A blustery afternoon during the 2023 Cannes Boat Show proved an ideal environment to sea trial what could be the perfect warm weather Axopar. Sun shining, afternoon breeze on the up and white horses pricking the surface of the water is what Axopars are designed for and this is the flagship of the range.
The 45 XC came first and this Sun-Top model shares a hull, drive train and lower deck design but on the main deck, they couldn't be more different. Where the XC's climate-controlled wheelhouse is ideal for year-round boating, the ST is a summer cruising machine, primed for a villa to beach run or even as a big chase boat for a superyacht. Read our in-depth review to see how it fares against its competition.
Axopar 45 Sun-Top Key Facts
- LOA 13.9m
- Model Year 2023
- Cabins 2
- Max Speed 50 knots
- Status In Production
- Yacht Type Coupe
- Use Type Dayboating
Test & Review Video
At Sea
This is what the Axopar 45 is all about. The conditions were ideal for testing - not too rough, just enough chop to see how it handles, and this boat eats it up without a fuss. It’s exactly what you want for this kind of fast, comfortable cruising, where the plan is usually a sunny run to an island, a beach, or back to harbour, loaded with people but still speedy.
Cruising at 25 knots, burning 4.5 litres per nautical mile, the triple 300hp Mercury outboards barely feel like they’re working. This is where it feels most at home - sitting in the spot between 25-30 knots. It’s smooth, composed, and just so well set up for covering distance quickly without beating up its passengers.
It’s a bigger boat than the Axopar 37, but it still has the same crisp, engaging handling. The steering has some weight to it, so you don’t get that overly light, twitchy feel. You can’t just flick the wheel and throw it around, but when you lean into a turn, the triple props bite into the water, and the hull just locks in and grips. It’s not quite as sharp as the 37 or the 28, but that extra hull length makes it feel planted through any chop. It stays composed through troughs, and in a following swell, it just glides along.
It’s an absolute pleasure to drive, quick, capable, and refined, whether you’re running at pace or settling into a long cruise.
Designed by Jarkko Jämsén, the Axopar 45 Sun Top carries the brand’s signature twin-stepped, 20-degree V "Sharp Entry" hull, built to slice through the water at high speeds with precision and stability.
There’s also a Cross-Top version, which brings the forward enclosure from the Cross Cabin, where the windscreen meets the top of the hardtop, giving you that fully enclosed feel with an open rear section. On this Sun-Top version, everything is much more open, and in good conditions, it’s exactly where you want to be.
A Travel-Ready Dayboat
Because of this wide open design, it will be used as more of a dayboat. However, if you want to make longer stays more comfortable, Axopar has thought ahead with the Travel Edition package, combining a range of options practical sleeping and storage solutions. In the forward cabin, the foldable sofa is swapped for a permanent bed with two-drawer storage and extra compartments underneath. The port-side seating is replaced with a dedicated storage cabinet. If you go for the aft cabin, the U-Sofa is swapped for a fixed double bed with storage drawers beneath.
The forward cabin is accessed through Gullwing Doors, which open up the ceiling and sides to create a real connection to the outside. We first saw these on the Axopar 37 and they work just as well here on the 45, making the cabin feel far, far less confined.
Upholstery is also customisable, with four colours - Petrol (Grey) as standard, Sandstone (Taupe), and for some real colour: Baltic (Bright Blue) and Cobre (Bright Orange). For something a bit more special, Axopar has teamed up with Brabus to offer the Brabus upgrade package. This pack adds black detailing throughout, an upgraded dash, and Brabus branding.
The lower deck area is exactly the same as the 45 Cross Cabin, with a properly enclosed seating area. Headroom is a bit tight - at 1.83m (6ft), you can’t quite stand up, though there’s a bit more clearance further aft. Not a huge issue, though, since this is primarily a place to sit and sleep.
The setup is simple but does the job well. The sofa arrangement pulls forward to convert into a bed, and while it’s not a full-on luxury cabin, it’s perfectly comfortable for the odd night aboard.
The separate bathroom is a big plus. It’s a wet room, so the shower is built in, but that’s all you really need. Given that this is primarily a big day boat, having a proper bathroom makes all the difference.
With the gullwing doors open, there's plenty of fresh air and light, keeping the space from feeling too closed in and with the cushions off the top, there’s light coming in through the glass, so it’s bright, practical, and well-ventilated - just don’t expect superyacht level luxury.
Optional Aft Cabin
The aft cabin sits in the same spot as the Cross Cabin version, but access is slightly different here. The hatch powers up, giving you a decent-sized entry point, and a shallow set of steps makes it easy to climb down inside.
