EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
Seldom I’m surprised or taken aback when seeing a boat, large or small, for the first time. I mean, after all, a boat is a boat. Right? Well, not necessarily so, as I was to recently discover during a beautiful mid-autumn afternoon aboard the Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin as we put her through her paces out on the Hauraki Gulf.
ut, before taking you along on my voyage of discovery, a wee bit about the Axopar company and its boats, which perhaps you know little about, even though Axopar, a Finnish Company, has been marketing their range of boats in the New Zealand/ Australia region for almost a decade.
The company has managed to establish an enviable reputation in the European and American markets over the past ten years, recently receiving two prestigious accolades; both the 2025 European Powerboat of the Year award and the ‘Sportsboats’ Motorboat award. How significant is this? Well, put it this way, the former is a highly respected and influential tribute in the maritime industry, often considered the “Oscars of the boating world”. It recognises top-performing powerboats, highlighting innovation, design, and performance after rigorous testing by leading European marine journalists. The latter is a vital tool for both industry professionals and consumers, providing a benchmark for quality, innovation and performance. Being unaware of the significance of these awards prior to my day out, I had formed my own views, which are reflected in this article.
I was welcomed aboard the Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin by Brent Rubbo of The Marina Brokerage/Eyachts, based at Halfmoon Bay Marina in East Auckland, and the representative for Axopar boats for New Zealand. Before heading out, I chatted with Brent about Axopar in general and the 29 XC in particular, wanting to get a sense of this craft before physically experiencing it.
THE AXOPAR BRIEF: Produce an international, highly functional and capable all-weather boat design with a distinctive, easily recognisable shape that looks like it’s going fast, even while sitting still.
Taking the latter aspect first, were they successful? You betcha! Although, at first glance, it appears to be a narrow craft, in actual fact it has a similar beam to a White Pointer 940 for example. But what about the former part of the brief? The best way to assess this is by walking you through the boat before discussing its performance, sea kindness, comfort, maneuverability and handling.
APPEARANCE AND FUNCTIONALITY
THE HULL: The twin-stepped hull design enhances stability and efficiency, allowing the boat to manage rough seas and maintain excellent control. The Deep V provides a smooth ride, even in choppy waters, enabling the boat to travel at a very flat cutting angle, slicing effectively through waves. In addition, the redefined hydrodynamics have improved fuel efficiency, with the hull itself being more defined, more fluid, and with a less angular stance about it. The plumb bow section is higher, with a more pronounced flair imparting a sense of protection from the elements and maintaining Axopar’s renowned ride quality, even in rougher conditions, while at the same time providing more internal volume up forward.
The Axopar 29 offers three distinctive options: the Cross Cabin (reviewed here), the Sun Top and the new Centre Console Crossover featuring a large, open fishing cockpit. All versions boast Axopar’s signature twin-stepped, deep V hull design, while catering to different boating preferences.
THE TOPSIDES: Every boat is a compromise and the Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin is no exception. However, what struck me was the fact that this boat builder has managed to design and incorporate so many diverse elements into one package. Where to start? Paraphrasing Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland), “I shall begin at the beginning and go on till I come to the end”. So, here we go on our Axopar rabbit hole of discovery.
I am a fan of forward sloping ‘Pilot’ windshields, which are stronger than aft leaning windshields and, to my mind, offer the added advantages of helping to shade the interior, reduce nighttime reflections and increase interior volume in addition to more efficiently deflecting waves coming over the bow and shedding rain in heavy downpours.
A roofline is a roofline, right? Not in this case. The cabin top encompasses a plethora of features. For a start, who thinks of putting roof racks on a boat? Axopar does and with the express purpose of accommodating SUPs, kayaks, and other water toys. Not content with adding these very useful racks, the designers went one step further and incorporated ‘D-Section’ tie downs, ensuring anything secured on the racks doesn’t slip around while in adverse sea conditions. I always applaud attention to detail. The folding mast at the stern of the cabin top enables the installation of equipment such as radar, spotlights, radio antenna and even a FLIR-type camera unit, if so desired.
