Yachting Art Magazine

Axopar is expanding its flagship range with a major update for the Axopar 45: the option to equip the boat with two 400 hp Mercury Verado V10 outboard engines. This new option, which complements the existing three-engine configurations, aims to meet growing market demand while reinforcing Axopar's identity.

Founded in Helsinki in 2014, Axopar has quickly established itself as one of Europe's most dynamic pleasure boat manufacturers. The brand was born out of a desire to offer innovative, affordable boats suitable for a wide variety of uses. With distinctive Scandinavian designs, modular construction and an emphasis on hull efficiency, the company is now present in more than 50 countries and its models, ranging from 22 to 45 feet, are distinguished by their versatility and practical approach to boating.

Until now, the 45 range has been available exclusively with three engines: either the 300 hp Mercury Verado V8 or the 350 hp Brabus Performance Line V10. However, in many cases, users prefer twin engines, which are perceived as more economical and easier to maintain. Axopar has therefore decided to adapt its offering to the needs of its customers, without compromising the boat's performance. The version with two 400 hp Mercury Verado V10 engines will be available for boats ordered from September 2025 onwards.

With the addition of this option, the Axopar 45 is also taking on a new look. The reduction in the number of engines frees up space at the rear, making the deck more open and practical. Access to the water is improved thanks to wider bathing platforms, and an additional passage in front of the engines makes it easier to move around on the aft deck.

A specially designed aluminium support also allows the two engines to be moved back, optimising weight distribution and providing additional volume at the rear of the vessel. These modifications reflect Axopar's philosophy of combining performance and practicality for boaters.

The Axopar 45 was never designed to be just a cruising boat. From the outset, the aim was to create a hybrid vessel that combines long-distance comfort, speed and adventure capabilities. Three configurations are available to owners: the fully enclosed Cross Cabin, the more open Sun Top, and the sporty Cross Top. This modularity allows the vessel to be adapted to a variety of uses and different nautical lifestyles.

Design elements such as butterfly doors, the forward saloon and open deck spaces reflect this quest for balance between aesthetics, functionality and comfort. The addition of twin engines is part of this approach, offering a more economical and easier-to-manage alternative without compromising on performance.

Indeed, the Axopar 45 maintains a high level of performance with two Mercury V10 engines totalling 800 horsepower. The boat can reach a top speed of 45 knots and offers comfortable cruising between 25 and 35 knots. These figures are particularly remarkable given the size of the vessel — 45 feet and over 10 tonnes — and demonstrate the efficiency of its hull.

According to Jan-Erik Viitala, founding partner of Axopar Boats, this innovation illustrates the company's ability to push the boundaries: ‘This configuration demonstrates that our hull can propel a 45-foot boat with only two engines and two propellers, where others use equivalent engines for 32- to 38-foot units. Reaching 45 knots in these conditions is representative of our philosophy and why we remain leaders in this sector.’