The problem for the Axopar 29 XC is simple: its predecessor. The 28 Cabin set a very high bar, one of the most successful boats Axopar has ever built, and this new model has to better it. It’s bigger in every direction (9.3m long, 3m wide, just over 3 tonnes) and it carries promises of 50-knot performance, more space, and the option of two cabins.
Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin Key Facts
- LOA 9.31m
- Model Year 2025
- Cabins 2
- Max Speed 47 knots
- Status In Production
- Yacht Type Coupe
- Use Type Dayboating
Test & Review Video
At the Marina
On this single-engine 400 V10 rig we’ve got a throttle and a pretty powerful bow thruster - hopefully that’ll do the trick. It’s the old school way, no joystick, just a wheel, a throttle and shifting it from side to side.
The berth alongside was friendly enough, with the wind blowing us off a touch. Change the angle, bring the wheel over, and she just settles alongside.
As a new boater, a joystick probably does feel very appealing. But this is a very simple boat to handle. It’s not really that breezy, but you feel like you have a lot of control. The all-round view is great. I can see the engine really easily and that’s so important when you’re manoeuvring. I can also see the angle of the engine, so I know where the thrust is going to come from. With that powerful bow thruster, it wouldn’t take long even for a new boater to get to grips with how this thing handles.
At Sea
Axopar has engineered in a little bit of bow lift as you get over the hump, and then it levels off as you’d expect an Axopar to do.
This boat’s actually got Seakeeper Ride fitted, but it’s been engineered so you can run without trim tabs or trim blades. From the experience had so far, that’s standing up - with the caveat that we had a very, very slight chop on test. There were no big waves, it’s not a rolling sea, but in a sharp chop it does run level. It’s not heaving over, not leaning uncomfortably, I’m not thinking I need to change the running attitude. It just sits really nicely.
We’re now running along at 35 knots and that feels a really nice fast cruising pace. This 30-knot cruise burns around 65 L/h (17.2 US gallons/h). Open it up, wide open throttle – just take over the trim a little bit to stop it porpoising too much – and you’re at 45, then 46, 46 and a half knots. Axopar says it’s a 48-knot boat and if you keep tickling it you’ll get there, but here we are knocking on the door of 50.
Bring it back above 25 knots and you’re not going to see a huge difference in fuel consumption. The idea is you set the speed depending on how you feel and the conditions, without worrying about big swings in what the engine is using. After nearly 50 knots, dropping to 30 almost feels slow.
What you also notice here is how dry the ride is. We’ve been lashing it through the wash and the only water on the windscreen is from the rain, not the boat. That slightly fuller bow just gives you more confidence, especially when you’re coming off waves.
There’s no compromise in grip or tenacity. If anything, it feels more glued to the water than the 28. It doesn’t have that lurch you sometimes get if you throw in a hard turn one way and then it swings uncomfortably the other. Instead, it feels secure, sure-footed, and there’s a really nice purity to the driving experience.
Axopar has stayed true to its signature hull design while making a series of subtle but effective refinements. The new Axopar 29 leans into a sharper, more industrial look, with bolder details and a stronger sense of individuality. The twin-stepped, 22-degree V "Sharp Entry Hull" is exactly what you’d expect from Axopar - no reason to change something that works so well. The broader bow and reverse knuckle help push waves away, especially in a following sea where they do a lot of the heavy lifting.
The biggest update over the 28’s hull is the addition of a spray rail, designed to deflect water as early as possible, even before it reaches the flare. There’s also a built-in spray deflector to help keep the deck dry. The steps in the hull remain a key feature, improving efficiency and ride comfort.
Another detail worth mentioning is the big rubbing strake. More and more of these boats are being used as chase boats and yacht tenders, and having a solid strake like this is a real advantage. If there’s no time to get the fenders out, this gives the hull some protection, which the crew will definitely appreciate.
