Story and photos by DinaRella / Professional images courtesy of Axopar
In the midst of finishing up final preparations on the Axopar 45 ST (Sun Top), just weeks after the world premiere of the new flagship alongside its sibling XT (Cross Top) in Cannes, and moments before the USA debut – amicable company founder Jan-Erik Viitala dropped what he was doing to give RDP a personal tour of the latest and largest-in-fleet 45-foot “Finnish Army Knife of Sea,” and talk to us about how the Nordic adventure boat brand is sweeping the states by storm.
RDP: 1- The Axopar line-up ranges from 22 to 45 feet. Does the design formula carry over from the smaller to the larger builds?
Jan-Erik: “We don’t do carryovers from one specific model upwards. We take from every model we make! With hydrodynamics and fuel efficiency, what we learn from the smaller models helps us in developing the larger ones. On the other hand, with the 37, it’s just the opposite, in that it helps with crafting the smaller sized models. Then if we look at the 45, with respect to social spaces and functionality on board, this is a completely new concept with innovations not seen in this size range on a fast adventure boat.”
RDP: 2-Is the brand geared toward a specific market?
Jan-Erik: “We call ourselves an ‘everyday capable boat.’ Axopar is not searching for a specific slot, like being the fastest boat or the best fishing boat. We don’t want to niche ourselves into anything specific. Our goal is to create a “Swiss Army knife” boat for anything you want to do at sea. An example that exhibits our capabilities and way of thinking on how to accommodate that philosophy is with the 45 Cross Cabin. It’s a fully-enclosed, all-weather heated and air conditioned boat, but when the climate is nice, in ten seconds, it transitions to an outdoor boat crossing the boundaries from completely enclosed to wide open.”
RDP: 3- Axopar has inspired a large chunk of American consumers to “come onboard” as owners. Currently, what percentage of production is exported to the USA?
Jan-Erik: “Fabrication is in Poland and 40 percent is exported to the USA, which is our second biggest market. We never see ourselves as a competitor to any US brand; we are more of a compliment or alternative. There’s plenty of space to co-exist and we’re not taking away sales from the US market. Axopar is for people who want to have something different.”
“The 45 has been well received, so we’re increasing production capacity. At present, we can clearly forecast demand for up to 100% of our production to be received in the USA. The North American market is very important for us and right now we are collaborating with our eighth dealer.”
RDP: 4- What is the main difference among the new ST and XT models and the top-selling XC (Cross Cabin) launched last year in Palma and also on display at FLIBS?
Jan-Erik: “Here you see the windshield on the ST (photo 6) is reversed sloping in the opposite fashion with a slight opening above it, while on the XT model (photo 7) the negative-angle wraparound windshield connects from the dash to the hardtop with no gap; it also protects against wind chill and spray and reduces glare. Essentially this version brings the signature Axopar XC cabin boat (photos 8, 9, 10) to the open segment allowing you to be in close contact with the open sea.”
Placing less focus on plushness and more on purposefulness – the 45-footers, molded off the super successful 37, 28, 25 and 22 models, push the boundaries of what boaters can do onboard, in a sense, offering the best of both worlds blending center console and open performance sport boat qualities, with a twist of Scandinavian simplicity.
Priced to please between $700,000 and $800,000, the 45 ST brings to the table a clutter-free dash controlled via Simrad touchscreens, the option of an aft sofa, U-sofa or cabin, and a modular to the max layout, in which just about every fixture slides, glides, flips or folds, whereby, transforming itself into another forward-thinking feature. Five distinct social zones can be enjoyed by up to 15 dayboaters, but if overnight excursions place high up on the boating agenda, in addition to the forward double-berth, the aft cabin sleeps two more comfortably.
The boat’s resourceful assembly and industry-challenging approaches demonstrate how in tune the maker is with its athletic-minded buyers. Promoted as the poster child for all-around, expeditious adventures, as well as, entertaining sun seekers with a 360-degree panoramic of nature for a backdrop, it comes equipped with three roof racks to store all the toys, in addition to a newly integrated solar panel. Conversely, its sibling XC “flexes its indoor cabin muscles” and is capable of venturing to far-off destinations even on those inclement weather days when the competition is confined to the docks.
Inviting couch-like armrests on each side and covered cushioning extending across the top of the two-person sun lounger lure you forward… but it’s the dual gullwing doors delivering you to the main cabin V-berth below convincing you to stay up there! When lifted, this second entrance brings in breezy air and natural light providing a nice open-air vibe to guests relaxing on the lower level. Further benefits are having a quick access route to reach the standing-height private shower and head if hanging out on the bow, as well as, overnighting under the stars with the gullwing doors upwards if Mother Nature cooperates climatically.
Another prime, crowd-pleasing social space raising the relaxation quotient up a notch, and also one of my favorite spots after spending some time here chatting with Jan-Erik, are the fold-down side balconies, placed midship (rather than at floor level extending the stern, as seen on the competition in today’s market.) By simply pushing down on two clips, the platforms hinge outward, instantly and effortlessly transforming into comfy benches extending the center area to generous proportions.
