catamaran 28 pieds

8 Best Catamarans That Are 30 Feet or Less

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Large-sized catamarans are appealing due to their ample spacing and comfort. Therefore, a cruising family or couple looking to buy a boat is more likely to go for one of these. But are there small cruising catamarans that provide the performance, comfort, and amenities found in larger boats?  

The best catamarans under 30 feet (9.14 m) include the TomCat 6.2, Cadillac 27and 30, Gemini 30, Endeavour 30, and Maine Cat. These time-tested cruising cats are easy to handle, premium built, and are great for daytime sailing, overnight trips, and some even suitable for long-range sea passages. 

In this article, you’ll find a list of the best cruising catamarans below 30 feet (9.14 m). Keep reading to discover which catamarans make this list, what they have to offer, their pros and cons, and how much they cost.

If you are unsure whether or not 30ft is too small for your needs, then I suggest you check out another article I wrote named Best Size Catamaran , it will discuss why length matters and how it affects safety.

Unlike most catamarans designed for racing purposes, the TomCat 6.2 is a medium-sized cat that’s well-suited to daytime cruising. It boasts high-quality construction, vacuum-bagged hulls, and a plywood-reinforced deck.

This 20 footer (6.09 m) comes with an 11-foot (3.35 m) beam and not only offers you safety and comfort but performance and versatility as well. 

This boat has a centrally placed outboard engine and two rudders that allow it to turn quickly and maneuver confidently into and out of marina slips. The 9.9 hp outboard propels it to speeds of around 8 knots (9.21 mph or 14.8 kph), though the boat has the potential to move faster if desired.

This simpler type of cat (just one engine as an example) also allows for cheaper and easier maintenance. Maintenance costs are something most people underestimate when getting a cat, if you want to get some real numbers from actual sailors then I suggest you read this article (How much does it cost to maintain a cat).

The boat sails with minimal heeling, comfortably accommodate 6-8 people, and you can sail it single-handed or take a crew. 

High and narrow hulls bearing arched bottoms allow for a low wetted surface. The hull design provides low resistance and a great deal of reserved buoyancy and also enables you to drive through closely spaced waves.

On most 20-footers (6.1 m), driving through waves generates a smooth but wet ride, but with the TomCat’s enclosed deck (link to parts names explained here ), you are safe and protected behind a windshield and the high bulwark.

The TomCat makes an excellent cruiser because it performs impressively well both under sail and power. It combines the performance of a modern sailing cat with the comfort, style, and convenience of a powerboat. It’s also trailerable since you can detach the hulls from the deck , winch up the deck on a trailer, and slide the hulls underneath.

But the best part is that it’s easy on the pocket, with the price ranging between $36,750 and $44,580 .

Catalac 30 (9M)

The Catalac brand consists of strongly built vessels that sport thick hulls, glass windows, narrow beams, and vertical transoms . Catalac 30 was the first vessel in this popular British cruising line designed by Tom Lack in the late 60s. The boat’s appeal was attributed to its safety, ample spacing, well-built interior, and load-carrying abilities.

These characteristics are extremely important on a safe catamaran, overloading your cat makes it sit lower in the water, increases drag, reduces handling and speed, there is stuff you should know about this (so that you can make an educated buy). I have created an article where I try to explain the basics of a safe cat ( link here )

Sporting 5 berths, a massive galley, plus a cockpit with a sheltered steering position, the 30-foot (9.1 m) Catalac makes an excellent floating home for a cruising family. It sails exceptionally well, doesn’t heel ( heeling explained here ), and delivers a reasonable motor-sailer level of performance.

Furthermore, the hulls provide adequate headroom, allowing those on board to move around comfortably, and there’s enough space on the deck for sunbathing. 

The Catalac’s structure features solid fiberglass, chined hulls, and a staggered sheerline that allows easy aft access. With a modest rig that’s easy to handle, the Catalac can deliver top speeds of up to 12-14 knots (13.81-16.11 mph / 22.22-25.9 kph) under sail.

Given that the boat’s design focuses more on comfort than speed, this is a spectacular performance.  

Catalac 9M requires a skilled hand when turning into the wind as it is prone to blowing sideways. This is because the boat lacks ballast (which helps in keeping momentum during a tack) but also centerboards ( explained here ).

Skills are always the most essential things to bring aboard and you can acquire them in many ways, my two favorite ways are through NauticEd courses (two free courses here ) or by reading books (my top 15 books here )

Back to the boat! This model came in two versions; the standard layout contained a 30-40hp outboard, while the second option had duo engines. The latter is easier to maneuver into a marina. 

