Beneteau Antares 11 Flybridge Reviewed
The latest Antares from Beneteau is a supremely zippy outboard-powered cruiser
A little while back, we reviewed the Beneteau GT32. I rated it as a perfect match for any of our significant waterways, including Sydney Harbour, which is home to New South Wales’ Beneteau distributor, Chapman Marine. So, where does that leave this Antares 11 flybridge, a similar size offering from the European boatbuilder’s catalogue?
Both have moved to feisty outboard power for stirring performance. Both benefit from the ride and handling you’d expect from a company with deep pockets for design and development. But whereas the GT32
The Flybridge 11’s class B CE rating covers it offshore in winds up to Beaufort 8 and 4m seas — that’s not to suggest we should head to sea in 40kt of wind, but it’s reassuring to know the boat is capable. Of course, we should always check the conditions before leaving port and keep up to date regularly.
THE BUILD
The resin-infused hull and topsides weigh in at 5483kg before engines, and the bulk of the weight is kept low for best handling and ride. Both the hull and the deck are end-grain balsa cored polyester resin finished in a rich white gelcoat. The variable deadrise starts with a sharp 50 degree bow entry and flattens gradually to 14.5 degrees at the transom. High chines and spray rails at the bow recede amidships for optimum stability and confident handling, while diverting spray well to the sides.
A curved shear line drops at the bow for a sporty modern look, and the windscreen rakes sharply back to the low profile flybridge rated to five passengers.
Having the cabin offset to port improves living space and allow easy access to the bow along the wider starboard side decks. You can still ease yourself along the portside deck by moving somewhat crablike, but both passageways have decent handholds and safety rails. Black hull windows and the overhang infill join with the low black flybridge screen to balance out the white gelcoat. The result is a classic and a well-balanced look that’s maybe not quite as fetching as the beautiful lines of the single station version.
OUTSIDE LIVING
The cockpit layout places the entry gate to starboard, but if you need to tie up along the port side, a narrow platform forward of the engines allows access — as long as the transom lounge is in its forward position. The lounge needs to slide to let the motors lift clear of the water when the boat is docked. Swim platforms on either side of the big Mercury engines extend the boat’s usable space.
Lounges wrap around the transom and port side of the cockpit, then extend through into the saloon for a socialising space that should find room for the 11 guest capacity in enclosed waters. A quad-fold saloon door gives a wide opening between teak clad cockpit and saloon and there’s even a low drop in drinks table at the doorway. Back in the cockpit, a fibreglass table has a sturdy aluminium leg that drops into a choice of two slots for placement options For times with fewer guests onboard, the transom lounge converts to a generous-sized sunpad with the flybridge overhang providing welcome shade.
A cool feature that adds to cockpit space is a drop-down section of the starboard side that forms a 1300mm x 740mm platform over the water that is level with the cockpit sole. Rails drop in to protect unwary guests, and there’s room for a chair to take in the wide-open space. The high ceiling under the flybridge adds to a feeling of freedom, while clears that seal off the cockpit make this a year-round proposition.
With the engines out the back, there’s a monster storage space under the cockpit where inboard motors would normally reside. This review boat had an optional 4kVA diesel generator installed there, but there was ample room left for water toys.
A quick walk to the bow offers more outdoor relaxing, with a twin sunpad with backrests and a built-in shade. High rails and a non-skid deck make attending the anchor safe, and access is straightforward to the twin door ground tackle locker and Lewmar winch.
Eight timber treads lead on a steep ladder to the flybridge and an outside helm station to starboard. A single booster seat is designed for comfort, and there’s a covering bimini for sunny days. All the essential instruments and controls are at hand, and vision behind the low windscreen is superb. To port is a four-seater lounge with a teak table that can convert to another sunpad.
A LOOK INSIDE
As you step into the saloon, you are met with wide views and loads of light through the wide wrap-around windows. Around two metres of ceiling height and a mainly white interior add to the airy feeling, and if you prefer a natural flow of air, side windows open for some breeze.
To starboard is a compact galley with a stainless steel sink, a two-burner cooktop, a Whirlpool microwave and a low 70L Dometic compressor 12V fridge. Opposite is the lounge that flows in from the cockpit to finish as an L-shape, wrapping around a folding table for formal dining inside. The seating also drops to form a bed for occasional guests or flips to make a raised navigator’s chair opposite the helm.
The helm chair is high mounted and well contoured for a well-supported ride. A bolster and slide make it easy to get comfortable from either a seated or standing position at the sporty wheel. Twin controls for the engines are to the right, and the dash is neatly laid out on a contrasting black panel with clear vision to the 12in Garmin screen and SmartCraft engine readouts.
Vision is excellent through the single piece wrap around the windscreen, and a side door gives immediate access to the side deck and a forward door for docking.
STAY OVERNIGHT
As much as the Antares makes a great entertainer and daytime cruiser, it’s the accommodation below that adds an extra dimension. Being able to stay onboard overnight or for a week or so has a natural appeal for those looking for extended downtime.
