HUGO SAYS SUN-TOP
I’ll admit that the Cross-cabin Black
Ops has a certain brooding presence that the ‘standard’ Shadow 900 Sun-top lacks but unless you really want to look like you’ve nicked it from the world’s flashest Special Forces, I would still plump for the open version every time.
Boating is about having fun in the sun with friends and family and the Sun-top does this better on every level. As well as being outside rather than cooped up in a greenhouse, you’re all together in one sociable cockpit space rather than split across three separate zones. And the helming experience is so much more vivid when you can see, hear and feel everything unlfitered by layers of glass. A bit like a Jaguar E-type Coupé, the Cross-cabin may be a more versatile boat, but I’d still choose to own the Roadster.
the separate toilet and the Sun-top didn’t but it will be down to personal choice as to whether you feel the added privacy of the smoked glass bulkhead to create what is a somewhat compromised heads compartment is worth it or whether you make do with the more spacious cabin with its toilet concealed beneath one of the seats.
OUT OF THE SHADOWS
The inevitable question with these two boats is if the Axopar 37 on which they’re based is so good, why shell out the extra money for one of these? The price may seem steep compared to the standard boat but it’s worth bearing in mind that the Shadows come fully laden with top-end kit and require very few optional extras, as you can see from the data panel on the last page. It’s not a boat you buy with financial justifications, though, it’s one you buy with your heart. Rarely have I tested a boat that attracts so much attention from other boats. Even the local Police RIB swung by to give a nod of approval, no doubt relieved that they weren’t in a situation where they had to try and chase it down.
Pull in to a busy marina in an Axopar 37 and, due to its prolific success, there’s a fair chance you will see a couple of almost identical ones but there is little chance of that with one of these, especially the handbuilt Black Ops limited edition where only
37 will be made. You’re paying for the aesthetic, elevated look, finish and performance but you’re also paying for exclusivity.
In truth, both these versions of the 900 do not disappoint and at their core are two of the most impressive point-to-point cruising machines on the water. However, in UK waters, it’s the year-round usability of the Cross-cabin that makes it the one to go for in my eyes. It’s the one that is most easily adapted in changeable weather conditions and the least hassle to look after but it is also, thanks to its effortless ability to cover large distances quickly and in leather-lined refinement, the one that is most aligned to the spirit of Brabus. CONTACT Brabus Marine London Group. +44 (0)203 667 67893; www.brabusmarine.com
You’re paying for the aesthetic, performance and exclusivity