Once in, it’s exactly the same as the Cross Cabin layout. There’s no standing room, but it’s not bad at all for what it is. There’s lots of space to lie down, and they’ve added cushions as backrests, so you’re not just propped against the bulkhead.
Thankfully, there's a lovely amount of atural light down here. With two hatches overhead and a half window looking out towards the Mercury outboards, it doesn’t feel like you’re shut in a dark box.
You do have a storage compartment, which could house a toilet instead. It makes sense if you don’t want to trek forward in the middle of the night, but realistically, it’s a tight fit. Storage is probably the better use of space, since this is more of an occasional berth than a full-time cabin.
Up at the helm, there are three forward-facing seats, giving the driver and passengers a clear, comfortable position. But there’s room for a couple more to lean in behind, still getting the benefit of the windscreen’s protection. Storage is tucked away under the helm, keeping the essentials close at hand without cluttering up the space.
If the weather takes a turn, you’ve got the option to fully enclose this area. On the Cross Cabin, it’s all solid and built-in, but here, you can manually fit covers to seal it off when needed. So whether it’s a chilly morning start or an unexpected squall, you’re not left out in the cold.
Like every Axopar, the helm setup is a real highlight. The high leaning posts with bolsters make a big difference - you can lock yourself into position, staying secure and comfortable, with a great view forward. The wheel sits proud from the dash, and the throttles are within easy reach, so even if you’re working through big seas, you’re always in full control without having to lean forward or stretch for the controls.
The twin MFDs, plus a smaller display below, give you complete flexibility. You can run charting, data, cameras - whatever you need, all at once. The screens are dark and glare-free, so everything is clear and easy to read, even in bright conditions.
The multi-function steering wheel is part of the Brabus trim package. That’s different from a full Brabus edition - our test boat is a standard Axopar with upgraded detailing. The leather finish, Brabus accents, and stitched detailing all lift the look and feel of the helm. Functionally, it works brilliantly. You’ve got stereo controls and a bow thruster built into the wheel, right under your thumbs, plus a fixed boss, so only the outer rim moves. It’s a small touch, but it makes a difference, and overall, the helm just feels right.
Aft, it’s the same setup as the 45 Cross Cabin. The 45 is only available with triple Mercury 300s, and there’s enough space to move across behind them to get between the cabin and the radar arch. The aft layout is flexible - if you don’t go for the aft cabin, you can have bench seating or U-shaped seating with a dinette instead. The cabin, though, adds extra sleeping space and gives you a massive sun pad, right where you want it, stretching across the stern.
There are some nice details back here. On one side, there’s dedicated fender storage and a deck shower for rinsing off. On the other, you’ve got two wet bars - the main one, carried over from the Cross Cabin, and another tucked right at the back, fitted with a grill, sink, and fridge. It’s perfectly placed, keeping cooking smells away from the boat and still being handy for drinks and snacks.
There’s a central, spacious dining area with a big table that doubles in size. On this Sun-Top version, the split sunroof is a good addition. You’ve got a fabric sunroof forward and another aft, so you can mix things up - shade for lunch, sunshine at the helm, or fully open for a proper open-boat feel. The Cross-Top version has a more enclosed setup, with the windscreen meeting the hard top, so you get that extra protection, but with the back left open.
The central wet bar is in the same place as on the Cross Cabin, though on this version, it’s fixed in place rather than sliding. That’s no bad thing, though, because you get a bit more cooling space and a nice big sink. They’ve also padded the top, so it doubles as a handy leaning post when the boat is running.
Side Decks & Foredeck
As you’d expect from Axopar, you get full walk-around decks. The terraces, which might have been a bit harder to grasp on the Cross Cabin, really come into their own on this open version. These drop down manually, giving you extra seating at water level. If people are gathered around the table, you can sit here and join the conversation, or swing around and dangle your legs over the water. They make a huge difference in this setup.
Forward, there are gullwing doors, which are a familiar sight now. When they’re open, you get fantastic access on both sides of the cabin, along with plenty of natural light and ventilation filtering down below. The whole foredeck area is set up as a laid-back chill-out zone. With the doors shut, there’s a sun pad for stretching out, plus a long bench with built-in cup holders - exactly what you need for relaxing up front.
The deck is worth a mention too. It’s got a grippy, rubberised finish that stays cool underfoot, even on a hot day. It dries quickly, feels secure, and looks the part.
Right forward, there’s some useful storage and the anchor locker, with a handy little perch. It’s a great spot to sit, you can face someone across from you or kick back with your feet up.
The Axopar 45 Sun Top starts at €494,900 ex VAT (as of 12 February 2025) and comes with a long list of options. If you want more grunt, the Brabus Performance Line Triple Mercury Verado V10 with joystick (€50,050) adds extra power, and pairs with the Brabus Line black style package (€9,340).
