Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin Review (2022 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

Axopar position the 45 as very much an adventure boat - they call it “45 feet of adventure.” It’s not just for cruising. If you’re into mountain biking or kayaking, you can take your toys with you and use the boat to reach where you want to explore.

When stepping aboard, there’s a step on the inside to make life easier. The first feature you find is the drop balcony. Release the catches on either side, and the whole panel hinges out. A seat folds up as it goes down, locking firmly into position.

The doors slide back but can also slide forward. You can open the helm position doors separately from the saloon area to adapt how enclosed or open you want the space.

The Mediterranean layout forward gives you a sunbathing area and a seat. The anchor winch is tucked into a clever cradle system - press a button, and it pivots 180 degrees out for use. When retracted, it drops flush for a low-profile, tidy finish. Fender storage is fitted neatly in the forward area.

Down the sides, there are gullwing doors above the forward cabin that can open fully, bringing in light, ventilation, and easy access. There are more drop balconies on both sides of the cockpit. Cushions can be added across the balconies for extra sunbathing space. The sliding doors on both sides open forward to allow even more airflow when wanted.

At the stern, there's a huge open deck space - ideal for water sports like diving or fishing. Under the deck, there’s a massive storage area for gear like folding bikes, inflatable paddleboards, and more. Some of the engineering systems and the batteries are also housed there.

Depending on the configuration, you can have a bench seat across the stern, a wet bar, or even live bait wells if you fancy offshore fishing. The radar, antennas, searchlight, and navigation lights are all mounted up top, with extra fender storage tucked away around the deck.

The Cross Cabin layout offers a choice between a fully enclosed or open setup. The roof sections power back, and the side doors can be moved independently to open up the helm while keeping the saloon enclosed, or slide the doors forward to open the saloon itself to the elements.

The seating in the saloon is adaptable. The unit along the floor tracks can slide forward or back. Pushed forward, it opens up the saloon. Pushed back, it creates a leaning post for passengers to rest against while underway. The seats swivel, making it easy to reconfigure the space for dining or lounging.

The galley area includes a sink, grill (or optional ceramic hob), and fridge neatly tucked in under the counter. The table in the saloon folds out to create a larger dining space. Under the back seating area, a lift-up panel reveals extra storage for stashing kit and supplies.

Guest Accommodation

Forward of the helm is the owner's cabin. The companionway hatch drops away for better access underway. Full standing headroom has been introduced for the first time on an Axopar of this size.

The gullwing doors either side open out wide, giving light, air, and easy access to the foredeck. Steps lead straight out from the cabin.

Inside, the double bed forms by flipping the top cushion over and dropping it into place. Seating runs down one side, with storage opposite. The ensuite includes a toilet, sink, and a shower that should be mounted on a wall bracket.

There’s an option for an aft cabin layout. If chosen, a raised section is added at the stern to allow for headroom. The area underneath the stern seat becomes a lounge that can be infilled into a double bed, with a separate toilet back there too. This setup creates two separate sleeping areas and two heads onboard.

The boat is powered by triple 300 horsepower Mercury outboard engines. They push the Axopar 45 up to about 45 knots top speed, and during the sea trial it topped out at around 47 knots. Cruising comfortably at 30 knots is easy. Range is estimated around 200-250 nautical miles, although exact figures weren't confirmed.

Performance during the sea trial showed a fast but refined ride. Even at high speed with the doors open, noise levels stayed low thanks to the engines being set far aft. The boat handled cornering confidently at speed.

The Axopar 45 is the new flagship, stepping up from the Axopar 37 in size and versatility. It's designed for adventure, fitted out for both serious water sports and comfortable cruising. The flexible layout inside and out lets owners tailor the boat to their lifestyle.

There are around five different deck configurations available, from open layouts with a T-top to fully enclosed Cross Cabins. Options for aft cabins, wet bars, and additional seating make it easy to specify exactly what you want.

The sea trial showed a boat that feels fast, solid, and impressively quiet at speed. It’s practical, with plenty of space for toys and adventure gear, and adaptable enough to suit family cruising or more adventurous trips.