Billionaire’s Boat Bet | Axopar 38 US Debut | Boneheaded Bloopers - 2/27/2026

STEP ABOARD THE 38 Following her world debut at Boot Düsseldorf, the Axopar 38 makes her U.S. premiere at the Palm Beach International Boat Show, where Axopar invites boaters to experience the new platform firsthand. Built on the legacy of the 37, she introduces a new hull tuned for predictable handling across a wide speed range, while expanding onboard space into four connected living zones that accommodate up to 12 without compromising drivability.
 

FOUR V12S. FULL CABIN The 500 SSC blends open-bow lounging with an enclosed, climate-controlled main deck and a full cabin below. At 53'4", she carries 650 gallons of fuel and was tested with four 600-hp Mercury V12 Verados. Top speed reached 66.4 mph, with best cruise at 50 mph. Joystick piloting and a Seakeeper 9 round out the package.
 

SWIM, TOW, REPEAT The Sea Ray SPX 210 sterndrive makes the most of 21'8" with a wide 8'6" beam, wraparound cockpit seating, and a broad swim platform that quickly becomes command central at anchor. A central ski locker keeps the deck clear, and filler cushions turn the bow into a lounge. With the 200-hp MerCruiser 4.5L MPI Alpha One, she ran 46.6 mph in BoatTEST trials.
 

TOURNAMENT CONFIGURED Powered by twin MTU 2000 V16 M96L engines rated at 2,635 hp each, she carries 3,200 gallons of fuel and features Viking’s Skybridge configuration. A Seakeeper 40, Furuno Omni sonar, MTU dynamic positioning with joystick, and Palm Beach Towers hardtop define her build. Currently available in Clearwater, Florida.
 

KILL SWITCH, ANYONE? Ever seen a boat decide it’s done listening? A tinny spins in circles after its operator falls out. A ferry in Venice pinballs between docks. A 265-foot fuel barge gets shoved onto a beach. Add frozen boats, ice canoe racing, and a ramp launch that requires driving backward the whole way. It’s another reminder that water always wins.