The 2025 Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin is the latest addition to the Finnish boatbuilder’s highly-regarded fleet, and within the first few nautical miles, it became abundantly clear why this vessel has already earned top honours across Europe.
Designed to be as adaptable as a seafarer’s rigging knife, the Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin is an all-weather, all-purpose craft equally at home in offshore swells, island-hopping in coastal waters, or even serving as a stalwart commuter in latitudes where boating is a year-round pursuit.
Much like a Swiss Army knife, the Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin is engineered to easily tackle various seafaring tasks. Whether you need a high-performance offshore vessel, a capable tender for larger yachts, a blue water fishing platform, or a weekend cruiser, this boat delivers.
Axopar has fine-tuned every aspect of the design, ensuring that the 29 XC remains a reliable, efficient, and adaptable companion no matter the sea state or mission. Just as a Swiss Army knife consolidates multiple functions into a single, compact tool, this vessel fuses performance, versatility, and durability into one well-balanced package. And, of course, she looks undeniably sleek while doing it.
Award-winning pedigree
Axopar has long been an innovator in the marine industry, and the Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin is no exception. At BOOT Düsseldorf 2025, she clinched the European Powerboat of the Year (EPY) Award in the under-10m category, earning praise for her efficiency, handling and versatility. The panel of industry experts highlighted her exceptional rough-water capability and multi-mission design, justifying her place as the go-to vessel for adventurers of every stripe.
She also received the 2025 Motor Boat Award from Motor Boat & Yachting as the ‘Best Sports Boat.’ These accolades are no small feat. Judges test vessels in real-world conditions, evaluating everything from seakeeping ability to fuel economy and onboard comfort. Winning both awards reinforces what I experienced first-hand: the Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin is a masterclass in adaptability, making her as suited for high-speed offshore passages as she is for leisurely coastal cruising.
Crafting boats for explorers
Founded in 2014, Axopar Marine has rapidly gained a cult following. The name is a nod to its Scandinavian roots, combining elements of Aquador, XO, and Paragon – three brands that have heavily influenced the company’s DNA. With a reputation for cutting-edge hull design and modular configurations, Axopar is defining how boaters see multi-purpose vessels.
The company’s success stems from a dedication to function-first design, where form follows utility rather than leaning towards ostentatious luxury. Their philosophy is simple: create a vessel that excels in multiple on-water scenarios without compromising performance, comfort, or build quality. The Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin is the latest evolution of this ethos, refining an already stellar concept into something even more capable.
Control, visibility and ergonomics
The helm station of the Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin is designed with efficiency, comfort, and ease of use in mind, making it an absolute joy to operate. The helm seating comprises a pair of Captain’s chairs designed to provide comfort during extended voyages and in rough conditions. The chairs hide a sink and fridge underneath and feature flip-up bolsters, allowing the skipper to switch between seated or standing driving positions.
The dashboard layout is intuitive, featuring a dual multi-function display (MFD) setup where navigation, engine data, radar, and sonar can be displayed simultaneously. These screens integrate seamlessly with Axopar’s optional joystick piloting system, providing effortless docking and low-speed manoeuvring. The Mercury VesselView system keeps real-time engine diagnostics and fuel economy information available at a glance.
All round vision is another standout feature of the Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin’s helm station. Expansive wraparound windows offer an almost 360o view, while the frameless front windshield eliminates obstructions, ensuring a clear line of sight even in adverse weather conditions. In addition, side-opening doors on both port and starboard allow quick access to the deck – useful for docking or securing lines. The side doors are wide, making access just that much easier.
Versatility, comfort and accessibility
The deck layout of the Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin is intelligently designed to balance ergonomics, usability and comfort. The walkaround design allows easy movement around the boat, ensuring safe and quick transitions from bow to stern, whether docking, fishing or simply enjoying the day. Ample freeboard provides security, making the deck safe for passengers in rougher conditions.
The bow seating area is a focal point of relaxation and functionality. It features deep, well-padded forward-facing bench seating, complemented by a removable table that transforms the area into a social hub for meals or drinks while at anchor. The seating quickly converts into a full sun pad, creating a spacious lounge for sunbathing. For those seeking shade, the optional bow sunshade, made from UV-resistant, marine-grade fabric, is quickly deployed using lightweight carbon-fibre poles. Using a stopwatch, we can verify that the sunshade took less than 60 seconds to put up – impressively simple and effective.
The test boat was set up with twin cabins. The forward cabin is accessible through a front-facing hatch, and it also contains the head and a clever fold-out sink for washing your hands. There are fresh air vents for when it is hot and an optional diesel heater for keeping it warm. Above the headboard area of the bed is a full width mirror that makes the cabin feel bigger than it really is, and it also serves as a discreet access point for the electronics in the helm station.
On our test boat the aft cabin is accessible internally via the helm station or externally via a large hatch that houses the stern-facing day bed. Like the forward cabin, the bed is surprisingly long and wide. For those not wanting two cabins, the aft deck can be left open or else fitted with options like a bench seat or wet-bar station installed below the wheelhouse aft window.
The stern has a brilliant walkaround area next to the outboard, making maximum use of the available space. It also has several large storage lockers – one locker houses a freshwater plumbed sink, fridge, and a spot for a Cobb-style barbeque.
Power, performance and efficiency
The Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin is powered by the Mercury 350hp V10 outboard, 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. 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 maneuvering at low speeds. The electronic throttle and shift system (DTS) ensures precise and effortless control, enhancing the boat’s overall handling experience.
Fuel economy is another highlight. With the hull’s advanced low-drag hydrodynamics and an optimised power-to-weight ratio, the Mercury Verado 350hp provides the Axopar with an excellent cruising range and decent fuel consumption. The engine remains quiet and efficient at
a comfortable cruising speed of around 30 knots, offering a refined boating experience that complements the Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin’s design ethos.
In terms of maintenance and longevity, the Mercury Verado 350hp features dual water inlets for enhanced cooling, a robust midsection for improved durability, and a top cowl service door, allowing quick oil checks without removing the entire cover. These contribute to easier servicing and better long-term reliability.
Whether pushing towards its 50-knot top speed or gliding effortlessly through a harbour chop, the Mercury 300hp V8 ensures the Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin always performs.
Easing the throttles forward, I felt the hull transition smoothly onto the plane, slicing effortlessly through the low chop. On test day we quickly reached 48 knots and cruised comfortably at 28-32 knots. At cruising speed, we completed a series of highly addictive, high-speed 360° turns. It was fun and effortless for both the engine and hull – and all done burning less than two litres of petrol per nautical mile. On the run back to the marina, we cruised at 40 knots, hardly leaving a wake or burning significantly more fuel.
On-water multi-tool
The 2025 Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin is more than just a boat; it represents versatility, engineering precision, and all-weather capability. Whether carving through open water at speed, picking your way through tight marinas safely using the bow thruster, or anchoring in a secluded cove for a weekend escape, this vessel adapts effortlessly to every scenario.
This boat delivers an exceptional combination of practicality, performance, and Scandinavian design, making it the ultimate multi-purpose craft for boaters who demand more from their vessel.
With an innovative twin-stepped hull that enhances efficiency and stability, a walkaround deck layout that prioritises safety and accessibility, and a beautifully appointed cabin that balances comfort with adventure-ready functionality, the 29 XC is a statement of what’s best in modern boatbuilding. With Axopar, form and function go hand in hand.
