The Antares 7 is a compact yet surprisingly capable weekender from Beneteau’s popular Antares line, designed with versatility in mind. While many boats in this size range lean heavily toward either fishing or casual cruising, the Antares 7 manages to strike a balance, offering a cabin that’s cozy enough for overnight stays and a deck layout that works equally well for family outings, day trips, or a bit of light coastal fishing.

At just over 24 feet, this model is often described as “the small boat that feels big.” Its smart use of space, fuel-efficient outboard power, and ease of handling make it attractive to first-time boat owners and seasoned boaters alike. The Antares 7 is not about raw speed or extreme offshore capabilities—it’s about practicality, comfort, and making boating accessible.

Everyday Adventures: Intended Use and Purpose

The Antares 7 is built as a multi-purpose cruiser, ideal for short trips and weekend getaways. Its compact footprint makes it easy to trailer, store, and launch, while still offering enough onboard amenities to create a true holiday experience on the water. You get the convenience of a cabin, galley, and head, all in a boat that remains manageable for solo operation or small crews.

For boaters who want to enjoy leisurely cruises along the coastline, spend the night on the water, or explore bays and lakes, the Antares 7 ticks the right boxes. It’s not designed as a hardcore offshore fishing machine or high-performance sport boat, but it excels at what it’s intended for: safe, comfortable, and enjoyable day boating and light cruising.

Who Finds the Antares 7 Most Appealing?

This boat is targeted at a wide range of boaters, but it’s especially appealing to those stepping into their first cabin cruiser. Its approachable size and simple handling remove much of the intimidation that comes with larger yachts. Families, couples, and even solo adventurers can all see value here.

Because it doesn’t demand a professional captain or significant crew, it’s ideal for owners who want the freedom of spontaneous outings. Parents love the secure, enclosed pilothouse that keeps children safe and dry, while couples see it as a perfect weekend escape vessel. For many, the Antares 7 represents an accessible entry into the world of cabin cruising without overwhelming costs or upkeep.

How Does the Antares 7 Compare to Other Offshore Boats?

When placed alongside larger offshore boats, the Antares 7 is not trying to compete on sheer range or speed. Instead, it positions itself differently—it’s more efficient, more trailerable, and easier to manage than many 30-foot center consoles or big express cruisers.

Compared to similar-sized cabin cruisers, it stands out for its clever use of space and thoughtful design. Some rivals might offer larger cockpits or slightly faster hulls, but they often sacrifice the cabin comforts that the Antares 7 includes as standard. It’s best thought of as a bridge between day boats and mini-cruisers, giving owners a taste of both worlds.

Design, Dimensions, and Technical Specifications

Beneteau has designed the Antares 7 with a focus on maximizing livability without overcomplicating the build.

• Type: Compact Weekender / Cruiser
• Length Overall (LOA): 24’6” (7.48 m)
• Beam: 8’2” (2.5 m)
• Draft: Approx. 2’6” (0.8 m)
• Fuel Capacity: 45 gallons (170 L)
• Engine Power: Single outboard, up to 200 HP
• Top Speed: Around 30 knots (depending on load and engine option)
• Cruise Speed: 18–22 knots
• Hull Design: Semi-planing hull, optimized for efficiency and stability
• Seating & Layout: Forward V-berth, convertible dinette, enclosed pilothouse with helm, cockpit seating, small galley, enclosed head compartment

The cabin layout is efficient but comfortable, offering enough room for a couple to sleep overnight and enjoy meals onboard. With wide side decks and a secure cockpit, moving around feels safe and practical even when underway.

Real-World Performance and Handling

Performance on the Antares 7 is tuned for comfort and economy rather than extreme thrills. The semi-planing hull design offers stability at cruising speeds and efficient fuel burn, making long days on the water affordable. Handling is intuitive, and even boaters with minimal experience can feel confident at the helm.

