The Axopar 45 Cross Cabin is a model that's been around for a while, so you might wonder, what's new? Its triple 300 horsepower Mercury outboards are well-proven, propelling it to a storming performance of 45 knots. Fuel efficiency stands at a respectable four litres per nautical mile at 25 knots. Starting at around €515,000, with this particular configuration reaching €680,000, it’s a sizeable investment.
However, the real treat here is the aft cabin, showcased for the first time at a boat show. This versatile space can be configured as open storage, a U-shaped sofa, or, as in this case, an aft cabin. This addition transforms the yacht, allowing it to sleep four people comfortably, marking a significant evolution in its design and usability.
Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin Key Facts
- LOA 13.9m
- Model Year 2023
- Cabins 2
- Max Speed 50 knots
- Status In Production
- Yacht Type Aft Cabin
- Use Type Dayboating
Review Video
The Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin, since its debut in 2022, and is part of Axopar's most extensive fleet to date. Available in five versions, including the Spyder, T-Top, Sun-Top, Cross Top, and, of course, the Cross Cabin. The Cross Cabin itself is unique, with a spacious open aft deck that can be customised with an optional aft sofa, U-sofa, or even an aft cabin.
Propelled by triple 300hp engines, the Axopar 45 has a storming performance with a wide cruising speed range of 20-35 knots and a top speed of around 45 knots.
If you like bringing the outdoors in, there are dual electric sunroofs in the pilot house allowing plenty of light and breeze inside. Light and air are things that Axopar have considered elsewhere, for example in the forward cabin with its two gullwing doors, and the aft cabin with windows placed underneath the sunpads on the aft deck.
Axopar has introduced various options for the 45 Cross Cabin. These include the 'Mediterrana Edition' which has a focus on entertaining/socialising. This package includes a foredeck table, fender box cushions, and balcony door cushions- adding a lot of seating. Alternatively, the U-sofa on the aft deck provides comfortable seats and headrests for relaxing, with compartments for ample dry storage. With an infill cushion, you can transform the U-Sofa into a full-size sun bed. However, if you opt for the aft cabin, the aft deck area is raised, meaning no table or sofa.
Another option is the integrated wet bar in the starboard fender box, adding further convenience to life on deck. This optional feature includes a grill, a 40L fridge, a sink, and a storage compartment underneath.
The extended navigation package is another option featuring 16" Simrad NSO MFDs with Axopar's own user interface. It is meant to be a driver-focused user experience, including vessel startup checks, eco/sport driving modes, and entertainment control.
The forward cabin on the Axopar 45 Cross Cabin is accessed via a door that's integrated with the helm. Once inside, there's standing headroom of 6ft, although it does taper down a bit towards the bed. This is where the gullwing doors come into their own. They pop up on both sides, allowing easy access to the deck with built-in steps - it works nicely.
By day, the forward cabin serves as a cosy lounge for escaping bad weather. The sofas on either side offer a comfortable spot to relax, but they then convert into a sleeping space. A quick adjustment transforms the sofa into a double bed. This space is not made for extended stays but for day trips and weekends, it's perfectly comfortable.
There's also plenty of storage dotted around the cabin, with a particularly generous compartment for your belongings, and there's a wet room, which is nicely finished and offers enough space to move around in.
All-New Aft Cabin
The Axopar 45 Cross Cabin has the largest aft cabin ever fitted on an Axopar, and it's cleverly packaged as you'd expect. Now, let's be clear upfront - there isn't standing headroom here. Once you're down, you're going to want to sit, but that's no bad thing given the spacious bed/sofa available. At 6ft, stretching out might require lying across it, but for the odd night, it's perfectly doable.
Natural light is provided through skylights above and a lovely window that offers views of those three Mercury engines. This cabin is quite compact but it has been designed to feel more open and airy than it might seem.
The cabin is padded with backrests and bendy reading lights, so you can lean back with a book/tablet and handy cupholders. There's storage space for essentials tucked neatly around. A noteworthy option here is the wardrobe can be fitted with a tiny toilet. Sitting room only, of course, but it does provide the convenience of not having to trek to the forward cabin in the middle of the night, so it could be an appealing option.
Axopar is pretty reliable with a high-quality driving environment throughout the range. The upright dash is clean and user-friendly, featuring full digital instrumentation, making all essential data easily accessible.
You also have the joystick option, which helps with the handling, especially when manoeuvring in tight spaces. The three helm seats are well-positioned, with excellent sightlines for the skipper.
In the pilothouse, there's a sliding wet bar and table system, which has seen significant improvements from the original prototype. It now glides very smoothly along its runners and has a more polished finish. The wet bar can be pushed right up against the helm seats to act as a leaning post as well.
Similarly, the table can be adjusted along rails, moving closer to the aft seating or towards the wet bar, depending on your needs. This system makes this area very adaptable for various uses.
Right behind the three outboard engines is a well-positioned wet bar right next to the sun pads. This means you can enjoy the luxury of a wet bar without sacrificing your living or storage spaces - a common gripe with many boats in this sector. The wet bar's location at the back of the boat makes it incredibly convenient for serving drinks or prepping snacks. Despite this addition, you still have ample storage in the locker on the opposite side, so there’s no compromise on deck space.
