DÜSSELDORF SHOW REPORT
AXOPAR 29 SUN TOP & XC
LOA: 28ft 8in (8.75m) BEAM: 9ft 8in (2.98m) ENGINES: Single 300-350hp or twin 200hp outboards TOP SPEED: Up to 50 knots PRICE: TBC
Attempting to replace an icon is always fraught with danger but the new Axopar 29 appears to have cleared that hurdle without batting an eyelid. All the traits that made the original 28 such a runaway success have been retained or improved upon, while the few weaknesses have been comprehensively addressed.
It’s actually the same length as its predecessor and only 3cm wider but thanks to a slightly higher freeboard, a more heavily flared bow and careful honing of the cockpit coamings, it feels like a significantly larger boat. That’s most apparent in the bow, where there’s now space for seating along both sides of the table as well as a forward-facing bench. Lift up the latter and you’ll discover a proper little cabin underneath it. Most of the time this will simply be used as a glorified heads compartment with a drop-down sink and plenty of storage space for kit, but fold the steps away and spread out the cushions and it converts into a surprisingly decent double berth.
On the open Sun Top model, the twin helm feels even slicker and more secure than before, while behind that you can choose between four more individual seats and either a wet bar or an aft cabin. Or you
