Why This Sports Boat Is Perfect for WA Conditions

David and Jackie Rafferty were looking for something that could handle the demanding offshore conditions of Western Australia while still being fun, fast, and easy to use. After seeing the Axopar 28 Cabin at a boat show and doing their research, they knew they’d found the right match.

“It’s the best boat for WA that I’ve found,” David says. “We dived in and we’re really glad we did.”

WA’s boating conditions can be unpredictable, with strong southwesterlies and open stretches of ocean between islands. The Raffertys needed a boat that was quick, safe, and suited to both day trips and overnighters and that is exactly what the Axopar 28 provides.

Can the Axopar 28 Cabin handle rough offshore conditions?

Absolutely. For David and Jackie, WA’s 25-knot southwesterlies are just part of the experience, and the Axopar 28 Cabin handles them with ease.

“We realised it’s actually a great boat for WA conditions, which are pretty testing at the best of times.”

The Axopar 28 Cabin stood out for its offshore performance, enclosed helm, and head-turning design. But what sealed the deal was how capable and confident it felt even in rough seas.

“It doesn’t matter if there’s a strong sea breeze coming. We’ve come home in 25-knot southwesterlies and the boat was really comfortable,” David explains. “Everyone stays dry and safe. We just close the upwind door and leave the downwind one open, still get great airflow, but stay protected.”

How Fast Is the Axopar 28 Cabin?

Speed is one of the Rafferty’s favourite things about the boat, and for good reason. The Axopar 28 Cabin is seriously quick, easily cruising at high speeds even in open water. With top speeds of 48 kts and efficient cruise speeds around 30kts, Axopar’s performance is unbeatable.

“We love how fast it goes,” says Jackie. “And how smooth it is.”

For the Raffertys, that means getting from Fremantle to Rottnest Island in just 20 to 25 minutes, even when the sea breeze kicks in.

“25 minutes has been our longest trip back from Rottnest, not many boats can manage that in any conditions,” emphasises David, “Plus everyone stays comfortable, safe and dry.”

Whether they’re heading out for lunch or racing the weather home, the Axopar’s speed and stability give them more freedom to explore without compromise.

“It is just like a sports car,” Jackie laughs.

With precise handling, powerful acceleration, and a responsive hull, the Axopar 28 Cabin offers a ride that’s not only fast but fun, and controlled, just like a high-performance sports car.

What is your Axopar Adventure?

Living in Perth, David and Jackie’s usual cruising grounds include:

• Rottnest Island – Parker Point and Stark Bay
• Garden Island – Herring Bay

For the Rafferty’s it’s often about spontaneous trips.

“We just go down to the yacht club, throw the ropes off, and go,” says David. “Even if we’re only out for a few hours or overnighting, we know we’ll be comfortable and safe even if the seabreeze is up.”

The Axopar gets them there quickly and with less fuss, it’s become a central part of their weekends, “just getting out into the ocean, it’s just fantastic, it’s such a great boat.”

What features make the Axopar 28 Cabin good for weekend cruising?

In this Axopar 28 Cabin Review they praise their Axopar for being an “everything boat”.

“The living space is like a Swiss Army knife of a boat,” says David. “Everything turns into something else. It does the job really, really well.”

They’ve done multiple overnight stays on board, with the versatile cabin offering shelter, comfort, and flexible space. The boat’s efficient layout makes it easy to switch from lounging to sleeping, with plenty of storage and protection from the elements.

Axopar’s growing community

David and Jackie are often joined by fellow “Axaparians” at Rottnest, and recently attended an Axoparty with dozens of other owners. These boats are becoming a regular sight around WA’s most iconic cruising grounds, and their owners, a tight-knit community.

“You always wave at each other as you go past,” David says. “Brilliant day. So organised. Amazing food and weather. Just seeing so many Axopars out together, it’s really cool.”

What would you say to anyone considering an Axopar?

Let’s put it this way, the previous owner of their Axopar tried to buy it back.

“He went up to a bigger boat and regretted it instantly,” David says with a laugh. “He actually tried to buy back into it, but I wouldn’t let him. He claims we stole it from him.”

Final Thoughts: A True Sports Boat for the WA Coast

From offshore adventure to day cruising with ease, this Axopar 28 Cabin review proves the boat strikes the perfect balance of performance, practicality, and style. It’s the kind of boat that turns heads at the dock but really proves its worth when the swell picks up and the sea breeze sets in.

If you’re looking for a fast, capable, and clever sports boat for WA offshore conditions, this might just be your perfect match.

Looking for a New Boat in This Size Range

Since the Axopar 28 has gone out of production, the second-hand market continues to snap them up quickly. But for those wanting something new, the Axopar 29 is the next evolution. With new features like improved foredeck and cabin space, and increased fuel efficiency and capacity, it’s the perfect next step for WA boaters seeking a fast, capable, and feature-packed sports boat.

Whether you’re exploring the second-hand market or considering the next-gen Axopar 29, this Axopar review shows why this range continues to dominate in WA.