A companionway to port of the helm leads three steps down to a two cabin and single head layout. Immediately to the right at the foot of the stairs is an alcove with handy storage options and a second 50L fridge. You will also find the main fuse and switch panel here, while a roof hatch allows quick access to service the dash panel overhead.
Upfront is the bow master cabin with a large island bed and steps from each side. Soft off-white lining and walnut cabinetry add a plush vibe, and there’s valuable storage under the bed, inside lockers and on shelves with stainless steel fiddle rails. Given the sloping lines of the boat overhead, the cabin has a remarkable amount of headroom, and with windows on each side, it feels spacious and welcoming. A roof hatch and small side ports offer a flow of air, or if you prefer, you can run the generator for air-conditioned comfort when anchored. As with all boats with CE certification, the roof hatch doubles as an escape exit with a ladder in one of the wardrobes.
The ensuite has access directly from the main cabin or from the hallway so it can double as the day head. Generous head height, ample ports and white gelcoat help give the roomy feeling. The shower is roomy with generous head height and includes a moulded seat and a transparent screen. Forward of the shower, the vanity includes a floating matte white circular bowl with a high mirror and toiletries cupboard. Gauges alongside the Jabsco soft flush toilet showing water and holding tank levels are a handy feature.
In a boat this size, a second cabin will be a compromise, but a great addition, especially for a family. Located to the rear of the companionway and under the saloon sole, the space can accommodate up to three adults in a transverse double and a lengthways single. There is standing room at the entrance, and room to lounge against the portside hull, but head height is limited over the beds. Side windows and air-con ensure good ventilation. Agile youngsters won’t have a problem manoeuvring into position, but it might be a big ask for your overweight grandfather. So, while the second cabin is relatively confined, the upside is that occasional guests will appreciate the snug private room and the kids will feel right at home in their own safe haven.
THE DRIVE
Side-Power bow thrusters eased us away from the dock at the Sydney Boathouse, and we were soon in the slow lane heading towards Barangaroo. At 6kt, the Antares tracked true with no wandering and an almost inaudible rumble from the 4.6L V8 Mercurys. Out on the harbour, acceleration was immediate, and we were planning at an easy 13kt. By 4000rpm, we saw a slow cruise of 17kt where the engines drew a total of 80L/h for a range of 153nm (283km). Pushing on, we reached a fast cruise of 28kt at 5000rpm, and the Antares would have been happy to sit at this speed in the wash and tide race of the upper harbour all day. The expected range stayed relatively consistent from planning speed through to wide-open throttle, but the most economical cruise would be 4000rpm for 17kt and 80L/h from each 400L tank for a range of 153nm with 10 per cent in reserve.
Handling was predictable and precise. From the flybridge, the lean into turns felt exaggerated at first, but I soon got used to the feeling as the chines bit in. Using the auto trim capacity of the Verados — I noticed they are pretty intuitive and even in tight power turns — there was no cavitation when the engines automatically trimmed down. Driving the Beneteau was a pleasure for its soft ride and nippy performance, and it should feel equally at home in the right conditions offshore.
THE VERDICT
Price as tested is $572,000 with a long list of options. Price starts at $458,123 with a pair of 250hp engines but wait times have grown out to 2023, so it’s time to start planning.
There’s a lot to like about the Beneteau brand, and the new Antares 11 will be a popular choice, especially for families wanting to get away for weekends and longer on the water. The boat is easy and safe to drive, and it’s a load of fun. As well as being a great entertainer in its dayboat roll, it would be the ideal getaway machine for Sydneysiders for a week on Pittwater or down to Jervis Bay. You could plan similar trips from most capital cities.
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FACTS & FIGURES — BENETEAU ANTARES 11 FLYBRIDGE
PRICED FROM: $458,123
PRICE AS TESTED: $572,000
OPTIONS FITTED: Engine upgrade, Simrad electronics, cockpit enclosure, flybridge bimini, windlass, swim platform, bow thruster, side windows, generator, air conditioning, BBQ, soft furnishings and loads more.
GENERAL
MATERIAL: GRP
TYPE: Flybridge cruiser
LENGTH (LOA): 11.08m (36ft 4in)
BEAM: 3.51m (11ft 7in)
WEIGHT: 6148kg (hull and engines)
CAPACITIES
PEOPLE: 7 (NIGHT) 13 (DAY)
FUEL: 800L
WATER: 200L
ENGINE
MAKE/MODEL: Mercury V8 Verado 300
TYPE: DOHC Fuel Injected V8 Four stroke
RATED HP: 300
DISPLACEMENT: 4.6L
WEIGHT: 272kg (20in leg)
GEAR RATIO: 1.75:1
PROPELLER: 17in
MANUFACTURED BY: Beneteau Europe
SUPPLIED BY:
Chapman Marine Group
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