Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin Review

Axopar brands itself as the Adventure Company, and it prides itself on modular spaces in versatile boats suitable for everything from coastal hops to sandbar crawls. The flagship Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin pushes that formula further with convertible spaces and notable triple-outboard performance. Captain Boomies and Captain Eric of BoatTest.com, Rightboat’s content partner, produced an entertaining and informative walkthrough and performance test, providing a good place to start to learn about this vessel:

Video by: BoatTest.com

Key Features of the Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin

With a fully enclosed pilothouse, you might think that the 45 XC would be tight on space, but rather than having a traditional fore and aft path from helm to aft deck, Axopar placed large sliding doors on each side and pushed the path of travel to relatively wide walkways with high gunwales. That choice creates the space for a U-shaped banquette in the pilothouse, aft of the doors with full visibility onto the aft deck. The dining table folds, pivots, and moves for varying placements depending on the event, and the galley module slides fore and aft to increase space for circulation where it’s most needed. Axopar also took a section of gunwale both port and starboard adjacent to the sliding doors and created fold-out diving platforms that also serve as seating (just add cushions) further enlarging the pilothouse social space.

The main cabin—airy and exceptionally well lit—can be accessed via a companionway on the port side of th helm station when underway and in inclement weather, but the more spacious entry is through the port and starboard gull-wing hatches. Just a few steps down, the cabin has a V-berth in the bow that converts into a couch with tray tables, bench lounges, and a full-height shower/wet head. (Those looking for a true weekender boat might choose the Travel Edition, which trades the convertible couch for dresser drawers.) Likewise, the aft cabin option, which is shown in the video above, has its own hidden entrance through the banquette. While the aft cabin doesn’t have standing headroom or loads of space for overnight needs, the expansive berth is comfortable and both adults and kids will find it a cozy underway space. Remove the stern sunpad cushions and open the skylights, and the cabin transforms yet again.

Both the bow and stern have dedicated lounging areas. Swimmers can come back aboard on a narrow ladder outboard of the three Mercury Verado 300s, and all guests can enjoy a second galley/wet bar station with refrigerator drawer on the stern. In the pilothouse, the three seats at the helm station can be rotated 180 degrees aft to join the party. Each area—stern, gunwale bench, pilothouse, main cabin, and bow lounge—is only a few steps from the next, and with the pilothouse roof retracting, music and conversation will flow freely around the boat.

The Axopar 45 XC’s 3’3” draft and outboard engines allow access to shallower water, if chasing sandbars, while its exceptional turning and sturdy tow rail would make for fun wakeboarding or tubing. Axopar’s options include roof racks for its adventure accessories: kayaks, paddleboards, seascooters…even bikes for island-hopping adventures.

The Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin buttons up for efficient and comfortable travel at speed, but the bow deck, cabin roof, and sliding doors all open for ventilation. BoatTest photo.

Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin Performance

With triple 300-hp Mercury Verado outboards, the Axopar 45 XC delivers both muscle and efficiency. During testing, the boat hit a top speed of 50.3 mph in moderate seas while burning 67.9 gph at 5400 rpm. Its most economical cruise came at 4500 rpm, running 40.4 mph and using 45.8 gph, giving it a real-world range of 292 statute miles (with a 10% fuel reserve). 

At the helm, the 45 feels responsive and surprisingly agile for its size. It can be turned within its own circle thanks to an efficient hull design and outboard power. The integrated Simrad electronics (with extensive upgrades available), bow thruster controls on the wheel, and Mercury joystick make the boat easy to drive and dock.

Navigating the Used Market

The Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin was introduced with the 2022 model, and there’s a fair amount of inventory, often labeled as the 45 XC. If the aft cabin option is of interest, look for a 2023 model or later. The boat and its price can vary widely depending on options and packages, so prospective buyers will want to check which options are included as well as conduct a complete pre-purchase survey.

Axopar also has two other 45-footers, the 45 Sun Top (45 ST) and the 45 Cross Top (45 XT). Each of the three models has a similar profile and offers the Brabus premium styling package; substantial differences will be found in cabin enclosures and cabin seating.

The broad stern window in the aft cabin lets in a ton of light, and if the optional aft head isn’t included, a large compartment is available to stow spare cushions.

Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin Pricing

As of June 2025, listings on Rightboat.com place pre-owned Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin models in the $725,000 to $925,000 range, depending on options, condition, and location. New 2025 models are often listed as price on application (P.O.A.) but can be expected to push the $1 million mark. Axopar’s packages include the Mediterrana style package, the Brabus style, the aft cabin/head layout, and the Travel Edition, each of which are considered options well above the base price. 

Conclusion

The Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin can handle a large group during the day for a variety of adventures, or a smaller group for a comfortable evening at anchor. It can handle waves well, protecting the crew from spray and breeze, or skim through calm shallows in the Florida Keys. Lighter than many 45-footers with 900 hp behind it, the Axopar 45 XC will feel powerful and fun. It’s a strong choice if you’re looking for an adventure boat that packs onboard a lot of fun and function.

Search for the Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin on Rightboat.

The main cabin’s V-berth converts into a couch with tray tables, while a couch to port and a seat to starboard create a pleasant conversational area. 

Technical Specifications: Axopar 45 XC Cross Cabin

Overall Length (excl. Engine): 13.90 m (45’7”)

Beam: 4.11 m (13’6”)

Draft to props: 1.0 m (3’3”)

Weight (excl. Engine): 7,700 kg (16,975 lbs)

Passengers: 12-16

Berths: 2 persons (with optional aft cabin 2+2)

Fuel capacity: 1390 liters (368 gal)