If you thought the original Axopar 37 was cool, take a look at the new version, being introduced this Saturday at the Düsseldorf boat show. The new boat actually is called the BRABUS Shadow 900, and it’s a collaboration between BRABUS, a German company that transforms luxury cars (think Mercedes-AMG) into even higher-end luxury performance vehicles, and Axopar, the innovative builder from Finland.
For the Shadow 900, BRABUS starts with the platform for the Axopar 37 and then customizes it. “BRABUS Marine products are designed for a select group of boat owners who want to enjoy the very best exclusive boating experience for absolute individualism, ultimate luxury, and seriously impressive power and performance,” the company says. Powered by twin 450-hp Mercury Racing outboards, the BRABUS Shadow 900 turns in a 60-knot-plus top-end performance.
At the show, BRABUS will launch the Shadow 900 Spyder, an open version of the Axopar 37, and the Shadow 900 Sun-Top, a cruising model. It also offers the BRABUS Shadow 900 Black-Ops, a limited-edition, hand-built model that will take six weeks to build; it will have a Black-Ops signature paint scheme, called Gunmetal Grey, combined with BRABUS red exterior seating.
Axopar has tweaked the 37 to improve its speed, range, fuel efficiency and interior comfort. The forward cabin is now 30 percent larger, with more light and gullwing doors. In response to owners’ requests, it now offers an optional separate head compartment with an optional shower.
The foredeck is larger than before, and the boat has a new ergonomic helm with improved visibility and two 12-inch chartplotter displays. The BRABUS trim package includes unique cockpit and cabin seat designs with diamond-stitch patterning and a suede-covered steering wheel.
Axopar was started in 2014 and the boats, with their aggressive looks and heady performance, have become increasingly popular. The company says it is the fastest-growing brand in Europe, and it now has 13 dealers on the East and West coasts of the United States.
Specs.: LOA: 36’9”’ Beam: 10’10”; Draft: 2’9”; Disp. (excluding engines): 8,310 lbs.; Fuel: 700 gals.; Water: NA; Power: 2×450-hp Mercury Racing outboards.