The front section of the cabin top can be fitted with an optional solar panel for trickle charging the batteries when the shore power connection (supplied) can’t be used, ensuring that essential apparatus such as bilge pumps remain completely functional.
Lastly, the whole top edge perimeter of the cabin serves as a continuous ‘grab rail’, enabling you to move safely on a walkaround deck layout that prioritises safety and accessibility, and makes it easier for you to hold on when coming aboard or departing the boat. A classic example of unobtrusive design following practical function.
Starting at the bow and ending at the stern, let us explore the rest of the exterior topsides before having a detailed look at the interior of this interesting craft. How much can you fit in the bow section of a 29’ boat? Once again, when it comes to the Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin, lots!
The port opening, hydraulically hinged hatch cover reveals a cavernous locker, in large, thanks to the plumb bow. It houses a Quick all chain anchor windlass, complete with 30 metres of 8mm chain, S/S chain swivel and 7.5kg S/S Claw anchor, clamped (while underway) to the S/S bow roller. The easily accessible, handheld windlass controller is secured to starboard
Navigation lights to port and starboard sit forward of the S/S mooring cleats and beneath the forward grab rails on either side, which extend aft alongside the gunwales, providing combined grab/safety rails, which can be covered with back pads for comfort when lounging on the full length, spacious cushions adorning the forepeak.
A concealed storage locker is situated beneath the port seat cushion, with an open storage compartment to starboard. Aft of the trapezoid shaped table is another cushioned two-person lounge seat located directly in front of the forward tilting windshield. Easy access to the forward, twin berth cabin is situated beneath this ‘swing up’ seat. More on this forward cabin when we explore the interior.
But before we leave the bow area; tired of the sun but still want to sit out in the fresh air without becoming a ‘crispy critter’? No problem. There is a lightweight sunshade awning stowed forward which is easy to set up in minutes, providing all the shade you require.
In summary, this completely redesigned foredeck lounge/ entertainment area is a dramatic variation on the ‘Bow Rider’ concept and unique to a boat of this size. In combination with the rest of the boat design, it satisfies the need for an allweather capable, all year-round boat, but when the weather is good, the foredeck area allows for a wonderful socialising space, even though this is essentially a fully enclosed cabin boat.
Leaving the bow area and transiting aft, via either the port or starboard, slightly declining walkways with unencumbered thresholds, is aided by the shape of the hull interior topsides such that when moving around, help to securely direct you. The shape ‘steers’ you into the interior of the fully enclosed centre cabin/helm station area. In addition, the mid-section of the bulwark provides easy access to step off the boat, with an interior tread incorporated into the starboard topside, adjacent to the sliding cabin door and fitted with a non-slip pad on this wider area.
Continuing aft past the centre cabin to the stern you begin to appreciate that there is still a lot more to this boat and we have not yet begun to explore the interior. The Mercury 350 is a powerhouse that blends performance, reliability, and fuel efficiency. Other engine configurations available include a single Mercury Verado 300hp V8, single Mercury Verado 400hp V10 or twin Mercury 200hp V6s, which if fitted, it is claimed, can push the boat up to fifty knots in ideal conditions. During our performance trials, the Mercury Verado 350hp V10 felt more than adequate, delivering strong mid-range torque and smooth acceleration, making it an ideal match for a vessel that demands speed and control. One of the standout features of the Mercury 350hp is its Adaptive Speed Control, which maintains engine RPM regardless of load or sea conditions. This results in consistent power delivery, especially in choppy water or when manoeuvring at low speeds. The electronic throttle and shift system (DTS) ensures precise and effortless control, enhancing the boat’s overall handling experience.
A lounge cushion tops the huge hatch cover astern which gives access to the aft, twin-berth cabin and not only allows easy access to get into this cabin but also makes it easy to stow large bags, ship’s stores, etc. below decks.
