Axopar 22 anyone?

[wilwak]

Just wondered if anyone here owns an Axopar 22? Are they ok?

For use in the fairly changeable and choppy Solent out of Cowes.

Would welcome any feedback please. Thanks.

[Huntsman]

Build quality not great.

I would find an Axopar 22 a bit small running out of Cowes.

[Boatbuoy]

I'm not sure the build quality is a risk in itself, but possibly the trimming and finishing of bonded joints can give that impression. Like many of these Scandinavian brands, they are built to a very keen build cost in a factory in Poland, where little time is afforded to rework.

I've not driven one myself, but the report from one of our dealers is that all of the Axopar hulls handle very, very well. As Huntsman says, it might be just a little on the small side. I regularly test run 5 - 6 meter boats in the Solent and it's nearly always hard work on a vessel that small.

[wilwak]

Thanks fir the opinions. Much appreciated.

I’ve been in a Axopar 37 and it’s very impressive.

I just thought the 22 seemed fun and the video below is quite impressive.

Yes the Solent out of Cowes is usually pretty choppy which is my concern with a smaller boat but thought the Axopar hull may really help.

I’ve seen a couple of small Saxdor’s whizzing around quite impressively with their similar shaped hulls.

https://youtu.be/1LRfilt-tWU

[Huntsman]

Most owners of small mobo's buy their first one, realise its too small and trade up very quickly.

Most blokes think smashing about in Cowes Roads wind over tide great fun. Ladies not so!

I have worked on 3 Axopars, odd jobs, driven several. They're horrible.

What you need is a Huntsman!

Kind Regards, Huntsman!

[Petrus1983]

wilwak said:

Thanks fir the opinions. Much appreciated.

I’ve been in a Axopar 37 and it’s very impressive.

I just thought the 22 seemed fun and the video below is quite impressive.

Yes the Solent out of Cowes is usually pretty choppy which is my concern with a smaller boat but thought the Axopar hull may really help.

I’ve seen a couple of small Saxdor’s whizzing around quite impressively with their similar shaped hulls.

https://youtu.be/1LRfilt-tWU

That video isn’t very representative of the Solent. My boats 24ft and I’ve done Poole to Weymouth a few times - sometimes getting lucky - other times feeling like it’s a real slog. I’ve also had to turn back from a trip from Weymouth to Lulworth Cove half way as I had guests and whilst the hull was fine, I lost confidence in everyone’s safety, especially knowing I’d have to be returning a few hours later.

Eta - look at some of the ribs out there.

[wilwak]

Petrus1983 said:

That video isn’t very representative of the Solent. My boats 24ft and I’ve done Poole to Weymouth a few times - sometimes getting lucky - other times feeling like it’s a real slog. I’ve also had to turn back from a trip from Weymouth to Lulworth Cove half way as I had guests and whilst the hull was fine, I lost confidence in everyone’s safety, especially knowing I’d have to be returning a few hours later.

Eta - look at some of the ribs out there.

Thank you. What sort of 24ft boat do you have?

[wilwak]

Huntsman said:

Most owners of small mobo's buy their first one, realise its too small and trade up very quickly.

Most blokes think smashing about in Cowes Roads wind over tide great fun. Ladies not so!

I have worked on 3 Axopars, odd jobs, driven several. They're horrible.

What you need is a Huntsman!

Kind Regards, Huntsman!

Thank you. I’ll take a look at your Huntsman. Googling next!

I have a friend with an Axopar 37 and it slices through the chop with ease. I find it very impressive and so does he. A very practical boat and from my experience really good in the Solent. I see lots of Axopar 28’s and 37’s dashing around in the chop while other boats are struggling.

That’s why the 22 caught my eye…. as a bit of fun. But…. It is small!

[Huntsman]

22 and 37 are a world apart!

[Audis5b9]

The solent really suits 7.5m + boats...any smaller get caught up in the chop.

Even the 28 is uncomfortable when going into a F5/6.

They are very lightweight boats, which suit fair weather days.

They are not deep-v or have any weight behind them to handle big weather.

I've sat on the 22 and thought it is pretty well designed and the build quality is fine for the price, but better suited for lakes or harbours rather than coastal work.

[Ian-27xza]

Looks like a potentially fun boat, depending on what the intended use is!

Where this boat seems to differ from the majority of similar sized RIBS or sportsboats is in the side facing rear seats. This seems odd to me and in my experience would not offer a secure place to sit and hold onto - especially if the 'Solent chop' is a likely playground. Additionally, if your spine is 90 degrees to the direct of travel, this can potentially lead to neck strains / injuries.

