With a Tetris-style approach to configurations and an array of family-friendly features, the all-new Axopar 38 Cross Cabin is a true Swiss Army Knife on the water – and a Yacht Style Awards 2026 winner.

The all-new Axopar 38 succeeds the hugely successful 37

When Axopar debuted the ‘Mark II’ edition of its 37 in 2020, it was an upgrade of the original Axopar 37 that had premiered four years earlier and was available in Cross Cabin (enclosed), Sun Top and Spyder (fully open) versions.

The Axopar 37 Cross Cabin version landed somewhere between a rugged Scandinavian explorer and a family weekender, a boat that was happily carving its own niche and wasn’t trying to put itself in the ‘sports cruiser’ box. Instead, it offered something refreshingly straightforward: a capable, all-weather boat that was safe, comfortable and had thoughtful, convenient features ingrained into the design.

Fast forward to 2026 and the 37 has been replaced by the all-new Axopar 38, with a slightly longer hull among 200 or so changes.

Graphic showing major changes from the Axopar 37 to the Axopar 38 (Cross Cabin), with grey text representing options

Effectively a ‘third-generation’ model, the Axopar 38 was first displayed in the Cross Cabin version at the indoor Boot Dusseldorf show in January, was a Yacht Style Awards 2026 winner (‘Motoryacht 10-12m’) and since been joined by the Sun Top and the Cross Top versions.

AROUND THE WORLD

Hugely popular globally and in Asia where dealers include Simpson Marine, Derani Yachts and Europa Yachts, Axopar has sold in the region of 7,500 boats and cultivated what could be described as a devoted following. The Finnish-owned company refers to them as ‘Axoparians’.

It sounds slightly cultish, until you spend a day around them and realise the term is a good way to describe its very specific clientele.

I discover this myself during Axopar’s Open Day in Palma de Mallorca, where dozens of the brand’s boats are lined up in the marina, owned by happy ‘Axoparians’ who have chosen the Balearics as their home port.

The unit shown has twin 350hp Mercury V10 engines and includes the Brabus Line, aft cabin and bow U-sofa options

At the far end of the marina, the new Axopar models – the ones to be tested by journalists – are idling quietly. Against the backdrop of honey-coloured stone buildings and a crisp blue Mediterranean sea,

the fleet looks remarkably charming and cohesive.

Their Scandi styling can conjure up an image of an ice-covered Baltic lake or a remote inlet in the Norwegian fjords, but they look equally at home against a cheerful blue sky and the soundtrack of happy children playing on a nearby beach.

While the 38 Sun Top is making its debut and is unveiled in a dramatic fashion to many “oohs” and “aahs” from attending journalists, I’m here to see the 38 Cross Cabin, in its Brabus Line edition. The model on display features the option of a second cabin; a wet bar or bench sofa are among other aft deck choices.

Whatever the configuration, the Axopar 38 is a boat that champions modularity and seems to adopt a Tetris-like ability to swap in and swap out various features or upgrades.

Axopar introduced fold-down ‘activity platforms’ on the all-new 38; options shown include side bench seats and an electric sliding canvas roof

The yacht has a near-39ft overall length and an 11ft 7in beam, occupying a sweet spot in the dayboat or ‘adventure boat’ market. It’s large enough to overnight comfortably and small enough to remain approachable for owner-operators. Approachable is a recurring theme at Axopar.

“I am all about getting more people on the water,” says Jan-Erik Viitala, Axopar’s Founding Partner and Creative Director. “That’s what I’m trying to change in the industry.”

It’s a philosophy that permeates every aspect of the boat. The Axopar 38 isn’t a radical departure from its predecessor. Instead, it’s the result of years spent listening to owners and refining a concept that already worked exceptionally well, with the Axopar 37 selling about 3,000 units.

The hull remains a twin-stepped design, but hydrodynamics, balance and structural engineering have all been revisited. The wider bow improves access and liveability (there’s now a bow lounge as standard), while the wheelhouse and accommodation spaces have undergone substantial redesigns.

Side view shows the option of a helm sofa, which has a folding backrest that can combine with a high-low table to form a saloon bed

Noise-reduction measures have also been incorporated throughout, and the entire boat feels more polished and resolved than before.

ON THE WATER

For a fair-weather boater like me, all of this sounded promising on paper. The real question is how it would feel underway. Fortunately, Mallorca delivers ideal testing conditions, with a moderate chop rolling through the bay, enough to reveal a boat’s weaknesses without making everyone on board regret breakfast.

We slip away from Palma and head out towards the open water. Our test boat is fitted with the upgraded option of 350hp Mercury V10 outboards that deliver a top speed over 45 knots, although cruising at 38 knots feels more than sufficient.

