Axopar 37 XC Revolution (2020-)

Brief Summary

Eye catching is of course the first impression as the 37 XC Revolution is approached, with her optional fully wrapped “Revolution” pattern in Red, Grey and black. And then things only get better. Finnish company Axopar has wowed us in the past with unmatched handling characteristics and creative use of space. And yet, the Revolution claims to improve on that even further.

Key Features

• Rotating and adjustable pilothouse front seats with flip-up bolster
• Fully enclosed cabin with extra wide and lockable sliding doors
• Aft deck with large storage compartment
• Integrated swim platforms and telescopic bathing ladder
• Front cabin with L-shaped lounge sofa and seating

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	37' 9'' 11.51 m
Beam	10' 12" 3.35 m
Dry Weight	8,311 lbs. 3,770 kg
Tested Weight	10,564 lbs. 4,792 kg
Draft	2' 9" 0.84 m
Person Capacity	10
Fuel Capacity	193 gal. 730 L
Total Weight	10,564 lbs. 4,792 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	4.0 sec.
0 to 30	8.4 sec.
Props	16x19 Enertia
Load	3 persons, 1/2 fuel, no water, 50 lbs. of gear
Climate	65 deg., 30 humid; wind: 15-20 mph; seas: 0

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 300-hp Mercury Verado V8

By Capt. Steve

Overview

Four years ago, Axopar introduced the 37 to rave reviews, including with BoatTEST.com. Not ones to sit in their laurels, the engineering and design team went back to the drawing board and made further improvements to the running surface, and interior to make the 37 more comfortable inside and out. The result is the Axopar 37 Revolution. Available in three versions, the open “Spyder”, the hardtop “ST” and the full cabin “XC”. 

Axopar tells us that the new running surface is more responsive and sportier. They’ve fine-tuned directional stability, gripping in turns, increased cruising speed and lowered the fuel consumption. 

The Axopar Back Story

 

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

Features Inspection

Cabin

Since the XC brings overnight capabilities to the 37, let’s start our inspection there. Still present is the opening-upward door next to the helm station. However, the 37 XC Revolution has an optional ($4,629) access to both the port and starboard side decks by way of upward opening and lockable, gull-wing doors vastly improving the access and significantly enlarging the interior space. Both doors have gelcoat finish on both sides. Black leather grab rails allow convenient closing from the inside. 

Inside the open doors blend the sitting areas of the cabin with the outside. Seats are just aft of both doors and a filler cushion creates an L-shaped sofa. Forward is an opening portlight. A mirror makes up the forward bulkhead. Four pop-up clothes hangers keep the area neat and uncluttered. All upholstery is a Torres Grey fabric.  Overhead panels are Vintage Steel fabric.  

Fully forward is the queen-sized berth with soft-sided bolsters. Two foldable shelves flank the sleeping area. All upholstery can be upgraded to a Comfort Package ($3,539) that includes Lopi Sand Sunbrella with brown leather fastening straps and brown piping. 

Head

The two aft seats flank the entrance to the optional fully enclosed head ($3,158). And surprisingly, this is not a wet-head. There’s a separate enclosed shower. Without this option selected, the toilet is secreted under the L-sofa. The enclosed head consists of a separate, white frosted plexiglass bulkhead with a lockable door. The standard toilet is moved inside to starboard and mounted athwartships on an elevated platform. There’s a Corian counter with a stainless sink. Decking is black carpet.

Stern

The stern of the 37 XC offers optional modules to fill the space. The standard configuration is left open and roomy. Decking can be optioned to a rubberized Esthec ($6,415) non-skid composite on all working areas, including deck hatches. A contrast caulking pattern enhances the look. Axopar logos are to port and starboard.

As an option, owners can choose a wet bar ($4,792) that includes an opening lid with Corian top over a sink, 40L top load refrigerator and either a gas or electric grill. Below, a full-length grab rail are two storage lockers with shelving inside. 

An aft cabin ($4,901) is the next module option. A large sun pad covers the top for sunning on the main deck. The interior is accessed from the pilothouse aft sofa which leads to a spacious cabin that sleeps two, bringing the overnight total to four. The 150cm queen berth includes a Torres fabric mattress. There are two flush mounted roof hatches with integrated bug and blackout screens. Port and starboard windows have roller shades. Roof panels are Vintage Steel fabric. As with the forward cabin, a Comfort Package ($4,250 with Bow Comfort Package) includes upgraded upholstery, fabric extensions for the lower side bulkheads, and brown piping on the bolsters and cushions. 