However, I'm sure they're more comfortable than a traditional jockey seat whilst basking in the sunshine at anchor......

Having taken a look at the axopar website, other layouts are available.

Edited by Ian-27xza on Tuesday 26th October 15:45

[Petrus1983]

wilwak said:

Thank you. What sort of 24ft boat do you have?

I have a Cranchi -



As you can see from when it was being cleaned it’s hull isn’t ‘shallow’ so to speak -



When it was based in Poole Harbour and I spent the Summers going round and round Brownsea it was perfect - for the last two seasons it’s been Weymouth based and I’ve definitely noticed it’s shortcomings in waters that my dads sail boat laughs at.

[Badda]

wilwak said:

Thanks fir the opinions. Much appreciated.

I’ve been in a Axopar 37 and it’s very impressive.

I just thought the 22 seemed fun and the video below is quite impressive.

Yes the Solent out of Cowes is usually pretty choppy which is my concern with a smaller boat but thought the Axopar hull may really help.

I’ve seen a couple of small Saxdor’s whizzing around quite impressively with their similar shaped hulls.

https://youtu.be/1LRfilt-tWU

That’s impressive. It looks like a very dry boat and has the speed to stay out of the dips. I like it a lot!
I had a boat similar to the Cranchi above that didn’t like the Solent much as it would only do 25 knots max and below that you got a bit wet. I now have a slighter slower boat with a wheelhouse so I’m warm and dry regardless of conditions. However if I was buying a day boat - I’d be extremely interested in this.

[wilwak]

Thanks all. All really valid points and very helpful.

Definitely confirms my concerns about length being important in the Solent and the 22 may be very restricted by weather.

I guess if it only used in very flat days it’d be ok…… but that’s quite restrictive.

It would make a nice ‘second’ fun boat I guess!

[wilwak]

Ian-27xza said:

Looks like a potentially fun boat, depending on what the intended use is!

Where this boat seems to differ from the majority of similar sized RIBS or sportsboats is in the side facing rear seats. This seems odd to me and in my experience would not offer a secure place to sit and hold onto - especially if the 'Solent chop' is a likely playground. Additionally, if your spine is 90 degrees to the direct of travel, this can potentially lead to neck strains / injuries.

However, I'm sure they're more comfortable than a traditional jockey seat whilst basking in the sunshine at anchor......

Having taken a look at the axopar website, other layouts are available.

Edited by Ian-27xza on Tuesday 26th October 15:45

Totally agree on the side facing seats. Very odd.

The obvious choice is the nice U shaped seating at the aft.

[LFB531]

A bit late to this topic;

I followed what I think was an Axopar 28 out of Portsmouth into a fairly unpleasant combination of wind/tide, it looked to be coping just fine but the passengers were obviously not. We both turned Westwards to avoid some of the worst before crossing over to the Island and passed him in our 7.5 Cobra, as we did he turned tail and headed back into the harbour.

If nothing else it sort of showed that no matter how good the boat, if the passengers aren't happy it's a wasted trip! Totally agree on the size though, my previous 6m would have felt a bit small on the day.

[wilwak]

LFB531 said:

A bit late to this topic;

I followed what I think was an Axopar 28 out of Portsmouth into a fairly unpleasant combination of wind/tide, it looked to be coping just fine but the passengers were obviously not. We both turned Westwards to avoid some of the worst before crossing over to the Island and passed him in our 7.5 Cobra, as we did he turned tail and headed back into the harbour.

If nothing else it sort of showed that no matter how good the boat, if the passengers aren't happy it's a wasted trip! Totally agree on the size though, my previous 6m would have felt a bit small on the day.

Thanks. I’ve seen Axopar 28’s out in all sorts of wild stuff. I guess the choice of whether to confuse depends who’s onboard. It is frustrating having to abort for sure.

The 22 is far smaller than the 28 and would most likely need a full assessment of conditions before proceeding. However, the big problem with the Solent is it’s very changeable!

I’d really love to hear from somebody that has one or has been in one. The 22 could be fun.

[Huntsman]

I disagree that the Solent is changeable, its predictable because the sea state is about the tide hot sports, that's where its lumpy.

[wilwak]

Yes predictable….. but still changeable.

[Huntsman]

wilwak said:

Yes predictable….. but still changeable.

Maybe you're right, I've not been boating in the Solent long and dont know it that well.