BENETEAU ANTARES 30S
BUILT: 2015 PRICE: £114,500
With 90% of the Beneteau Antares 30s being supplied to the UK wearing a flybridge like a hat since its introduction in 2009, the 30S deck saloon version you see here is a rare bird. But it’s not without merit – there’s less to clean, it has sleeker lines and a lower centre of gravity for increased stability. Its single shaft drive diesel engine also makes it simple to maintain as well as reliable and economical.
INTERIOR Considering its 30ft length, the space and facilities that Beneteau has squeezed into this pocket cruiser are quite remarkable. There’s a centreline double berth in the forward cabin plus a second cabin with two adult-sized bunk beds opposite a perfectly decent heads. To achieve this, the galley has been located in the saloon opposite the dinette, itself augmented by a forward facing seat next to the helm. On this particular boat, an upgrade from the usual cherry wood to lighter Apli walnut adds a dash of extra style to the interior.
EXTERIOR On the outside, pulpit rails that extend right back to the cockpit as well as high level grab rails make it easy to access the side decks. The cockpit has an L-shaped seat and a transom door through to the bathing platform.
PERFORMANCE Beneteau launched this boat with a Yanmar 380hp engine, switching to Volvo Penta when the Yanmar motor ceased production and installing the chunky D6-370 instead. Topping out at about 25 knots, it’s well able to run at a 20-knot cruise, entirely sufficient for most owners.
SEAKEEPING
That single shaft drive makes low speed manoeuvres potentially challenging, a situation nixed on this boat by the simple remedy of bow and stern thrusters, giving the ability to power both the bow and stern sideways when required. At speed that shaft drive configuration and conventional rudder make it a steady cruising companion, tracking straight and true.
LOA: 33ft 6in (10.2m) Beam: 11ft 1in (3.4m) Draught: 3ft 1in (1.0m) Displacement: 4.7 tonnes Fuel capacity: 375 litres Engine: Volvo Penta D6 370 370hp diesel FOR SALE: Clipper Marine; www.clippermarine.co.uk