These cats retain their value pretty well. However, they might not be easy to come by since most owners find it challenging to get their hands on a larger boat with similar qualities and performance.

A Catalac 30 (9M) goes for between $33,000 and $55,000.

Catalac 27 (8M)

The Catalac 27 8M is a pocket cruiser that boasts a strong reputation for high quality, durability, and strength. Besides, the boat’s design makes it somewhat suitable for bluewater sailing ( understand why the small size is an offshore problem).

Built like a battleship, the boat contains solid fiberglass hulls. Additionally, it comes with double engines, a large cockpit fitted with cushions all around, and features standing headroom in each hull.

Like the Catalac 9M, this boat comes with two different layouts; a twin inboard diesel engine or an outboard engine. The twin-engine models can motor up to 1000 km (621 miles, read more on cat fuel consumption here ) without needing to refuel, while the 70 amps of charge plus water tanks (70 gallons / 265 liters) make these vessels remarkable coastal cruisers. 

Catalacs equipped with outboard engines sail faster since you can raise the engine during sailing and are also lighter. This helps to minimize drag . Catalac 8M sports a short but thick mast that helps make the boat stable. 

Though small in size, this catamaran packs a lot of features in its small frame. It has a full-sized berth, a large galley that’s almost 8 feet (2.4 m) long, a quarter berth, head, and navigation station.

What’s more, the cockpit is as large as that of a 38 to 40-foot (11.5 to 12.1 m) cat.

Catalac 27 costs about $31,836.

The Endeavour 30 

The Endeavour 30 catamaran is a boat characterized by stability, ample deck space, and a spacious interior. It boasts fast cruising speeds under both sail and power.

The boat has mini keels and rudders plus symmetrical hulls separated by a hydra-cell. The latter is a center section with a characteristic V-shape. 

The boat’s vacuum-bagged construction helps enhance strength and stiffness while reducing weight. Furthermore, the interior has a fiberglass mold, providing extra strength and rigidity. With sufficient breeze, this vessel can deliver reasonable off-the-wind and doable upwind speeds.

As such, you can expect to attain speeds of about ~10 knots (11.51 mph or 18.5 kph) on power reaches. Below is a video showing a panoramic tour of the Endeavour 30:

This vessel has the internal capacity of a 40-foot (12.1 m) monohull. And you can tell this from the unique layout merging the cabin and cockpit with wide doors to the numerous features packed into this 30-foot (9.14 m) vessel.

It has a spacious salon, an enormous galley, two queen berth staterooms with plenty of storage space, a head with separate showers, and a sizable U-shaped dinette. 

You can get this boat for under $50,000 .

The Geminis by Tony Smith were the United States’s first production cruising cats. Today, these vessels remain the most appealing American-built cruising catamarans. Built between 1981 and 1990, the Gemini 30 does not have a contemporary design, but it works remarkably well for cruisers desiring generous living space in a small affordable sailboat.

At only 14 feet (4.2 m) across, Gemini cats are somewhat narrow. But this mean s they can easily fit into most of the regular marina berths.

Besides, the boats still contain enough interior space for a queen-size double berth and two smaller doubles housed in separate guest rooms.

There’s also a modest but serviceable saloon with duo settees and a collapsible table that can transform into an additional double berth.

For the Gemini 30, this translates to a cruising cat with standing headroom that can comfortably accommodate 3 couples in private cabins or a family with small children. A good-sized galley, a spacious head with a shower, nav desk, and a large comfy cockpit make up the Gemini 30’s cruising palace.

Catamaran layout is highly personal and if you want to learn more about different characteristics then I suggest you read my article Designing the perfect catamaran layout ( Link )

While not that fast, the Gemini 30 will easily outsail the Endeavor 30 discussed above. Its daggerboards (which are explained in detail here ) can point well, and if you keep it light, it can do 7-8 knots (12.9-14.8 km/hr) under sail.

Besides, raising the daggerboards reduces the wetted surface area, and increases the speed downwind.

The Gemini 30 tends to pound and hobbyhorse a little when sailing in choppy waters – particularly when overloaded (more on load carrying capabilities in this article ), but the deep pivoting daggerboards provide stability and lift underwater.

Furthermore, the Gemini’s retractable rudders enable it to venture into shallow waters.

