Overview - Beneteau Antares 7 - Powerboat and RIB

With a pedigree of no-nonsense sea-going boats behind it, the latest Antares has lost none of this brand’s persona. Greg Copp investigates…

This new model follows closely in the footsteps of its sibling, the Antares 8. In keeping with the Antares design ethos, every scrap of space on this 7.5m boat has been put to good use. Simple but effective innovations, such as a side boarding door, a wide starboard side deck, an adventure kit roof rack, a separate heads and ample storage, give this boat a broad remit. It capitalises on the developments of the Antares 8, particularly when it comes to modularity. True to the DNA of the range, this boat has kept all the hallmarks, such as the arch formed by the wheelhouse roof, and the Cruising and Fishing versions of the Antares 7 have their own specific insignia.

The engine trims clear of the water.

The U-shaped cockpit comfortably seats five people courtesy of a fold-down port-side seat and a forward-facing bench, which can also contain a cooler. All of these seats can be converted into a sunbathing area. This boat has an assymetrical wheelhouse design, making it easy to access the forward sun pad and anchor locker via a full-width side deck, and the wheelhouse can be extended by a bimini top. The design makes very efficient use of the space available in the wheelhouse. Modularity is enhanced by a rotating helm seat and a navigator’s bench seat that flips round to face the table. In effect, all wheelhouse seating can serve the table in an instant. The small galley located behind the helm is fitted with a hob, a sink and a fridge. The cabin of the Antares 7 can be configured either as a sleeping cabin or as storage space. Along with the double berth in the standard version, the Antares 7 has a large storage space to starboard fitted with a chemical toilet. In the Weekender version, this space is partitioned and has a sink as well as a toilet. It appears the standard toilet is a chemical Porta Potti, and a pump-out/electric toilet is an extra.

: The saloon design is very versatile.

: The cruising version can have a separate heads.

: No space is wasted.

The Fishing version of the Antares 7 has much the same ingredients as the Weekender. The aft bench gives way to a fishing station, including rod holders, drink holders, a cutting board, and storage for bait and tackle. A live bait well is located on the port side, and there is additional storage under the starboard side deck. With an open deck plan, the Antares 7 Fishing makes it easy for fishers to move about and position themselves as they wish. There is still a folding bench seat in the fishing station, and another removable bench can be positioned on the port gunwale, while the side access gate makes lifting large fish much easier. Lastly, the roof can be equipped with five additional rod holders, as well as a spotlight, and an additional 9in fish finder display that can be viewed in the cockpit. With the Suzuki DF200 the Antares 7 can reach a maximum claimed speed of 33 knots, and its hull has been designed to provide an effective cruising speed of 21 knots.