Axopar co-founder Jan-Erik Vitala helped create a market for adventure boats that can be used for everything from deep-sea diving to mountain climbing excursions on far-flung islands.
The Finnish boatbuilder’s newest flagship model, the Axopar 45, made its debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in late October. The Axopar 45 (45′ 7″ LOA, 13′ 6″) beam will be available in five deck layout options including Spyder (Open), T-Top, Sun-Top, Cross-Top, and Cross Cabin.
The model features the company’s signature plumb bow not only provides more bow space it offers better handling, Vitala said.
“When we make the bow longer, we’re also lengthening the keel so when you’re driving slow in harbors, combined with our low (profile) of the boat makes that the wind doesn’t catch the boat nearly as much,” Vitala said.
Standard power comes from triple 300-hp Mercury V8 Verado outboards that provide a cruising speed of 34.5 mph and a top speed over 50 mph.
The Axopar 45 is now the largest model in the lineup and the boat on display in Fort Lauderdale was the first hull with more than 260 hours on the boat.
“We’re actually trying to do everything we can in order to break it because if it breaks in our hands, it’s not going to break in our customers,” Vitala said.
Vitala said Axopar, which has built more than 4,000 since the company a decade ago, focuses more on performance. The 45-footer is still well equipped with standard accommodations including a queen-size V-berth, facing lounges, and a full-height enclosed head with a shower and an electric toilet.
“The drivability of the boat is number one for us,” Vitala said. “It doesn’t feel like a 45-footer. It’s very nimble, very sporty and fun to drive.”
Vitala likes the usability of the 45-foot Cross Cabin, which offers five distinctive seating areas for socializing and entertaining.
“There are like five different areas where you can launch or relax on the boat outside and still get the sun in the wind in your hair even if you’re sitting inside of an enclosed cabin boat,” Vitala said. “But the moment the weather turns, you just close the door, close the roofs and you’re inside a fully enclosed cabin boats with full AC or full heating.”
To offer the various deck layouts, Axopar uses a modular construction. “We’re trying to move more and more into an automotive-industry approach when we (build) our models,” he said.
Production has started on the Axopar 45 with delivery to U.S. customers starting in January 2023.