Axopar, the Finnish builder of express day boats and cruisers, does not sit still. Every year, if not every few months, they come out with new designs and new ideas all driven by seeming unlimited imaginations. The new 38 XC (cross cabin) that is being introduced at boot Dusseldorf this week is no exception.
One look at the angular hull, arrow-like sheer and sharp bow and you know you are looking at an Axopar. The look is truly distinctive. But the 38 XC is pushing the boundaries a bit by taking the walk-around deck concept and splicing it into a cruiser with a enclosed salon and a pleasant raised dinette. The salon top has a full-length retractable sunroof.
The vision for the 38 is to create a three, if not four-season family cruiser that will enable you to enjoy your boat and the cruising experience all year round while staying warm and dry in the process.
The 38 is offered in four iterations. You can opt for the basic design that has an open cockpit aft without folding side porches or you can upgrade to add one folding porch, a bench seat and a wet bar, or you can have two folding porches, the wet bar and grill and the bench seat.
The fourth design option is to replace the aft cockpit entirely with an after cabin which will have a double berth. On top of the aft cabin there will be a wide sun bed that lifts to access the cabin below.. For families who enjoy extended cruising together, this will be the version of choice.
The forward cabin is another innovative design with access via gull-wing doors in the cabin top. The double berth below can easily be converted into a warm and comfortable lounge and the cabin can have an enclosed head.
The 38XC is powered by twin 300 or 350-horsepower outboards that will give the boat a top end speed of 45 knots. The hull design has that sharp, wave-piercing bow and then a stepped, deep-V hull form with 20-degrees of dead rise that will lift quickly onto a plane and run through chop as if on rails. The chines or steps also help to keep the boat from rolling when stationary at anchor.
Innovation driving by imagination at Axopar has propelled the company to rapid growth of market share and a worldwide audience. It seems almost anything is possible and 38XC proves it.
