Beneteau Antares 12 Coupe tested: the capable cruiser for offshore and family fun

The Antares 12 Coupe is a triple-cabin 42ft offshore cruiser. It has been aimed at offshore cruising in relatively demanding waters. For this reason it is aimed at the more experienced skipper.

The Beneteau Antares range has always been focused on pushing the horizon. As a middle-weight cruiser the Antares 12 is not only capable of easily swallowing up 100 miles at a time, but also serves as a great family cruiser. The history of this boat goes back to 2005 when the first diesel powered D6 shaft driven, and IPS powered versions hit the market. They were great sea boats and rivalled the best of British for less cost.

The latest Antares 12 is now powered with either twin 425hp Mercury V10s or triple 300hp Mercury V8s, making it quicker off the mark than its predecessors. The steering is fast, balanced and composed – no over steer. Having twin 425hp outboards not surprisingly the reaction to the wheel is responsive, meaning you can cut some seriously tight turns for a 42ft cruiser. Running through tall ridges of water the hull cuts well, with no complaint – the layup and construction is typically solid. It would have been good to have had enough seaway to see whether this boat is as capable as the early Antares, but sadly we had moderate Mediterranean weather. Noise levels are low with the aft wheelhouse door shut, though once you get past 30 knots you have the inevitable induction roar of two big V10s – not so bad if you are a petrol head.

Our test boat had twin 425hp Mercury V10s which now replaces the 2025 twin 400hp Mercury version, and we were able to hit 30 knots comfortably in 13 seconds. There is a triple 300hp Mercury powered Antares which we were told is actually more economical at cruising speeds. Not something you would expect, as the extra drag from three outboard legs is a small handicap in fuel efficiency terms. However, as three V8s running at speeds around 25 knots would be spinning at lower RPM and subsequently in their ‘max torque zone’ better economy is possible. However on wide open throttle the 900hp thirst will have a price. On this subject we recorded 0.6 nmpg at 25 knots – a low cruising speed. At 30 knots this dropped slightly to 0.58nmpg.

Fitted with Mercury’s joystick system berthing is easy. Though this boat is aimed at the offshore skipper, a near-novice could cut his teeth on it. Handling at low speed is straight forward as Mercury’s system enables the boat to be side-walked into a berth, and as such hold itself on the pontoon while the lines are secured.

The high helm provides a great driving position apart from when cutting turns to port, as the window line cuts out your field of view. An inevitable downside of hard top boats, but with the Antares with the seat height, this is accentuated. Ergonomics are good as the wheel and throttles fall perfectly to hand, and you have wide side door accessing the wide side deck, making life easy for single skippers. The twin navigator bench seat to port is a great place for your crew members to soak up the passage, complemented with a chart locker. The wheelhouse design is asymmetrical so you get a good size starboard side deck, safely enclosed by a tall bulwark. A skinny ledge runs down the port side, which most will forgo in favour of hanging fenders through the amidships wheelhouse window. The foredeck encased with tall stocky guard rails is typically Antares. There is a recessed deck section in the forepeak, which not only caters for a small drop-in table, but provides a secure area to access the windlass and anchor locker.

The saloon has the benefit of a long glass sunroof while the cockpit overhang has a canvas sunroof. The cockpit is large with the ever-fashionable fold out bulwark on the starboard quarter. Cockpit seating wraps around the transom and port side, which is complemented by a drop in table – large enough for four. Underneath a large lazarette provides for a gen set, as well as providing more storage.

The Antares 12 has one large master cabin in the forepeak, with a good amount of storage, a TV, and an ensuite with separate shower. Both the ensuite and the cabin have full standing headroom. There are two double cabins amidships, with the portside cabin having direct access to the day heads. Either amidships cabins can be configured as double, or twin single berths. Both have full standing headroom in the doorway, hanging lockers and under-bed storage.

Saloon living is typical for this type of boat. A galley with single fridge and a double ceramic hob runs the length of the saloon with a convertible dinette to port. This dinette can provide an extra double berth if needed, and the aft section of the seating can reverse to face the cockpit, handy if you are dining in this part of the boat.

If you are looking to cruise further offshore than before, or simply stepping up from a day boat it is ideal. It is also perfect for families with three cabins, two heads, a fold down bulwark bathing platform and plenty of sun bathing space.

Comparatively speaking this boat is compromised to a degree by range. Some of its competitors will be diesel powered so able to cruise further, but often with bigger price tags. Options to consider are: Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1295 Coupe which is very similar in size, has the same CE rating, three cabins and is specified with 3 x 300hp outboards – either Yamaha or Mercury. Its triple engine setup provides an exciting driving experience, but it has the same range limitations. Another choice is the Spanish built Rodman Spirit 42 Coupe. This is a two cabin boat, powered by twin Volvo IPS up to 380hp, is a good sea boat and being diesel powered has a range of 250 miles with 20% reserve. It will cost more to buy and service.