"We actually had the plan to develop a new Axopar 24," explains Jan-Erik Viitala, co-founder and now Creative/Innovation Director of the up-and-coming Axopar brand. When journalists test his boats, he likes to take the time for a video call to answer a few questions. We hardly had any questions after testing the Axopar 25 on the Moselle. We were thoroughly impressed that a prototype could be so sophisticated.
"Instead, however, we decided to split up the popular boat size," he continues, "to develop an Axopar 22 and 25 instead of a new Axopar 24." The Axopar 22 was launched last year and was very well received and enthusiastically received because it hit the mark with an entry-level price of just under 60,000 euros and a 115 hp engine. The Axopar 25 is now a further development - or more precisely - an extension of the 22 and, with its slip cabin, extremely large cockpit and good rough water behaviour, appeals not only to the average Scandinavian who wants to reach his skerry at the weekend, but as a multifunctional boat to potential buyers all over the world. The Axopar 25 is not only a boat that fulfils all basic requirements, but also impresses in every respect: looks, space, living space, comfort. And of course - typically Axopar - above all in its handling characteristics. To ensure that the Axopar 25 can reach its customers all over the world, the hull fits easily into a container with a length of 8 metres and a width of just 2.23 metres.
The boat
- Shipyard: Axopar/Finland
- Type: 25 Cross Bow
- CE category: C, 8 persons
- Hull and deck: plastic
- Overall length: 8.00 m
- Width: 2.23 m
- Displacement (without motor): approx. 1950 kg
- Draught: approx. 0.8 m
- Clearance height: 1.65 m
- Fuel tank: 230 litres
- Water tank: 32 litres
- Holding tank: 25 litres
- Berths: 2
- Berth dimensions: 1.90 x 1.50 m,
- Standing height/seating height: 1.34/0.90 m
- Cockpit size: 2.90 m x 1.78 m
- Sun lounger foredeck: 1.33 m x 1.15 m
- Freeboard: approx. 0.75 m
- Interior cockpit side height: 0.64 m
- Test load: 1 person, 80 % tank,
- Test weight: 2400 kg
- Possible motorisation: 1 x outboard motor up to 300 hp
- Test engine: 1 x Mercury Verado 250 XL 186 kW (250 hp)
- Price: n.A. (not yet known)
- Sales (test boat): Boote Polch GmbH & Co. KG, Zum Hafen 18, 56841 Traben-Trarbach, www.bootepolch.de
Compared to the old Axopar 24 (2.55 metres), the hull appears extremely narrow and, with a width of 32 centimetres less, suggests a rather tippy floating position - but this is not confirmed at all on the water, either at anchor or underway. On the contrary, it has really impressive handling behaviour. Although laboratory conditions once again prevailed during the test on the Moselle, we were able to see the rough water behaviour for ourselves a few weeks earlier on a windy day on the Mediterranean off Cannes.
It is not without reason that there are more and more boats on the market that look similar to those in the Axopar fleet. But the design is not just visually appealing: the hull simply works. From the very first model, good sailing characteristics were a decisive factor for the shipyard in the development of the Axopar DNA, which has prevailed right up to the 25.
The long benches, which are arranged in a U-shape at the rear of the cockpit, invite you to stretch out and offer plenty of storage space, for example for fenders. However, a locking option would be desirable here to ensure that small items remain in there even during fast manoeuvres. A small cockpit table can easily be fitted between the benches. Alternatively, the boat is available with a large storage box including a sunbathing area and a convertible backrest.
The way to the foredeck is via a 27 cm wide passageway and is very safe even in rough seas thanks to the all-round handholds. At 1.33 metres, the forward berth is a little short, but a 25-foot boat reaches its limits somewhere. The helm station is clearly laid out and tidy. In addition to a 12-inch Simrad plotter, a switch for the bow thruster and trim tabs as well as several pushbuttons, it has a well-positioned steering wheel and an electronic switch. Due to the asymmetrically arranged passageway on the port side, the entire superstructure including the windscreen is pulled to starboard, and the driver sits on the port seat only slightly offset from the midship line. Behind the large and adjustable windscreen, the driver and passenger are well protected from wind and spray, which we are particularly pleased about on our test day with an air temperature of two degrees.
The way below deck leads through a black but transparent sliding door on the starboard side. The small slip cabin offers a surprising amount of space and looks very light and airy thanks to the windows, the transparent door and the smooth GRP surfaces, although the standing and seating height is only 1.34/0.90 metres. With a thickness of 6 cm, the cushions are only designed for the occasional overnight stay. However, the reclining area of 1.90 metres long and 1.50 metres wide is ideal for sending the children to the foredeck for a nap after a long day on the water. Good ventilation is also provided by a 51 x 51 cm hatch above the sunbathing area.
There is a small stool on the port side, reminiscent of an emergency seat on a bus, but with a fully-fledged electric toilet. There is also a washbasin, so nothing stands in the way of long days on the water or weekend trips. The only problem is the limited storage space below deck, as there is no storage compartment apart from the swallow's nests and a hard-to-reach compartment under the foot end. Most of the space under the bed is taken up by the holding tank and bow thruster. But Axopar has a solution in the form of a bag that can be strapped next to the companionway and taken home after the trip.
Time for a test drive. The Axopar 25 is already very agile and easy to manoeuvre in the harbour. This is reassuring given the fact that the boat does not have a rubbing strake. But even at slow speeds, the boat is very directionally stable; at a fast displacement speed of 1400 rpm, it travels at 6 knots and switches to planing speed at 3000-3200 rpm without any impairment of visibility. The boat runs optimally at around 3500 rpm, which is also the most economical speed. At a speed of around 27 knots, the Axopar 25 can travel up to 168 nautical miles (plus 15 percent reserve) with a fuel consumption of just 1.17 litres per nautical mile on its 230-litre tank. At the end of the day, the top speed on the log was 47.5 knots (88 km/h), despite the cold weather. Even during fast manoeuvres, tight turns and fast tearing, the boat reacts wonderfully well and does not slip away at the back, even in a fast slalom. It follows even very jerky wheel movements so accurately that passengers have to hold on tight. The fun begins as soon as the throttle is pushed forwards. A little trim and the Axopar 25 is very light on the wheel.
Conclusion
You could call them "trendy". But history proves it: Axopar's boat design doesn't follow trends - it sets them. The new Axopar 25 is a boat that fits in perfectly with the times: modern, simple and straightforward. Design in the "form follows function" manner, but at the same time elegant, spacious, appealing and cosy. Trailerable, making it independent of the area and unbound. Uncomplicated and family-friendly. A boat that will delight beginners, professionals and families alike.
Need more information? The test of the Axopar 25 Cross Bow can be found with further pictures, measurement results and full evaluation in BOOTE issue 02/2022 - available at newsagents since 12 January 2022 or online at Delius Klasing Shop.
