Local Spotlight: Beneteau Antares 8
With a range of new functions, the Beneteau Antares 8 is the ultimate leisure yacht
Diverse needs at sea
Beneteau’s new Antares 8 from its weekender range combines everything the yard is known for, innovation, high-performance, family friendliness, style and elegance. It comes in two versions, ‘Cruising’, with its sleek and contemporary profile for onboard comfort and conviviality, and ‘Fishing’, with its sporty feel and which has everything fishing enthusiasts need.
A new major feature is the starboard side gate, which will allow owners to dock the boat more easily and will allow keen fishers to bring their large catches onboard. There are wide platforms flush with the deck which provides for safe boarding and can be used as a swim platform. Another new feature is the widened starboard walkway to allow for easy access around the boat to the bow, where a roomy sunbathing area is placed. A roof rack up top allows owners to store all their leisure equipment, such as kayak’s paddleboard or even some bikes if planning to head ashore — or even for more storage space back at home.
A modular cockpit features in the stern, where a removable tabletop converts the bench seat in the cockpit into a spacious sunbathing area, or simply allows for more comfortable seating for a sociable meal. This can also be achieved in the port freeboard with the folding bench seat and the bench seat backing onto the glazed window in the saloon. The rear bench seat also has a storage area and can be slid forward to reveal a space where you can raise the engine with the bench opposite this, able to house an icebox for longer trips.
Onboard, the helmsman’s and adjustable co-pilot’s seats can swivel around to face either the saloon or the sea, and owners have the option to include a 12-inch control panel. The galley area has a fridge and a choice of gas or electric hob and an air-conditioning system to keep the boat cool. For passengers, along with the bathroom, there are two double berths, one in the cabin and another in the wheelhouse, with room for an extra bed under the saloon.
If chosen, the ‘Fishing’ version has an open cockpit and the rear bench seat is replaced by a fishing station that includes rod holder, a recirculating livewell tank and three storage compartments under the cockpit sole, one of which can take a fish box. On the roof, a search spotlight in the rear and a LED light at the front provide better night visibility, and rod holders can be fitted as well as a 12-inch display to survey fishing grounds, making this the perfect fisherman’s friend.
The Antares 8 handles well in diverse situations so is perfect for relaxing with family and friends on the water or even for getting away for a few days. Available in two colourways, the Antares 8 showcased at the Southampton International Boat Show in the United Kingdom from 10 September to 19 September 2021.
QUICK SPECS
Beneteau Antares 8
PRICE POA
LENGTH 8.23m (27ft)
BEAM 2.80m (9ft 2in)
DRAFT 0.80m (2ft 7in)
DISPLACEMENT 2451kg
SPEED 35kt
ENGINE Suzuki 250hp
FUEL 340L
WATER 100L
PASSENGERS 9
BERTHS 5
WEB beneteau.com