Molokai name may suggest a hardcore fishing platform, and the 36 certainly has the chops to chase pelagics or compete in tournaments. Yet its greatest strength is how easily it transitions between missions. It can comfortably serve as a family cruiser, dive boat, sandbar entertainer or offshore explorer without feeling like a compromise in any one role.

Competition? The Invincible 36 Cat (starts at about $750,000) is a harder-core fish boat but it’s only available with quad 300 hp or 350 hp engines, which ups the price and cost of ownership.

For buyers intrigued by the stability and efficiency of a power cat, but unwilling to sacrifice comfort or refinement, the Aquila 36 Molokai makes a compelling case. It’s a capable offshore machine that happens to fish exceptionally well, rather than a fishing boat trying to be everything else. And that’s exactly what makes it one of the more versatile boats in its class.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Mercury 425 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/16.8″ x 19″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 250 gal. Crew Weight: 600 lb.
  

High Points

• Two 52.5-gallon standard livewells fed by  a Hooker sea chest is top-shelf. 
• The integrated steps into the hardtop supports are also a nice touch.
• A fantastic sea boat.

Low Points

• Sorry, Yamaha and Suzuki fans, Mercury is the only choice for power.
• Trailering a cat can be tricky due to the additional beam.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation