BRIX Marine Delivers Five Foil-Assist Catamarans to Na Pali Experience Tours

Port Angeles, Washington aluminum boat specialist BRIX Marine has now delivered a total of five custom 34-foot foil-assist catamarans to Kaua'i tour operator Na Pali Experience, with the Port Angeles builder announcing the completion of two additional hulls on March 25, 2026 — roughly 18 months after the first three entered service on the Na Pali Coast.

The original trio, Kulea, Lanakila, and Tokihi, were designed in collaboration with Jutson Marine Design and each offers seating for up to 20 passengers and one crew member. The two additional vessels, announced this week, match the same 34-foot foil-assist specification, though BRIX has not released names or detailed fitout information for the newer hulls.

The design features asymmetric catamaran hulls and midship-mounted hydrofoils for optimal performance in varying sea conditions. According to Jutson Marine Design, the asymmetric cat handles like a monohull, leaning into turns instead of banking out — a meaningful distinction on the Na Pali Coast, where the swell angles and coastal topography demand precise, repeatable boat handling with a full passenger load aboard.

Each vessel is equipped with twin 300 HP Suzuki outboard engines and a fuel capacity of two 100-gallon tanks. The vessels also include custom enhancements such as SeaDek foam decking, high-grade vinyl seating, washdown systems, and advanced navigation electronics. Safety compliance with USCG Subchapter T standards ensures both passenger comfort and regulatory adherence.

The 34-foot hull measures 10 feet in beam with a lightship displacement of 11,800 pounds and is rated for 20 passengers plus one crew. That's a tight, purposeful package for a coastline with no shortage of gnarly conditions.

Na Pali Experience founder and owner Nathaniel Fisher made clear from the outset what drove the partnership. "We are thrilled to partner with Brix Marine on these innovative boats," Fisher said. "Their craftsmanship and attention to detail are evident, and we are excited to elevate our guest experience along the Na Pali Coast."

Captain Drew Belt, who runs tours aboard the fleet, put the operational reality plainly. "These vessels not only perform exceptionally well in the water but are visually stunning. Our guests will enjoy a safe, intimate and memorable tour."

The repeat order from Na Pali Experience is a telling signal. The boats were built to enhance the guided tour experience with improved safety, speed, and passenger comfort, and the decision to expand the fleet with two more identical hulls suggests the first three delivered on that brief. For BRIX Marine, a builder that has staked its identity on welded aluminum catamarans since 1991, five delivered to a single coastal tour operator represents the kind of sustained commercial relationship that validates a hull form as much as any sea trial.