Beneteau Antares 8: our fearless sea trial

After Antares 7, it’s time to test the bigger sibling. And it actually happened some hours later than the first trial, with the sea going rougher for the strong wind.

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Beneteau Antares 8: one meter for 4500 Euros

By looking at the photo gallery you may think this is again our test of Antares 7. Yet the extra meter, considering the moderate price difference (€ 28,200 for Antares 8, 24,200 for Antares 7), is to be considered seriously if there’s no issues with transport, as in some UE Countries Beneteau Antares 8 is not towable on a trailer, if not as a wide load.

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As for the rest, the layout is exactly the same as on Antares 7. The tall superstructure offers much space inside, with a maximum of four berths, two in the bow and another two by transforming the dinette. A separate heads and a galley with sink, refrigerator and a single hob complete the layout.
The front bench of the dinette has a movable seatback so to serve the table or to face the windshield. On the dashboard a Lowrance multi-purpose screen and the Suzuki engine instrument give all the information, while sliding glasses on the sides and the opening roof let plenty of air in. According to the yard’s tradition, the materials are accurately chosen and finished, including the fiberglass. And every detail is rational as you expect from such a big manufacturer.
Open spaces are equally enjoyable and well exploited, starting with the bow sun pad (though on the test model there’s no cushions) protected by the high guard-rail, and the pulpit with ladder to get on board from the water or the dock. In the cockpit, a U-shaped sofa to port and the teak table allow for an al-fresco dinette, which can turn into a solarium with a tricky mechanism. The aft bench can be slid forward to fully lift the outboard, while by the starboard platform there’s a live well (Antares can be a very good boat for anglers). A large lazarette under the cockpit is ideal for storage of fenders and gear.

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Beneteau Antares 8: the test

So, the sea is pretty rough outside Port Ginesta, southwest of Barcelona. Most boaters wouldn’t even touch a line, but we are eager to get out there and test the new hull of our Antares 8. On the transom there’s a generous Suzuki DF200, being 200 HP the maximum suggested power. The match is witl a three-bladed, 18.5” steel propeller. I need to try amd recall all my skills in order to reach the top speed of 28 knots at 5800 rpm. To get the idea, the official tests run by Beneteau tell of 28.5 knots with a Suzuki DF150 and a 17” screw, or 31 knots with our engine and a 20” propeller. This leads us to two considerations: 150 HP are enough, and the hull of Beneteau Antares 8 deserves a full mark graduation.
It’s time to forget the top performance and check the behavior, so I move to deep sea in order to face the big waves. From the pilothouse it’s mainly relax and fun, as with time passing the feedback from Antares 8 is of full safety and total control. And just as soon I was getting used to it, it’s time to come back to the port. Maybe there will be a second chance.

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The numbers of Beneteau Antares 8

  • Length overall                  8.23 m (27 ft)
  • Length LH                        6.99 m (22ft 11in)
  • Beam                                   2.79 m (9ft 2in)
  • Displacement                   2269 Kg
  • Max output                        200 HP
  • Engine Suzuki                  DF200
  • Fuel reserve                       280 l (73 US gal)
  • Fresh water reserve        100 l (26 US gal)
  • Passengers                        9
  • CE design category         C/D

Performance

rpm         knots      mph       lph        nm/l          range*     dB

  • 600           2,5         2,9        1,3          1,92             431           51
  • 1000         3,8        4,4         3,7         1,03             230          56
  • 1500         5,3         6,1         5,3         1,00             224          58
  • 2000        6,5         7,5         7,5          0,87            194          62
  • 2500        7,8         9,0         10           0,78            175          63
  • 3000        9,0         10,4       16           0,56            126           67
  • 3500        12,0       13,8       21           0,57             128          70
  • 4000        18,0      20,7       25           0,72             161          75
  • 4500        20,0      23,0       37           0,54             121          80
  • 5000 24,0 27,6 45 0,53 119 82

Test conditions

  • Rough sea, temperature 24°C (75° F), clean hull, fuel 220 l (58 US gal), no fresh water, 5 passengers

Indicative price (VAT not included)

  • Boat, no engine                € 28,700

 

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