Beneteau Antares 7 and 8

Beneteau has announced it has initiated the redesign of its Antares range, ensuring that the range's 40th anniversary is celebrated in fine French nautical style.

The big French yard is starting from the bottom up, with new versions of the Antares 7 and 8 in outboard configuration. These won't be available here until next year, but these models are said to represent the first of the new generation Beneteau Antares.

Boasting a new hull design, the Antares are claiming improved performance and even better handling than the models that were released at Sydney boat show, which are available for immediate delivery and with keen pricing.

The French yard also claims that these "leisure craft par excellence" provide a superb introduction to coastal cruising. Certainly, the layouts make a lot of sense, as does the use of outboard power in these French cabin cruisers.

Outboard engine ratings range up to 175hp for the Antares 7, and 200hp for the 8 metre model. Bow thrusters can be fitted for easy manoeuvring.

The tulip-shaped hull design of both new models is said to deflect waves effectively, but still ensure stability on the water. This is good news given the amenities in the wheelhouse.

Access to the spacious and safe wheelhouse is via a double sliding door. The co-pilot or crew lounge has a switchable backrest to create fore or aft seating.

With the dinette table lowered and the seat backrest flat, you can create an additional double berth.

The helm seat tilts to reveal a cleverly equipped galley area with sink, fridge (optional), stove (optional) and storage space.

Meanwhile, the glass surrounding the wheelhouse is deep to provide panoramic sea views, while a sliding roof (optional) adds to the brightness of the saloon as well as boosting ventilation.

Up front, there is a full double en-suite cabin. Beneteau says the beds have been carefully designed and the amount of storage space available is more than sufficient for voyages lasting several days.

The separate bathroom with toilet is a selling point for craft of this size and ventilation is said to be a strong point of the cabin.

Back outdoors, the modular cockpit can be transformed into a spacious sun-bathing area, while the rear bench slides to allow the motor to be raised easily, handy while on the mooring or while accessing the shore. There is a swim platform and ladder for water access.

The forward deck can be used as a second sun-bathing area and, adds Beneteau, the Antarès 7 and 8 are equipped with an electric windlass for easy anchoring.

With their walnut trim, both new Antares outboard models gain some contemporary interior style to their trademark external lines.

While pricing isn't yet available, Beneteau says the Antares 7 and 8 are affordable and accessible French cabin cruisers.

They will sell around $100k and $120k driveway and will compete with the French company's Jeanneau band of Merry Fishers, which have been exceptionally strong sellers. Another option in this entry-level cabin boat market.

At-a-Glance: Antares 7/8
LOA: 7.50m/8.23m
Hull Length: 6.48m/6.99m
Beam: 2.53m/2.76m
Weight: 1700kg/1985kg dry
Fuel: 170lt/280lt
Water: 50lt/100lt
Max HP Outboard: 175/200
People: 8/9
Architecture : Beneteau Powerboats
More at www.beneteau.com/en.