One of the joys of owning any Axopar is driving it, and the 29 is no exception. Whether you’re behind the wheel of the Sun Top or the Cross Cabin (XC), that familiar sense of nimbleness and precision is obvious. The hull has a sharper bow entry and increased flair, compared with the 28, creating more interior space up front while preserving that aggressive, sea-slicing profile.
The test boats ran twin 200hp Mercury outboards, but you can specify a single engine if preferred. That said, the twins delivered a beautiful balance of low-end punch and top-end speed.
At a comfortable cruise of around 29 to 30 knots (53.7 to 55.5km/h) fuel usage hovered around 27 to 30lt/h per engine, which is very efficient for a boat of this size and capability. Axopar’s tried and tested twin-step hull is the secret sauce here. Not only does it improve efficiency, but it also enhances ride comfort and responsiveness.
As we skipped across Sydney Harbour, the boat felt agile yet secure. Cornering was tight but never twitchy, always controlled. Trimmed correctly, the hull leans confidently into turns and stays glued to the water, even when hit by the wash of passing boats.
Top speed? We saw over 40 knots, and the boat still had more to give.