This is a very popular cruising cat that’ll give you a lot of bang for your bucks.

You can find a Gemini for less than $65,000.

Maine Cat 30 

The Maine Cat 30 combines premium quality construction materials with the most advanced building techniques to create a lightweight vessel capable of handling most offshore conditions. What’s more, this boat can remain trouble-free for years on end with little effort.

If you are in the market for a simple liveaboard cruiser that you can use for a short weekend getaway or a cruising voyage, this is it.

The boat has a sizable primary stateroom berth with ample overhead space and a dresser fitted with a hanging storage cabinet. The enormous head includes a toilet, sink, 20-gallon (75.71 L) holding tank, vanity, and a pressurized shower.

Covering the open bridgedeck is a permanent hardtop. This spacious bridgedeck can hold quite a crowd and comes with a convertible dinette that turns into an extra berth. If need be, you can even enclose the entire space using acrylic windows or screens. Gabo

The 360-degree visibility from the cockpit allows the captain plus the crew a panoramic view, and all sail controls go back to the cockpit, which is very useful if wanting to sail single-handedly.

I believe that most boats should be set up in this way since sooner or later you might be in a situation where there is only one person to handle the controls, such as in an emergency. But more on that in another article ( Link ).

The Maine Cat 30 is a classic boat that delivers on high-performance multihull sailing. Designed to offer much better performance than catamarans bearing tall and heavy bridge decks, this cat weighs less and suffers less windage thanks to the acrylic windows.

The boat’s interior layout allows for easy cleaning as surfaces sport a smooth gel coat and satin-finished cherry trim. The solid but lightweight furniture bears the same Core-Cell foam core employed on the hull, deck, and hardtop. Plus, there’s ample storage for all your sailing equipment, cleaning supplies, and provisions.

A Maine Cat 30 can cost up to $110,000.

Heavenly Twins 27

The overall design of this well-equipped catamaran makes it a superb pocket cruiser.

Heavenly Twins 27 manages to fit not one but two coachroofs on hulls that are only 27 feet (8.20 m) long. Canoe sterns and a central cockpit separating the duo coachroofs form the boat’s other prominent features. 

Famous for their excellent build quality, medium-depth draft, and narrow beams, Heavenly Twins 27 appeals to a wide range of boating enthusiasts.

These include solo sailors, weekend sailors, cruising families, circumnavigators, beginner sailors, and experienced liveaboards such as this famous Youtube channel “Kittiwake”.

The vessels house double cabins in the hulls while the forward starboard contains the heads and, to port, the galley. You can easily access the bar from the well-protected cockpit while the Comfordesk accommodation converts into a double dock. 

A stoop through allows access from below-deck to the aft compartment without going through the cockpit. There’s ample storage space throughout the boat, plus you can section off the large stateroom into smaller double compartments if desired.

The price range for this boat is $ 20,098 to $24,193. (I believe that kittiwake is for sale too)

The last cruising catamaran on my list is the Aquilon 26 . This French-built cruising vessel is light in weight and trailerable, which means you can disassemble it in a few hours or transport it as-is.

Designing a boat that is possible to disassemble usually means that it is structurally less strong, which by no means is a problem during coastal sailing but the Aquilon 26 is mostly attractive to sailors who prefer inland lake sailing. It’s also suitable for beginner sailors.

Although there are no real “beginner cats” there are specs to consider if you are a beginner with catamarans, most of them I have listed in another article ( here ). Gabo

This 26-footer (7.92 m) has the potential for good speed though its layout is anything but conventional- which forms part of its appeal.

The cockpit works as the saloon, and a full bimini protects the crew from lousy weather. The starboard hull contains a dinette and galley, and the port has a double berth stateroom. The windows are quite unusual, but they provide lots of light, remarkably enhancing interior visibility.

Aquilon 26 can deliver an average cruising speed of 10knots (11.51 mph or 18.5 kph).

On a beam reach, you can expect around 25 knots (28.77 mph or 46.3 kph) with an adequate breeze ( I have never sailed at 25knots but researching this boat supposedly it is possible).

You can get this boat for under $50,000.

What Makes Small Cruising Cats Attractive?

Small cruising cats are ideal for sailing along the coast. But that’s not all. Under capable hands, properly fitted smaller cats can also deliver spectacular offshore passages similar to their larger counterpart (Heres a list of full-sized bluewater cats).

