Aquila introduces the 36 Molokai: proven performance in a purpose-built fishing platform
by Aquila 11 Jul 2025 16:07 UTC
Aquila Power Catamarans announced the launch of the 36 Molokai, the newest addition to its acclaimed Molokai catamaran series.
Building on the proven success of the 47 Molokai, this 36-foot fishing platform delivers serious offshore capability with the comfort and versatility that has made the Molokai name synonymous with uncompromising fishing performance.
Proven Molokai performance
The newest member of the Molokai family brings proven fishing performance to 36 feet of pure efficiency. The Aquila 36 Molokai inherits the design philosophy that made its larger sibling a standout—hardcore fishing capability paired with thoughtful comfort features—distilled into a focused fishing platform.
Built with the same attention to fishing-first functionality, the 36 Molokai delivers serious angling credentials with intelligent deck layout that maximizes fishing space and functionality. Its twin-hull design provides the stability and ride quality that catamaran anglers have come to expect, while advanced construction techniques ensure durability in challenging conditions.
Whether targeting nearshore species or making day trips to productive offshore waters, the 36 Molokai offers the performance and features that serious anglers demand. Thoughtful design details make every fishing trip productive and enjoyable, from bow to stern.
"We didn't set out to build just another 36-foot boat," said Jean Raas, CEO of Aquia USA and Chief Product Officer. "We built a fishing weapon that happens to be 36 feet long. Every design decision was made with serious anglers in mind. The beautiful thing is it's also a great boat for entertaining family and friends."
Expert design heritage
World-renowned Peart Yacht Design developed the highly successful Aquila 47 Molokai—a proven "fishing machine" that has earned acclaim for blending hardcore offshore fishability with luxury power catamaran comfort. Now they bring that same expertise and design philosophy to the new 36 Molokai.
Peart's team understands what serious anglers demand: efficient hull forms that slice through waves, intelligent deck layouts that maximize fishing functionality, and the structural integrity to handle heavy seas and big fish. Their experience designing the 47's twin-step hull, optimized weight distribution, and fishing-focused features provides the foundation for the 36's development.
With the 36 Molokai, Peart has distilled the proven formula of their larger sibling into a focused package, maintaining the fishing-first priorities while adapting the design for different waters and crew sizes. The result is a boat that doesn't compromise on the serious fishing capabilities that made the 47 a standout in its class.
Intelligent design features
The 36 Molokai's bow area exemplifies intelligent design, seamlessly blending relaxation with serious fishing functionality. Twin sun loungers provide comfortable seating for crew and guests during transit or downtime, with optional storage beneath for tackle organization and gear. This optional storage feature allows owners to customize their layout based on priorities.
Beyond the bow seating, the 36 Molokai maximizes comfort and functionality throughout. An integrated tackle station keeps fishing gear organized and accessible, while the summer kitchen with optional BBQ transforms the boat into an entertaining platform. Pull-out coolers provide convenient storage and create additional aft-facing seating, ensuring ample room for crew and guests whether fishing or relaxing.
Built for serious fishing
The 36 Molokai's carbon fiber hardtop delivers exceptional structural integrity for serious offshore fishing upgrades. Unlike traditional fiberglass hardtops that may flex or require extensive reinforcement, the carbon fiber construction provides an inherently strong, rigid foundation that can handle the demanding loads of a tuna tower installation without additional structural reinforcements required. The advanced composite material distributes stresses evenly across the structure, ensuring the hardtop maintains its strength and durability even when supporting heavy tower configurations with outriggers, antennas, and electronics.
Comfort beyond the cockpit
While most fishing boats leave crews exposed to the elements all day, the 36 Molokai includes a thoughtfully designed sleeping cabin with private head—a feature that transforms fishing possibilities. This comfortable refuge below deck allows anglers to extend single-day trips into overnight adventures, reaching distant fishing grounds that were previously out of range. The cabin also provides a welcome retreat for family members who need a break from the sun and wind, making the boat more inclusive for mixed-group outings where not everyone wants to fish all day.