Testing the Molokai 47 - Rough Seas!

PREPARE YOURSELF.... Prepare your imagination to run wild with the countless places, activities and adventures you could have on all corners of the globe with a hull form like this!
This Molokai 47 by Aquila Yachts has to be one of the most interesting designs I have had the pleasure of testing. The reason I say that is because with a platform like this you really are without limits. She has range, she'll handle big seas, she's got bucket loads of speed and the design and space utilization makes this something that will appeal to a wide variety of ocean lovers.
I'm actually excited to see all the interesting adventures that you guys have planned for this boat and can't wait to see all the different environments this Molokai 47 ends up serving.
If you are looking for a fantastic all rounder that is finished to a very high standard then do yourself a favor and inspect this boat.
This one's a cracker so I hope you enjoy!
Dan
Check out the Molokai 28 HERE - • Slice up the Ocean on ...
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Base Price - $1,363,058 USD to East Coast USA
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[@TWENTYB]

This is exactly the kind of day we want to see a boat like this being tested...

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

I'm very happy to hear that! I'll keep risking my drones if you guys keep watching

[@aflaz171]

​@BoatLife_DansBoatLife I only want to see reviews in these conditions,😂no, but seriously, I only want to see them in these conditions!

[@brucerogers3253]

What about putting it back on the trailer😢

[@jeffs6819]

Except in a head sea.

[@striperjunkie]

exactly they only went with with the following sea which means the boat test really doesnt show that much on how the boat can handle the waves. turn that sucker around and go head on into the waves and run 30+ knts and see how it handles those same seas. then you will see how it performs. @@jeffs6819

[@leadreviewer3257]

Love the boat test in rough conditions well done! As far as I'm concerned all boat tests should be done as this one it..

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

Glad you liked it! Almost lost a drone making it for you guys and had loads of fun!

[@duncanjames914]

It's great to see a boat purported to be able to handle nasty conditions actually do just that. Great review!

[@robertlangley1664]

Fantastic looking boat, fit and finish looks great I am not a fisherman the only fish I like comes with chips wrapped in paper. Another great video mate it’s interesting to see the boat in those challenging seas it’s made my morning

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

Haha i'm very much the same until the other day when I discovered spear fishing. Now thats a sport I could really enjoy on this boat! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@doverivermedia3937]

Well, they can't piss & moan about the weather 'too' flat on this one ! Haha, great stuff ... 🇬🇧

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

100%... I was happy to have an opportunity to show this boat in lees than perfect conditions!

[@davidblair6276]

Best boat reviewer by far…hoping you have a chance to test the Sabre 43 at some point.

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

It will be happenning in Australia this summer! Thanks for the kind words

[@lucasdavid7340]

So much more value, beauty, luxury, and capability for the price than the 47 FREEMAN, especially with quad 450R.wow!!!👍

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

I haven't tested the Freeman so can't say comment fairly on that yet. But for the guy wanting to apply multiple mission sets to his boat I don't think you can go past this Aquila.

[@striperjunkie]

when they turn arround and go into the waves then and only then will you see how the boat really performs. riding with the seas is not a real test. and the freemans have shown they are the superior class above all others. and they showed the boat going head on into 6 to 8ft seas running 30knts. so maybe get another day just like this and instead of following the waves and having an easy ride go into them and push the boat to show how it really performs.

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

@@striperjunkie so on this day we had more like 14ft waves and 30kts of consistent breeze which made it impossible for my drone to maintain any more than about 5mph into the wind so I just couldn't film it for you guys. Thats why I opened the video explaining that I would be running downwind. I haven't tested a Freeman so I can't say if they are better or worse but if I get an opportunity to film it you'll be sure to see it on the channel.

[@richard9436]

I'll take the US made Freeman over a Made in China Aquilla any day.