They can operate over long cruise ranges, cross oceans , and circumnavigate the globe . Smaller cats are also suitable for day sailing, overnight trips, and coastal or inland voyages. 

For most sailors, comfort on board is crucial, so they’ll look for a vessel that guarantees a comfortable cruising experience. The good thing is that smaller vessels provide almost the same qualities and amenities that bigger vessels offer. Plus, you can do quite a bit with the available space, especially if it’s well laid out.  

You’ll find that most 30-footer (9.14 m) or more miniature cruising cats comprise a galley, head, bunks, navigation and entertainment electronics, and refrigeration.

Sailors usually talk about these benefits of smaller cats:

• They’re less expensive. Large boats are costly to buy. They also cost more to hire, maintain, and dock. You can buy a small-sized boat at a much lower price, and parts tend to cost less too. Besides, you get to use smaller sails, winches, and lighter lines than those applicable on a larger boat. And since marine services such as moorings and haul-outs get billed via boat length, a smaller cat makes sailing more affordable.
• They boast superior builds. Most cruising boats under 30 feet (9.14 m) feature designs that are 30+ years old. In those days, weather forecasts were hard to come by and not as accurate, so boat builders used hulls with thicker fiberglass than the type found in today’s builds. Furthermore, everything in the boat, including rigs, rudders, hulls, keels and decks, was designed to withstand strong winds and high waves. 
• They have simpler systems. This means less time spent fixing and maintaining your boat. For instance, most small cruising cats often lack water-makers, hot water systems, or electric anchor windlasses. 
• They’re easier to handle. Smaller cats are simpler to sail than larger cats. It’s also easier to sail one single-handed or with a small crew.

What is the largest cat on person can sail?

The Disadvantages of Smaller Cruising Cats

Below are some of the most discussed downsides of small cats:

• They have limited living space, storage, and amenities.
• Though they don’t heel much, they are less comfortable than larger boats since they get tossed around much more easily in big ocean swells.
• It’s not easy to accommodate crew for extended periods; hence there are fewer hands to share work.
• They are slower and take longer to get to their destination.

Though fewer are on the cruising trails than their larger counterparts, small catamarans make ideal cruisers because they are simple, seaworthy, and pocket-friendly.

When choosing the best cat for your needs, focus on quality rather than size. A well-planned 30-footer (9.14 m) is reliable and provides ample space for your accommodation, dining, and relaxation, plus a storage room for provisions and any spare parts you might need. 

And if you want even more info than I have presented to you in this article I would recommend a book from Serj, he makes it easy to understand why size matters and how to find a cat suited for your needs (amazon link )

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

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WiderCat 92

LENGTH (L.O.A.):

28,04 m (92′ 0″)

12,00 m (39′ 4″)

MAXIMUM SPEED:

ACCOMMODATION

8 guests + 4

The Solar Flare

Let yourself be dazzled by the future. WiderCat 92 breaks down technological boundaries and the barriers between outdoor and indoor spaces, reflecting a design concept where aesthetics, functionality, elegance and innovation coexist.

A 28-metre catamaran with limitless space and comfort. A remarkable combination of hybrid technology and solar energy.

Future proof design.

WiderCat 92 has no limits. It breaks down technological boundaries and the barriers between outdoor and indoor spaces, reflecting a design concept where aesthetics, functionality, elegance and innovation coexist.

Propulsion System

WIDERCAT 92 incorporates Wider’s serial hybrid system which, on a smaller scale and just as efficiently, builds on the shipyard’s extensive technical know-how in the Superyacht division. Only Permanent Magnet technology electric motors are connected to the propellers, each providing 583kW maximum power, while energy is produced by two 390kW variable speed generators each one with twin FPT combustion engines. Energy is stored in 30 LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) chemistry batteries managed by a state-of-the-art Battery Management System that constantly monitors operating parameters. The entire propulsion system ensures a cruising speed of 12 knots, reaching 15 knots thanks to the Electric Boost. In saving cruising mode, the speed is 8 knots with a range of over 1600 nautical miles. And at 6-knot speed, it can reach up to 2,400 nautical miles thanks to the Wider Serial Hybrid System. The catamaran also includes ZEM – Zero Emission Mode. Here, Wider technology lets you travel about 27 nautical miles at 6 knots in complete silence or provides 12-hour autonomy on battery power alone, without charge, when sitting at anchor. During bright, sunlit days, the 170 m2 of solar panels installed on WIDERCAT 92 will deliver energy self-sufficiency at anchor. That’s because any unused energy is stored in the batteries and used during the night. + ZEM – Zero emission mode available + State-of-the-art Battery Management System + Low noise and vibrations + Best power/consuption rate + 170 sqm of solar panels

