Test / Bénétau Antares 7, a versatile program for all nautical activities

© Bertrand Duquenne

The Antares 7 is the latest model in Bénéteau's Antares range. Launched in 2023, this 7-meter unit features a versatile layout to suit a variety of programs. Discover the concept of this powerboat in this first part of our test.

A weekender for a variety of programs on the water

Bénéteau's Antares 7 is the entry-level model in this series of multi-purpose yachts for all types of boating. The Antares 7 has a length of 7.48 m and a hull length of 6.48 m. Its 2.5 m beam makes it easily transportable to criss-cross the roads in search of water. The main program is coastal cruising or day trips to anchorages, with the option of spending a night on board.

The Antares 7 is a weekender directly inspired by its big sister, the Antares 8, from which it takes its modularity. The boat retains the lines of the range, notably through the arch formed by the wheelhouse cap. The gunwale has been positioned higher to lengthen the line.

L'Antares 8, grande soeur de l'Antares 7 © Julien Gazeau
The Antares 8, big sister to the Antares 7 © Julien Gazeau

A fishing option

While the larger Antares 11 and 12 are available in flybridge versions, the Antares 7, like the 8, is offered as a fishing option, with a fishing station positioned aft of the cockpit, complete with livewell, rod holder and fold-down bench seat.

Le tableau arrière de la version Fishing de l'Antares 7 est équipée d'une station de pêche et de portes-cannes © Julien Gazeau
The transom of the Fishing version of the Antares 7 is equipped with a fishing station and rod holders © Julien Gazeau

A modular, user-friendly cockpit

Beautifully enhanced bathing skirts provide access to the cockpit. Access can also be gained via the starboard side accommodation door. On the foredeck, the delphinière also allows disembarkation from the bow, a must for northern markets.

Les jupes de l'Antares 7 sont longues pour l'accès à bord et la baignade
The Antares 7's skirts are long for boarding and swimming

The cockpit is modular, with an aft bench seat, a folding bench seat to port and a removable table. An additional seat is positioned against the port window, concealing a cool box. Under the table, a storage locker houses the batteries, fuel tank and BIB. The cockpit can be fully enclosed by a canvas or protected by a bimini. An additional swim ladder can be installed at the companionway door.

Le cockpit de l'Antares 7 est modulable
The Antares 7 cockpit is modular
On tient en nombre assis autour de la table
A lot of people are seated around the table
Le coffre sous la table
The box under the table
La porte de coupée à tribord
Intake door to starboard
L'assise supplémentaire contre la porte coulissante
The extra seat against the sliding door
Une glacière vient se glisser sous l'assise contre le vitrage
A cooler slides under the seat against the glass

A front beach for relaxing

The deck layout is asymmetrical, with a wider starboard gangway providing access to the foredeck. This is equipped with a sundeck protected by a high balcony. Finally, the roof features a gallery for an inflatable paddle, for example.

La plage avant propose un grand bain de soleil pour le farniente
The front beach offers a large sunbathing area for lazing around
La baille à mouillage avec sa delphinière
The anchorage with its delphinière

An interior that lets you spend the night on board

The light-filled interior features everything you need for a day or weekend outing. On the port side, the opposite saloon converts into a 1.70 m long double berth. The front bench seat, with its removable backrest, serves as a saloon and co-pilot's bench. A large storage compartment is also accessible from the co-pilot's floor.

Le carré en vis-à-vis se transforme en couchage secondaire
The square opposite becomes a secondary sleeping area
Le siège avant du carré en version copilote
The front seat of the saloon in co-pilot version
Un grand coffre de rangement est accessible sous le plancher de la banquette copilote
A large storage compartment is accessible under the floor of the co-driver's seat

To starboard, behind the pilot's seat, is a small galley with sink, stove and refrigerator. The starboard helm station is well equipped and offers a good driving position with an unobstructed view.

Le poste de pilotage est confortable et ergonomique
The cockpit is comfortable and ergonomic
La cuisine avec son réchaud à gaz, évier et réfrigérateur
Kitchen with gas stove, sink and refrigerator

Finally, below deck, the open space offers space for a double berth and a chemical toilet. As an option, you can also choose an enclosed bathroom with a marine toilet.

La pointe avant propose un couchage double
The front section offers a double bed
Dans la version Weekender, le cabinet de toilette est séparé et offre un lavabo
In the Weekender version, the toilet is separate and features a washbasin

Several motorization options

The Antares 7 can be fitted with up to 200 hp of maximum power, but is also available with 150 and 175 hp packages, the latter being recommended by the shipyard.

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