Antares 8
Bénéteau has initiated the redesign of its Antares range, ensuring that its 40th anniversary is celebrated in style. The Antares 7 and 8 outboards are the first of this new generation. These units represent a statement of Bénéteau’s expertise in space management and safety on the water. The result is a striking re-affirmation of the values of this historic and globally renowned range.
Designed entirely by the Beneteau design team, the Antares 7 and 8 boast a new hull design with improved sailing performance and even better handling. As leisure craft ‘par excellence’, they provide a superb introduction to coastal cruising.
Antares 7
Safe, High-Performance Hull Design
The tulip-shaped hull design of both new models in the Antares range deflects waves effectively, but still ensures stability on the water. The Suzuki engines can provide up to 175 HP for the Antares 7, and 200 HP for the 8-metre model. Bow thrusters can be fitted for easy manoeuvring. Both Antares models are a perfect embodiment of range’s values in terms of accessibility, innovation and performance, and provide an ideal introduction to short-range cruising.
Antares 7
Exceptional accommodation
Access to the spacious and safe wheelhouse is made through a double sliding door. With its ingenious tilting design, the bench located to the left of the helm station provides a seating area which can face the sea or the saloon. With its table lowered, at night this area provides additional extra-spacious double sleeping accommodation.
Access to the spacious and safe wheelhouse is made through a double sliding door. With its ingenious tilting design, the bench located to the left of the helm station provides a seating area which can face the sea or the saloon. With its table lowered, at night this area provides additional extra-spacious double sleeping accommodation. The helmsman’s seat tilts to reveal a cleverly equipped galley area with sink, fridge (optional), stove (optional) and storage being provided in this space. The glass surround of the wheelhouse provides panoramic sea views. A sliding roof (optional) panel bathes the interior in natural light, and considerably enhances the impression of space.
There is a full double forward en-suite cabin. The beds have been carefully designed and the amount of storage space available is more than sufficient for voyages lasting several days. With its deck port-hole the cabin is wellventilated and well lit. The separate bathroom with toilet is an unusual feature for craft of this size.
Antares 8
Clever deck layout
The modular cockpit can be configured to ensure that time spent in the open air is pleasurable. It can be transformed into a spacious sun-bathing area, whilst the rear bench slides to allow the motor to be raised easily. Access to the sea is achieved via the starboard bathing platform with its retractable steps. When under way a gate closes off the access to ensure maximum safety. The forward deck can be used as a sun-bathing area, and for easy anchorage the Antarès 7 and 8 are equipped with an electric windlass.
Contemporary finish
With their walnut trim, both new Antares outboard models retain the values of this historic range with their ageless yet contemporary style. The trademark style of the visors gives these outboard units their attractive slim-line silhouette.
The pricing makes the Antares 7 and 8 very affordable. They will be on display at shows in Autumn 2016, confirming Bénéteau’s strength in development. They represent a restatement of the founding values of a product range which has already allowed thousands to discover the pleasures of sailing in the safest possible manner.
Images: ©Jean-Baptiste D’Enquin
Antares 8 / Provisional general specifications
Length overall: 8,23 m | Hull length: 6,99 m | LWL: 2,79 m | Hull beam: 2,76 m | Light displacement without engine (EC): 1 985 kg | Light displacement (EC): 2 269 kg | Air draught: 2,33 m | Draught min/max: 0,60/0,80 m | Fuel tank: 280 L | Water tank: 100 L | Maximum engine power: 200 CV | Architecture : Beneteau Powerboats | Category C – 9 persons Category D – 9 persons.
Antares 7 / Provisional general specifications
Length overall: 7,50 m | Hull length: 6,48 m | LWL: 2,53 m | Hull beam: 2,50 m | Light displacement without engine (EC): 1 700 kg | Light displacement (EC): NC kg | Air draught: NC m | Draught min/max: NC m | Fuel tank: 170 L | Water tank: 50 L | Maximum engine power: 175 CV | Architecture : Beneteau Powerboats | Category C – 8 persons Category D – 8 persons.
