Beneteau Antares 11 Review

How does the flagship of the Antares line differ from its predecessors, and what advantages of other Beneteau series of motor yachts has it organically incorporated into its DNA? topRik experts tell you all about it with a large number of illustrations.

Beneteau planned the world premiere of the flagship of the Antares line at the Paris Boat Show, but due to the pandemic the exhibition was canceled. True, that same year she appeared on Boat Show in Dusseldorf, not very crowded for the same reason.

Despite such a bumpy start to her “career”, the coupe boat did not go unnoticed by those who prefer speed without the hassle of managing the sails. It is no coincidence that less than a year later Beneteau was already presenting a flybridge version of the Antares 11.

They just guessed it right again when it comes to the needs of the yachtsmen. A fairly large marketing department at Beneteau is working tirelessly to find out these very needs, which regularly conducts surveys about already produced boats and what changes the owners would like to make in order to get the boat of their dreams.

After all, by and large, this 10-meter weekender is a hybrid of Antares with Gran Turismo and Swift Trawler. Beneteau Powerboats marine engineers have done excellent breeding work for this yacht, which has collected all the best innovations in GT and ST architecture: generous glazing of the cabins, a continuation of the roof in the form of a canopy that completely covers the cockpit, asymmetrical passages along the sides and, as a result, asymmetry in the layout of the main deck to ensure passengers can move around comfortably and safely.

In these layouts, it is already difficult to recognize the very first Antares 6 for the understandable reason of the difference in dimensions. But the new flagship is already significantly different from its direct predecessor Antares 9, which is not characterized by asymmetry and a canopy over the entire cockpit.

This is not about which model of the Antares line is better or worse - they are simply designed for different purposes, and in their purpose each is fully consistent with its mission.

Beneteau Antares 11 is great as a cruise motorcycle coupe for a safe and comfortable holiday with family or close friends.

The design of the motor weekender is class B, which allows it to be used for coastal navigation if there are no more than 8 passengers on the yacht. When loaded with 11 passengers, it goes down to class C - for use in inland waters.

It should also be noted that some modular solutions were developed specifically for Antares 11. Part of the sofa in the saloon, after simple manipulations, turns into a comfortable place next to the helmsman, and the sofa in the cockpit can not only fold out into a huge lounger, but also move forward along special grooves to make room for engines raised from the water. And there are enough such modular solutions throughout the entire territory of the yacht.

Of course, the V-type fiberglass hull received patented proprietary AirStep air ducts, which provide excellent seaworthiness by reducing the resistance to water flow, creating an air cushion when the boat goes on planing.

To what extent the yacht is suitable for coastal cruises, for what cruising range and travel time are its equipment and reserve capacity designed - you will learn further from topRik experts. In the meantime, check out the main characteristics of a coupe motor yacht.

Features of Beneteau Antares 11

Maximum Speed and Fuel Consumption

Review of Beneteau Antares 11 by topRik Team

topRik team got acquainted with the flagship of the Antares line at the yacht exhibition in Dusseldorf. We were looking for a motor yacht for corporate needs and tested a large number of different boats. Antares 11 has become one of our favorites for covering distances between our marinas in Montenegro and Croatia, as well as other tasks for transporting passengers - small, comfortable, fast, easy to operate...

First Look

In our search for a comfortable motor cruiser-coupe, we never expected to see such a strange side shape in the cockpit area when approaching the pier. But, coming closer, we realized that this was a folded part of the bulwark, which plays the role of a bathing platform.

Sea fishing enthusiasts in our team immediately noted that the cockpit was simply created to accommodate half a dozen spinning rods - there is quite some room for swinging. And the folding bulwark is very suitable for this, by the way. And no one was at all embarrassed by the outboard engines - after all, they will make noise only until the fishing spot is chosen, and then everything depends on technique and some luck during fishing process.

In addition, during the journey you can “isolate” from the cockpit inside the wheelhouse, where the noise from outboard engines is practically inaudible, and even more so in the cabins.