The 38 Cross Cabin feels unintimidating behind the wheel. The helm is clean and automotive inspired, visibility is excellent and the enclosed wheelhouse creates a reassuring sense of security without feeling claustrophobic.

The optional roof-rack can be used to carry water toys like paddleboards and mountain bikes, while the sunpad atop the aft cabin can fit an eFoil

Axopar talks extensively about drivability, but unlike many builders, it doesn’t achieve this through layers of electronic intervention or clever gimmicks. Instead, the boat simply feels well sorted, with joystick control and twin bolster seats, although rotating helm seats or a driver sofa are among options.

Turns are smooth, predictable and confidence-inspiring. Even pushing through the chop, the sharp entry hull maintains its composure and never feels unsettled. It’s the sort of boat that quickly encourages you to relax because it seems to understand what you’re trying to do before you’ve fully committed to doing it.

“Forgiving and intuitive,” is how Viitala describes the experience as I yank us into another turn. I try not to take that personally.

ROOM FOR MORE

One of my favourite aspects of the boat lies in how it accommodates people. The saloon is flanked by sliding glass doors and is fitted with a daybed that can also turn into your principal dining area due to a concealed table.

The interior of a different Axopar 38 Cross Cabin, with twin helm seats

It looks simple enough, but I’m amazed by the way they’ve added things: like a little table that pops out from the port side and becomes a small drinks bar, and a footrest that goes across the entrance to the cabin and makes you feel properly ‘cocooned’ inside.

The main cabin, included as standard, is located forward. You descend into it from a partition on the port side of the helm, separated by a door that opens upwards from the upper part and a sliding screen along the bottom. With the pantry module option, there’s a small galley with a hob and sink, plus a compartment above with shelving that could work as a rack for herbs and spices.

Opposite is a fully enclosed and remarkably well-finished bathroom, with a shower head attached to the wall. Just forward is an extending table that can either be petite enough for coffee or large enough for a meal. Then, there’s a divider that effectively allows you to use this space as seating or as a bed.

The forward cabin configured with a pantry module to port and enclosed bathroom to starboard

In my opinion, the aft cabin remains a true innovation, because it’s both totally unexpected and a completely obvious solution. First seen on the 37, the cabin is tucked under a flat sunpad that overlooks the swim platform and engines.

There are some integrated cup holders and an openable glass window at the aft end of the saloon. On either side of the aft deck on this well-specced unit is a slim bench seat with fender storage. Other side options include a larger fender box with cushioning on top or a small wet bar with a grill.

From the deck, you can lift the entire sunpad and access the space within, which is very handy when it’s used for storage, allowing you to throw in whatever you need when the cabin isn’t being used for sleeping and relaxing.

OPTIONS ABOUND

That’s a lot to cram in, but Axopar has gone all in on nifty tricks. The brand’s optional but popular gullwing doors lift on both sides of the forward cabin to let in light and ventilation.

Optional gullwing doors shown on a different unit

You can also use the door of the head as a partition between the wheelhouse and saloon, essentially making it either an en-suite or a head for general use.

Elsewhere, the bow has various options to suit the needs of different buyers. Our test boat featured the ‘U-Sofa Package’, with a high-low triangular table surrounded by the aft-facing U-sofa with backrests on both sides, that combine well with the standard forward-facing sofa.

Meanwhile, the roof includes an electric or manually operated sliding canvas sunroof, allowing you to benefit from fresh air. With the optional roof-rack in place, it provides a safe and secure place to lash toys, like paddleboards, surfboards or even mountain bikes.

An alternative forward cabin, with an electric toilet under the sofa

If I have any criticisms, it’s that the aft sunpad could benefit from additional handholds. At speed, particularly when crossing wake or chop, there were moments when I found myself wishing for something more substantial to grab onto, although I admit a sunpad is not a typical hangout during passage.

Likewise, I wasn’t entirely convinced by the outward-opening aft window, which feels less elegant than a sliding arrangement would have been. Still, these are relatively minor gripes on an otherwise exceptionally well-executed boat.

“The emotions you get out on the water are unlike anywhere else,” Viitala says as we glide into a bay with gin-clear emerald water and pine-thick shores. “You don’t get this on a golf course. You don’t get this in a swimming pool. Boating is just different.”

Axopar 38 Cross Cabin, winner of the ‘Motoryacht 10-12m’ category at Yacht Style Awards 2026

As we bob idly on the water, two children of about 10 zip past on Seabobs. One glances towards us and announces to his friend: “That’s an Axopar.” Creating a good boat is difficult enough but creating a boat that people instantly recognise from a distance is something else entirely.

Axopar popularised the term ‘adventure boat’ and has pioneered one of the industry’s fastest-growing sectors. Judging by the 38 Cross Cabin, the company has no intention of surrendering that position anytime soon.

axopar.com