42′ Classic Power Boat vs. 37′ Axopar: Which Stormy Pirates Boat Is Right for You?
42′ Classic Power Boat vs. 37′ Axopar: Which Stormy Pirates Boat Is Right for You?
When planning a private boat charter in the U.S. Virgin Islands or British Virgin Islands, choosing the right boat can make a big difference in your day on the water.
At Stormy Pirates, two of our most popular private charter options are our 42′ Classic Power Boats — Stormy Petrel and Pirates Penny — and our sleek 37′ Axopar.
Both boats are excellent choices for exploring St. Thomas, St. John and the surrounding islands, including BVI destinations. But they offer very different experiences.
So which one is right for your group?
The short answer:
Choose the 42′ Classic Power Boat if you want maximum comfort, space, stability and an all-inclusive experience. Choose the 37′ Axopar if you want a sleek, fast, sporty boat with a more intimate feel and the ability to cover lots of ground.
Let’s break down the differences.
At a Glance: 42′ Classic vs. 37′ Axopar
| Feature | 42′ Classic Power Boat | 37′ Axopar |
|---|---|---|
| Boat style | Classic power cruiser | Modern performance boat |
| Length | 42 feet | 37 feet |
| Passenger capacity | Up to 14 USVI / 12 BVI | Up to 11 |
| Best for | Families, larger groups & comfort | Smaller groups & adventure |
| Ride | Heavy, stable deep-V hull | Fast, sporty & responsive |
| Engines | Large center-mounted diesel | Twin 300 HP engines |
| Bathroom | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Fresh-water Rinse | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Captain | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| First Mate | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Snacks | ✅ Included | ❌ Not included |
| Open bar | ✅ Premium spirits, beer & mixers | ❌ No premium open bar |
| Beer | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
| Soda & Water | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
| Pirate’s Punch | ✅ Included (unlimited) | ✅ Included (64 ozs) |
| Fuel | ✅ Included | ❌ Not included |
| USVI Charters | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| BVI Charters | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| ROAM Approved | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Overall experience | 🏴☠️ Comfortable, spacious & all-inclusive | ⚡ Fast, sleek & adventurous |
Our 42′ Classic Power Boats
Stormy Petrel & Pirates Penny
If your idea of the perfect Virgin Islands boat day includes lots of room, a comfortable ride and everything taken care of, the 42′ Classic Power Boat may be the perfect choice.
Stormy Petrel and Pirates Penny are Stormy Pirates’ flagship classic power boats. These boats were custom built for the waters around the Virgin Islands and feature a heavy hull and deep-V design that helps provide a comfortable ride and stabilty when crossing open water.
Why Choose the 42′ Classic?
More space for your group
The 42′ boats can accommodate up to 14 guests in the USVI and 12 guests in BVI waters, making them an excellent option for families, multiple couples, reunions, celebrations and larger groups.
A smoother, more substantial ride
The larger, heavier design and deep-V hull make the Classic Power Boats particularly well suited to the open-water crossings between the USVI and BVI. The boats are designed to plow through the waves rather than simply riding over them or hooby horsing like a catamaran.
This can be especially appealing if someone in your group is concerned about getting seasick.
More crew and more service
The 42′ boats come with both a USCG Master Licensed Captain and First Mate, giving your group an additional crew member to help throughout the day.
A premium open bar & Light Snacks
This is another major difference.
The 42′ Classic includes a premium open bar with selections including rum, vodka, tequila and gin, along with beer, soda, juices and water. Stormy Pirates also includes its Caribbean Famous Pirate’s Punch.
Boat Head + freshwater shower
The Classic Power Boats have a full sized, stand up boathroom on board and a fresh water rinse.
Bring your own playlist
The Axopar features a JL Audio Bluetooth stereo system, allowing your group to connect your own music and create the soundtrack for your boat day.
Fuel is included
One of the biggest advantages when comparing the two boats is that fuel is included in the 42′ Classic’s private charter pricing. That makes budgeting for your boat day simple and predictable.
The 42′ Classic Is Best For:
- Larger groups
- Families
- Guests who prioritize comfort
- Anyone concerned about rougher water
- Groups wanting plenty of seating
- Celebrations and special occasions
- Guests who want an all-inclusive experience
- Groups wanting a premium open bar
- Guests who want fuel included
The 37′ Axopar
Fast, Sleek & Built for Adventure
The 37′ Axopar is a completely different experience.
