Exclusive Interview With Axopar’s Co-Founder: 29 CCX Center Console & Electric Boat Revolution

The Personal Drive Behind Axopar’s Entry into the Center Console Market

At the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024, Axopar amazed the world with the company’s first Centre Console boat with the Axopar 29 CCX. For Viitala, the decision to move into the center console market was a personal one. As he explained, “When we made the design work on the Axopar 29 range, I clearly felt we had something missing.” This new model reflects a decade of learning and continuous improvement at Axopar. The 29 CCX, according to Viitala, is the perfect example of a versatile, utilitarian boat that embodies Axopar’s multi-functional design philosophy—a Swiss Army knife of the sea.

The Axopar 29 CCX offers unmatched flexibility for boaters, with seven different aft deck and four foredeck variations. Viitala emphasized that the focus for the CCX has been on modularity and drivability, “The handling and functionality have been perfected,” he stated. After a full season of testing, the Axopar team continues to fine-tune and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Pioneering Electric Boating with the Ax/e Series
Axopar is also leading the charge in electric boating with their new electric series, AX\E. “Electrification is a long-term commitment“, Viitala said, noting that the boating industry is still in the early stages of this transformation. Axopar is keen to be at the forefront of this change, offering innovative solutions that maintain the fun, performance, and modularity that Axopar is known for. This commitment is demonstrated through the companies investment in Evoy, leaders in electric outboard motors. The AX\E 22 and AX\E 25 models, for example, deliver impressive speeds of 36 and 50 knots, respectively, while offering a seamless and simple user experience.

The Evolution of Customer Feedback: Crafting the Perfect Boat
One of the key ingredients in Axopar’s success is its commitment to listening to customer feedback. Viitala described how valuable customer insights are to their process. “Working closely with our customers and dealers gives us a great understanding of how people really spend their time on the water,” he noted. This feedback has helped Axopar fine-tune its designs to better suit boaters’ needs across different regions, from Australia to the United States.

10 Years of Axopar: Breaking Boundaries and Defying Conventions
As Axopar celebrates its 10th anniversary, Viitala reflects on the company’s remarkable journey. Despite the whirlwind of success, he admitted that it doesn’t feel like a decade has passed. “Looking back at what we have achieved in these 10 years is pretty astonishing,” he said. Axopar has grown into a global brand, with over 6,500 boats on the water and a market value of over $1 billion. Viitala proudly noted that Axopar coined the “adventure boat” genre, which has inspired many competitors to follow their lead.

Welcoming Competition to Drive Innovation
Viitala’s perspective on competition is both refreshing and inspiring. Rather than seeing competitors as a threat, he views them as motivation to continue innovating. “We always welcome competition because it pushes us to build better boats,” he explained. This healthy competition benefits both the industry and the consumer, as it leads to the development of higher-performing boats that better meet customer needs.

The Future of Axopar: Innovation and Secrecy
As for the future, Viitala hinted at exciting new developments on the horizon, but kept the details under wraps. “We’ve accumulated a wealth of information over the past 10 years, but the next 10 years will be even more interesting“, he teased. Axopar’s commitment to pushing the limits of innovation remains stronger than ever, and Viitala promises that upcoming releases will continue to revolutionize the boating industry.

Why Axopar is a Hit in Australia
Viitala credits Axopar’s success in Australia to its partnership with Eyachts and the exceptional drivability of Axopar boats. “The unpredictable sea conditions in Australia make the drivability of Axopar boats a key selling point,” he explained. The boats’ modular design, which allows customers to customize their vessels, also contributes to their popularity. Viitala emphasized that the partnership with Eyachts has been a critical part of their Australian success story, with over 250 Axopar boats already sold in the region.

As Axopar marks its 10th anniversary, the company continues to push the boundaries of innovation in the boating world. From the versatile design of the new Axopar 29 CCX to the pioneering electrification of their models, Axopar is shaping the future of boating. And while Viitala remained tight-lipped about what’s next, one thing is certain—Axopar’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction will continue to lead the industry for years to come.