[@ohdamnitsthatguy60]

Have watched many of your videos Dan and never have you worn a life vest before. I like this Boat n the range. I like the Head location and the cabin You don't have to travel at full throttle but the extra power is nice to have when you need it.

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

Yes only a few times when i've worn a lifejacket on camera. I always stick one on when conditions or my speed justifies it. This was a day to be respectful of the conditions. So much to like about this boat I see it being a category killer for a few reasons.

[@ohdamnitsthatguy60]

@@BoatLife_DansBoatLife you could use this as a dive boat. I'm not a fisherman either also like them with fries. 🤔

[@worldwideadvisory]

Epic stuff Dan! Keep killing it

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

Thanks Mark 👍👍

[@lennykibbs260]

Didn't see that boat sneeze once ... is that the case, some kind of sneeze mitigation built in? look at me asking questions like I can afford that thing...lol

[@slapshot1343]

I'm OBSESSED with sea trials in less than friendly seas!!!!! Keep up the great work and footage!!!!!!

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

Glad you enjoyed that! It was 2 days for Alain and myself to get the footage and a lot of risk taking with the drone and equipment. I'm keen to film more rough weather tests if more brands are keen to let me.... The Aquila guys were excited for me to take her out in the storm so I didn't get any push back from them which was great.

[@slapshot1343]

@@BoatLife_DansBoatLife I do drone work for movies and TV production! Next time you're in America, I'd be happy to do some boat shoots for you guys for free. My family are big sailors and it runs deep in our roots. There's nothing better than capturing shots from boats but also doing it safely. It would be an honor to lend my hand at this.

[@Walker983]

Twin hull stability; the helm at a moderate height not leveraged up high on flybridge, yet with good sightlines over the bow. Also better with non-maniac at helm.

[@eduardobianco7790]

What a beauty!

[@DSPNJ]

Dan, How would the hull design of the Whitehaven Harbour 40 or a Downeast hull stand up to these sea conditions? I know you tested them. Cat or Downeast in these conditions??

[@colin.chaffers]

its the first time I have wanted to be in a yacht review, awesome

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

Honestly this was an exciting day. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jasongillies6686]

Love your videos you cover some great aspects of the boat that others gloss over.. I do watch you sawing at the wheel on this just thinking let those big boats go with wave and just correct course direction after a few waves... saves wear on you on steering as a beast like this will track on average straight even if wave knocks it a bit it will even out

[@johnschieffelin3226]

Great video, so good to see a boat running in seriously rough conditions. It looked like one of the hulls would dig in slightly in quartering seas and the boat would try to yaw -- did that happen? Does the boat ever feel squirrely running down seas like those you were in? Did the Molokai show any "sneezing" when running into head seas? Looked like a lot of fun out there.

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

Great questions 👏… yes slight dig in on a couple of the very steep ones. I showed it with the drone. The motion was very predictable so I was fine at the helm and didn’t need to brace myself. Apart from that she felt rock solid running down swells. I would have no hesitation taking her out in bigger seas like we get back home. No sneezing whatsoever… I was paying attention to this because the smaller 28 Molokai does sneeze a little in big swell. It didn’t happen once on this hull and I ran it pretty hard after the cameras turned off. I’ve filmed that too but didn’t want to show it in this video as I might encourage people to do dumb shit and I don’t want to be blamed. In a weird way I would put this boat up against the Valhalla 41 that I’ve also tested. I understand they are very different but it can be compared in my opinion.

[@NorthCarolinaConservative]

Great boat, great video, great commentary!

[@cecillgomez3617]

sorry i love it i love it

[@dj-two-timing-timmy]

Would like to see a pure day boat version of this although it probably doesn’t fit with there design mantra for this one. Any chance you can tests a tiara while your their brother?

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

Yes I did suggest a new option for them to consider would be swivel helm seats and drop in cockpit table in the cockpit to give it more of a day boat vibe option. I agree it has huge potential for this. I have seen loads of Tiara's around Florida but I don't know anybody from Tiara yet so need to get connected with them. Really like what they are doing too.

