Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin awarded YachtBuyer 5-Star Trophy
The Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin has been awarded the prestigious YachtBuyer 5 Star Trophy and inducted into the YachtBuyer Hall of Fame, placing it among a very small group of boats worldwide to achieve the highest rating.
The trophy was formally presented during BOOT Düsseldorf in January, and the recognition follows YachtBuyer’s rigorous review process, in which the Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin achieved a flawless 5-star overall score. The evaluation included a comprehensive hands-on sea trial and detailed scoring across six core criteria: Performance & Handling, Design & Build, Interior Accommodation, Helm Stations, On Deck features, and Value for Money.
During the evaluation, the Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin stood out as a complete and well-balanced package, combining confident handling, practical design solutions, intelligent use of space, and strong value in a competitive segment. The award also acknowledges the collective expertise behind the boat, from exterior design and naval architecture to interior layout and build execution.
“For me, this is quite special, because it comes from you. I know that you are dedicated to deep-diving into the details of the boating world, and that you only promote the products that you truly believe in”, said Axopar Founding Partner Jan-Erik Viitala upon receiving the YachtBuyer 5 Star Trophy.
The YachtBuyer 5 Star Trophy is earned through a demanding evaluation process that remains fully independent. YachtBuyer does not accept advertising, sponsorships, or entry fees from builders, and no shipyard pays for testing or consideration. Every review is selected, funded, and carried out by YachtBuyer alone, meaning that recognition is based entirely on how a boat performs, feels, and functions in real-world use.
“Achieving a 5-star score is difficult by design,” said Jack Haines, Reviews Director at YachtBuyer. “It requires consistency across every part of the review, from handling and build quality to layout and usability. Boats that reach that level have proven themselves under scrutiny, and that’s something to be proud of.”
Over the past four years, YachtBuyer has reviewed more than 260 boats, ranging from compact owner-operated models to large yachts. Fewer than nine percent have achieved a 5-star overall rating. To date, only 22 boats worldwide have been inducted into the YachtBuyer Hall of Fame, positioning the Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin within an elite group that sets a benchmark for modern boat building.
“For many owners, the first time they drive their new boat is after the purchase is complete,” said Kevin Bodington, Founder & CEO of YachtBuyer. “Our reviews exist to give people a clear understanding before that point. Through sea trials and detailed video coverage, we show how boats behave in real conditions, helping buyers make informed decisions with confidence.”
The award reinforces the Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin’s position as a benchmark in its class and reflects Axopar’s long-term focus on practical innovation, usability, and functional design.
Each Hall of Fame inductee receives a dedicated profile on YachtBuyer’s platform, bringing together its full written review, scoring breakdown, and professional sea trial and walkthrough video, allowing buyers to understand how the boat performs in real conditions.
YachtBuyer's Jack Haines, and Axopar Co-Founding Partner Jan-Erik Viitala.About YachtBuyer
YachtBuyer is an independent, data-driven marketplace and review platform dedicated to new and used motor yachts and boats. Its offering combines self-funded boat testing, video walkthroughs, and market data tools to provide transparent, experience-based insights that give buyers an accurate picture of the market and help them make informed decisions
