BENETEAU ANTARES 8.80
BUILT 2002 PRICE £79,950
The Beneteau Antares outboard engine range spans from 6m through to 11m, so the 8.80 metre model you see here is very much stock in trade for the French builder. Styled by Sarrazin Design, it’s a practical peche promenade concept, long on usability and sensible features if a little short on flamboyance. It’s a boat on which to go boating rather than to be seen boating, and that is no bad thing. Beneteau also built a walk-around boat called a Barracuda 9 on this hull which made a great fishing platform, but the Antares is all about family cruising.
INTERIOR Although it’s probably stretching the concept to refer to this as a galley aft layout, the compact galley unit is just inside the sliding deck saloon door to starboard, behind the helm seat. Opposite, a large u-shaped dinette converts to a double berth. Sliding roof panels and side windows ventilate this area well, or close it up and fire up the central heating in inclement weather. On the lower deck forward there are two large
double berths plus a separate heads compartment.
EXTERIOR A decent sized cockpit gives access on both sides up to side decks protected by grab rails that reach well aft. Decks are asymmetric, giving great access forward along the starboard deck without compromising internal volume and there’s space for a sun lounger on the bow.
PERFORMANCE Single or twin outboard engines, the twin Suzuki DF150TGX 150hp engines fitted to this boat are the largest option for the Antares 8.80. They should give a top speed of about 35 knots, making 20-30 knots a relatively economical cruise.
SEAKEEPING The twin stepped hull uses Airstep technology to deliver a capable performance, feeling solid and composed, tracking and turning well with no cavitation. Visibility is particularly good due to slim mullions and deep windows, and the bow thruster on this boat helps in close quarters.
LOA 28ft 10in (8.8m) Beam 9ft 9in (3.0m) Draught 2ft 7in (0.8m) Displacement 2.8 tonnes Fuel capacity 400 litres Engines Twin Suzuki DF150TGX 150hp outboard
FOR SALE Ancasta www.ancasta.com