A higher, more aggressive roofline gives the boat a distinctive stance, reinforced by a raised side profile for a stronger presence on the water. The wheelhouse has 360° visibility, and a panoramic aft window enhances the sense of openness inside. The interior layout is built for space and functionality, with an optional aft cabin access hatch and the option for solar panels to provide trickle charging.
Practical upgrades include an optional top-loading fridge and sink, while a wider, redesigned door improves accessibility. The boat’s efficiency has also taken a step up - the hull is now up to 30% more efficient, incorporating recycled PET materials to reduce environmental impact. Weight reductions across key components further boost performance, while a larger 400-litre fuel tank extends the cruising range by over 200 nautical miles. Hydrodynamic refinements mean fuel consumption remains steady across the 22 to 32 knot range, even at higher cruising speeds.
Customisation and Styling
Axopar’s modular design gives owners plenty of ways to configure the boat to their liking. The Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin comes with a spacious open aft deck as standard, but this can be adapted with options like an Aft Sofa, Wet Bar module, or Aft Cabin/Multistorage. The Mediterrana Edition dials up comfort with plush beige cushions, textured upholstery that stays cool under the sun, and warm-toned interior finishes featuring bamboo trays and cup holders. For those after something with more edge, the BRABUS Line adds exclusive sporty styling elements, blending refinement with a performance-driven look inside and out.
Engine options are the same as the 29 Sun-Top, with twin 200s or a single 400hp V10, and Axopar is aiming for a wider cruising band between 22 and 32 knots, with minimal fuel economy penalty. Thanks to the boosted fuel tank, range sits at over 200nm.
There are some big changes inside the wheelhouse, starting with the larger doors. They make a real difference when moving around, allowing you to pass behind or in front of the seats with ease. When there are a few people on board, circulation is much smoother - no awkward clambering around each other.
Headroom is generous, and the canvas sunroof slides right back, just like on the sun top. This setup is part of what makes this boat so popular - it’s fully enclosed and weatherproof, but open it up in the Med, with the doors and roof open, and you get a fantastic natural breeze flowing through.
A sink and cooler sit neatly under the seats, and there’s a useful storage area on the dash - ideal for chucking small items when on the move. The upholstery is another highlight. The blue seating outside already looks great, but it works just as well in here.
Forward Cabin
Accessed via a hatch up in front of the wheelhouse, the forward cabin works particularly well with the steps in place, making it easy to access even without the full bed set up. It can be just used for storage if preferred as it's quite a tight space but for overnighters, its usable. There's also the toilet for the boat under the berth, which some people might not like the idea of.
Optional Aft Cabin
Dropping down into the aft cabin is effortless, thanks to the open design. Now, it’s not a huge space, but with the dimensions they had to work with, every inch has been used cleverly. The openness makes it easy to move in and out, and while the layout tapers towards the far end, the pillows are positioned there. That said, for a more comfortable sleeping setup, it probably makes sense to have your feet at that end and your head closer to the entrance, avoiding the feeling of staring straight up at the ceiling.
A window at the back brings in some natural light, keeping it from feeling too enclosed, and there are even small air vents to allow some airflow. It’s not quite a porthole, but it does help with ventilation. The infills complete the bed, and overall, this feels like a space that would get more use than on the 28. Having the option to sleep two up front and two aft on a boat of this size and design is seriously impressive, but you can use either cabin purely for storage.
The helm sticks to a familiar formula, retaining the drop-down driving position that worked so well on the 28. Sitting lower in the boat gives a great stance at the wheel, and that hasn’t changed - it still feels just right. There’s the option to stand and lean, well protected by the windscreen, or flip down the bolstered seats if you prefer to sit.
The widescreen Simrad displays replace the previous layout, bringing the same functionality but in a sleeker, more car-like format that looks sharp and works just as well. The dashboard is kept clean and uncluttered, with just a simple row of buttons - everything else is handled through the screens. But it’s still practical, with big cupholders, a grippy surface to keep phones and small items from sliding around, plus a glove box and sturdy handholds for the navigator and skipper. What also stands out here are the slimmer mullions and the expansive glass area, giving an even better view than the 28.