The Wider Beach Club

The standard below deck layout offers two platforms opening directly onto the 67 sqm beach club with direct access from the VIP cabins, a testament to Wider’s indisputable know-how in terms of versatility and sea accessibility for every guest. + Drop-down side platforms open out at water level + 67 sqm Beach Club

Cabins and living areas

The standard below deck layout provides two ultra-generous VIP cabins that uniquely offer two platforms opening directly onto the beach club. In addition, there is an en-suite double Guest cabin. The lower deck also provides a generous and usable crew area at the bow. Naturally, the shipyard gives owners the option of a 4-cabin layout lower-deck. The main deck covers an area of more than 100 m2 and nearly half of it is the master stateroom alone, with a breadth comparable to a wide body. Large windows, full contact with the sea, versatility and privacy are just a few of the main features. The aft main deck offers a stunning 360-degree view thanks to the uninterrupted windows and flush doors surrounding the guests. The upper deck includes another forward cockpit that the owner is free to customize by incorporating a dinette/lounge and a Jacuzzi. The helm is also housed in the upper deck and, unlike other boats of equal length and category.

Entertainment

WIDERCAT 92 has a 67 m2 beach club that can be accessed directly from the VIP cabins, space for water toys in the bulwarks, and an 18 m2 garage that opens with an electro-hydraulic system. The garage is closed at the stern, for safe cruising even in rough sea conditions. It easily accommodates a 5.5-metre tender or a 4.5-metre tender and a Jet Ski. + 5.5 m tender (or 4.5 m tender + 1 Jet Ski) + Stowage space for water toys

Anchoring without an anchor

Equipped with Dynamic Positioning, WiderCat 92 uses an electronic satellite-controlled system to automatically maintain its position and heading. The WiderCat 92 electronic anchor system heralds a new era of environmental consciousness, sitting at anchor in Zero Emission Mode and preserving marine ecosystems.​

Do you want to know more about the WiderCat 92?

01 main characteristics.

• BUILDER: Wider Srl
• LENGHT (L.O.A.): 28,04 m (92′ 0″) 
• HULL LENGHT: 23,95 m (78′ 4”)
• BEAM: 11,98 m (39′ 4″) 
• DRAFT (FULL DISPLACEMENT): 1,65 m (5′ 5″) 
• HULL AND SUPERSTRUCTURE: GRP + CRP
• DISPLACEMENT FULL LOAD: 138,8 tons 
• GROSS TONNAGE: 242 GT
• DESIGNER: Luca Dini Design, Centro Stile Wider
• INTERIOR DESIGNER: Luca Dini Design, Centro Stile Wider
• NAVAL ARCHITECT: Wider Engineering & MDS Engineering
• CERTIFICATION: CE Category A
• LOCATION: Fano  (Italy)

02 Tank Capacities

• FUEL: 8 .000 L – 2.113 US gal
• FRESH WATER: 2.000 L – 528 US gal

An eShaft with twin screw props with Wider Serial Hybrid system allows, in trial condition, a range up to 1.700 nm at 6 knots

• MAXIMUM SPEED (ELECTRIC BOOST): 13 kn
• CRUISING SPEED: 11 kn / RANGE: 600 nm approx.
• ECONOMICAL SPEED: 8 kn /  RANGE: 1 .100 nm approx.
• ZEM: up to 6 kn / RANGE nm: 4 hours at 6kn
• AT ANCHOR: RANGE:  15 hours approx.

04 Propulsion

• BATTERY BANK: 360 kW available
• TYPE OF PROPULSION: eShaft with twin screw props
• PROPULSION MOTORS: 2 x 500 kW Lucchi e-motor solutions
• GEN SET (Variable Speed): 2 x 300 kW FPT N67 + Lucchi e-motor

05 Accommodation

• Up to 10 Guests + 4 Crew Members

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28 Molokai Power Catamaran

Introducing the Aquila 28 Molokai. The incredible ride, inspired by native Hawaiian watercraft, is born from the rigors of island hopping in the tumultuous waters of the Pacific Ocean, making the Aquila 28 Molokai Power Catamaran perfectly suited for almost any boating condition. 