Pilothouse

The center of the XC is fully enclosed and represents a comfortable, climate controlled and protected gathering area.  Aft, a full-width sofa lies under a single piece window.  An adjustable height pedestal table is just ahead.  The operator and observer’s seats swivel around to face the table and create a more social area.  More windows surround the area, and grab rails are over the side windows. A manually opening fabric sunroof can be pulled back to let the sun shine in. 

The Spyder and ST versions of this boat have multiple storage compartments for holding watersports and adventure gear. This XC model includes a new roof rack system for holding this gear. 

Helm

The helm is another area where Axopar did some fine tuning. It’s more ergonomic, whether standing or seated, and visibility is improved. The panel is uncluttered with gauges thanks to the integration of the twin 12” (30.48 cm) Simrad displays with the VesselView functionality. Below and to the left of the wheel are the bow thruster control stick, the trim tab control stick, the remote Simrad control, and the VHF. The leather wrapped wheel is mounted to a tilt base and the engine controls are mounted to the right on a nearly vertical angle. Ignitions are down and to the right, rather close to the knee strike zone. A leather storage pocket is also beneath the wheel. 

The 37 XC comes pre-rigged with model specific Mercury kits that include the tilt helm, SmartCraft integration and SmartCraft DTS (Digital Throttle and Shift). Additionally, the system can be ordered with Mercury Joystick Piloting (JPO). 

Visibility is excellent through the wraparound windshield that offers zero distortion at the curved sections. Defog vents are provided allowing operations on rainy days. Sliding doors to both sides not only offer cross-ventilation, but also make it easy to handle lines when single, or shorthanded. 

Bow

The bow area has been much improved over previous models. The portside L-shaped seat that continued across the bow has been removed, and in its place is now a double wide forward-facing seat. This is a more functional design and allows for the area to be enjoyed much more, especially when underway. A table adds to the functionality. An optional sunbed ($2,614) is also offered for the space just ahead of the seat, and therefore will eliminate the table. 

Brabus Trim Package

Axopar has enjoyed a long and healthy relationship with high-performance car tuning company Brabus for adding significant upgrades to its boats. Brabus Marine takes a stock boat and adds several features to turn the already exciting boat into a mind-blowing cruiser. The Trim Package ($4,999) includes:

• BRABUS Line steering wheel in dark grey suede finish and double BRABUS signature
• BRABUS Line passenger hatch grabrail in dark grey suede finish with BRABUS signature
• BRABUS Line cleats in black with double BRABUS signature
• BRABUS Line console map pocket in Niroxx finish
• Axopar 3D signature logo on both sides of hull in black finish
• BRABUS signature on top of Axopar logo on both sides of hull in black finish
• 37’ signature with carbon-fiber finish on fender storage panels in black
• BRABUS signature metal plate in front seats
• Heavy-duty rub rail on hull and swim platforms with endcaps in black finish
• Light mast in black finish (ST & XC)
• Windshield frame in black finish (S & ST)
• Sun-top roof support structures in black finish (ST)
• Side rails in black finish (if option chosen)
• Roof racks in black finish (ST & XC if option chosen)
• Water ski frame in black finish (ST & XC if option chosen)
• LED deck lights x 11 in blue
• Folding seats on aft deck in black finish (if option chosen)

Brabus Line Color

In addition to upgrading the interior, Brabus will also bring the exterior ($3,539) up to par with a range of features including…

• Miami Blue or Platinum Grey hull and hull sides up to rub rail in hand painted color gelcoat finish
• Bottom part of swim platforms up to rub rail in matching hand painted gelcoat finish
• Entire roof in hand painted color gelcoat finish (ST) roof in hand painted color gelcoat finish (XC)

Options and Pricing

The Axopar 37 XC Revolution has a base price of $103,211. Some options worth considering are a Side Power bow thruster, a forward Maxwell windlass with 100’ (30 m) of chain rode, an aft Maxwell windlass with 100’ (30 m) of rope rode and shore power with a 42’ (13 m) cord. The “Revolution” Camo Wrap ($8,659) will certainly bring a measure of eye candy to the 37 XC.   

Observations

We’ve been captivated by the Axopar line since our first test on them several years ago. Their distinctive look is certainly eye-catching and some have a love/hate relationship at first glance. Once stepping aboard, all doubts are removed as there are examples of creative use of space and ergonomics at every turn. And when we got the test boats out in less than ideal weather, we were hooked. Simply stated, we’ve never been on such superb handling boats. They turn on a dime with an excellent combination of grip and stern slide that brings them around with zero prop ventilation. Offshore, they can handle the worst conditions that kept us going even when so many other boats were running for cover. In short, there’s a new standard of handling and comfort…. Axopar.