[@gustavohenrique281M]

Amazing vídeo. You should have changed course and face the waves over the bow for a few minutes to see how she behaves.

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

So I did… and I inserted a small clip. Issue I had was my drone couldn’t keep up due to the wind. I’m going to experiment this summer with some better drone catching tools in the ocean so I can fly my bigger drone and capture more for you guys.

[@destin_yacht_broker1]

Not a bad looking boat! Quad 400s probably run great! Curious to see head sea though. I never liked cats unless I could run dead into it or straight with it. Looks like you know how to drive a boat! 😎

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

So on this day we had easy 3-4m+ steep waves and 30kts consistent breeze which made it too difficult for me to fly my drone into the wind. Due to all the guys wanting to see it going into the swells I’m going to try and organise another shoot this year in big seas but with no wind so I can show you. I was very, very impressed by this hull. Like to the extent that I would like to own one of these myself

[@destin_yacht_broker1]

@@BoatLife_DansBoatLife Seems like a nice boat and you have to know how to drive any boat in that kind of sea. I'm always skeptical of cat boats and the sneezing and snapping but they have their advantages. Happy boating!

[@CaptainReidl]

What a boat!

[@trogdortheburninator8149]

That looked like it went much better than the Valhalla you tested in bigger seas? (with more space to boot)

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

It's on par with the Valhalla in many ways. The Valhalla is a total weapon to be fair... but you can compare the two in many ways.

[@davidkelley6986]

What a great review and test drive!

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

Glad you liked it! I hope it was useful

[@TheNickhammond]

yeah those seas are rough, I bet getting out that inlet was an experience

[@blanecurry9090]

guessing no seakeeeper option with this hull ?

[@bradwylie9732]

Sick boat!!

[@daniellees7873]

Any bow stuffing? Looks amazing

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

None at all and I ran it hard after I turned the cameras off to just too see what would happen. I have a very high degree of confidence in this hull design.

[@tombrightman9206]

It looks like the driver can't see over the dash; super nice boat...

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

Nah I could see super easy over the dash and i'm only 5'7

[@ME-qq2dc]

Not that rough, been out with no issues in a 5.6m Aussie plate boat many times, damn site less expensive than that thing too😂😂

[@ShaneSteel-om2cr]

You get a reply if you like the boat but if you take the slightest bit of piss out of the boat you get nothing back.

[@ShaneSteel-om2cr]

I didn't see any 4mtr seas did anyone, Typical salesman don't let a bit of BS get in the way of a good story

[@riverakers]

I would like to see a performance video with the twin 600’s.

[@BlackshacksBushcraft]

Just give me that lottery win. 😁

[@surfstarcc1]

Most boats ride good in the following sea, turn that thing into the wind and actually give her a sea trial.

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

So on this day I just didn’t have a drone that would keep up with me into the wind. 30kts meant that my drone couldn’t make any headway into the wind so impossible to film it. Next time when I’m not in such strong wind or if I get a faster drone I will

[@thawki3894]

Australian east coast weather 70% of the time is what you were in , and when majority of us fishermen are in 6mtr boats 60-80 mile out this is normal. See it dropping a shoulder a couple of times when quartering, definitely would of liked to see a bit more of it's capability. And the other 30% is mostly worse with short windows of beautiful weather.

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

100% reminded me of home this day! Been out in a lot worse than this just off Sydney Heads. I would really like to get my hands on one of these again as the boat is a true all-rounder

[@GPopeSinghTriniCharters1983]

Boat handles nicely. I would've kept a little more bow up attitude, but that's me.

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

So I did power up to 35MPH down swell and she never once stuffed it into the next wave. Every time she just rose up and over the next one with some power. I actually enjoyed the bow down as I could see everything without the short man step. This boat was up there with Valhalla 41 in the ocean 🌊

[@GPopeSinghTriniCharters1983]

@@BoatLife_DansBoatLife and she's a beauty.

