Axopar 38 ST: Convertible world premiere proves its worth in a test off the coast of Mallorca

​The Axopar 38 Sun Top made its world debut in Mallorca. It expands the Finnish shipyard’s still-young 38-series. The first model in the range, which – thanks to its appropriate fit-out – also allows for longer cruises, focuses on driving pleasure, functionality and modularity.

“Boating must be accessible to everyone – the focus is on adventure,” emphasises Jan-Erik Viitala. According to the Axopar CEO, the 38 ST is intended as a tribute to the globally popular Axopar 37: a spacious cockpit, a sliding sunroof and an open-plan design. Compared with the 38 XC Cross Cabin, which was on display at boot Düsseldorf in January, the ST variant is firmly focused on that sense of freedom on the water.

Axopar is committed to adaptability

A hallmark of Axopar boats is the versatility of both the cockpit and cabin layouts. At the helm, for example, the backrest of the bench seat can be folded down: this allows up to two passengers to sit right next to the helmsman and enjoy the view of the water ahead. Adjoining this front bench in the cockpit is a large U-shaped sofa. The table in the centre can be lowered electrically, creating a lounging area if desired. The backrest of the sofa can be adjusted using a plug-in system. It can then serve as a backrest either at the front or the rear. During our test, we tried out the various seating arrangements and lounging options: reconfiguring the layout was a breeze. Depending on the configuration, the cockpit could be set up as a helm station, a seating area with a dining table, or a lounge for chilling out and relaxing. The cockpit upholstery comes in blue-grey as standard. Five further colours are available at an extra cost.

However, the modular cockpit layout is not only incredibly versatile, it is also extremely spacious. It can accommodate ten people. With additional benches, it can even seat twelve. In that case, however, the boat is classified as CE Category C rather than Category B.

See also:

• ​Comparison test: Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin vs. Axopar 29 Sun Top
• ​Axopar x Flite: Pump it up and take off

The maximum payload is 2,215 kilograms. This means that even extensive equipment can be carried on board without any problems, making longer journeys feasible depending on the intended use – as mentioned, this focus is a first for the shipyard.

The standard electronic and technical equipment includes, amongst other things, a Simrad chartplotter in the black dashboard, which in turn is recessed into a green-grey metallic console. It also features a bow thruster and an inductive charging station for smartphones. Illuminated buttons are easy to operate even in the dark. When it rains, windscreen wipers keep the view clear. The test boat was missing the final frame for the windscreen; the shipyard is still working on it. The Axopar Connectivity app is available at an extra cost. It allows you to monitor the boat remotely.

Layout on board the Axopar 38 ST

Two steps lead down into the cabin, which has a headroom of 1.70 metres. For long trips, we recommend the version with an enclosed toilet and shower unit. The galley features an upper and lower unit, complete with a sink, tap and drawers.

In the forward cabin, two people sleep on cushions eight centimetres thick. Side hatches ensure adequate air circulation. In the evening, touch-activated lights create a cosy atmosphere. The optional gullwing doors flood the space with natural light and make it feel more spacious than one would expect from a 38-foot walkaround.

Modularity is also a priority below deck: the sleeping area can be transformed into a seating area in a single simple step. When the back cushions on either side are folded down, they become a breakfast table with a sea view. At the same time, the storage surface serves as a step leading out onto the foredeck. The bow area there is equipped with a seating area and table, or it can be used as a sun deck. Sun awnings that can be stretched across the bow and stern provide shade.

The Sun Top has a load capacity of 50 kilograms. This would be enough to store a kiteboard, surfboard or SUP board, for example. On the aft deck, fold-down side panels make it easier to get into the water. Several boxes can be arranged as required and used both as benches and as storage space. On our test boat, the fenders were stowed away in them.

For the engine options, you can choose between two Mercury V8 Verado engines, each producing 300 PS, or two V10 Verado engines, each producing 350 PS. The fuel tank holds 830 litres. That’s more than enough even for longer cruises.

The test drive

It’s time for the Axopar 38 ST to show what it’s made of! We leave the harbour at Port Calanova behind us and push the throttle forward. The boat can reach speeds of up to 45 knots – so a thrilling ride is guaranteed. This also means you can cover a lot of ground in no time at all.

The transition from displacement to planing mode occurs at around 2,000 to just under 3,500 revolutions per minute. Visibility ahead remains good, even though the bow naturally lifts slightly during this transition. The most economical cruising speed is around 4,500 revolutions per minute, which corresponds to a speed of approximately 31.6 knots and a fuel consumption of 124 litres per hour. At full throttle, at just under 45 knots, the range is reduced to 82 nautical miles. When cornering, the Axopar leans significantly to one side but remains stable in the water at all times, even when the steering wheel is turned abruptly. Even slalom manoeuvres do not unsettle the boat; it is designed for sporty handling. The turning circle remains comparatively small during slow manoeuvres, at around one boat length.