At its top end, the Antares 7 can push close to 30 knots with the maximum 200 HP outboard, but its sweet spot is in the low 20s. This makes it a comfortable choice for coastal cruising or inland waters where agility and efficiency are more important than outright speed. Compared to larger boats, docking and trailering the Antares 7 is refreshingly stress-free, adding to its appeal for new owners.

Safety Considerations and Practical Design Choices

Safety is built into the DNA of the Antares 7. The pilothouse provides shelter from wind and spray, keeping passengers dry and secure in changing conditions. High guardrails, a protected cockpit, and wide side decks with handholds give peace of mind when moving around.

The enclosed head compartment and weatherproof design also extend its usability beyond fair-weather boating, making it a reliable option for shoulder seasons. While it’s not intended for extended offshore passages, it is more than capable of handling moderate chop and coastal conditions with confidence.

What Owners Should Know: Drawbacks and Limitations

As with any boat, the Antares 7 comes with trade-offs. Its compact size means space is at a premium. Overnighting is comfortable for a couple but could feel tight for a family beyond a short trip. The galley is functional but minimal, designed for simple meals rather than elaborate cooking.

Its single-engine setup and fuel capacity also limit range compared to larger cruisers, making it best suited for day trips or short weekend runs rather than long offshore voyages. However, these compromises are also what keep the boat easy to own, affordable to run, and less intimidating than larger models.

Features That Add to the Experience

The Antares 7 is full of small touches that enhance its practicality. The convertible dinette creates flexible seating and sleeping arrangements, while large windows flood the pilothouse with natural light. Ventilation is thoughtfully designed, with sliding doors and hatches that allow airflow on warmer days.

On deck, the cockpit can be outfitted with fold-away seating and a table, creating a comfortable outdoor gathering space. Owners also appreciate the swim platform extensions that make water access simple. For fishing enthusiasts, optional rod holders and storage compartments make it easy to set the boat up for casual angling.

What Owners and Testers Are Saying

Owners frequently highlight the Antares 7’s “big boat feel in a small package.” Many appreciate its blend of trailerability and comfort, noting that it feels like a step above open day boats without the overhead of a true yacht. Reviewers also praise the pilothouse design, which makes the boat usable in varied weather, extending the boating season.

Some feedback points to the limited interior space for families, but most agree that Beneteau has made clever use of every inch. For couples or smaller crews, the layout feels just right.

Ownership, Costs, and Value Retention

One of the Antares 7’s biggest strengths is affordability—not just in purchase price, but in ongoing costs. A single-engine setup means lower fuel bills and less maintenance compared to twin or quad configurations. Marina fees are also far more manageable than those for larger vessels.

Because it sits in a popular “first cruiser” category, resale values hold up well. Buyers know it’s an approachable entry into cabin cruising, so demand remains consistent. For owners, that makes the Antares 7 a low-risk investment compared to larger boats with higher running costs.

Final Verdict: Why the Antares 7 Works

The Antares 7 is not about being the fastest or the flashiest. Instead, it’s about creating accessible boating experiences in a comfortable, well-thought-out package. For couples, families, or anyone looking to step into the world of cabin cruisers without breaking the bank, it’s a fantastic option.

It delivers safety, efficiency, and comfort in a size that’s easy to manage. If you’ve been weighing the leap from a day boat to a cabin cruiser, the Antares 7 makes that transition smooth, enjoyable, and practical.

FAQ

Can the Antares 7 be trailered easily?
Yes, with the right towing vehicle, the Antares 7 can be trailered, which adds flexibility for storage and launching.

Does it have overnight accommodations?
The cabin includes a V-berth suitable for two adults, along with a convertible dinette, making it possible for short overnight stays.

Is the Antares 7 good for fishing?
While primarily designed as a weekender, the cockpit and optional equipment make it suitable for light coastal or lake fishing.

How fuel efficient is it?
With a single outboard, fuel burn is relatively low, especially at cruising speeds in the 18–22 knot range.

What kind of weather can it handle?
The pilothouse and hull design allow it to handle moderate chop and changing coastal conditions comfortably, though it’s not built for extended offshore passages.

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