Axopar's signature walkaround layout is ever-present but what stands out on the 45 are the amidships balconies - many rivals place their balconies aft. They aren't at the water level so unlike typical watersports platforms, these balconies are designed as an extension of the on-deck seating. Simple manual catches allow the balconies to drop down effortlessly, enhancing the boat’s usability.
Forward, the side doors - both aft and forward - provide superb access in and out of the wheelhouse. This is particularly handy for the helmsman, who can step straight out onto the side deck and join the crew. It's worth mentioning that there’s no boarding gate here, which might be a bit of a letdown but a step is provided, allowing you to clamber out a bit more easily over the side of the boat.
Foredeck
The foredeck of the Cross Cabin retains the familiar layout seen across the 45 range, featuring a lovely lounging area that's perfect for relaxing in. The star of the show here is undoubtedly the gullwing doors, a design element we first saw on the Axopar 37. These doors provide excellent access to the cabin below but also significantly enhance ventilation and light. Even when the cushions are put on top, integrated windows ensure that the cabin remains bright and airy.
Symmetry is key in the design: the deck spaces are identical on both sides and at the bow, you'll find easy access to the anchor locker.
Axopars are usually decent value for money but the 45, with an RRP of €514,900 ex VAT (correct at time of writing) is the most expensive model the Finnish brand has ever built and it's bumping elbows with some talented machinery.
That price is pretty competitive given it includes three V8 Mercury outboards, twin sunroofs, Silvertex upholstery, twin 12in Simrad glass bridge displays, a multi-function steering wheel, bow thruster and trim tabs.
There are, however, plenty of options that most customers will want to add to create a rounded on-the-water package, such as:
Aft Cabin (€23,730), Wet Bar (€5,500), Aft Cabin Toilet (€2,630), Windlass (€6,650), Air-Con (€21,430), Heating (€14,900)
Our Verdict
The Axopar 45 Cross Cabin brings some practical updates to the table, particularly with the aft cabin addition, which turns the boat into a true four-sleeper. The triple 300 horsepower Mercury outboards ensure a great performance, pushing along at a healthy top-speed of 45 knots while maintaining efficiency. The wet bar cleverly integrated next to the sunpads on the aft deck is a brilliant solution, offering flexibility without sacrificing storage.
The wet bar positioned next to the aft sunpads is a thoughtful touch, solving the common issue of balancing living space and storage. The midship balconies are a functional extension of the side decks, although they are not at water level and serve more as additional seating rather than watersports platforms.
Inside, the forward cabin offers decent headroom and a versatile sleeping arrangement. The aft cabin, though lacking standing headroom, is spacious enough for a comfortable night's sleep and offers lovely detailing like skylights and optional amenities.
Reasons to Buy
- Gull wing Doors
- Flexible space in the pilothouse
- Cleverly packaged aft cabin
- Amidships drop down balconies
- Efficient fast cruising
Things to Consider
- Limited headroom aft
- Not ideal for long stays
- Thirsty on fuel
Looking to own a Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin Boats for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin, 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
When we talk about rivals, the Galeon 435 GTO provides an interesting comparison. While the Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin has a strong performance with a cruising speed of 25 knots, the Galeon 435 GTO, has a slower cruising speed of 21 knots. The Galeon 435 GTO is known for its "Beach Mode," which expands the cockpit area significantly, creating a unique space for relaxation and socialising.
Moving on to the Vanquish Yachts VQ45 Veloce, it's important to note its limited cabin configuration, accommodating just two guests. But the VQ45 Veloce prides itself on its customisable options, allowing owners to tailor everything from the hull colour to the interior finishes. However, the Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin offers a much more versatile accommodation layout, proving itself a better option for overnighters or weekend getaways with up to four guests.
Then, there's the Wellcraft 44 Explorer, which shares a shallow draft with the Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin. This feature allows both yachts to navigate waters inaccessible to deeper vessels, making them perfect for exploring those hidden gems along the coastline. The Wellcraft 44 Explorer is also equipped with an outboard engine configuration, providing excellent manoeuvrability and easy maintenance, which is a significant advantage if you enjoy hands-on boating.
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 XC Cross Cabin
- Length Overall 13.9m
- Beam 4.11m
- Draft 1m
- Hull GRP
- Cabins 2
- Berths 4
- Yacht Type (Primary) Aft Cabin
- Use Type (Primary) Dayboating
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 1,390 Litres
- Fresh Water Capacity 300 Litres
- Engine Model 3x Mercury Verado V8 4.6L 300hp
- Engine max range (speed type) 300 (nm)
Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin Layout
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Main Deck
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![Main Deck Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin]()
There are myriad layout options for the aft end of the deck
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Lower Deck
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Standard lower deck layout
![Lower Deck Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin]()
As standard, there's a double berth forward with a separate bathroom
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Optional aft cabin
![Lower Deck Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin]()
The aft cabin can be specified with a very tight toilet compartment
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