Axopar 29 Review: Shape-Shifting Dayboat, Fisher, Weekender
3 configurations, tons of options, and multiple engine choices make this Finnish rockstar suited for nearly any adventure.
January 13, 2025
In their 10th anniversary year, Finnish boatbuilder Axopar is making serious waves. At this past Fort Lauderdale Boat Show (FLIBS), the company unveiled their latest U.S. premier, the Axopar 29, a successor to their original 28-footer. She nestles into the mid-range of their 22-45-foot model offering and like her siblings, shape shifts from fishing boat to weekender to day boat depending on your preferences.
Above: An 2025 Axopar 29 XC underway on the water. Photo by Axopar.
I tested the Axoar 29 in France over the summer and was quite taken with it. When I saw it again in Florida, I noticed that significant focus had been made to incorporate American fishing features to compete with the slew of center console designs we have here. With these dedicated changes, the builder seems to have found the right formula for anglers, but realistically, this model is so much more than a fish killer.
Design Changes
The Axopar 29 is slightly larger than its predecessor with six additional inches of LOA and two more on the beam. Aesthetically, the new design is similar, but the twin-stepped hull has been made more hydrodynamic for a better top speed and improved fuel economy. There’s a smidge more freeboard for safety, the layup is a lighter construction, and the decks are wider and flatter for ease of movement fore and aft.
Seakeeping Abilities
At the top of the list of improvements were seakeeping abilities. The sharp bow slices waves like butter but it’s broader above the waterline with a flare that throws spray out to the side and makes room for a bigger anchor locker. The deck and flooring were raised four inches for a drier ride without compromising handling during sharp turns. Finaly, for those unsteady on their feet or prone to seasickness, this entry model comes ready for the addition of a gyrostabilizer.
Aggressive Profile with Better Visibility
The bow is ever-so-slightly reversed while the windshield is raked forward. The roofline is higher and angled forward with an integrated canvas sunroof and a rack for toys like kayaks and SUPs which is perfect since Axopar calls itself “The Adventure Company.” The profile is aggressive and makes this compact boat look like it means business. The windows, especially the rear wraparound that forms the aft end of the enclosed cabin, are larger for better visibility all around. A wide black rub rail runs along the hull to fend off unplanned docking bumps and there are handrails integrated into the gunwales all around for safety in a seaway.
Multiple Versions
Above: The three variations of the Axopar 29. Photo by Axopar.
As with other Axopar models, there are three base versions available which you can personalize further with various options. The sub-models include
- XC (Cross Cabin): The XC’s composite wheelhouse encloses the cabin for weekending
- CCX (Center Console): The CCX is a center console focused on fishing
- Sun Top (Open): The Sun Top with its many outdoor spaces is made for day boating.
Axopar’s founding partner, Jan-Erik Viitala, loves to show off the origami nature of his designs. “You can choose from seven layouts of the aft deck and four in the bow,” he says. “It’s whatever you want it to be."
Practical Features & Surprising Amenities on the Cross Cabin
I tested the Cross Cabin with its protected interior designed for overnighting and weekending. The open bow has a port side L-shaped seat or it can be spec’d with an optional full-U dinette with a table and a forward-facing sofa. It will seat five adults comfortably for cocktails at sunset. Lift the sofa to reveal either a generous stowage space below, or with the addition of cushions, a compact second cabin for kids or occasional guests. There’s also a head which doesn’t offer much privacy in the cabin but hey, you’re on a 29-foot boat so at least there is a head.
Accommodations
Above: Axopar 29 XC Cabin Interior. Photo via Nautical Ventures.
The second or master cabin is aft with more space and a larger bed. From inside the wheelhouse, lift the seatback of the dinette and tuck down into a retreat for two adults. On warm summer evenings, just hinge up the top of the cabin (which forms the double sunbed on the aft deck above) and let the breeze in. Even the most claustrophobic will sleep well under the stars.
Wheelhouse & Helm
Above: Axopar 29 XC Helm Controls. Photo by Axopar.
The wheelhouse of the Cross Cabin is between these two cabins and it has been given a facelift from the previous iteration. Sliding doors both port and starboard allow access to the helm and salon from either side deck. At the helm, twin bucket seats with bolsters face a generously-proportioned dash with twin Simrad NSX widescreens and an optional joystick to the right of the steering wheel. A row of switches runs along the bottom where you’ll also find two cupholders and phone cubbies. Two MFDs are plenty for a boat of this size although there’s room for one more screen to the left of this vast dash.
Below the helm seats hides a mini galley so just tilt the seats forward to reveal a sink and refrigerator. The aft seats can accommodate up to three. The opening soft sunroof can be either manual or electric. With the doors and roof open, the boat is flooded with light and air but with everything closed, this model becomes an all-weather commuter.
The compact aft deck on the Cross Cabin offers the above mentioned sunbed, an integrated top-opening locker for lines and fenders, and an optional wet bar with a sink and small fridge. The gunwale rod holder on the port side can support an optional Magma propane grill.
Fish & Party Models
The space aboard is used differently on the Sun top and the Center Console CCX versions. The Sun Top roof design was inspired by the Axopar 37 with an aft-swept windshield. The bow has the same configuration options as the Cross Cabin but the aft deck is where it gets interesting. The helm seats pivot to face a deep U-shaped dinette that also changes into an aft-facing sunbed with a removeable backrest.
As mentioned above, the CCX, or center console, was given the most focus for the U.S. angling market. Forward, the bow can be used as a casting platform with a trolling motor. Aft, the cabin and dinette are switched out for a second row of seating with an optional tackle station or a wet bar behind the four seats. Twin livewells, a fishbox with a macerator, and a leaning post on the aft deck are targeted squarely at anglers. For serious fish wrangling, add one or two rails of rod holders to the hardtop (up to eight rocket launchers) plus four gunwale holders for a total of 12 rods at a time.
Propulsion & Performance
The Axopar 29 is powered by outboard motors including a choice of a single 300-400-hp Mercury or twin 200-hp engines. The joystick mentioned above can be optioned with twin engines. With the single 400-hp V10 Mercury, we reached a top speed of 37 knots. At a 26-knot cruise, we burned a ½ gallon (1.8 liters) per nautical mile which translates to a 300-mile range with 150 gallons (600 liters) of onboard fuel.
Just as with all other Axopar models, the 29 is knife-like, with a deep V entry and a 22-inch deadrise. We made crisp turns without skidding or excessive heeling. The bow was designed to ride at a higher attitude so it can knock down chop, but you never lose sight of the horizon when climbing up on plane from a dead stop. The ride inspires confidence which is important on a small boat designed to go offshore.
A Swiss Army Knife for the Adventurous
As a member of the exclusive Axoparian tribe, you can buy the company’s branded kayaks, SUPs, coolers and dry bags. Their focus on and active lifestyle is downright inspiring so get off the couch, onto the Axopar 29, and into any adventure you can dream up be it fishing, entertaining or spending a few nights in a remote anchorage.
Specifications:
LOA: 30’ 7"
Beam: 9' 10"
Draft: 2’ 8”
Displ.: 6,400 lbs.
Fuel: 158 gal.
Water: 26 gal.
Test Power: 400 hp Mercury outboard
Price: Varies by version and options
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