Remove the cushions and your feet will be fond of the non-skid covered sides which help make hopping on and off and loading things a cinch. As well, when folded down, the balconies serve as a convenient storage spot at the end of the day for paddle boards and such.
After sourcing valuable input from customer consultations regarding what those across the pond wanted to see, the marketing department informed me that, whilst, staying true to Finnish tradition, the boats were tweaked in terms of shady lounging areas and super-sized solutions, to please the American-buying base.
Now, not only are cup holders bigger and bow and stern awnings an available option, but for the leisure-orientated lot… is there a better way to get the party started than outfitting your Axopar with a wet bar on top of the gunwale fender box, or opting for that mezzanine galley with five – you read right, FIVE – fridges at your disposal underneath! If that’s not enough, the galley wet bar and rotating mezzanine table are mounted on tracks, meaning that a simple push or pull moves the module forward or backward and can transform the area according to activities, in a matter of seconds.
To combat the short chop and unforgiving Nordic Sea conditions, these new babies powered by triple V-8 300s were born with some serous offshore pedigree. Sea-worthiness fits into the must-have category for the “commuters” – a secondary title the Axopars inherited from the motherland, because owners in the four Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, use theirs as shuttles from homes and/or summer dwellings to work and back.
The double stepped hull, low center of gravity, knife-like angling and sharp forward edges slice through swells of any sort, like a blade into boiling butter. Mash the throttles and the bow planes both with purpose and minimal rise in a matter of seconds, on ascent to 50 knots (57 mph). Bragging rights continue when it’s time to twist the wheel for some figure eights; you just DO NOT feel the weight of 45-foot beast; here is where the efficiency, agility and nimbleness of the Axopar hull comes into play.
The company press release says, “An impressive range of 340-plus nautical miles means you can easily take the boats from Florida over to the Bahamas and back without refueling. What this means is that an Axopar 45 consumes 20% to 50% less fuel that most of its rivals. The real beauty is you can get one gallon per mile which is great.”
In preparation for its tenth anniversary celebration in 2024, as this story goes live Axopar is literally days away from launching its new 29 at the Dusseldorf Boat Show. The completely fresh design built on its predecessor’s defining traits, will replace the game-changing Axopar 28 that ignited the adventure boat revolution. Our fingers are crossed hoping this boat will be on display in Miami next month. Stay tuned!
In the midst of finishing up final preparations on the Axopar 45 ST (Sun Top), just weeks after the world premiere of the new flagship alongside its sibling XT (Cross Top) in Cannes, and moments before the USA debut – amicable company founder Jan-Erik Viitala dropped what he was doing to give RDP a personal tour of the latest and largest-in-fleet 45-foot “Finnish Army Knife of Sea,” and talk to us about how the Nordic adventure boat brand is sweeping the states by storm.
Interview with Axopar Founder Jan-Erik Viitala
RDP: 1- The Axopar line-up ranges from 22 to 45 feet. Does the design formula carry over from the smaller to the larger builds?
Jan-Erik: “We don’t do carryovers from one specific model upwards. We take from every model we make! With hydrodynamics and fuel efficiency, what we learn from the smaller models helps us in developing the larger ones. On the other hand, with the 37, it’s just the opposite, in that it helps with crafting the smaller sized models. Then if we look at the 45, with respect to social spaces and functionality on board, this is a completely new concept with innovations not seen in this size range on a fast adventure boat.”
RDP: 2-Is the brand geared toward a specific market?
Jan-Erik: “We call ourselves an ‘everyday capable boat.’ Axopar is not searching for a specific slot, like being the fastest boat or the best fishing boat. We don’t want to niche ourselves into anything specific. Our goal is to create a “Swiss Army knife” boat for anything you want to do at sea. An example that exhibits our capabilities and way of thinking on how to accommodate that philosophy is with the 45 Cross Cabin. It’s a fully-enclosed, all-weather heated and air conditioned boat, but when the climate is nice, in ten seconds, it transitions to an outdoor boat crossing the boundaries from completely enclosed to wide open.”
RDP: 3- Axopar has inspired a large chunk of American consumers to “come onboard” as owners. Currently, what percentage of production is exported to the USA?
Jan-Erik: “Fabrication is in Poland and 40 percent is exported to the USA, which is our second biggest market. We never see ourselves as a competitor to any US brand; we are more of a compliment or alternative. There’s plenty of space to co-exist and we’re not taking away sales from the US market. Axopar is for people who want to have something different.”
“The 45 has been well received, so we’re increasing production capacity. At present, we can clearly forecast demand for up to 100% of our production to be received in the USA. The North American market is very important for us and right now we are collaborating with our eighth dealer.”
RDP: 4- What is the main difference among the new ST and XT models and the top-selling XC (Cross Cabin) launched last year in Palma and also on display at FLIBS?