The all-round view is superb, standing or sitting. From the outside the wheelhouse looks like it has a heavy forehead, sloping down, but inside you don’t get that impression. The screen is deep, the perception really good, and the helm itself simple.
Noise levels are well contained. This 400 V10 is smooth and quiet, and in the Cross Cabin you’ve got that extra layer of insulation.
One of the biggest upgrades to the aft deck is the far more sociable seating arrangement. The previous model had forward-facing seats, which worked well underway but weren’t ideal for relaxing at anchor. This new setup is much more versatile. The central table adjusts up and down, expanding when needed, while the repositionable backrests allow the seating to face different directions or even transform into a bench behind the helm seats. On a boat of this size, that level of adaptability makes a real difference. There are also various layout configurations, giving owners the flexibility to tailor the space to their style of boating.
Larger cushions make it easy to perch when gearing up for watersports or just taking in the view off the stern. Gas-ram-assisted storage ensures easy access, with clips that let the cushions lift smoothly, revealing space for fenders, lines, and other essentials. Once closed, everything locks securely back into place, keeping the deck clean and uncluttered.
With the aft cabin installed, there's is a raised hatch that has a big sunpad on top but if you don't want that there’s the usual set of options - you can keep it open, fit a wet bar, or go for a lower storage unit instead. Seating remains the same, with benches on both sides and built-in storage.
One of the great things about the cabin version is how easy it makes carrying your gear. No need to mess around deflating, inflating, or squeezing things down a side deck - just stick it on the roof rack and get on with your day.
Up top, there’s a large sunroof, which we’ll get a proper feel for once we’re inside. There’s also the option to add solar panels, which trickle-charge the batteries - a handy upgrade if you want a bit of extra power management.
Side Decks & Foredeck
The walkaround decks are exactly what you’d expect, but everything feels that bit bigger and more spacious, making it easier to move around. A key improvement is the wider side doors, noticeably larger than those on the 28, adding to the sense of openness.
The wheelhouse design has also been refined - it’s smoother, less upright, and gives the boat a more aggressive, purposeful stance. Even sitting still on the boat show stand, it has a real presence to it. The deck layout is just as well thought out, with a gentle rise instead of steps, so there’s nothing to trip over - just a natural flow as you move forward.
This setup is almost identical to what you can get on the SunTop. The table is set up as a dinette but it can be lowered flush with the seating to turn into sunpad mode. There is also access here to the forward cabin.
The base price for the 29 Cross Cabin is €156,000 ex VAT, which is excellent value but it doesn't tell the whole story.
The Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin offers a solid lineup of optional extras, but a few really stand out for those looking to elevate their time on the water.
For a more refined, lounge-like feel, the Mediterrana Edition Aft Cabin (€8,880) turns the aft section into a more inviting space for overnight stays or longer cruises. It pairs well with the Mediterrana Edition Soft Deck (€3,990), swapping out standard decking for a warmer, more tactile surface that adds to the relaxed, premium feel.
If outdoor socialising is a priority, the Wet Bar (€4,900) is a practical yet stylish addition, creating a dedicated space for food and drinks. On the other hand, the Multistorage (€3,500) option reconfigures the aft space for those who need extra room for adventure gear and equipment.
For comfort on board, the Electric Sliding Roof (€2,550) gives quick and easy control over shade and ventilation, while the Heating System with Webasto AirTop Evo 40 (€3,900) ensures a cosy ride in cooler conditions.
Those who anchor frequently will find the Bow Windlass with Anchor (€4,600) a time-saver, making deployment and retrieval effortless. Similarly, the Bow Thruster (€2,660) is a smart addition for better handling in tight marinas or strong currents.
For entertainment and tech, the Twin Chartplotter Simrad NSX 12″ (€6,800) brings advanced mapping and system integration, while the Premium Audio System (€2,390) delivers high-quality sound for music lovers on the water.
