Designed in France by Andre Beneteau in 1977, the Antares line has undergone many changes over the years but remains the brand’s go-to family and live aboard boat. With expansive outside space, the seemingly smaller inside space still offers all the accoutrements that give it that “je ne sais quoi,”making it feel like home.
Starting with the Airstep hull that is designed to cut through waves, minimize splash and handle well in rough seas, the Antares is the only twin outboard boat in its range (the 21 and 23 have single engines) and can go the distance and at speed. In the U.S., Beneteau offers twin Mercury 200 HP V-6 XL 4-stroke outboards and reported 27.6 mph cruising and 46.3 mph top speed.
A wide starboard walkway provides passage to the large sectional bow sun pad, secured by high railings. On the aft deck, shaded by the extended T-top, U-shaped bench seats surround a wood table that can recess to create another sun pad; optional teak flooring adds richness to the deck and swim platform which has a shower and a starboard telescopic ladder for water access. When ready to go inside, a three-leaf sliding door opens to the salon.
While not huge, the portside salon seating, starboard galley and wood trimmed helm station are comfortable, light and airy and an optional opening roof hatch can literally increase the airiness. Laminate “wood” flooring and walnut cabinets add warmth. The dining table drops to create an additional berth when needed and the co-pilot seat back flips to face the salon for extra social seating. The galley’s laminate counter is standard; a Galley Package with storage drawers, 2-burner propane stove, stainless sink with cold water and refrigerator is optional at about $3,000. Note that a generator for electric heating and A/C is also optional, certainly necessary for live aboards.
Below, two double cabins, one aft and one forward, have storage lockers and nearly 6 feet of head room (5’10” to be exact). The forward cabin is enclosed by a pocket door and has a ventilating deck hatch and skylight; both share a separate head with wooden cabinetry, a shower, sink and toilet with a flip down cover. The head and aft cabin’s only ventilation is a single porthole in each—another consideration for live aboards.
The helm has 6’4” headroom, a nice touch for taller captains, recessed lighting and a sporty spoked steering wheel; a fully electronic Garmin-equipped dash includes Zipwake, bow thruster and a Fusion sound system. The sliding starboard door facilitates solo captaining.
The Beneteau Antares is a classy, speedy and nicely designed boat but options needed by live aboards affect the base price. Currently built in Poland, Beneteau plans to move production of this and other models to the U.S. soon.