Of course, it was impossible not to notice the roof overhanging the cockpit, from which transparent awnings can be lowered to completely close off from the rain, with the large saloon windows next to it. But if we have seen a solid windshield in other representatives of this family, then the continuation of the roof over the entire cockpit comes from another series.

Antares 11, like its predecessors with a length of 6, 7, 8 and 9 meters, has the features of the premium Beneteau Gran Turismo series (extensive glazing of the saloon and lower deck), but in the layout it took a lot from Beneteau yachts Swift Trawler (asymmetry of the side decks with a wide passage on the starboard side, a door in the wheelhouse with access to the deck). Beneteau Antares 11 truly brings together all the best from the shipyard's motor cruisers.

Large windows on the sides promise good illumination of the below-deck space. Having looked closely, we also saw a gate in the side opposite the wheelhouse, from where you can go out onto the pier without climbing over the side. This is great! And this is an innovation that should be enshrined in the DNA of Antares cruisers if the shipyard goes to produce bigger models.

What else is in the saloon besides the control station, the panel of which is clearly visible through the huge windows? And what does the bimini cover in the bow?

In general, naval architects from Beneteau Powerboats and designers from Sarrazin Design did everything so that we would not pass by. We invite you to explore Antares 11 with us - a coupe motor yacht with a hardtop and an enclosed saloon, which the shipyard itself classifies as a weekender for a small family, as well as a cruise boat. But, as you know, we are used to relying on our own experience. Therefore, let’s go to the transom...

On the Transom

This is where we begin our research on any boat, and we don’t think the Antares 11 should be an exception.

The main elements of the transom of this cruiser are a pair of outboard engines with 300 HP each. With their help, the boat can reach a maximum speed of over 30 knots, according to the manufacturer. We have tested this statement in practice, which we will discuss below.

Swimming and sunbathing platforms are located on both sides of the outboard motors. Actually, the swimming platform is equipped with a ladder for descending into the water; there is no such ladder on the platform on the left side.

It is impossible to enter the cockpit from the platform on the portside - a ladder starting from it leads to the side deck. Remember we mentioned the asymmetry in the Antares 11 design? This is it.

We show you the boat from the transom from two angles, since the back of the transom sofa can create the impression of a continuation of the transom wall, as in the photo above. But make no mistake, as you can see the reclining option below.

And from the right platform you can enter the cockpit through a stainless steel gate.

In the Cockpit

This area occupies a quarter of the main deck, excluding the length of the platform. The main attraction of the cockpit is, of course, the folding bulwark located on the starboard side. This is an additional sunbathing terrace that expands the cockpit area and can be useful for fishing enthusiasts or just as a personal beach spot over the water surface.

And here is the transom sofa, which can be turned into a big sun lounger thanks to the folding backrest. There are two holes in the cockpit floor: located at some distance, they make it possible to set up a table depending on the number of passengers.

Do you see the various grooves in the floor? They allow you to change the position of the sofa: move it forward if you need to lift the engines out of the water.

Under the seats there are lockers where fenders or some of the passengers' luggage can be stored.

In the Cockpit, Saloon, or Wheelhouse?

The next area of the main deck, where you enter from the cockpit, serves as the saloon and wheelhouse at the same time, so we are at a loss when it comes to its name. Huge doors lead here - when they are opened, this design combines these two zones into one.

Moreover, if you set up both tables - in the cockpit and in the saloon, they will also become one. Between the sofas on the left side, you can install an additional seat in a special recess and combine these sofas. Thus, here you can arrange a grand feast for 11 people – max number of passengers.

In the photo above, you will, of course, notice the stove, which is an integral part of the well-equipped compact galley. We also suggest paying attention to the design of the sofa on the right. But more on the sofa later, let’s get back to the galley.

It is fully equipped for preparing hot meals and storing perishables and other products for 11 people. You can see the stove and sink in the photo above, and in the photo below you can see a microwave oven, a refrigerator and a cabinet for storing kitchen utensils.

Yes, there is a television panel in the corner. No, this seat is not for watching.

