Boating Industry knowledge with Axopar

Industry knowledge with Axopar

We got talking with Eyachts, the exclusive Australia and New Zealand dealer for Axopar about their immense industry experience in the boating industry and they shared their insights with us about their history and designs

The foundations

Having masterminded the growth and phenomenal worldwide success of Axopar since day one, self-confessed perfectionist and undisputed workaholic, Jan-Erik Viitala, is Axopar’s founding partner and Creative & Innovation Director.

Like many successful Nordic entrepreneurs, Jan-Erik has a steely determination, a strong work-ethic and an iron will to succeed and to stick to his convictions almost at any cost.

When it comes to an Axopar, for successful products to survive here, it’s about keeping things simple and the avoidance of ‘over-engineered’ solutions and unnecessary complexity. A golden rule that Jan-Erik and his design team have passionately stuck to throughout the continuing evolution and global success of the Axopar brand.

In a recent interview Viitala puts it this way: “We started without compromising the hull, then adding all the other accessories around it. Other manufacturers build the other way; starting with how many people need to be on the boat and go from there.”

Design

Jarkko Jämsén is the head designer for all Axopar boats and is responsible for Axopar’s exceptional hull design and functional features which make these unique vessels so spectacular. 

Jämsén is a founding partner of Aivan, one of Scandinavia’s largest multi–disciplinary design agencies focused on Nordic design and innovation. Aivan is responsible for dozens of award-winning designs including kitchen equipment, headphones and of course, naval architecture, which falls under the subsidiary, Navia Design. 

Taking a glimpse at the multitude of designs produced by Jämsén can give you an idea of the scope of work and reputation. With 15 awards and 25 nominations under their belt, you know there is a good reason to trust Jarkko Jämsén and the team at Navia. 

Jarkko Jämsen holds degrees in Naval Architecture, Industrial Design and Wooden Boat Building, he has extensive experience in the marine industry, from serial-produced boats to cruise ships and luxury yachts, and everything in between. With an extremely curious and distinctively innovative mindset, Jarkko loves to take on challenging technical projects that combine aesthetics with aerodynamics, hydrodynamics and engineering.

History

Ever since the Axopar 28 range caught the public’s imagination for the first time at its world premiere at the Helsinki Boat Show in 2014, competitors have tried but nothing has come remotely close to packaging such devastatingly cool looks with an exhilarating driving experience, and incredible value-for-money.

With its elongated hull lines and sharp, angular features, suddenly here was a concept that not only looked like nothing we had seen before, but cleverly conceived ‘modular’ options gave the range full versatility and created wide customer appeal, changing the way people perceived boating almost overnight.

No one could have predicted the considerable impact and long-lasting legacy that Axopar Boats have made on popular boating culture.

The creation of Axopar Boats was the net-result of many years’ combined experience; in essence a deep understanding of what customers wanted in a new boat and, of equal importance, what they could live without.

Fast-forward six years and with sales now approaching over 3200 boats delivered through a network of 100+ dealers in 50+ countries worldwide, success on this scale has never been seen before within boating, at least not within such a mind-blowingly short period of time.

As a yacht manufacturer that has delivered thousands of vessels, what would you say your point of difference in the industry is?

Axopar was one of the first day boats of its kind, focusing on hull design, performance and efficiency. An emphasis has always been on the hydrodynamics of the hull, and the use of twin steps in a powerboat was very unique when Axopar released the 28 model in 2014. 

The purposefully engineered chines were designed to reduce drag and increase speed, efficiency and range. The steps combined with the overall low centre of gravity give the Axopar the ultimate driver's boat experience as you can tuck into tight turns at exceptional speeds. The hull combined with the cutting bow allows Axopars to slice through offshore swell, no matter what the condition. 

Axopar was the first Adventure boat of its kind, with a do-all philosophy, suiting all boaters a-like. The modular layout makes these models so versatile and with practical features and options Axopars can be used for multiple activities with owners around the world using their boats for fishing, water skiing, wakeboarding, mountain bike riding, rock climbing, kite surfing, diving, there is really no limit to the adventure.

Becoming the successful brand Axopar has developed into, what would you attribute this success to?