If the 42′ Classic is the comfortable island cruiser, the Axopar is the sports car of the Stormy Pirates fleet.
With twin 300 HP engines, the Axopar is designed for speed and performance while still offering a comfortable ride. It’s an excellent choice for groups that want to explore as much of the Virgin Islands as possible during their private charter.
Why Choose the Axopar?
Speed
Want to see more in a single day?
The Axopar’s twin 300 HP engines make it an excellent choice for guests who want to move quickly between destinations while still being economical on fuel.
That can mean more time for snorkeling, swimming, exploring beaches, grabbing lunch or visiting another island.
A sleek, modern design
The Axopar has a contemporary, sporty appearance that is very different from the traditional lines of Stormy Petrel and Pirates Penny.
If you’re looking for a boat that feels modern, stylish and sporty, the Axopar delivers.
Smaller and more intimate
With a maximum of 11 guests, the Axopar is a great choice for smaller groups who want a private boat experience without needing the additional space of a 42-footer.
Great for island hopping
The Axopar is particularly well suited for an action-packed day.
You can cruise around St. John, snorkel, stop at a beach, grab lunch at a floating restaurant and continue exploring without spending as much of your day traveling between destinations.
Boat Head + freshwater shower
The Axopar includes a small head, as well as a freshwater shower, which is a great feature after snorkeling or swimming.
Bring your own playlist
The Axopar features a JL Audio Bluetooth stereo system, allowing your group to connect your own music and create the soundtrack for your boat day.
The Axopar Is Best For:
- Couples
- Small families
- Groups of friends
- Adventure seekers
- Guests who want speed
- Groups wanting to maximize the number of stops
- Guests who want a modern, sporty boat
- People who want their own music playing
- Smaller private groups
42′ Classic vs. 37′ Axopar: Which Has the Better Ride?
This really comes down to what you value.
The 42′ Classic is larger and heavier, with a deep-V hull specifically selected for the conditions found around the Virgin Islands. That makes it our recommendation for guests who prioritize stability and comfort, especially when crossing open water.
The Axopar, meanwhile, is designed around performance, speed and maneuverability.
So if your group says:
“We want to relax, spread out and enjoy the ride.”
We’d lean toward the 42′ Classic.
If your group says:
“We want to go fast and see as much as possible!”
We’d lean toward the 37′ Axopar.
What About the Price?
Another important difference is how the charter pricing works.
The 42′ Classic Power Boats include fuel in the private charter price.
The 37′ Axopar pricing does not include fuel, so fuel is an additional cost.
That is important when comparing the two boats. Don’t simply compare the advertised charter price — make sure you’re comparing the total cost of your day.
Which Boat Is Better for the BVI?
Both boats can take your private group from the USVI into the BVI, subject to the applicable customs, passport and trip requirements.
The 42′ Classic is particularly well suited for the trip to destinations such as Virgin Gorda and the Baths, thanks to its larger, heavy design and deep-V hull. These boats were built for the waters surrounding the Virgin Islands and the crossing toward Virgin Gorda.
The Axopar is also available for BVI charters and is approved for the ROAM app USA check-in process when applicable.
So… Which Stormy Pirates Boat Should You Choose?
Here’s our simple recommendation:
🏴☠️ Choose the 42′ Classic if you want:
Comfort + Space + Stability + Premium All-Inclusive Experience
It’s the boat we’d recommend for larger groups, families, celebrations and anyone who wants to sit back and enjoy the ride without worrying about fuel or having enough room.
⚡ Choose the 37′ Axopar if you want:
Speed + Style + Adventure + Flexibility
It’s the boat we’d recommend for smaller groups that want to move quickly, explore multiple destinations and pack as much adventure as possible into their Virgin Islands boat day.
Still Can’t Decide?
That’s where the Stormy Pirates crew comes in.
Every group is different. Maybe you’re a family of six who wants to visit The Baths, snorkel with turtles and finish the afternoon at White Bay.
Or maybe you’re eight friends who want to crank up the music, jump in the water, visit a few beach bars and see as much of the Virgin Islands as possible.
Tell us what you want to do — and we’ll help you choose the boat that fits your day.
Whether you choose the classic lines and comfortable ride of Stormy Petrel or Pirates Penny, or the speed and modern style of our 37′ Axopar, you’re getting a private Stormy Pirates boat day designed around your group.
The Virgin Islands are waiting. Let’s go find your perfect boat. 🏴☠️🌴