This is the helmsman's seat, quite wide, with adjustment for height and control method - sitting or standing at the helm. But on the opposite side there is a “bench for substitute players.” It is created from that part of the sofa in the saloon. Modular system in action!

In front of the bench there is a panel with cupholders and room for some gadgets. And in front of the helmsman’s seat there is a steering wheel and a control panel. A great opportunity for everyone to have a great time! The main thing is that the eyes will be directed in one direction - to the stunning view that opens through the windshield without an impost (a vertical partition).

The helm panel contains all the necessary indicators that display the operation of yacht equipment, navigation instruments, communications and a multifunctional marine display, which is useful for fishing, and not just for plotting and monitoring the course.

I was very pleased with the powerful handle for adjusting the throttles, as well as the thruster.

We have already appreciated the door to the deck in Beneteau motor yachts of other series. It is very easy to moor stern-to or bow-to, while monitoring the process visually. And if there are also cameras installed in the stern that transmit images to the chartplotter screen, and taking into account the thruster, mooring and casting off becomes child's play even in the tightest harbor.

In Antares 11, the designers went further - they designed an opening bulwark through which you can exit onto the pier without climbing over the side.

By the way, a great opportunity to see how the bow of the boat is designed and find out what is hiding under that bimini.

On the Foredeck

Here you have a luxurious built-in sunbathing area with two comfortable sun loungers and a table between them with holders for glasses and bottles. Bimini is intended to save passengers from scorching rays and is not a mandatory attribute.

A hatch not covered with cushions leads to the owner's cabin, which occupies the entire bow of the lower deck.

There is also a chain box here and... The surprises are not over? Yes, you also have an optional bowsprit platform! We do not recommend treating it as a normal seat or repeating that scene from Titanic here.

Better appreciate these powerful stainless-steel handrails that run along the sides from the cockpit itself. If you notice, handrails of the same quality are located in other places on the yacht where there is a possibility of losing your balance.

There is one more place left for us to explore, and for most passengers it is rather important. After all, the feeling of a comfortable stay largely depends on the opportunity to relax in bed or get a good night’s sleep.

In the Cabins

The entire central and bow part of the lower deck is reserved for cabins. It is in the bow that the owner's cabin is located. For a 10-meter boat, this is simply incredible comfort: a king-size bed, a wardrobe, many shelves around the entire perimeter where you can place all your personal belongings.

The ceiling hatch and side windows with provide the cabin with natural light and fresh air. And the icing on the cake is a large locker under the bed.

The cabin amidships is much larger and can accommodate three berths if necessary. The only drawback associated with the design is the low ceiling in the cabin part. If you place a double bed here, the cabin will look like the photo below.

But with three sleeping places, a bed for a child will fit quite well into this space.

The full bathroom, accessible from both cabins, includes a separate shower stall with the ability to shower while sitting or standing, a washbasin and a toilet.

In Action

We can’t help but say a few words about this roof with hatches above the cabin and a sliding part above the cockpit. A thoughtful solution that provides passengers with constant ventilation and natural light. Well, or protects from both, as well as from rain.

During our early morning testing, the weather was beautiful, so the boat had all the hatches, curtains and windows open.

We left the harbor at a speed of 5 knots and heard almost no engine noise. But when entering deep water, we accelerated to 10, and then to 16 knots with a corresponding fuel consumption of 83 and 103 liters per hour, respectively.

We exceeded the declared maximum speed, and at a speed of 33 knots, fuel consumption approached 170 liters per hour. The feelings at this speed are difficult to describe! But such fuel consumption quickly brings you to your senses.

The controls are so simple and easy that a novice skipper or lover of motor yachts can handle it. Excellent maneuverability - the boat is very obedient and responsive to the slightest turn of the helm.

There were no waves, so we tried to create artificial ones by crossing our wake several times at a speed of about 25 knots. The stability is excellent, you can manage the boat without any effort.

Advantages of Beneteau Antares 11

Some topRik experts had complaints about the type of engines - Beneteau Antares 11 has no alternative to mounted ones. But this is an eternal debate between fans of these and other models – you have some differences in noise, vibration, maintenance conditions, etc. Therefore, the topRik team members who participated in this testing decided that this is a matter of taste and preference for each yachtsman.

