The Axopar 38 Sun Top is an open walkaround to be configured as a platform, not as a sum of aesthetic packages. The double step hull, the two outboards, the canvas roof, the 360-degree circulation and the stern modules allow very different uses; for this reason a conscious purchase must start from the distinct technique of the single unit. Tank, electrical system, toilet, gavones and seating arrangement change the way the boat works more than one insulated accessory.
Three lengths and two widths not to be confused
The model page indicates 11.85 meters without engines and 3.53 meters wide. The manual 2026 distinguishes 11,81 meters of hull and 12,56 meters of maximum length, in addition to 3,48 meters of hull width and 3,53 total. They are compatible numbers but intended for different purposes. For boat, lifting, invaded and insurance place, you must use the maximum actual configuration, including outboard, platforms and accessories.
| Voice | Summary | Practical control |
|---|---|---|
| Length hull / maximum | 11,81 / 12,56 m | Measure the overall unit footprint |
| Width hull / overall | 3,48 / 3.53 m | Use the correct data for handling |
| Fishing hull / propellers | 0,70 / 1,10 m | The bottom should be evaluated on the lower feet |
| Weight without engines | 5.100 kg | It is not operational displacement |
| Power | 2 × 300–350 hp | Maximum 2 × 257 kW and 400 kg per engine |
| Fuel | 830 l; option 1.000 l | Confirm tank and calibration indicator |
| Persons | B: 10 / C: 12 | Category and load should be read together |
| Sleeps | 2 + 2 | They depend on the ordered configuration |
Real weight: from 5,100 kilograms to ready boat
The 5,100 kilograms declared exclude engines. Adding two outboards, up to 830 or 1,000 liters of fuel, batteries, water, crew, again, equipment and luggage you get a very different value. The real weighing is useful to choose professional cranes and trolleys and to interpret a test at sea. It must be accompanied by the distribution of the loads: the same mass placed aft, high or near the center does not produce the same trim.
Carena in GRP, double step and deadrise of 20 degrees
The fiberglass composite hull takes two steps and a 20-degree deadrise angle. Steps intervene on the wet surface and on the supply of flows, but do not guarantee alone speed or comfort. propellers, engine height, trim, bottom cleaning, sea and load remain decisive. Initially, skates, edges, fittings and stern mirrors must be examined, looking for bumps, repairs, cavities or finishing differences.
Two 300 or 350 horse outboard
The range is from 300 to two 350 hp. The manual fixes 257 kW, equivalent to 350 hp, and 400 kilograms as maximum for each engine. Serials, weight, power, propellers, mounting height and declaration of the unit must agree. In the test, cold start-ups are recorded, maximum temperatures, pressure, vibration and separate response of the two groups. A powerful couple does not compensate for incorrect mounting or a dirty bottom.
Bridge, steering and electronic integration
The driving station combines commands, displays and trim functions. Assisted maneuver systems, joysticks, bow thrusters and navigation electronics can be integrated according to the setup. Before considering them present you must read them in the separate of the single boat. The test includes steering rod, trim, tab, alarms, data networks, transducers, updates and feeds. The readability should be tested with front sun, night navigation and roof in different locations.
Declared consumption and autonomy: how to use numbers
With two V8 300 DTS the board contains approximately 3.0 liters per mile between 20 and 34 knots and an indicative autonomy of about 250 miles in optimal conditions. It's manufacturer data, not proof of this unit. To plan you use the actual capacity, you remove unusable fuel and reserve and apply the measured consumption with real load. Wind, wave, fouling and frequent accelerations can change the result.
830 litre aluminum tank
The current equipment includes an 830 litre aluminum tank; an optional capacity of 1,000 is provided. It is not enough to read the indicator: plate, vent, vent, supply lines, filters, valves and inspection access. A controlled supply helps evaluate the calibration of the level. Persistent smell or humidity require immediate investigation, because the fuel volume makes the seal of the entire circuit fundamental.
Walkaround bridge and 360-degree drainage
The self-empting bridge and perimeter circulation are key elements of the project. With peaks and parabords on board it is necessary to verify that the passages remain free, that the tientibenes are reachable and that the discharges work with inclined boat. Doors, jaws and modules should not create triplets or stop the way to the bow. The 316 steel hardware requires washing, fixing control and attention to galvanic couplings.
Sun Top in canvas: shadow without fingering a cabin
The opening roof in canvas changes shadow, aeration and protection, but does not transform the open into a closed rudder. Guides, motor or manoeuvre, tensioning, drainage and seals must be tested after abundant washing. The canvas should be examined for seams, abrasions and narrowings; the system must close without force. When opened, the sheet must remain locked and not interfere with antennas or components installed later.