But before going below, further exploration of the stern area reveals several more features. Hidden beneath the aft starboard side seat cushion is a spacious storage locker for fenders, ropes and other boat equipment as well as access to the fuel cap for filling diesel used for the onboard heater. Beneath the stern platforms there are large openings to allow any water coming aboard to slosh easily out through the stern of the boat, without impeding movement in any way. The stern area is very open and when I expressed my concern to Brent that this seemed to present a potential man overboard scenario, he explained that there is provision for an optional S/S outboard motor arch/come water ski, water toy tow point (refer illustration on Page 102) and that the stern has been built strongly enough to anticipate installation of this sturdy feature.
But wait, there’s more!
THE INTERIOR
Brace yourself, because in the enclosed centre cabin and down below in the forward and aft double-berth cabins there is a mind-boggling array of features; many you might expect, but also a delightful number of unexpected ones.
THE CENTRE CABIN: Access to the enclosed, centre cabin is by way of either the port or starboard large ‘blade’ design sliding doors, with a highly functional and aesthetically pleasing look which adds to the overall dynamic appearance while allowing ease of entry/exit to and from the cabin and helm.
Most notable however is the outstanding visuality and visibility at the helm with zero visual obstruction. This is not only apparent when looking forward, but while looking aft. In actual fact there is a full 360-degree vista from anywhere in the cabin. The ‘C-Pillar’ has been moved forward, not only giving more sweeping views, but adding strength and contributing to the functionality of the sliding cabin doors, while giving the seated passengers an open, airy space which is the antithesis of claustrophobia! Additional grab handles, USB charging ports and more large-diameter (think USA market) cup holders make for a “Business Class” experience while underway. The cabin sole has no potentially hazardous steps, but is sloped, so you can move around the cabin without fear of tripping. The only step is on the starboard side, which houses fuel tanks and electrical wiring, but functions as an easy entry/exit step for the helmsperson. Headroom is more than adequate throughout the spacious cabin even for those 182 cm (6 ft) individuals.
An added bonus to this expansive ‘rear facing’ windscreen is that it gives the helmsperson unobstructed views while reversing or backing the boat into a marina, providing confidence that you are not going to hit an obstacle, piling or another boat.
THE HELM STATION: The helm is simplicity personified, with intuitive ergonomics greeting you everywhere. Whether you are standing at (utilising the flip up seat bolsters) or sitting on these comfortable helm seats, both of which are capable of moving forward or back and are also able to do a 180-degree swivel so that they can face aft when socialising with your guests seated in the aft portion of the cabin while at anchor. These dual helm seats are asymmetrical to provide ample space to starboard but provide even more space on the port side for ease of entry and loading gear on board through the aforementioned wide, sliding door.
While seated at the spartan-like helm station, there is an ergonomically placed footrest running the full width of the cabin sole. I’m about 178 cm tall but found that I didn’t need to stretch to avail myself of the footrest. Another plus is that it is installed in such a manner as to still provide enough space while standing at the helm, when this is your desired steering position.
There is enough dashboard room to equip the boat with different or additionally optional, twin multi-functional display (MFD) screens or other conventional gauges, whether digital or analogue. Our test boat was equipped with a single 12” Simrad NSX Ultrawide MFD.
The operational, uncluttered layout of all necessary controls to the left of the steering wheel enables easy access to the bow thruster and trim toggles as well as the audio entertainment function control. The only control to the right of the wheel is the throttle, facilitating constant right hand contact with the throttle while your left hand remains on the wheel.
Leaving the helm and moving around the cabin is safe and easy with lots of strategically located grab rails and handles and access to the aft cabin is made easy by simply lifting the cabin’s rear port seat cushion and locking it into the ‘up’ position. For taller folk, the back rest can also be swung up and out of the way for even more headroom to get down into the aft cabin. Additional storage exists behind the flip-up back rest of the starboard rear seat, where you will also discover a 110/240V electrical outlet.