The impressive stability and formidable ride along with the large aft and forward cockpits make the Aquila 28 Molokai ideally suited for offshore fishing with family and friends, tournament competition, and even professional charter sportfishing. And, although the Aquila 28 Molokai Power Catamaran is primarily designed as a fishing platform, family-friendly features abound.  

When not being used for offshore fishing or diving, friends and family can enjoy other waterborne activities, including tow sports, or just relax onboard while visiting a favorite dockside restaurant, sand bar, or island. Lounge on the bow seating area or pull up the bow table and enjoy your favorite beverage at sunset with up to 10+ guests onboard.  

Because the hulls are spaced wide apart, the broad stance makes it easy to walk around both sides of the center console. The position of the center console provides a 360-degree line of sight with controls strategically positioned for ease of operation. The extra-large console dash is designed to support two large multifunction displays along with the Mercury® engine monitoring displays and Fusion® sound system head unit. 

The Molokai is truly a versatile boat that amplifies your boating lifestyle. 

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28 molokai in action.

Full In-Depth Walkthrough

Fishing Lifestyles

Discover the Aquila 28 Molokai

The incredible ride, inspired by native Hawaiian watercraft, is born from the rigors of island hopping in the tumultuous waters of the pacific, making the Aquila 28 Molokai Power Catamaran perfectly suited for extreme offshore adventures, fishing outings, and family fun.

External Evaluation

Aquila 28 Molokai Test Video - By BoatTEST.com

Aquila 28 Molokai | Walkthrough with Dan Jones

Aquila 28 Molokai | Walkthrough with Boat Trader

Join Boat Trader and Ryan McVinney for a full, independent walkthrough review of a new 2022 Aquila 28 Molokai power catamaran boat. The Molokai is truly a versatile boat that amplifies your boating and fishing lifestyle.

A Fresh Evolution of Classic Boating Traditions

Specifications

• DOWNLOAD SPECS

Aquila Models

Aquila 70 Luxury

Aquila 54 Yacht

Aquila 50 Yacht

Aquila 47 Molokai

Aquila 44 Yacht

Aquila 42 Yacht

Aquila 36 Sport

Aquila 32 Sport

Aquila 28 Molokai

Aquila 28 Molokai Cuddy

Smart Cat S280

The ultimate fun & practical sailing catamaran, introducing the smart cat s280 – a revolutionary sailing catamaran designed to exceed your expectations. with its sensational design, innovative features, and compact, low-maintenance build, this boat offers an unmatched sailing experience. enjoy a spacious deck and lounge area perfect for living aboard with complete privacy..

ENDLESS FUN

Whether you’re sailing with a small family, a large family, or a group of friends, the Smart Cat S280 has you covered. Its expansive and comfortable deck provides the ideal playground for everyone. The shallow water-friendly hull allows you to explore shallow waters, islands, intercostal areas, bays, and sandbars with ease and freedom.

PRACTICAL DESIGN

The Smart Cat S280 is equipped with everything you need for a perfect sailing adventure. Its open deck is both spacious and functional, allowing you to sail and party simultaneously. The compact size makes maneuvering and docking stress-free, giving you more time to enjoy the journey.

AFFORDABILITY

While catamarans are often expensive, the Smart Cat S280 offers an affordable alternative. Not only is the initial cost reasonable, but the maintenance costs are also exceptionally low. You won’t need a big marina or a crane for servicing – its simple systems are easy to maintain and service.

LIVEABOARD COMFORT

The Smart Cat S280 is the smallest sailing catamaran with a liveaboard design and layout. Inside, you’ll find ample space featuring three queen-size berths, a head/shower, a kitchen, and an office space. Enjoy comfortable living aboard with perfect privacy, making every voyage a home away from home.

EASY SHIPPING

Shipping is quite tricky and costly for catamaran boats because of the larger volume. However, we developed new way to assemble the boat so it can be shipped with two units of 40ft HQ container to anywhere worldwide with low cost.

Hard Top Options

• Perfect for tropical weather
• Convenient to accommodate larger number of passengers

• Good protection for climate changes
• More privacy for liveaboard usage

Layout Options

3 cabins and 1 head.

2 Cabins and 2 Heads

Engine - Standard (hp)

Engine - optional (hp), fuel tank (l), fresh water tank (l), specifications, displacement.

