2023 Beneteau Antares 8 Boat in Everett, WA 98201 US
Built in 2023
Antares 8
1 Engine (Mercury)
27 feet
Gas
Fiberglass/Reinforced
8/15/26: The stock factory photos will be replaced soon.
This Antares 8 Cruising has been actively used and maintained, with approximately 600 hours on the upgraded Mercury 250 XL outboard and a documented maintenance history available for review.
A major advantage is the remaining Mercury factory warranty, with coverage documented through August 12, 2027. Combined with the service records, that gives a buyer much better visibility into the engine's history than is typical with many used boats.
The boat was ordered as the Cruising version with Elegance upholstery and an extensive factory option list, including bow thruster, electric windlass, 12-inch Garmin electronics, shore power, hot water, freshwater electric head, upgraded cockpit seating, forward and cockpit sunpads, and the LPG galley.
The Antares 8 fits an interesting niche for Pacific Northwest boaters: manageable in size, but with an enclosed wheelhouse, dedicated forward cabin, enclosed head with shower, galley, and a highly configurable cockpit that give it much of the utility of a larger cruiser.
Board from either of the twin aft swim platforms into a cockpit that is one of the Antares 8's strongest features. Rather than dedicating the space to one fixed layout, Beneteau designed the cockpit so it can change with the way the boat is being used.
This Cruising version adds the aft bench seat along with folding side cockpit seating, Elegance upholstery and the cockpit sunpad. Open the seating for a group underway or around the dock, convert the area for lounging when anchored, or fold seats away when you want more open cockpit space. A graphite sun awning provides additional coverage, and the cockpit shower is convenient after swimming or for rinsing gear.
The large aft door opens directly into the enclosed wheelhouse. This is what makes the Antares especially useful in the Northwest: you still have the visibility and connection to the cockpit of an open day boat, but passengers can get completely out of the wind and weather when conditions change.
Inside, the dining area and interior table provide a comfortable place to sit, eat or relax. The galley includes a 49-liter refrigerator and LPG stove, backed by a complete 110V shore-power system. An opening roof hatch, sliding side window and multiple opening ports provide ventilation when the weather is good.
At the helm, the Garmin GPSMAP 1223xsv gives the operator a large 12-inch multifunction display paired with the Garmin GT23 transducer and Garmin 215 VHF. The bow thruster is a particularly useful addition on a single-engine boat when maneuvering around tight marina slips. Electric trim tabs allow the running attitude to be adjusted for load and conditions.
The Northwest-oriented helm equipment also includes dual electric windshield wipers, windshield washer system and electric defogger. A roof-mounted LED light bar and searchlight provide additional visibility when operating after dark.
Moving below, the Antares has a dedicated forward sleeping cabin rather than simply converting the main seating area every night. The cabin includes its mattress, an opening deck hatch and opening port for light and ventilation.
The enclosed head includes a freshwater electric toilet, holding tank, hot water and shower. Additional berth equipment provides more flexibility for occasional guests or family weekends aboard.
Side decks lead forward to the bow, where this boat has the forward sunbathing mattress, Lewmar electric windlass, overhanging stemhead and telescoping bow ladder. The bow ladder is an especially useful feature for beach access or getting aboard from the bow.
The result is a boat that can spend Saturday afternoon entertaining around Lake Washington just as easily as it can make a weekend run through the San Juans. It offers weather protection and real overnight capability without moving into the size, cost and complexity of a larger cruiser.
- Mercury 250 XL outboard — approximately 600 hours
- Mercury warranty documentation through August 12, 2027
- Cruising version with Elegance upholstery
- Bow thruster and Lewmar electric windlass
- Garmin 12-inch navigation package
- Complete 110V shore-power system
- Hot water, shower and freshwater electric head
- Convertible cockpit with upgraded seating and lounging options
Electronics & Helm
- Garmin GPSMAP 1223xsv multifunction display
- Garmin GT23 M-TM transducer
- Garmin 215 VHF
- Fusion MS-RA70N stereo
- Four 50W speakers
- Bow thruster
- Electric trim tabs
- Dual electric windshield wipers
- Windshield washer system
- Electric defogger
- Deck searchlight
- Roof-mounted LED light bar
- Port-side sliding wheelhouse window
- Opening wheelhouse roof hatch
Cockpit & Deck
- Lewmar electric windlass
- Aft cockpit bench with Elegance upholstery
- Folding side cockpit seats with Elegance upholstery
- Cockpit sunpad
- Forward sunbathing mattress
- Graphite cockpit sun awning
- Cockpit shower
- Twin swim platforms
- Telescoping bow ladder
- Two rod holders
- Two cup holders
Interior & Galley
- Cruising interior configuration
- Elegance upholstery
- Interior dining table
- Luxury galley
- LPG stove
- 49-liter refrigerator
- Complete 110V electrical system
- Shore power
- 25-liter 115V water heater
- Enclosed head with shower
- Freshwater electric toilet
- Holding tank
- Forward cabin mattress
- Additional berth equipment
- Additional mattress/storage berth
- Opening forward cabin deck hatch
- Opening cabin and head portlights
- Interior curtains
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 8/18/26 | Initial price | $128,800 |
Beneteau Antares 8: BoatTEST Review
Overview
The Beneteau Antares 23, previously popular in Europe as the Antares 8, has made its North American debut as part of a three-boat outboard lineup. This model is designed as a versatile cruiser with thoughtful use of space and a focus on comfort and functionality within a compact footprint.
