Axopar Build Quality

[SouthWales]

XO boats are very nice and i was tempted by one but its a step up in cost, needs a bigger engine setup for same speed and in my view, less refined inside. not as a bad thing but a different use of space.

I tested a 270 cabin (inboard) and 28 TT (outboard) back to back and the Axopar was more for us being more responsive (with outboard) but the XO was a great all round boat. i would say more relaxed at eating up sea miles but less fun and i didn't want inboard. would be interested in a twin outboard XO but again, cost is king...

Please allow for an odd question that somehow makes sense to the wife.
Called the sunseeker dealer last week enquiring about 28 Cabin and was told about configurator, waiting times etc...

Discussed witht the wife who brought up the Marlin 895 Offshore in the same caregory. How to reason with her? Heavier boat, deeper Vee hull, higher center of gravity, suzukus instead of verados, and less responsive.
On the other hand, way more boat for same money, comparable build qualities, sleeps 6, truley all weather with shower, easy to fish from, longer range, and possibly more comfortable in choppy waters around us in the Bristol Channel.

Have you given it a thought at all? How much of a tradeoff is it in terms of fun factor?

 

[willbank]

XO boats are very nice and i was tempted by one but its a step up in cost, needs a bigger engine setup for same speed and in my view, less refined inside. not as a bad thing but a different use of space.

I tested a 270 cabin (inboard) and 28 TT (outboard) back to back and the Axopar was more for us being more responsive (with outboard) but the XO was a great all round boat. i would say more relaxed at eating up sea miles but less fun and i didn't want inboard. would be interested in a twin outboard XO but again, cost is king...

I have an XO 270 and it’s def as refined inside vs the Axopars. In fact the layout is very impressive and immensely roomy but you trade having any gangways along the sides, externally.

Overall I’m impressed with the built quality of all items except the rear sliding door which has a pathetic latch and bolts that don‘t properly align with the frame to lock it open.

 

[CLB]

Please allow for an odd question that somehow makes sense to the wife.
Called the sunseeker dealer last week enquiring about 28 Cabin and was told about configurator, waiting times etc...

Discussed witht the wife who brought up the Marlin 895 Offshore in the same caregory. How to reason with her? Heavier boat, deeper Vee hull, higher center of gravity, suzukus instead of verados, and less responsive.
On the other hand, way more boat for same money, comparable build qualities, sleeps 6, truley all weather with shower, easy to fish from, longer range, and possibly more comfortable in choppy waters around us in the Bristol Channel.

Have you given it a thought at all? How much of a tradeoff is it in terms of fun factor?

Apples and oranges. Been on both and, IMHO, build quality of Axopar is far superior. Also seakeeping of Axopar is in a different league.

Marlin wins on living space and accommodation but that's about it.

Pick whether you want better performance, quality and seakeeping (Axopar) or more space to live and more comfort onboard (Marlin). If you want both, you might need to start again from scratch.

 

[Momac]

The broken support for the tank doesn't look like it is a serious defect but obviously requires strengthening such as additional support under the tank deck.
The bow thruster failure is perhaps more concerning .


I can see the attraction of these boats but not for me since the accommodation space would not suit the chief officer.

.

 

[CLB]

The broken support for the tank doesn't look like it is a serious defect but obviously requires strengthening such as additional support under the tank deck.
The bow thruster failure is perhaps more concerning .


I can see the attraction of these boats but not for me since the accommodation space would not suit the chief officer.

.

The bow thruster tunnel appears to have been repaired after being damaged. I think the repair was the weakness, so cannot be put down to Axopar (Unless they did it). The design, with a separate section below the thruster, is very common amongst boat builders and done properly is absolutely fine.

 

[julians]

Please allow for an odd question that somehow makes sense to the wife.
Called the sunseeker dealer last week enquiring about 28 Cabin and was told about configurator, waiting times etc...

Discussed witht the wife who brought up the Marlin 895 Offshore in the same caregory. How to reason with her? Heavier boat, deeper Vee hull, higher center of gravity, suzukus instead of verados, and less responsive.
On the other hand, way more boat for same money, comparable build qualities, sleeps 6, truley all weather with shower, easy to fish from, longer range, and possibly more comfortable in choppy waters around us in the Bristol Channel.

Have you given it a thought at all? How much of a tradeoff is it in terms of fun factor?

This may be a bit of a poor anology, and I know it falls down is you scrutinise it , but

Axopar 28 = Audi RS Q8
Merry fisher marlin 895 = peugeot 5008

ie both are sort of the same shape (if you squint), but dynamically one is superior to the other

 

[SouthWales]

This may be a bit of a poor anology, and I know it falls down is you scrutinise it , but

Axopar 28 = Audi RS Q8
Merry fisher marlin 895 = peugeot 5008

ie both are sort of the same shape (if you squint), but dynamically one is superior to the other

I like your analogy. But lets look at the usage case:
Fun: axopar ("ax")
Accomodation: 895 Marlin ("ml")

Fuel consumption:ax
Water sports:ax
Looks:ax
Build quality:ax

Seating capacity: ml
Sleeping capacity: ml
Fishing: ml
Weekending with wife and 3 kids: ml

Now where I am not sure:
Purcahse price for similar spec.ed boats:?
Possibility to beach in west wales?
Overall annual maintenance cost:?
Depreciation curve:?
Insurance cost:?
Dealership relation post sale:?

 

[CLB]

Now where I am not sure:
Purcahse price for similar spec.ed boats:? Thats an importnat one, and you will need to look into that very closely
Possibility to beach in west wales? No difference between the two
Overall annual maintenance cost:? No, or very little, difference between the two if both twin engined
Depreciation curve:? No, or very little, difference between the two
Insurance cost:? No, or very little, difference between the two
Dealership relation post sale:? This is important. A good dealer relationship, and close location, when the boat is under warranty could sway the decision.

 

[Bouba]

I like your analogy. But lets look at the usage case:
Fun: axopar ("ax")
Accomodation: 895 Marlin ("ml")

Fuel consumption:ax
Water sports:ax
Looks:ax
Build quality:ax

Seating capacity: ml
Sleeping capacity: ml
Fishing: ml
Weekending with wife and 3 kids: ml

Now where I am not sure:
Purcahse price for similar spec.ed boats:?
Possibility to beach in west wales?
Overall annual maintenance cost:?
Depreciation curve:?
Insurance cost:?
Dealership relation post sale:?

In most cases the important dealer is the outboard engine dealer

 

[SouthWales]

In most cases the important dealer is the outboard engine dealer

I dont want to hijack this thread so just started another one.