10,000lbs / 4.5tons

27Gal / 102L

Clearance Between Hulls

7ft-2in / 2.18m

17ft-5in / 5.29m

Main Sail Area

417sq.ft / 38.8sq.m

Fresh Water Tank

36Gal / 135L

2ft-10in / 0.89m

Jib Sail Area

174sq.ft / 16.2 sq.m

Holding Tank

23Gal / 88L

Bridge Clearance

46ft-3in / 14.10m

Genoa Sail Area

344sq.ft / 32sq.m

(2) x Yamaha 9.9hp (Standard)

(2) x Yamaha 25 hp outboard (option) (2) x Yanmar 21 hp Inboard (option)

Testimonials

John Dial The Smart Cat was such a pleasant surprise!  When I first heard of the boat, I was skeptical. When I saw the boat, I LOVED it!  I am an experienced boater with over 30 years hands-on with all brands of boats both sail and power.  I went on the boat alone with no salespeople and had the time to study the quality of the boat, all of the hardware was comparable to any of the other quality-built boats I had been on as was the fiberglass and gel coat.  The space utilization was amazing, and the interior well thought out… USCG Master Captain / United Yacht Sales

Ben Kaminsky One of the most interesting boat exhibiting at 2020 Miami Boat Show. The boat handled very well. The ride was pretty comfy due to the high length/beam ratio. I was pretty impressed with how it handled and performance was good for this kind of catamaran range. Catamaran Review

Learning the Lines I think it’s a really cool boat. I think this boat would be good for coastal cruising, week-ending and fun all-around boat. For 28 foot boat, this boat has a ton of accommodation. There is a lot of living space even though it’s just a 28 foot boat. This boat is very beamy which is… Youtuber

Questions/Inquiries

• Price Sheet

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2022 Aquila 28 Molokai Power Catamaran

• By Patrick Sciacca
• April 10, 2022

Aquila’s 28 Molokai Power Catamaran, based on a form from Hawaiian Cat designer Kirk Clark, proved an agile, wave-slicing fishing boat. Its 9-foot-8-inch beam carries from bow to stern and aids in providing great stability.

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. The bow offers net-throwing space to spare.

Powered by optional 200 hp Mercury outboards (twin 150s are standard), the 28 Molokai takes off with dog-sees-squirrel urgency. We saw an average top hop of 46.5 mph at 5,500 rpm on a choppy day off Pompano Beach, Florida. The wide, deep hull tunnel on the 28 Molokai creates a pocket of pillowlike air that provides a sense of liftoff. Shooting across an aquamarine sea, it felt akin to flying over the water.

At 4,000 rpm, we made a comfortable 33 mph, the engines consuming 16.9 gph. With the boat’s 150-gallon fuel capacity and considering a 10 percent reserve, range is 263 miles. Bring the speed down to 23.5 mph, and fuel burn drops to 9.4 gph and range jumps to 337 miles.

Interior and Accessories

The 28 Molokai’s layout includes foldout cockpit seats that measure 22 inches wide and 17 inches deep. The coaming lifts up, the seats fold down, and the coaming forms a backrest. The helm fits a skipper and companion. The forward section of the helm console offers a built-in, double-wide bench. A head is inside the console. Another bench seat is at the bow, and abaft it to port and starboard are two more lounges with removable backrests. All the cushions can be removed.

For boaters who want more protection from the elements, the 28 Molokai is also offered in a cuddy-cabin layout. Sprinting offshore to chase billfish or sitting on the hook to catch dinner, the Aquila Molokai 28 is a solid blend of form and function.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 200 hp Mercury Verado V-6
• Drive/Props: Outboard/16″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 75 gal. Water On Board: 25 gal. Crew Weight: 350 lb.

High Points

• Smooth, wave-dicing ride across the chop. The lift of the hull tunnel and soft-riding nature should reduce fatigue on longer runs.
• Owners get a well-equipped, ready-to-run boat at the base price.
• Cuddy-cabin version is available for those who live in more challenging climates.
• Single windshield wiper could be larger to more effectively cover window real estate.
• Could use additional fuel capacity for increased range.

Toughest Competitor

World Cat ’s 280 CC-X (approx. $289,000) offers more fuel capacity at 220 gallons and larger outboard options (up to twin 225 hp). The 280 CC-X has about 1,200 pounds more displacement with its standard engines. The Molokai 28 edges out the 280 CC-X on beam by about 6 inches.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Aquila Boats – aquilaboats.com ; marinemax.com

• More: 2022 , 30-40ft , Aquila , boat tests , Boats , Center Consoles , Fishing Boats , May 2022 , outboards

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