A new 25-foot model
To attract new customers, Axopar has decided to diversify its lineup from the bottom up by offering models under 28 feet. After the launch of the Axopar 22 in 2020 - with a T-Top version in 2021 - it's the Axopar 25 Cross Bow (pre-production model) that we were able to preview on the pontoons at the Cannes boat show.
The official launch will take place in Düsseldorf in January 2022, with the shipyard also reserving the announcement of prices at that time, due to the current market situation and fluctuations in raw material prices.
The Axopar 25 is an 8.25-meter-long cuddy cruiser with a decked foredeck and a small cabin. It features the brand's unique design - very slim water inlets, a very slim line and a hull with two steps. It guarantees marine qualities, which we were able to validate during our test. The layout is quite simple, as is the sleek design.
A versatile deck plan
It is the second transportable model in the range (after the 22), a new market segment for Axopar, with a 2.23 m beam, a reduced dimension that characterizes Axopar models and gives them that very slim silhouette. The raised front deck features a full-width sundeck, protected by railings and accessible from a narrow port side walkway with step. We appreciate being able to stand on the rail to reach the front of the boat. A backrest that reveals the cabin window in its center allows you to relax comfortably at anchor. The large anchor locker is located on the bow.
The console block is divided into two parts. On the starboard side, there is the entrance to the double cabin which has the merit of offering the possibility of extending the stay on board. There is a double bed, a toilet and a sink. On the other hand, the luminosity is a little reduced there, the light entering only via the front and port roof windows.
On the starboard side is the cockpit with a 12-inch screen for all navigation data. Two pilot and co-pilot seats complete the set. However, the distance between the pilot's seat and the steering wheel is a little too great for small people. The production quality of the seats raises some questions, but let's not forget that this is a pre-production model, with production starting in early 2022. The windshield without pillars and in one piece protects from the sea spray. We appreciate the numerous handrails on board which allow us to move around as much as to hold on while sailing.
In the cockpit, you can choose from three different layouts. In our case, it was a large central seat separated in its center by a backrest offering four side seats (two on each side). It is also possible to opt for a U-shaped bench seat for 6 people with a side table (optional) or the same central seat with a horizontal backrest to benefit from two places facing the sea and a sunbathing area at the rear. The cockpit is also enclosed by a small polyester bulkhead with a handrail. Finally, the aft deck is of good size to circulate around an engine and from one skirt to the other, the port one being equipped with a bathing ladder for swimming.
Our test model was equipped with an optional rigid T-Top that can be fitted with either a fixed shade cover or a folding version. With several deck configurations and plenty of cockpit space, the Axopar 25 Cross Bow lends itself well to a variety of uses: fishing, coastal cruising, watersports or diving.
Impeccable sea keeping
For our test, our Axopar 25 was equipped with a Mercury engine of 250 hp, the maximum power. The boat can also be equipped with auto-trim as in our case. We had a cross chop of 0.5 m to 1 m with an east wind that made the water quite rough. However, our boat proved to be extremely stable and agile, even in small waves. The boat's response to turns is immediate and the heel is not too great. The steering wheel is easy to maneuver, which makes it a playful boat, but also safe.
The few waves that were a bit rough made the hull hit the water a little bit, but it's quite rare and the navigation remains comfortable. During our tests, we made 39 knots at maximum speed with a fuel consumption of 85L/H, but the shipyard announces a maximum speed of 42 knots on calm sea. It is between 3,500 and 4,000 revolutions that the Axopar 25 finds its cruising speed, with a speed between 18 and 26 knots and a respective consumption of 29 and 39L/H.
Once again, Axopar confirms the good marine reputation of its hulls and the safe and reliable behavior of its boat.