At the stern, there is a U-Sofa upgrade (€12,900) or the option for a full Aft Cabin (€23,730). Upholstery upgrades come in Silvertex Cobre, Baltic, or Sandstone (€850 each), while the Comfort Package (€3,000) and Mediterrana Edition (€8,900) dial up the style and add tables/cushions in two cohesive themes.
Marine Decking (€10,290) provides a premium finish for the exterior with extra durability. Sun Shades for the Front and Aft Deck (€2,090 each) help keep things cool, whether you’re at anchor or moored up.
If watersports are on the agenda, the Waterski Frame (€2,310) and Roof Rack (€3,680) make it easy to bring along all your kit. Axopar has added an Adventure Collection which is their own branded range of watersport toys, life vests and drybags, including the Axopar Adventure Standup Paddleboard Board Package (€725), Inflatable Kayak pack (€710) and a Seascooter pack (€710).
For creature comforts, there are options like air conditioning in the front cabin (€7,250), a wet bar in the fender box (€5,500 but a grill upgrade to this will cost €1,300 extra) and a water heater (€2,630).
Tech upgrades include an Additional 9" Helm Display (€1,990), Radar Simrad HALO20+ (€3,050), and a Reverse/Aft Deck Camera (€820). A fixed windlass (€6,650), solar panel (€2,100) and Battery Monitoring System with Power Bank (€1,350) are both practical additions. And for AV systems, there's the JL Audio Premium Sound System (€6,930) will have you cruising to your favourite music.
Our Verdict
This was only a short test, but it’s no surprise that Axopar has made the most of this deck space. With only so much room to work with, they’ve got that balance between entertaining, dining, and sunbathing - something that just doesn’t quite fit on a 37.
Everything feels well designed and engineered, and it all just works beautifully at this scale. The Sun-Top version of the 37 has always been a personal favourite, and I’ve got a feeling the 45 Sun-Top is going to be the same.
Reasons to Buy
- Secure helm setup
- Masses of open deck space
- Drop down terraces
- Effortless at speed
Things to Consider
- No galley
- Lack of standing headroom
- Covers need fitting by hand
Looking to own a Axopar 45 Sun-Top? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Axopar 45 Sun-Top Boats for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Axopar 45 Sun-Top, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used boats for sale and find your perfect boat today!
Rivals to Consider
The Wally wallytender48X is the standout for performance, boasting a mighty top speed of 55 knots and a cruising speed of 40 knots. While the Axopar 45 Sun-Top has more of a focus on stability and comfort, the wallytender48X might be for those who have an eye on outright speed and thrilling open-water adventure. The Wally wallytender48X also features advanced carbon fibre construction, enhancing its strength-to-weight ratio.
The Wally wallytender48, with a slower cruising speed of 26 knots, takes a different approach. It’s not fussed about rushing to the destination but instead has an impressive range of 509nm. While the Axopar 45 Sun-Top might not match this range, it delivers a versatile experience for both day boating and those occasional getaways. The Wally wallytender48 also has a modular aft seating area that can be adjusted to suit different social settings.
The Axopar 45 Sun-Top’s layout can sleep up to four guests while in contrast, the Bluegame BG42 has a cosier setting with limited cabin configurations for two. The Axopar’s layout appeals more to those who fancy a bit of flexibility in their boating. The Bluegame BG42 also has a walk-around deck design just like the Axopar.
Now, moving on to the Windy Boats SR44 SX and Fiart Yachts P48. These boats have a shallower draft which can be a significant advantage, allowing access to waters that deeper vessels simply can't reach, making them both appealing options for exploring shallow bays and secluded coves.
Finally, consider the Vanquish Yachts VQ45 Veloce. This yacht is all about making a statement with its stylish design and storming performance. It's for those who prioritise aesthetics and speed, offering a totally different experience from the Axopar 45 Sun-Top’s balanced approach. The Vanquish Yachts VQ45 Veloce features distinctive customisation options, allowing owners to personalise their yacht to an extraordinary degree, from layout to colour schemes, similar to the Axopar range.
Considering a new boat? Explore Axopar's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.
Specifications
- Builder Axopar
- Range 45 Series
- Model 45 Sun-Top
- Length Overall 13.9m
- Beam 4.11m
- Hull GRP
- Cabins 2
- Berths 4
- Yacht Type (Primary) Coupe
- Use Type (Primary) Dayboating
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 1,390 Litres
- Engine Model 3x Mercury Verado V8 4.6L 300hp
Axopar 45 Sun-Top Layout
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Main Deck
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![Main Deck Axopar 45 Sun-Top]()
The optional aft cabin is accessed through the aft bench in the wheelhouse
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