Antarès is the historic engine range of the Bénéteau shipyard. The 6.80 and the 7.80 were the two most successful models in the range, selling several thousand units. Bénéteau therefore decided to offer two new models to replace these best-sellers. « This is a big challenge for us, because these two models have been very successful, said Carla Demaria, member of the Bénéteau board of directors, at the press conference of the shipyard at the opening of the Cannes Yachting Festival.
These two models breathe new life into the Antares range without bringing about a revolution. On the contrary, they take the elements that made them successful, and maximize them. The boats have been modernized, while maintaining the historical elements of the range. However, both models have been equipped with a new hull with a tulip-shaped bow for good sea keeping and a smooth passage.
Thus, we find the wheelhouse, but dynamized. It is accessed from the cockpit through a double sliding door. The interior is very bright since it is entirely glazed. The layout is basic, but sufficient for short cruises: steering position to starboard, galley with sink, stove (optional) and fridge (optional) behind, convertible saloon (double berth) to port and open cabin forward with adjoining bathroom. A deck hatch provides ventilation and light to the cabin.
The modular layout allows you to gain a little space in the wheelhouse. For example, the bench seat located to the left of the cockpit offers either a seat facing the sea or facing the saloon. The pilot's seat is reclining and allows you to enjoy a larger galley.
In addition to the 360° glass in the wheelhouse, an optional sliding roof hatch brings even more light into the interior. Throughout the boat there is plenty of storage space for spending a few days on board.
The modular cockpit offers several configurations for enjoying the outdoors. The saloon can be transformed into a large sunbathing area and the rear bench seat also slides out to free up the engine. Access to the sea is via a bathing platform with a retractable ladder, while when sailing, a gate closes the access to guarantee safety.
On the foredeck, you can install a sunbathing area as well as an electric windlass to facilitate anchoring.
The Antares are equipped with a Suzuki engine with a power of up to 175 HP on the Antares 7 and up to 200 HP for the Antares 8 . They can also accommodate a bow thruster to facilitate maneuvering.
Technical characteristics of the Antares 7 and 8
| Antares 7 | Antares 8 | |
| Overall length | 7,50 m (24'7") | 8,23 m (27') |
| Hull length | 6,48 m | 6,99 m |
| Overall width | 2,53 m | 2,79 m |
| Hull width | 2,50 m | 2,76 m |
| Light displacement without motor (CE) | 1,700 kg | 1,985 kg |
| Light displacement (CE) | NC | 2,269 kg |
| Air draft | NC | 2,33 m |
| Min/max draft | NC | 0,60/0,80 m |
| Fuel tank | 170 L | 280 L |
| Water tank | 50 L | 100 L |
| Maximum motor power | 175 CV | 200 HP |
Price: From 47 000 euros for the Antares 8