Operating heights and passages under structures
The manual distinguishes about 3.6 meters with tree and antennas, 2.8 with these elements knocked down and 2.1 meters to the roof of the cabin. The real configuration can differ for radar, lights, doors or other additions. Before entering a shed, under a bridge or on a transport, the height must be measured. Every damaging component requires a safe procedure and a safe stop; remembering by heart a catalogue number is not a sufficient mitigation.
Seven sports sessions and crew distribution
The configuration described includes seven sports sessions in the central area. Ergonomics and lateral seal should be tested by people of different body, controlling footrests, handles and freedom of controls. The number of seats does not coincide with the maximum number of people and does not define on its own where occupants and luggage should stay in navigation. The commander must be able to store visuals and access to the levers even with the fully used cockpit.
Modular poppe: platforms, wet bar and cabin
The activity platform, the wet bar with fender box and the cockpit are configurable elements, not universal appearances. Every choice changes weight, storing, access to engines and plants. The platforms require verification of fixings and non-slip surface; the wet bar adds water, drains and utilities; the cabin imposes ventilation, exit routes and infiltration control. The separate order must be compared with what is physically installed.
Prua: U sofa and gullwing doors
The prodier area can receive the U sofa and gullwing doors connecting the bridge to the cabin. Even here modularity means more hardware and seals to be controlled. Doors must open, close and block without games; drains and jokes must remain dry after a test with water. Bearing and table must have a safe position in navigation, leaving access to anchor and a walkable way without overtaking mobile elements.
Front cabin and four potential beds
The prodier cabin offers a double bed; the two additional seats depend on the layout. A serious control measures ventilation, condensation, lighting, storage and access to wiring or piping. Mattresses and coatings are raised to look for moisture, odors and loose fixings. If the cockpit is installed, it is necessary to verify that its input remains feasible when the cockpit is configured for navigation.
Electric toilet and 70 litre waste tank
In the basic solution the electric toilet is obtained under the sofa and is connected to a 70 litre waste tank; more articulated configurations are available with local toilet and shower. Suction, rinse, indicator, vent, valves and discharge are tested in compliance with the applicable standards. The discreet position should not make inaccessible clamps or fittings. Odours and refluxes report problems that a simple cosmetic cleaning does not solve.
Sentry pumps: three automatics and a manual
The equipment indicates three automatic electric pumps and a stern manual. The number is only significant if each aspiration reaches its own low point and the discharges do not affect. You lift the floats, you look at the flow and alarm and you try the manual pump with full pipe. Fuses, direct feeds, grids and valves must be identified. Recurrent water in a compartment requires to find the entrance, not to rely on a larger pump.
Batteries, switches and lithium option
The boat uses remote control of the batteries and a 12 volt fuse framework; the options can include lithium technology. Chemical, capacity, date, status, fixing, ventilation, switches, chargers and charging profiles are recorded. A lithium bank requires a consistent management system, protections and compatibility with alternators and utilities. The only presence of a display does not show that cables, masses and fuses are properly dimensioned.
Fire alarms and monoxide
Documented carbon monoxide and fire alarms must have readable position, date and test procedure. Extinguishers, escape routes, ventilation and access to the switches are controlled. Outboards reduce some internal sources compared to an inboard, but kitchen, batteries and cabling remain risk factors. Each component added after delivery must be protected and should not obstruct sensors or steps.
Category B and C: people and conditions are not interchangeable
The documentation indicates ten people in category B and twelve in C. It means that number of occupants and project conditions change together; you do not always choose the greater value. Plate, CE statement and manual of the specific unit prevail. Maximum load, means of rescue, distribution of people and weather remain the responsibility of the commander. A high-speed boat also requires everyone to sit or take proper before speeding up.
Test protocol at sea
The test starts with levels, crew, sea, wind and state of the noted famine. They measure time of entry into planata, regimen, speed and consumption at multiple stages without presenting values as universal. They try virates in the two senses, stop, reverse, tab response and manoeuvre with one motor at a time. Gavones and technical compartments are reopened to search for water, fuel, abnormal heat or components that have moved.
configuration guide before order
The list must indicate tank capacity, motors and propellers, electronic package, batteries, roof, aft layout, additional cabin, toilet, refrigerator, water, heating or air conditioning and mandatory safety equipment. Weight, absorption, location, access and maintenance are noted for each item. This method avoids an optional but unbalanced or difficult boat to assist. Preventive, distinct and manual must refer to the same model year.
The technical judgment
The Axopar 38 Sun Top offers a fast and very configurable platform, with complete circulation, openable roof and stern capable of changing function. The strengths coincide with areas requiring more discipline: step carena, double power, modules and electronic integration must be tested as a system. For the passionate expert is an interesting boat when the configuration comes from a precise program; it becomes less convincing if the accessories are chosen without weight balance, energy and accessibility.