Exterior Design and Cockpit Layout
At the stern, the Antares 23 features dual platforms flanking the outboard engine, facilitating easy movement from one side to the other. To starboard, a recessed four-step reboarding ladder with a grab handle is positioned adjacent to the cockpit boarding gate, which is also on the starboard side. The cockpit walkthrough is 14 inches wide and secured by a minimalist gate with a pinch latch that can be held open. The cockpit seating consists of a U-shaped settee to port surrounding a solid wood table on a single pedestal. This area can be shaded by an overhead bimini and offers storage beneath the side and forward seats, as well as under the deck. Ingeniously, the aft seatback slides fore and aft by lifting support legs, allowing the engine to tilt out of the water, optimizing space usage. The entire cockpit seating area can also convert into a sun pad. Side decks provide access around the cabin, with a 12-inch wide walkway to starboard and seating to port, both equipped with grab rails atop the cabin. Forward on the trunk cabin is a full-width sun pad composed of five sections for easy handling and storage. The bow features an extended davit supporting a galvanized dual-fluke anchor, with a windlass mounted on a center bridge and convenient access to the road locker beneath.
Interior Living Spaces
Entering through a sliding door with an additional panel that widens the entry to nearly three feet, the interior offers a modest but well-planned gathering area. To port, boost-style seating flanks a solid wood pedestal table, with the removable forward seat back reversible to allow passengers to enjoy forward views underway. The seating width is effectively 26 inches due to support rails. Ventilation and natural light are ample, provided by opening side windows and an overhead hatch, all of which can be closed with curtains and a slider. Under-deck hatches provide access to pumps, through-hole fittings, and shutoffs, though these would benefit from secure latching. The aft seat conceals the master battery switches. Shore power connectivity is located to port in the cockpit, enabling optional air conditioning. The galley to starboard includes a drying area draining into an adjacent sink, with an optional stove available. The hinged helm seat offers additional counter space when lifted, supported by a strut, and storage is integrated into the side bulkhead behind a Lexan panel. Below the galley counter is a refrigerator and further storage.
Helm and Navigation
The helm station is positioned to starboard, featuring a dark-paneled console with a centrally mounted compass and a 9-inch display prominently placed. To the left is a SmartCraft tachometer, while the bow thruster control and fuel gauge are to the right, enhancing docking ease and operational awareness. Although the engine control lever felt somewhat distant at the dock, it was more naturally positioned at cruising speed. An opening side window and a footrest contribute to operator comfort. A removable platform aids shorter captains but must be securely latched to prevent inadvertent flipping. The helm seat includes a flip bolster and slides fore and aft. The single-piece windshield incorporates a 7-inch brow to reduce glare and features wipers with integrated freshwater washers; however, defogger vents are absent.
Private Accommodations
Below deck, the cabin offers 3 feet 6 inches of headroom over the berth, with additional sitting space at the foot that can be extended to enlarge the sleeping area. A storage shelf runs along the port side. The head compartment includes a sink with a pull-out sprayer, storage beneath the sink, and a shelf behind the manual flush ceramic toilet. Ventilation is provided by an opening port light. The headroom in the head compartment measures 4 feet 7 inches overhead, translating to 3 feet 2 inches of sitting headroom.
Power and Performance
The Antares 23 measures 27 feet overall with a beam of 9 feet 1 inch and a draft of 2 feet 7 inches. The boat's empty weight is 4,776 pounds, and with 60% fuel, two people aboard, and test equipment, the test weight was approximately 5,887 pounds. Powered by a Mercury 200-horsepower outboard turning a 15 by 15 propeller, the boat achieved a top speed of 35.4 miles per hour at 5,200 RPM. The optimal cruising speed was 18.6 miles per hour at 3,500 RPM, with a fuel burn of 6.8 gallons per hour, resulting in a fuel economy of 2.7 miles per gallon and a range of 182 miles. Increasing speed to 23.7 miles per hour at 4,000 RPM added 5.1 miles per hour at the cost of only one mile in range. Acceleration to planing speed took 4.3 seconds, 20 miles per hour was reached in 6.7 seconds, and 30 miles per hour in 12.3 seconds. The hull design includes a tulip-shaped bow with dual built-in spray rails and full-length running strakes, contributing to water deflection and stability. The boat exhibited an 11-degree roll into turns, maintaining passenger comfort except during aggressive maneuvers. Prop ventilation was noted regardless of trim settings. Calm test conditions limited assessment of chop handling, but a slight lean into the wind at cruise suggested that trim tabs would be a beneficial addition to correct trim and weight distribution.
Conclusion
The Beneteau Antares 23 is a thoughtfully designed compact cruiser that balances comfort, functionality, and performance. Its clever use of space, comfortable cockpit and interior arrangements, and capable powertrain make it a popular choice for those seeking a versatile boat suitable for day cruising and overnight stays. While minor improvements such as trim tabs and secure latching for access panels could enhance the experience, the overall package demonstrates why this model enjoys popularity in both European and North American markets.
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 2023 Beneteau Antares 8 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $128,800 | $96,900 | $69,863 | $67,861 | $64,958 | $195,000 |
| Location | Everett | Woodinville | Tacoma | Tacoma | Tacoma | Anacortes |
| Nominal Length | 27' | 27' | 21' | 21' | 25' | 29' |
| Engine Make | Mercury | Mercury | Mercury | Mercury | Mercury | Volvo Penta |
| Total Engine Power | 250 hp | 300 hp | 150 hp | 150 hp | 150 hp | 300 hp |
| Days on Market | 3 | 299 | 348 | 4 | 578 | 126 |
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Contact W S Yacht Brokers - Seattle about 2023 Beneteau Antares 8
2500 Westlake Ave N, Suite D, Seattle, WA, 98109
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