[@deltapromasterlauj4848]

let me guess 1.5-2 million usd?

[@Bartimusblue27]

1.8m usd, not great but not terrible either.

[@zekeahoy2891]

nice show

[@hildablanco1591]

Try head on waves because waves at the rear is a wheel fight

[@KeithMorgan]

Awesome!!

[@ajrestivo]

It's good they're doing it in a following sea. That's the worst for catamarans

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

Yes my drones could only do 5kts speed into the 30kts wind we had that day so it wasn't possible for me to film much into the sea. But also wasn't the day to be going into it so a lot more comfortable runnning with it.

[@adamsadventures9919]

soooo badass!

[@michaelpowell9164]

You won't turn around not because the drone can't keep up but because the seas will kick the crap out of that 50ft+ boat....and that's not the visual Aquilla wants to leave in everyone's minds! lol Edit to ask a question, What if on a crossing to the Bahamas the seas kick up halfway across and you have to run the head sea? (BTW every crossing is a head sea). It's happened to me many times. Answer, You put your head down and muscle thru hoping you bought a strong boat!. Aquilla is brave enough to let you put the boat out there in nasty conditions to appease most people. That'll be good enough for fair weather boaters, but we seasoned boats know.

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

Well considering I don't get paid for these videos I can show whatever I like lol... But I did actually cut to some upwind footage but my drone was stationary as it couldn't fly into the wind. I disagree this bat would be fine running into some rough stuff... on this day it was very steep so you would obviously slow right down when the waves are higher than the boat. I was actually wondering if those windows would have an issue in the big stuff with the boat potentially flexing and I was wrong, it was totally fine. This really is a very good hull.

[@ShaneSteel-om2cr]

Going with the waves shows shit, should be showing into the waves to see how it handles, no because it will show its short coming. As a Australian the Summary of this Vessel bs

[@ChadHarris-q7q]

Cats actually the aren’t that good in following seas I was on that boat yesterday and 3-5’ waves absolutely dry quiet and we were rolling 50mph talking chilling but waves weren’t 6-7’ the boats a beast!

[@blanecurry9090]

they run seakeepers in these, or not viable in a multi-hull design ?

[@e.s.5529]

10-12's are no jokes.

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

and catching my drone in these waves was also no joke haha

[@Offshore_wolf]

It’s a great video But not a complete drive review you kept the same angle for the whole video Really wanted to see head sea capability of this boat in such conditions

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

That's correct, i think I actually explained that in the beginning of the video because the waves were peaking at 4m and breaking and we had steady 30kts meaning I could only fly my drone downwind. I did go into it but the drone was virtually stalled trying to fly into the wind and I was getting airbone in the cabin when trying to fly the drone so it wasn't realistic. When I get another opportunity in more normal conditions i'll film that and show you guys.

[@stefanosgt7576]

Following sea the entire review.

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

Yes I explained that in the beginning. 30kts steady breeze meant my drone could only make 5kts into the wind. Also dropping off 4m waves while i'm downstairs in the cabin flying the drone makes it difficult for me to keep the boat in frame.

[@haywoodjablowme2972]

bet thats got a big tag on it

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

I put the price in the description. I should probably mention that in the video… whoops

[@bubbleobill267]

Once you’ve had a cat you never go back.

[@michaelmurphy1127]

I've been in bigger seas in my 10ft Flatacraft.

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

Awesome!

[@Jessedog11]

the captain can barely see over the dash !! LOl

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

Actually I didn't have a problem seeing over the dash at all. I recall even commenting on that during the video

[@dreamspass1563]

I am following aquila boats for years. Many items in the boat has less added value for owner. I.e. he is driving all the clip standing on his feet.!!!! What in the hack the seats are for!!!!!!.