It was suggested that the disadvantages include the pricing process: the initial cost is indicated for an almost “naked yacht”, with a large list of optional equipment and parts attached. But experts who are passionate about sea fishing said that they are not spoiled by excessive comfort – all that optional beauty would be polluted with fish scales and odors anyways. In general, there were no more complaints about the boat, even in terms of the low ceiling in the saloon amidships - the design allows for complete freedom for children and young people.

Hmm... This is how all the shortcomings are reduced to advantages - as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Comfort and safety for passengers are the main advantages of Beneteau Antares 11, as we have seen in practice, trying to roll and rock the boat to cause an accident. The attempt failed. The quality of the design and materials is the reason for the boat’s high seaworthiness and unsinkability.

We also really liked the modular system and the prudently proposed bowsprit platform for high piers.

Reviews of Beneteau Antares 11 from Professionals

Beneteau Antares 11 also caught the attention of famous yachting journalists John Wooldridge and John Page Williams. First author presented the boat, which he saw for the first time, and the second reviewer, on behalf of yachtsmen in Canada and the USA, assessed the new flagship and carried out a full test of the boat at sea for speed and fuel consumption. You can see the table with the results in the full review after following the link.

John Wooldridge Article

We must admit right away that we were attracted by the subtitle of the review, in which the author called a new boat from a famous shipyard a true weekend warrior. But from the author’s confession it follows that at first glance he was delighted by the proportions of the motor cruiser, and he thought that he was now seeing the most beautiful Antares.

John did an excellent job of describing the benefits of the hull's contours, overall shape and details that give it excellent handling.

He also paid attention to the exterior design, mentioning the companies working on it. The author noted that the main goal of the developers was comfort and safety.

He further described the features of the interiors and cited the main technical characteristics of Beneteau Antares 11.

We found it interesting that the boat is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 40 knots. True, the author stipulates suitable conditions for this.

He appreciated the ability to maneuver the dock using the joystick, which can be useful after fun family boat trips.

John Page Williams Article

John Page Williams has sections in his review dedicated to engine, interior, accessories, speed, efficiency, operation.

Positive assessments predominated in the description of the exterior and interior. But it was still stated as a disadvantage that the aft platform and the side deck on the port side was not accessible from the cockpit.

In the engine section, the author admitted that the test team preferred to race at 4,400 RPM, cruising at 30 mph, consuming 26 gallons of fuel per hour, and with a range of 220 miles.

And you can find more detailed test results for speed and fuel consumption in the original review.

Video Reviews

Here you can check out the best videos on Antares 11 that we could find.

First, Beneteau themselves present their product in a professional manner:

Simple walkthrough from BoatTube:

26 minutes of detailed information on the yacht:

Great unbiased discussion on this boat’s pricing and features:

Stellar footage of the yacht on the water:

Conclusion

Beneteau Antares 11 is surely created for the owner. With its level of comfort and sufficient spaciousness, safety and easy operation, it is suitable for those sailors who wish to:

• provide family or close friends with comfort and safety during a cruise in coastal waters or on a holiday in inland waters;
• to be alone with the sea, or with your soul mate;
• to feel the speed, but without difficulties with controls;
• spend a weekend at sea comfortably, with or without an overnight stay.

Where to Buy Beneteau Antares 11 at a Bargain Price

Our marketplace can provide you with every opportunity not only to choose the boat of your dreams, but also to get it on the most favorable terms for you.

You can participate in the process together with topRik marketplace experts, or you can instruct them to independently carry out all operations related to the purchase of Antares 11:

• negotiations with the manufacturer or dealer;
• registration of all documents;
• monitoring the equipment and condition of the vessel on site;
• hauling the boat to its destination.

Go to price calculator right now and complete your version of Antares 11, while consulting with marketplace experts - all these services are free, and you do not have to register on the website.

To contact us call the phone number above, send a message to [email protected], or use the quick feedback form (Contacts section).