No one could have expected the uprise in dayboating and adventure boating, and the adoption of the mould Axopar has now crafted. Owners enjoy the ease of use and the low maintenance, especially for those who have come from larger vessels. It is also the versatility of the boats and the many ways you can use them, they simply suit every lifestyle.

Axopars driving experience is second to none. If you are given the opportunity to put your hand on the throttle and tuck into a tight turn you will never look back. If you are taken offshore in choppy conditions, you will instantly feel the Axopar difference. 

Most importantly the team behind Axopar listen, they make changes and they adapt their models to be more functional and user friendly.

This is what has driven Axopar to be the fastest European boat brand in its category and why they have sold over 3200 boats in such a short period.

Across your range, which is your favourite staff product, and which is most popular with your customers?

We could not pick a staff favourite and while for a long time, the Axopar 28 Cabin has been the best selling model of the range, the Axopar 37 range is fast approaching as the leader after the launch of the revolution range in 2020. 

See a review of the model HERE.

The 37 revolution range set the precedent for Axopars range going forward with 380 changes from the previous model. This was a product of years of research and listening to owners feedback to create something even better than an already amazing product. 

Where are Axopar yachts made?

Axopar is a Finnish company and have brought in many marine industry professionals and experts from around the world to the Axopar team.

Everyone working at Axopar shares a love of boating, combined with a deep passion for the great outdoors. They are a mix of international professionals, each with their own devotion to sports, adventure and outdoor activities, spending their free time recharging in nature.

As you’ve mentioned, Axopar makes changes and adapts to customer feedback with new models. How do you test these new models before they’re released?

In a recent interview with Jan-Erik, he disclosed the stringent testing processes which start in the office using the latest testing technology in calculation animation, virtual reality to create prototypes. It is not until the design is flawless that these boats are built and tested on the water. After completion, each Axopar is tested by the most stringent observers in leisure boating to ensure they are certified as category B which is universally recognised as safe for offshore boating.

Axopar’s vessels are made to be used, so where would your top three destinations for boat owners and travellers be?

Sydney Harbour and Pittwater: A high majority of Axopar owners live in Sydney and enjoy travelling from the iconic Sydney Harbour to the scenic Pittwater and beyond through the quiet clutches of the Hawkesbury. The beauty of the Axopar is that this offshore journey won’t take longer than an hour so it is an easy day trip for when you are looking for an escape.

Rottnest Island: Popularity of the Axopar in Western Australia is on the rise as those that reside in Perth or Fremantle trust the reliability of Axopar to make safe passage to and from Rottnest Island, renowned for uncertain weather patterns, especially in the summer months. Axopar owners are free to snorkel and bike ride around the island spotting the friendly and famous Quokka on the shores.

Moreton Island: Famous for the many artificial reefs created by the shipwrecks that scatter the sand banks, Morton Island is a must do on an Axopar. Brisbane or the Gold Coast boat owners might agree that this journey is typically an over nighter but with the speed and efficiency of an Axopar this can easily be done in one day (plus with after cabin options on the 28 models and front cabin as standard on the 37 models, overnighters are definitely an option).

What three tips would you give your customers to enjoy Axopars to their full potential?

1. Set it up for your lifestyle. If you like fishing, get live bait tanks and rod holders, if you like paddle boarding or bike riding get roof racks, there are no limitations. 
2. Don’t put too much pressure on every time you take the boat out, just use it. The beauty of the Axopar range is that you can simply just take it out for a spin with absolutely no purpose and have a heap of fun. 
3. Make a list of things you want to do or places you want to go and start ticking them off.

For new and experienced buyers alike, what piece of advice would you give them?

Life is too short not to experience the thrills of an Axopar.

What are the Axopar models?

All models are from the latest revolution range updated in 2020 and 2021.

• Axopar 22
• Axopar 28 Cabin
• Axopar 28 T-Top
• Axopar 28 Open
• Axopar 37 Cross Cabin 
• Axopar 37 Sun Top
• Axopar 37 Spyder

Read more AXOPAR reviews HERE.

For customers wanting to check out Axopar yachts, where can they find them?

Axopar has a network of 100+ dealers in 50+ countries worldwide. Eyachts is the exclusive dealer for Axopar in Australia and New Zealand.