For the more adventurous, the Waterski Frame (€710) makes the Axopar 29 XC a great choice for towing sports, while the Adventure Seascooter (€710) and Axopar Adventure Gama Inflatable Kayak (€670) offer even more ways to explore beyond the boat.
Our Verdict
Has the 29 XC done enough to replace the 28? Yes. It may not feel quite as knife-edge through a turn, but the wider bow, clever hull tweaks, and more robust detailing make it steadier, drier, and more confident. The wheelhouse is roomier, the cabins more usable, and at 30 knots it cruises with an easy rhythm and modest fuel burn. It’s still quick enough to top out in the high 40s, but simple to handle at slow speed with nothing more than a wheel, a throttle, and a powerful bow thruster. In short, it keeps the purity of the Axopar drive but adds the everyday usability the old boat lacked. For anyone weighing up year-round adventure with proper comfort, the 29 XC is the better boat.
Reasons to Buy
- Spacious wheelhouse
- Improved bow design
- Clever aft cabin
- Easy to drive and handle
- Good value
Things to Consider
- Single screen leaves dash looking bare
- Toilet is separate from the best cabin
- Lacks fridge space
Looking to own a Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin ? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin Boats for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Axopar 29 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
Where the Cross Cabin cocoons you inside a quiet, insulated wheelhouse, the Axopar 29 CCX takes the same hull and delivers a more visceral experience. Its twin 250hp V8s bring extra mid-range shove and a harder-edged soundtrack, compared to the XC’s single 400hp V10 that feels calmer and more refined. Both versions run into the high-40-knot bracket, but the CCX’s raised deck and twin-rig grip give it a sportier, more intense flavour. You lose the full year-round enclosure of the XC, yet in return you gain a wraparound screen, an open cockpit, and the choice of six aft-deck layouts. It’s drier and more confidence-inspiring than you might expect of such an exposed design, and its appeal lies in that balance between protection and openness.
The Nimbus Commuter 9 comes at the XC from a different angle. This is very much a Scandinavian commuter, designed to run all year round at over 40 knots with the same sort of sure-footed hull confidence. Inside the cabin you get a fully enclosed wheelhouse, a compact galley, a separate heads compartment, and seating that folds down into berths, so overnighting feels more car-like than camping. It seats up to eight and the sliding side doors make it easy for crew to step on and off quickly. It doesn’t have the outright modularity of the Axopar, but the strength of the C9 is its comfort and practicality in northern climates – warm, secure, and smartly detailed for daily use rather than occasional adventure.
The Quarken 27 Cabin is smaller, lighter, and powered by a single 300hp Yamaha, but it still runs into the mid-40-knot range and cruises efficiently at around 35 knots. The offset cabin design is clever, giving you a proper walkaround deck and a safe flow forward, which makes it very easy to use with family or less experienced crew. Guest capacity is capped at eight, with a simple forward double berth and compact wheelhouse, so it’s more of a capable day-boat with occasional overnighting than a cruiser. What sets it apart is the design detail – the bold glazing, that neat eyebrow over the screen, and a finish that has already won awards at shows across Europe. It feels like a stylish, family-friendly SUV of the sea, pitched just below the Axopar on size but close on speed and usability.
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 29 Range
- Model 29 XC Cross Cabin
- Length Overall 9.31m
- Beam 3m
- Draft 0.9m
- Hull GRP
- Cabins 2
- Berths 4
- Yacht Type (Primary) Coupe
- Use Type (Primary) Dayboating
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 400 Litres
- Fresh Water Capacity 42 Litres
- Engine Model 1x Mercury Verado V10 5.7L 400hp
- Engine HP 6400
- Engine max range (speed type) 231 (nm)
Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin Layout
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Main Deck
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Standard aft bench with L-sofa layout and optional table in the bow
![Main Deck Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin]()
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Optional wet bar with U-sofa layout in the bow
![Main Deck Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin]()
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Optional open aft with U-sofa and forward facing sun pad in the bow
![Main Deck Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin]()
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Optional aft cabin with lounge layout and bolsters in the bow
![Main Deck Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin]()
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