Off the coast of Mallorca, the 38 ST performs impressively in changing conditions. The two-stage V-hull with a reinforced stringer system remains stable and precise to steer in swell and fresh winds. The hull, reinforced in this way, also noticeably dampens vibrations. Conversations at the helm and on the U-shaped sofa are possible even at high speeds.

The 38 XC Cross Cabin, which we also tested off the coast of Mallorca, on the other hand, with its enclosed cabin, is designed for sailing areas where conditions are significantly more changeable. Even in occasionally rough seas, it remained safe and manoeuvrable at all times during the test. Axopar product manager Jan-Ove Lundström: “Thanks to a range of configurations, the XC can be adapted to any sailing area worldwide.”

Following the Cross Cabin in January and the Sun Top in May, the Cross-Top version is set to follow in September. It features a windscreen that slopes forwards and is said to be suitable for long-distance cruises. We can look forward to seeing it.

BOOTE review of the Axopar 38 ST

​With the Axopar 38 ST, the shipyard delivers on its promise: the boat is perfectly suited to carrying plenty of passengers. Buyers can choose from several variants: an open aft deck, an aft cabin, a wet bar or a cockpit with a U-shaped sofa. We particularly like the latter. And: Safe and enjoyable sailing is guaranteed!

​Design and Concept

Fuselage with high stability

Modern design

The soft top can only be operated manually

Driving and steering

Excellent handling

Safe manoeuvring

Housing and build quality

High build quality

Many layout options

Optional: enclosed toilet cubicle for tour riders

Equipment and Technology

Powerful engine

Carbon monoxide and smoke alarms included as standard

Technical specifications of the Axopar 38 ST

• ​CE design category: B / 10
• Total length: 11.85 m
• Width: 3.53 m
• Draught: 1.1 m
• Clearance height: 3.60 m
• Weight: 5,300 kg
• Minimum engine capacity: 2 x Mercury V8 Verado engines, 300 PS each
• Max. engine power: 2 x Mercury V10 Verado, 350 PS each
• Fuel tank: 830 litres
• Water tank: 150 l
• Waste tank: 75 litres
• Hot water: 16 litres
• Battery: 460 Ah
• Berths: 2 + 2 kilogram-metres per PS 8.83
• Sales of test boats: bootepolch.de
• Shipyard: axopar.com

The engine

• ​Manufacturer: Mercury
• Type: Verado F300
• Quantity: 2
• Performance: 300 PS
• Full-load speed: 6,000 rpm
• Cylinder: V8
• Engine capacity: 4,600 cm³
• Fuel: Petrol

Balcony dimensions

• ​Length: 2.70 m
• Width: 0.58 m
• Water separation: 0.35 m

​Running deck

• Side deck: 0.35 m high
• Railing: 0.20 m
• Decking: Gelcoat

​Sound pressure

At a cruising speed of 1,500 revolutions per minute and a speed of 6.7 knots, the boat is, on average, quite noisy: 68 decibels were measured at the helm.

​Measurement results

* This is the most economical range during a steady cruise. Measured during our test with seven people on board, light swell and a 5-knot wind. 60 per cent petrol in the tank, 10 per cent water.

Price and specifications

• ​Price: from €240,302
• ​Special offer price: €276,144

​Surcharge for comfort features

​Auto-trim system included, electric anchor winch: €6,771, bow thruster €5,176, cockpit decking included, soft top included, VHF radio €2,499, autopilot included, chart plotter €4,998, charger including shore power connection €5,355, 230-volt socket included, heating included, pressurised water system included, hot water boiler €2,261, shower and toilet compartment €8,306, outdoor shower €476

The competition

Nimbus T12

​The models in the 12 Series from the Swedish boatbuilder Nimbus Boats are available in three variants. The T12 features an extended T-top and fold-out side decks. Price: €481,000

Saxdor 100GTO

​Ample space is a key feature of the Saxdor: the two hull balconies, each four metres long, extend the width from 3.55 metres to 4.95 metres. The convertible roof provides shade. Price: €222,000

Wellcraft 38 T-Top

​Just as with the Axopar 38 ST, the Wellcraft 38 T-Top Particular emphasis has been placed on a spacious cockpit and room for family and friends. The hull promises seaworthiness. Price: €342,720. You can find the test report here.

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