THE AFT CABIN: The aft cabin provides ample sleeping room for two adults. The full-length squabs let you sleep with your feet pointed forward or aft; the latter option offers more shoulder room and a view through the stern cabin window. Slide open/close vents on both sides of the cabin ensure adequate ventilation. As mentioned previously, access to this aft cabin is also available from the stern of the boat via the large, easy lift, cushion-covered hatch. The centre lift-out cushion between the bunks reveals a huge storage locker beneath, in addition to the voluminous lockers in the port and starboard cabin sides.
THE FORWARD MULTI-CABIN: As mentioned above, entry into the forward, twin berth cabin is beneath the cushioned, ‘swing up’ sun-lounger seat in front of the centre cabin. Like the aft berth, this is a spacious, airy space, accessed by two, off-set steps, making it easy to step down into the cabin when the forward hatch is fully opened and secured.
Three access hatches surround the sink unit, providing easy accessibility to the helm’s electrics. Facing aft, swing the top step to port to access the forepeak, where you’ll find the holding tank, freshwater tank and a Sleipner SE40 bow thruster.
When it comes to all the interior and exterior features of the Axopar 29XC Cross Cabin, my only concern was that there was no apparent provision for preparing hot meals and drinks. However, when I pointed this out to Brent, he advised that factory fitted Burnewiin Mounts are available, enabling a Magma BBQ to be fitted at the port, aft wet bar. In addition, the 230V electric panel has a spare fuse labelled “Stove”, indicating that an electric stove is likely available as a future option.
To sum it up, I was left with an overwhelming appreciation of how much Axopar has skilfully managed to install and incorporate within the interior of this craft.
PERFORMANCE
It is always enjoyable to test a boat on a gloriously sunny day out on the Hauraki Gulf and, putting the 29 XC through its paces off Rangitoto Island was a buzz. There wasn’t much of a sea running on test day, thus forcing us to create our own waves, or finding a fast ferry, whose wake we could punch through, to evaluate the craft’s performance. At full throttle (6000 rpm) we quickly hit just over 40 knots, but ending up cruising comfortably at 28-32 knots. At cruising speed, we completed a series of exhilarating, high-speed 360° turns. Neither the engine nor the hull ever felt stressed and during our fuel consumption performance runs we burned impressively little fuel (see performance chart). Heading back to the marina at about 40 knots and seeing a fast ferry about to cross our bow, I couldn’t resist one last wave attack. The 29 XC hit it hard, but sliced through it with barely a tremor, albeit throwing a copious amount of water over the bow, dousing the cabin and forward tilting windscreen, which due to its design, deflected the wave in such an efficient manner that only a few drops of water entered into the cabin through the open rooftop. On the run back to the marina, at cruising speed we hardly left a wake or burned much fuel.
In summary, together with improved hydrodynamics, the bigger 400 Litre fuel tank offers a cruising range of 200+ nautical miles, and a wide cruising speed zone between 22 to 32 knots where litres per nautical mile consumption remain almost unchanged. The new hull dynamics also raise the fast-cruising speed of the Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin up towards 37 knots. still maintaining good fuel efficiency and driving comfort.
Was I impressed? Definitely! But don’t take my word for it. Contact Brent or Stephen at The Marina Brokerage and get aboard the 29 XC to find out for yourself.
SPECIFICATIONS
Overall Length 9.4m
Beam 2.98m
Draft 0.9m
Cabins 1 foward & 1 aft
Cruising Speed 30 Knots
Maximum Speed 45 Knots
Fuel Tank 400L
Water Tank 40L
PERFORMANCE DATA
RPM KNOTS LNM RANGE
600 3.0 1.1 363
1000 4.5 1.25 320
2000 8 2.2 82
3000 11.6 2.5 160
4000 25 1.8 222
5000 34 1.96 204
6000 42 2.6 154
