Boats from Northern Europe are always interesting. As a rule, they are convenient for everything, comfortable, seaworthy and incredibly reliable. Despite the use of the latest technologies and design solutions, they remain modest, but will ensure your safety, even if you suddenly want to frolic heartily.
The founder of Saxdor Yachts Sakari Mattila set himself the goal of combining American functionality and Italian style, but at the same time not exceeding the price level set by the French. If you add Finnish quality to this, you get unique universal boats that will always be in demand anywhere in the world.
Indeed, Saxdor boats have won several well-deserved awards in various nominations. This was to be expected, because the Axopar, Paragon and XO boats, which have long been easily recognizable and enjoy great popularity on the international market, are close relatives of Saxdor and were also designed by Sakari Mattila.
The current Saxdor boat line consists of six models ranging in length from 6 to 12 metres, with hulls built in Poland and Finland. Each model has a certain resemblance to the Axopar, with its deep V, reverse bow and transverse steps. The fold-down bulwarks transform into spacious terraces – a popular option for small motorboats today.
All models are equipped with outboard motors, which greatly simplifies their maintenance, repair and propeller replacement. The last point can be very relevant in conditions of unpredictable bottom relief near coastlines.
The current flagship of the shipyard, the Saxdor 400, is essentially just a stretched version of the previous 320 model, but the difference in habitability between them is certainly striking.
The fiberglass hull has two 300-horsepower Mercury V8 or similar engines as standard. With this kit, the Saxdor 400 can reach speeds of up to 40 knots. If that’s not enough for you, you can order outboard motors with 450 hp each, then your top speed will increase to more than 50 knots.
Although it may seem unlikely from the outside, the Saxdor 400 has a fairly large bow cabin, toilet and shower. In addition, you can order customized versions with an additional children’s cabin under the gangway and adult cabins amidships.
The wheelhouse of the 400 GTO model is clearly oriented towards the subtropics, while the 400 GTC will definitely appeal to residents of higher latitudes. The panoramic view from the cockpit, combined with folding bulwarks, creates a truly huge open space. Well, at least, the feeling of such.
The boats have different options for the layout and glazing of the salon, depending on the model. You can see vertical windshield glazing, with a reverse slope and in the sports cruiser version. Although the sporty style of the 400 is certainly very good, in our opinion, the straight glazing, like on the 320 GTC, looks the most harmonious and, one might say, is the hallmark of Saxdor.
But the trawler-style cabin on the 340 seems, to put it mildly, not quite appropriate, because these are not very seaworthy boats, and on a planing hull of such a small size it will never look good. Especially in combination with the negative slope of the bow.
Perhaps, initially the company sought to present its motorboats as affordable to the masses, but in fact now they are almost premium-class boats. And this definitely makes potential buyers consider alternative options, of which there are, of course, many, including the secondary market.
Who are Saxdor boats suitable for? Well, first of all, for those who value uniqueness and versatility. However, so many of these boats have already been sold that they are no longer unique.
Who are Saxdor boats not suitable for? Well, for those who are looking for high seaworthiness, they are definitely not suitable. However, for coastal weekend getaways, they have definitely become very popular far beyond Finland and Scandinavia.
It is important to consider that these boats can be really fast, but they are quite heavy (although for boats this is usually synonymous with the word reliability), so the engines in the basic configuration may not be enough for you, keep this in mind.
Can the Saxdor 400s be considered as superyacht tenders? Well, theoretically, yes. However, for this purpose, it would be nice to add a version with an inboard engine and a bathing platform.
What’s the most remarkable thing about these boats? Well, the answer is obvious: they are very stylish and cool. In fact, they have no downsides if the goal is a short vacation on calm waters with friends or family.