By: Scott Way
Finland's Axopar is continuing a remarkable stretch of accelerated growth with the launch of a new flagship- the Axopar 45.
The new ride is expected to get its official unveiling at the Düsseldorf boat show this January.
The 45 is quintessentially Axopar with all the aesthetics and features you'd expect from their other accomplishments including the award-winning 37 Cabin and their slick collaboration with Brabus for the Axopar 28/Shadow 500.
The twin-stepped hull and angular lines are a standout as always, not to mention a delightfully sleek interior cabin. Axopar calls this "Scandinavian style and functionality" that's designed to "exude confidence, harmony, and composure." Sounds good to us.
Triple Mercury 300's on the transom provide ample power and a top speed north of 50 knots (57 mph).
The triple outboard configuration is, according to Axopar, the ideal balance of power-to-weight, which seems plausible considering there's an obvious trend toward using the new Mercury 600 hp Verados, which would increase horsepower by 25% even while employing one less engine. With a matching triple outboard configuration, the 45 could carry 1800 hp, far beyond anything outside an offshore performance boat. According to Axopar themselves, "We are moving to a three outboard engine setup, with Mercury Marines 300HP 4.6L Verado V8 engines providing the perfect compromise between high performance, superior torque and best in class fuel-economy, along with innovative driving features and control aids designed to increase enjoyment for customers of all abilities." So, as it stands, 900 hp is plenty.
One of the most appealing parts to the new 45 is that it will be available in 5 different configurations -- Spyder, T-Top, Sun-Top, Cross Top, and XC Cross Cabin. The Spyder is the fully open setup, the Cross Cabin is fully enclosed, and the other three are T-top variations. The Cross Top is the heftiest with two individual sunroofs and an integrated windshield.
The 45 is designed to centralize, if you will, and all the activity is naturally drawn to the center of the boat. An integrated cockpit sofa helps keep crew nearby, as well as a foldable cockpit table and foldable platforms on each side. There's a leaning post behind the helm seats, as well as three front helm support seats.
Given the length of the 45 relative to Axopar's other offering there is more room for creativity, which has resulted in clever additions like a wet bar with sink and two small fridges, and innovative gullwing doors on the cabin.
The additional floorspace also allows for a walkaround layout with folding balconies at midships. Up front is a sunpad, and aft there is a choice between a open deck, an aft cabin setup, or another sunpad with a storage compartment.