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

Yes I was but that's because the sea way up so I needed to stand for some sporty driving. You can definately sit and drive on this

[@paulhorwath579]

A surf board is smooth riding going with the swell turn it around and run into it at 30mph

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

The challenge that day was my drone. We had 30kts of wind so I had no chance of keeping up

[@ShaneSteel-om2cr]

​Could of used the I'm bored camera. I'm led to believe it rides rough as gut by all accounts.​@@BoatLife_DansBoatLife

[@dougferguson5581]

3 easy payments of $700,000.00 I wish.

[@ScoutyBoyO]

Why not go into the seas? Down swell is not a good test. I have a cat and the best test is into the swell.

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

I did and I showed it but due to the 30kts of breeze my drone could only do 5kts while the boat was maintaining 12-15 into the waves so I couldn't keep up. Sure agree going into the swells is a good demonstration but on this day with the big waves peaking at 4m that just doesn't make a great deal of sense while i'm truing to operate multiple cameras, drive the boat and talk to you. Thats when I get to task saturation and might miss sharing important details with you guys.

[@БайкалБайкалыч]

Попутная длинная волна удачна для хода, на встречной все поменяется в худшую сторону

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

These were not long waves on this day though. Wave period was very short.

[@georgeniebergall7074]

Can you imagine if they were smart and put a foil on the spot CAT

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

I haven't tested too many foils so can't comment with any real experience on that. But i'd be interested to learn more.

[@georgeniebergall7074]

@@BoatLife_DansBoatLife please check out the foil cat located in Miami. I believe the most efficient boat in the world without a doubt that Paul goes to 6foot waves like nothing.

[@nicholaskanakis4759]

check out hysucat. they seam pretty good

[@MrKveite1]

Why does it say rough seas?????? dont come to Norway and call that rough seas because you will be the laughing point of everyone older than 4 years. That's nice calm seas and calm winds mate to a point where i thought oh this guy must be new to this job cus he sounds like a proper landcrab.....

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

lol 😂

[@MrKveite1]

You are laughing whilei was dead serious....@@BoatLife_DansBoatLife

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

@@MrKveite1 Have you been boating in the Southern Hemisphere before?

[@MrKveite1]

Yes i have and many times on board oiltankers. @@BoatLife_DansBoatLife

[@cyrillawless]

He sounds like a man who is trying to appear confident but isn’t. Where I live in southern New Zealand this is only average. Saying that m a commercial fisherman of 45 years experience and I wouldn’t think twice about going out in those conditions.

[@doverivermedia3937]

Well I'm an RNLI Coxwain and yep, I've had to rescue a few seasoned fishermen in my time, in much worse conditions. Dan is an extremely experienced captain and is confidently demonstrating a sensible respect for the sea, especially for an inexperienced boater with more money than sense (of which there are many) ... 🇬🇧

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

Lol... So I guess the point I was trying to make was to the average boat buyer. I spent 20yrs selling boats prior to this and most guys havn't got a lot of offshore time so my message was to take is slowly and work yourself into going out in conditions like this. I find when a skippers skill set reaches a point that he/she can focus on situational awareness instead of looking at the controls they start to become better and safer drivers and their decision making process becomes a lot better too. In terms of judging my confidence I guess the video can do the talking. I come at this channel with 30yrs power boating and 25yrs sailing experience. 20yrs of that I averaged 6 days a week on the water and have done a lot of rough weather boating... also in conditions a lot worse than this. I have noticed as I travel the world that a lot of places have very mild conditions compared to Australia and NZ so I try to speak to everyone and put it in context as best as I can. I hope the fishing is going good in NZ.

[@semidisplacementpowercat8301]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppelnmOKaa5qZ9Usi=ihBKEup_2Fcf13h9

[@frankiepham312]

Freeman takes the high sea munch better

[@BoatLife_DansBoatLife]

I’ve not tested a Freeman in big seas yet so I can’t comment.

[@ChadHarris-q7q]

This boat is amazing in rough seas