Axopar 28 Review
A Sailing Enthusiast’s Journey to Becoming an Axopar Fan
If you’re a sailor exploring powerboats or intrigued by high-performance hulls, this Axopar 28 review will help you decide if this award-winning day boat is the perfect fit.
When it comes to boating, few journeys are as unexpected as Graeme’s transition from a die-hard sailor to an Axopar owner. With a Beneteau First 35 already in his fleet, Graeme never saw himself purchasing a powerboat. His son David, however, had always been intrigued by Axopar boats, having first seen them back in 2017 at Sydney Boat Show. Despite initially finding their design “ugly,” Graeme was soon won over by the growing Axopar community on his local area and the boat’s impressive functionality. Now, he’s a proud owner of an Axopar 28 Cabin. Here’s his Axopar 28 review and why he believes he’s found the perfect powerboat for him and his families lifestyle.
What Originally Appealed to You About the Axopar?
Living on the water in Sydney Harbour, Graeme started seeing Axopar’s pop up in the area and at first, he wasn’t convinced by Axopar’s looks. Yet, as he continued to see one of his neighbours, head out for days on the water, friends and dog in tow, he began to see the appeal. The more and more he saw them the more he saw the boats’ practicality and ease of use, especially in various weather conditions. “The functionality of the boat started to win me over,” he explains.
A Sailing Mindset: Axopar Hull Design and Performance
Coming from a sailing background, Graeme explained how Axopar’s design philosophy aligns closely with a that of sailing boats. “It goes through waves like a sailing boat does, and if you get water on the bow, it just washes straight back,” he shares. He’s particularly fond of the open transom, which adds to the Axopar’s resemblance to a sailing vessel’s clean and practical layout.
Graeme never saw himself owning a “fleet” but the Axopar now perfectly complements his sailing yacht, giving his wife Raelyn a comfortable and versatile vessel to enjoy, too. “I’d be happy with it forever,” he says, clearly satisfied with his decision, “I don’t think there is any other speedboat I would buy aside from an Axopar.”
The boat’s hull is designed for optimal tracking and performance in various sea conditions, making it an ideal choice for someone used to the reliability and handling of a sailboat. Graeme has taken the boat offshore in some pretty challenging conditions, heading to and from Botany Bay, as well as to Pittwater. They’ve also ventured offshore, cruising 12–14 miles out to spot some whales. “The owners event was definitely the worst swell I’ve been in with short sharp waves up to 3 metres. However, the whole time I felt safe and confident in the boat’s ability.”
The art of being different: Axopar Design and Layout
The Axopar 28 is renowned for its clever design, balancing functionality and style. Axopar has crafted a vessel that blends innovative design choices with practical boating needs. Graeme says, “Axopar does everything a bit different and it is amazing what they have done. It all just works.”
Even nine years after its launch, the Axopar 28 has set a high standard for design, which he feels is difficult to improve upon. Recently, he looked at the new Axopar 29 Sun Top and noted, “I can see the merit in the raised hull and it seems they have made more volume inside, I am looking forward to seeing the 29 Cross Cabin.”
Adventures with the Axopar 28
Graeme, Raelyn and their family make the most of their Axopar 28, taking it out regularly. One of their favourite regular spots is Sirius Cove, perfect for a quick afternoon getaway with the ability to take their dog on the beach. Last year, they enjoyed a particularly memorable day where they took the boat to Milson Passage to meet with friends, and they often raft up alongside their Beneteau for group outings in the Harbour or Pittwater.
One of thing they love to do on their boat is visiting waterfront restaurants, including lunch at Sala at Jones Bay Wharf, and dinners in Darling Harbour. One particularly memorable experience was ferrying people from breakfast at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron to Watsons Bay during a storm, “I could barely see anything but I just followed our tracks, it is definitely a bonus having the cabin.
Looking forward, their next adventure will be watching “Crowded House” perform at Farm Cove, a plan that combines their love for music with the excitement of boating. They’re inviting friends who aren’t as familiar with boats, confident that the Axopar will make everyone feel comfortable.
Safety, Comfort, and Favourite Features
For Graeme and Raelyn, safety and comfort are standout features of the Axopar 28 Cabin. The ease of handling, and reliability of the boat give him confidence in all weather. “It’s a boat I don’t have a problem taking anywhere in any weather,” he says, appreciating the peace of mind it provides. From ferrying friends and family during storms to enjoying waterfront dining, he can always rely on his Axopar to deliver a safe and smooth ride.
And with young grandchildren, he values the ability to secure them in the cabin and notes the added security of the high bulwarks.
Should You Buy an Axopar?
If someone were to ask Graeme, “Are Axopar boats good?” his answer would be a resounding yes. “It would be the best decision you’ll ever make,” he insists. In his Axopar 28 review, for him, the Axopar 28 Cabin has checked every box, delivering a blend of performance, comfort, and versatility that’s hard to beat. It’s a boat that has introduced him to a new side of boating, one he didn’t expect to enjoy as much as he does.
The Eyachts Experience: Feeling Like Family
Graeme’s experience with Eyachts, Australia’s official Axopar dealer, has been nothing short of positive. He appreciates the sense of community Eyachts fosters, especially during owners’ events, “Eyachts gave me the perfect excuse to finally visit Peats Bite, and what a magnificent venue it was! I thoroughly enjoyed the convoy up, even with the seas, and it was great to be part of an adventure alongside other Axopars.” Graeme added, “I feel like I’m part of the family and it was great to meet the team, everyone I’ve met from Eyachts is nice.” He also frequently connects with Joe, Eyachts’ sales manager, whom he describes as friendly, authentic, and refreshingly different from other salespeople.
Working with Vesseltec
Graeme’s experience with Vesseltec has also been smooth and enjoyable. His son, Jason already knew Hayden, Vesseltec’s Service Manager, which made the handover process feel personal and seamless. “My handover and aftersales with Vesseltec have all been great”, he recounted. When he visited the recent boat show he noted how accommodating everyone was, with Hayden spending time with him to walk around the stand, “it was a great experience”.
At Eyachts, we’re dedicated to bringing Australians and Kiwis efficient, functional vessels with a focus on superior hull design. As sailors ourselves, we prioritize brands that reflect the precision and performance we value in sailing yachts. But don’t just take our word for it—this Axopar 28 Review shows how sailors like Graeme are discovering the versatility and reliability of the Axopar range. Graeme’s positive experience with Eyachts, along with seamless handover and aftersales support from Vesseltec, makes this boat a trusted choice for everything from relaxed outings to offshore adventures.
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