Axopar 45 Cross Top: a yacht, a boat, a cruiser and an adventurer

The Axopar 45 is not just a model by Finnish Axopar shipyard. It is a whole family of recreational boats of “modular concept”. What does that mean? 

There are three basic versions of the Axopar 45: Cross Cabin, Cross Top and Sun Top, and each of them can be customized and adjusted to the owner’s needs. It is not just about some technical and finishing options, but a possibility to change the layout quite considerably by varying the aft deck versions or even adding an extra cabin.

Based on one and the same hull, different versions of the Axopar 45 may look radically different. While the Axopar 45 Sun Top is an open “machine” for having fun on the water in the daytime, the Axopar XC Cross Cabin can be called a sport yacht, capable of voyages a few days long. She has a completely enclosed deck saloon with a dining area and a mini galley, and there is a comfortable space below deck with one or two cabins and a head with a shower. 

Finally, there is a third option, the Axopar 45 Cross Top, which is a kind of golden middle between the first two. At least, moneywise: the price for a Cross Top starts from 504, 900 Euro, while the other two options are 10,000 Euro more expensive or cheaper respectively. She has a semi-open upper deck, but a well-sheltered helm station and similar comfort below deck. 

Design

The Axopar 45 Cross Top looks really cool, but her main and most obvious feature is the convenience of using her in different situations. The deck is open enough to enjoy the good weather, but it is well-sheltered in case it changes. There are two opening sunroofs in the hardtop, large enough to “remove the top” altogether if necessary. At the same time even when they are open, the roof can still be used as a trunk for a couple of paddle boards or kayaks. 

Compared to the Sun Top version, where the helmsman is protected only with a windshield (which is, however, enough to protect from the splash on a sunny day), the Axopar 45 Cross Top has a semi-enclosed wheelhouse completely protected on three sides. The reversed glazing like that of trawlers does not only make the boat look brutal, but ensures good visibility both in heavy rain and high waves. At the same time, easy access to the bow, to the stern, the cleats and other important points makes it quite easy to handle the boat single-handed. 

Performance

It is interesting to note that while most boats point their noses skyward before the transition to plane (at a speed of 10-14 knots) and their fuel consumption goes up considerably, the Axopar 45 Cross Top is surprisingly stable and preserves her horizontal position. At a maximum speed of 48-50 knots depending on the load, she combines the maneuverability of a small boat with the grip and stability of a large, heavy yacht.

Her ideal cruising mode seems to be 34-36 knots: this boat is keen on going fast, although she is good at low speeds, too. The fuel consumption at this speed is about 4 litres per mile or 140 litres per hour. All these figures are relevant for 900 hp, i.e. three outboard engines of 300 hp each (in accordance with the yard’s recommendation), although one can also try two of 450 hp engines. 

Main deck

The cockpit is divided into two parts. There is a triple helm forward, and a dining area with a wet bar functioning as a mini galley behind it.

The aft part can be arranged the way you like. If you need more seats, there can be a large U-shaped sofa and another table. By the way, the Axopar 45’s passenger capacity is up to 16 people, and there are more seats in the cockpit forward, which can be transformed into a sunpad. 

If you are planning to fish a lot, keep the larger part of the cockpit free.

At last, you can opt for a raised sunpad on the “roof” located below the extra aft cabin for two.

Lower deck

On the lower deck amidships, there is a cozy compact saloon with seating and a table large enough for four. And that is exactly how many people the boat can sleep – including the extra cabin aft. It is surprisingly well-lit thanks to the иллюминаторам в потолке и в кормовой части and can accommodate two guests comfortably. 

There is a large double bed forward, which can be made permanent or convertible. However, if a couple of berths is enough for you but you need more space for gear storage – sport or fishing – you can arrange a huge storage space instead of the bow cabin. It should be noted here that there are plenty of storage spaces all around the boat: in the cockpit, under the seats and below deck, where there can be an extra storage space under the bench on the portside. 

What else? There are several fridges – and there are never too many of them, as we know. There is a head with a shower. An opportunity to carry not just water toys, but also land gear like bicycles that are easily fixed on top of the wheelhouse.

In terms of entertainment and adventure opportunities, the Axopar 45 seems to have overtaken all the other existing boats in her class. Taking into account the variety of superstructure and layout options, it is even hard to understand what to call this model: a boat, a yacht, a cruiser? And once you think of her twin stepped 20-degree V “sharp entry hull”, capable of cutting the wave like a knife, you can say that the Axopar 45 will go far. 

Axopar 45 Cross Top specifications

Length: 13.91 m

Beam: 4.11 m

Draft: 1.20 m

Dry weight (excl. engines): 6.5 tonnes

Fuel capacity: 1,390 litres

Engines: 3 x Mercury 4.6L V8 (300 hp)

RCD: B12 (offshore) / C16 (coastal)