Beneteau Antares 8

The Beneteau Antares 8 is a compact cruising motorboat designed for owners who want a practical combination of comfort, versatility, and reliable performance. As one of the popular models in Beneteau’s Antares range, it focuses on family cruising, coastal exploration, fishing, and weekend trips, offering the flexibility of a small yacht in an easy-to-operate package.

With a length of around 8 meters, the Antares 8 features a modern wheelhouse design, spacious cockpit, and efficient hull layout. It provides excellent protection from changing weather conditions while maintaining comfortable living areas onboard. The model is particularly popular among first-time boat owners and families looking for a versatile vessel for day cruising and short overnight adventures.

Is the Beneteau Antares 8 for Sale?

The Beneteau Antares 8 is available on both the new and pre-owned markets. As a well-established model in Beneteau’s powerboat lineup, it has gained popularity among recreational boaters due to its easy handling, practical layout, and relatively low operating costs.

New Antares 8 models are available through Beneteau dealers and can be customized with different equipment options, including navigation electronics, fishing accessories, comfort packages, and propulsion configurations. Used models are also widely available, especially in Europe and coastal markets.

When purchasing a used Beneteau Antares 8, buyers should check the engine maintenance history, hull condition, electrical systems, navigation equipment, and overall usage records to ensure the boat remains in good condition.

Beneteau Antares 8 Price

The price of a Beneteau Antares 8 depends on the model year, engine configuration, equipment level, and condition. A new Antares 8 typically costs around $150,000 to $250,000, depending on specifications and optional features, while used models are generally available from approximately $80,000 to $180,000.

Compared with larger cruising yachts, the Antares 8 offers lower purchase and ownership costs while still providing comfortable accommodation and practical cruising capability. Owners should also consider ongoing expenses such as insurance, maintenance, fuel, marina fees, and winter storage.

Performance and Propulsion

The Beneteau Antares 8 is designed for efficient coastal cruising and reliable everyday use. It is typically equipped with an outboard engine configuration, commonly powered by a Suzuki or Yamaha outboard engine producing around 200–250 hp, providing good acceleration, maneuverability, and fuel efficiency.

The boat’s semi-planing hull allows it to achieve comfortable cruising speeds while maintaining stability in different sea conditions. It is not designed for long offshore passages, but it performs well for coastal trips, fishing excursions, island visits, and family outings.

The simple outboard setup also makes maintenance easier compared with traditional inboard propulsion systems, making the Antares 8 attractive to owners who prefer convenient operation and lower servicing costs.

Exterior Design and Construction

The exterior design of the Beneteau Antares 8 focuses on practicality and all-weather usability. Its enclosed wheelhouse provides protection from wind and rain, allowing owners to enjoy boating in a wider range of conditions compared with open cockpit boats.

The spacious aft cockpit is designed for multiple activities, including fishing, dining, and relaxing. The boat also features wide side decks, a practical swim platform, and an efficient layout that improves safety and convenience when moving around onboard.

Built with Beneteau’s proven fiberglass construction techniques, the Antares 8 offers good durability and lightweight performance. Its compact size makes it easy to handle, store, and maintain compared with larger cruising boats.

Interior and Accommodation

The interior of the Beneteau Antares 8 is designed to maximize comfort within a compact layout. Despite its small size, it provides a practical cabin arrangement with a saloon, galley area, enclosed head, and sleeping space for short overnight trips.

The wheelhouse offers excellent visibility and creates a comfortable social area for passengers during cruising. Large windows provide natural light and improve the connection with the surrounding environment, while the flexible interior layout makes the boat suitable for weekend getaways.

The Antares 8 is not intended as a full-time liveaboard yacht, but it provides enough comfort for couples or small families to enjoy short coastal adventures.

What to Check Before Buying a Beneteau Antares 8

Before purchasing a Beneteau Antares 8, buyers should inspect the engine, hull condition, electrical systems, and onboard equipment. For outboard-powered models, engine hours, service records, cooling systems, and propeller condition should be carefully reviewed.

The hull should be checked for damage, moisture issues, and signs of improper repairs. Buyers should also evaluate navigation electronics, batteries, plumbing systems, cabin condition, and cockpit equipment, especially on used boats that have been frequently used for fishing or water activities.