Beneteau Antares 13.8

 

Manufacturer: Beneteau


Beneteau has a well established reputation for quality yachts in Australia, but few boaties realise the French boat builder also produces a large range of luxury motoryachts with similar high levels of finish and workmanship. In fact, they have as many powerboats in their range as yachts. The Modern Boating team first saw the Beneteau motoryacht line-up at the 2004 Sydney International Boat Show. And it was clear that Beneteau?s approach to powerboat design was distinctively Mediterranean. Stylish, open outdoor areas, the balanced use of timbers and laminates, generous access around the boat?s periphery and less emphasis on interior volume, adds to this motoryacht?s appeal.

Beneteau?s approach is a bit different to other European builders ? more style with more space topside, but there?s a little less room in the saloon. Fast forward six months and we are out on Sydney harbour. I am at the helm; the bow is pointing east and best of all it?s not costing me a cent. The only trade-off is that I don?t get to keep the keys at the end of the day. So, what will ?the keys? to this excellent flybridge cruiser set you back? A base model costs around $771,000, but for that, the new owner gets control of more than 12 tonnes of Euro style, powered by twin Volvo 480hp diesels that deliver a top speed close to 30 knots.

read on below advertisement



LAYOUT
The generous use of teak decking and light cherrywood panelling below deck, creates a boat that feels a cut above the average production boat. The walkways around the main cabin are wider than most 50 footers we?ve been on and the bowrail and high bulwarks extend almost completely aft, so all your guests can move about the boat with security. The foredeck boasts sun pad, so the girls can soak up a few rays, while at the stern a wide teak-laid swim platform gives easy access to the water. And while the photos in the slick Beneteau brochure ? bombshell babes, frolicking kids and twilight drinks ? were shot in Europe, they perfectly reflect much of the Aussie boating scene.

Below deck the large forward stateroom boasts a large island bed, extensive highgloss cherrywood trim, flat-screen TV and plenty of storage. The other two cabins have a double in one and two singles in the other, both with the same high standard of finish. There?s also a separate bathroom for guests, so the owners can retain their privacy at all times. Both bathrooms enjoy natural light and the showers have a clever revolving Perspex door that keep all the spray from the showers contained. Another innovative facet of this boat is its easy access to all the helm electronics via the starboard bedroom. Any electrical problems can be easily traced to their source.

next page »



« go back