2023 Beneteau Antares 8 Boat in Vermilion, OH US
Built in 2023
Antares 8
1 Engine (Mercury)
26.4 feet
Gas
Other
Length Overall: 26 ft. 5 in.
Beam: 9 ft. 2 in.
Fuel Capacity: 90 US gal.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 6/4/26 | Initial price | $124,900 |
Boattest.com 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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Address
Boat Location
Contact Vermilion Marina about 2023 Beneteau Antares 8
710 Vermilion Rd, Vermilion, OH, 44089
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