Beneteau
Antares 8
The Beneteau Antares 8 is a versatile, outboard-powered weekender that has become a benchmark for the 'compact cruiser' category. Designed for families who want to combine coastal exploring with fishing and water sports, the Antares 8 features Beneteau's AirStep hull, which provides a stable, efficient, and surprisingly dry ride even in a moderate chop. It is positioned as a high-utility, entry-level cruiser that is easy to trailer, easy to dock, and affordable to maintain.
Market context for the Antares 8 is defined by its massive popularity in the European and North American markets. It is a high-liquidity asset that holds its value well due to the constant demand for reliable, modern weekenders. The buyer profile typically includes young families or retired couples who want a 'turn-key' boating experience without the complexity of larger inboard-powered yachts. The interior is a masterclass in minimalist efficiency, with a convertible saloon and a functional galley that makes overnighting a genuine possibility.
From a surveyor's perspective, the Antares 8 requires a focus on the outboard installation and the integrity of the deck-to-hull joints. While the hull is robust, check for any signs of water ingress around the window seals, roof rails, and door frames, as these can be points of weeping if the sealant has aged. The outboard engine (usually a Suzuki or Mercury 200hp) should be checked for its service history, including the impeller and gear oil changes. Also, inspect the electrical system for any owner-added 'extras' that may not be properly fused.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Production
- 2014+
- LOA
- 8.23 m
- Beam
- 2.79 m
- Model
- Antares 8
Key takeaways
- Best for: fishing, coastal day trips, and light overnighting
- Common issue: outboard engine service history and upholstery wear
- Typical price: see FairHelm Market Index — high market liquidity
Expert verdict
FairHelm rating: 7.2/10 — Versatile outboard-powered cruiser; known for its large cockpit and bright wheelhouse. Survey findings often include outboard engine neglect and significant wear on the exterior upholstery.
Vadim Nareyko, FairHelm Editorial · Last reviewed: 2026-07-12
Technical data
- Length overall (LOA)
- 8.23 m
- Beam
- 2.79 m
- Production years
- 2014+
Typical problems
Buyer FAQ
- Is the Antares 8 suitable for overnight stays?
Yes, it features a forward cabin with a double berth and a convertible saloon that can sleep another two people. It's perfect for a family of four for a weekend trip.
- How does the AirStep hull improve performance?
The AirStep technology creates air bubbles under the hull, reducing friction and allowing the boat to plane faster and more efficiently, while also providing better stability in turns.
- What is the typical fuel consumption of the Antares 8?
With a 200hp outboard, the boat is quite efficient at cruising speeds (around 18-22 knots), typically consuming between 25 and 35 liters per hour depending on load and conditions.
- Can the Antares 8 be trailered?
Yes, with a beam of 2.80m and a light displacement of around 2,400kg, it is within the limits for trailering in many regions, although a substantial towing vehicle is required.
- Are there any common issues with the Antares 8?
There are no major systemic issues. The most common findings are routine maintenance items like worn window seals, aging batteries, or minor electrical faults if the boat has been used in saltwater without regular rinsing.
Design History
Antares 8 emerged when Scandinavian and North Sea yards were scaling reliable GRP cruising platforms for owner crews rather than charter fleets. French production shaped the hull lines and interior volume for predictable manners in Baltic chop and North Sea swell. Production ran from 2014 to present; registry and owner-club sources cite approximately ~240–870 completed hulls.
Beneteau positioned the Antares 8 for coastal and offshore use in the 2014–ongoing production window — explaining mixed maintenance histories on the secondary market today.
Mid-production changes were mostly interior trim, engine options, and deck hardware rather than fundamental hull revisions. That means survey condition, winter storage history, and rigging invoices usually matter more than the model year printed on the brochure. When you evaluate a Antares 8 on Blocket, treat the maintenance story as part of the specification — not a footnote after the asking price.
Annual Ownership Costs
| Cost item | Low (SEK) | High (SEK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marina berth | 18,000 | 38,000 | 7.8 m class, Stockholm/Gothenburg |
| Insurance | 8 000 | 22 000 | Agreed value and cruising area |
| Haul-out + winter | 12 000 | 28 000 | Yard package varies by region |
| Antifouling + hull care | 6 000 | 16 000 | Materials and labour |
| Engine / drivetrain | 5 000 | 16 000 | Service intervals and saildrive |
| Rigging reserve | 7 000 | 20 000 | Standing rigging age |
| Deck / structural reserve | 6 000 | 22 000 | Bedding, moisture follow-up |
| Total annual | 62 000 | 172 000 | Excludes major refit years |
Annual ownership for Antares 8 is predictable when service records are complete. Berth, storage, and insurance dominate fixed costs in Sweden. The largest variables are rigging replacement timing and any survey-led deck or drivetrain work triggered after purchase. Keep a separate technical reserve so routine season costs stay stable — especially on Blocket boats marketed as "ready to sail" without invoices.
Pre-Purchase Survey Checklist
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist: Antares 8
Hull, Keel and Underwater Body
- Moisture-map the underwater hull; document osmosis or barrier-coat history on Antares 8 GRP of this era.
- Inspect keel-to-hull joint, keel bolts (if external iron), and backing structure for movement or recurring fairing cracks.
- Check rudder bearings and steering linkage under load during sea trial.
Deck and Hardware
- Test bedding at stanchions, tracks, and winches; open nearby interior access if damp stains appear.
- Inspect hatches and portlights for seal compression and core moisture at corners.
- Verify chainplate areas internally for rust staining or soft laminate.
Rig and Sail Systems
- Confirm standing rigging age with invoices; treat unknown age as near-term replacement on club-used hulls.
- Inspect mast step, spreaders, and terminals for corrosion or fatigue marks.
- Operate furling and reefing systems under realistic load.
Machinery and Systems
- Review engine and saildrive service including cooling, exhaust elbow, and mounts.
- Audit batteries, charging, and owner-added electrical work for safe fusing.
- Check tanks, bilges, and hoses for age-related seepage.