Jan-Erik: “Here you see the windshield on the ST (photo 6) is reversed sloping in the opposite fashion with a slight opening above it, while on the XT model (photo 7) the negative-angle wraparound windshield connects from the dash to the hardtop with no gap; it also protects against wind chill and spray and reduces glare. Essentially this version brings the signature Axopar XC cabin boat (photos 8, 9, 10) to the open segment allowing you to be in close contact with the open sea.”
Top Standout Treats and Traits
1- Versatility
1- Versatility
Placing less focus on plushness and more on purposefulness – the 45-footers, molded off the super successful 37, 28, 25 and 22 models, push the boundaries of what boaters can do onboard, in a sense, offering the best of both worlds blending center console and open performance sport boat qualities, with a twist of Scandinavian simplicity.
Priced to please between $700,000 and $800,000, the 45 ST brings to the table a clutter-free dash controlled via Simrad touchscreens, the option of an aft sofa, U-sofa or cabin, and a modular to the max layout, in which just about every fixture slides, glides, flips or folds, whereby, transforming itself into another forward-thinking feature. Five distinct social zones can be enjoyed by up to 15 dayboaters, but if overnight excursions place high up on the boating agenda, in addition to the forward double-berth, the aft cabin sleeps two more comfortably.
The boat’s resourceful assembly and industry-challenging approaches demonstrate how in tune the maker is with its athletic-minded buyers. Promoted as the poster child for all-around, expeditious adventures, as well as, entertaining sun seekers with a 360-degree panoramic of nature for a backdrop, it comes equipped with three roof racks to store all the toys, in addition to a newly integrated solar panel. Conversely, its sibling XC “flexes its indoor cabin muscles” and is capable of venturing to far-off destinations even on those inclement weather days when the competition is confined to the docks.
2-Front Gullwing Doors
Inviting couch-like armrests on each side and covered cushioning extending across the top of the two-person sun lounger lure you forward… but it’s the dual gullwing doors delivering you to the main cabin V-berth below convincing you to stay up there! When lifted, this second entrance brings in breezy air and natural light providing a nice open-air vibe to guests relaxing on the lower level. Further benefits are having a quick access route to reach the standing-height private shower and head if hanging out on the bow, as well as, overnighting under the stars with the gullwing doors upwards if Mother Nature cooperates climatically.
3- Folding Side Balconies
Another prime, crowd-pleasing social space raising the relaxation quotient up a notch, and also one of my favorite spots after spending some time here chatting with Jan-Erik, are the fold-down side balconies, placed midship (rather than at floor level extending the stern, as seen on the competition in today’s market.) By simply pushing down on two clips, the platforms hinge outward, instantly and effortlessly transforming into comfy benches extending the center area to generous proportions.
Remove the cushions and your feet will be fond of the non-skid covered sides which help make hopping on and off and loading things a cinch. As well, when folded down, the balconies serve as a convenient storage spot at the end of the day for paddle boards and such.
4- Wet Bar Fender Box and 5 Fridges
After sourcing valuable input from customer consultations regarding what those across the pond wanted to see, the marketing department informed me that, whilst, staying true to Finnish tradition, the boats were tweaked in terms of shady lounging areas and super-sized solutions, to please the American-buying base.
Now, not only are cup holders bigger and bow and stern awnings an available option, but for the leisure-orientated lot… is there a better way to get the party started than outfitting your Axopar with a wet bar on top of the gunwale fender box, or opting for that mezzanine galley with five – you read right, FIVE – fridges at your disposal underneath! If that’s not enough, the galley wet bar and rotating mezzanine table are mounted on tracks, meaning that a simple push or pull moves the module forward or backward and can transform the area according to activities, in a matter of seconds.
5- Knife-like Carving Capabilities
To combat the short chop and unforgiving Nordic Sea conditions, these new babies powered by triple V-8 300s were born with some serous offshore pedigree. Sea-worthiness fits into the must-have category for the “commuters” – a secondary title the Axopars inherited from the motherland, because owners in the four Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, use theirs as shuttles from homes and/or summer dwellings to work and back.
The double stepped hull, low center of gravity, knife-like angling and sharp forward edges slice through swells of any sort, like a blade into boiling butter. Mash the throttles and the bow planes both with purpose and minimal rise in a matter of seconds, on ascent to 50 knots (57 mph). Bragging rights continue when it’s time to twist the wheel for some figure eights; you just DO NOT feel the weight of 45-foot beast; here is where the efficiency, agility and nimbleness of the Axopar hull comes into play.
The company press release says, “An impressive range of 340-plus nautical miles means you can easily take the boats from Florida over to the Bahamas and back without refueling. What this means is that an Axopar 45 consumes 20% to 50% less fuel that most of its rivals. The real beauty is you can get one gallon per mile which is great.”
In preparation for its tenth anniversary celebration in 2024, as this story goes live Axopar is literally days away from launching its new 29 at the Dusseldorf Boat Show. The completely fresh design built on its predecessor’s defining traits, will replace the game-changing Axopar 28 that ignited the adventure boat revolution. Our fingers are crossed hoping this boat will be on display in Miami next month. Stay tuned!
