Axopar 22 T-Top (2022-)

Brief Summary

Axopar's 22 T-Top is a single-engine day boat targeted at buyers who want a smaller vessel that gives them the Axopar experience. She could also be a versatile tender.

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	23'7" 7.22 m
Beam	7'4" 2.25 m
Dry Weight	2,756 lbs. 1,250 kg
Tested Weight	3,964 lbs. 1,798 kg
Draft	2'8" 0.85 m
Person Capacity	7
Fuel Capacity	60 gal. 227 L
Total Weight	3,964 lbs. 1,798 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	4.3 seconds
0 to 30	9.0 seconds
Props	16x17
Load	3 persons, 1/3 fuel, 50 lbs. gear
Climate	72 deg., 45 humid, wind: 5-10mph, seas < 1 ft.

Engine Options

Tested Engine	1 x 200-hp Mercury Verado
Std. Power	1 x 115-hp Mercury Verado
Opt. Power	1 x 200-hp Mercury Verado

Report by Eric Colby

Mission Statement

Axopar says it builds its boats for adventurers. The new 22 T-Top is an expansion of the company’s 22’ (6.71 m) series that also includes the Spyder. The company’s modular construction approach lets an owner customize the interior configuration and single outboard power helps keep her more affordable.

The Axopar Back Story

Read about the Axopar concept based on interviews with the company’s CEO, Jan-Erik Viitala here...

Axopar 22 T-Top Major Features

• Single Mercury Outboard up to 200 hp
• Standard T-Top on Aluminum Frame
• Convertible Cockpit
• Pivoting Helm Seats
• Bow Seating
• Twin-stepped bottom
• Available Jobe Revolve watersports package

Axopar 22 T-Top Performance

The Numbers. The 22 T-Top has an overall length of 23’7” (7.2 m) with a 7’4” (2.23 m) beam. Draft to the propellers is 2’8” (.8 m), so hull draft only should let this boat access just about anywhere. Weight without the engine is listed at 2,756 lbs. (1,250 kg). With three people, 19.9 gallons (75.33 liters) of fuel and gear aboard, we had an as-tested weight of 3,964 lbs. (1,798.04 kg)

With the optional 200-hp Mercury Verado four-stroke outboard spooled up to 5400 rpm, the twin-stepped bottom with four strakes hit a top speed of 45.4 mph. We recorded best cruise at 3500 rpm and 27.1 mph and 6.1 gph, which calculated out to 4.4 mpg and a range of 239 statute miles with 10% of the boat’s 60-gallon (227.19-liter) fuel capacity in reserve.

In acceleration tests, the 22 T-Top planed in 4.3 seconds and ran through 20 mph in 6.2 seconds and hit 30 in 9.0 seconds.

From the helm, Capt. Steve called the boat “sporty” and said her response to steering input is such that it requires a gentle touch on the wheel. He likes to wear a hat when aboard, so he appreciated the adjustable windshield that deflected the wind up and over his head even when standing. 

We had calm conditions during our test, so we had to rely on cruising around wakes of passing boats to see that the 22 T-Top likes to slice right through whatever comes her way. She’s pretty much right on par with other Axopars that we’ve tested.

Axopar 22 T-Top Features Inspection

The Stern. Swim platforms extend 33” (83.82 cm) past the outboard on each side, providing safe reboarding after watersports and an option for embarking from the dock. A robust aluminum tow sports bar envelops the engine and has a rope attachment on top. Rigging looks clean with the hydraulic steering hoses cleanly run.

The Cockpit. Axopar designs and builds its boats with a modular approach and the 22 T-Top’s cockpit is a good example. It comes standard with a lounge across the transom and then open deck space between it and the helm seat. It can be upgraded to a horseshoe-shaped lounge around a table that can then be lowered to create a sunpad. Overhead, the fiberglass T-top with a canvas insert is built on an aft-raked aluminum frame. The canvas section can be retractable as an option.

Storage is provided in the seat bases. The bottom cushion for the stern bench lifts up to access the battery switches. Axopar uses an open design approach so guests can retrieve the contents without making anyone get up. In the deck, there's a large opening to access the batteries and additional storage space.

The Helm. Moving forward, the helm has two bucket seats that swivel so the captain and a companion can turn around to join the fun when the boat is at rest. They also adjust fore and aft and have flip-up bolsters. The helm console has a grab handle across the top. A Mercury 7” (17.778 cm) VesselView screen comes standard and our test model had the optional 12” (30.48 cm) Simrad evo3 multifunction display. There’s enough space for two screens. Trim tab controls are to the far left of the non-tilt steering wheel with the digital engine controls to the right. Accessory switches are in a flat panel just ahead of the controls and there’s an inductive phone charger outboard to the right. There are storage pockets on the console base and wings extend aft on each side to provide additional protection. 

As previously noted, the windshield height can be adjusted using thumbscrews on each side. We noted that the rubber washers on our test boat’s windshield were worn. Upgraded to nylon could help extend life expectancy.

Moving forward, the bulwarks come up 28” (71.12 cm) adjacent to the helm console. The passageways are 12” (30.48 cm) wide, but it’s a tradeoff we think most people would be willing to make for a more usable console. The bow area has a seat on the front of the console with an aft-facing seat in the forepeak. The table from the cockpit can be installed in this area as well, creating a dinette.

A lift-and-lock latch on the base of the console seat releases it so the whole structure can be raised on hinges and a gas strut. Inside the private head, there’s a sink with a fold-up faucet and a toilet plus the circuit-breaker panel.

Fully forward, our test boat had a single raised rail that matched the T-top frame. Navigation lights and cleats are outboard on each side and a hatch opens the anchor locker. Inside, we’d like to see an anchor keeper. There’s under-deck storage in the bow as well.

Retail pricing starts at approximately $38,036.40.

Observations

The 22 T-Top continues Axopar’s Swiss Army knife reputation in a single-engine day boat that is ready to take on many adventures. With her twin-step design and single outboard, she’s reasonably priced to purchase and operate. We can see her working well as a primary day boat or as a carried or tow-behind tender.