Beneteau
Antares 9
The Beneteau Antares 9 is the larger, more sophisticated sibling of the Antares 8, offering a genuine 'two-cabin' layout in a package that remains manageable for a couple. It is positioned as a high-volume, outboard-powered family cruiser that bridges the gap between a weekender and a proper coastal passage-maker. With twin outboards and a more substantial hull, the Antares 9 provides a level of security and performance that makes it suitable for longer trips and more varied weather conditions.
In the market, the Antares 9 is seen as a high-value alternative to the more expensive Scandinavian weekenders. It offers a bright, airy interior with 360-degree visibility and a very social cockpit layout. The buyer profile is the family who has outgrown their first small boat and wants more comfort, more speed, and the ability to host friends for the weekend. The build quality is solid production standard, with a focus on functional ergonomics and ease of maintenance.
Surveyors focusing on the Antares 9 should prioritize the twin outboard installations and the condition of the large glass surfaces. The twin engines (often 200hp or 250hp each) provide excellent redundancy and maneuverability, but their service records must be complete. Check the window and door seals for any signs of water ingress, and inspect the roof-mounted hardware for secure fastening. The electrical system, which often includes a battery charger and shore power, should be audited for safe operation. Also, check the hull for any signs of stress around the engine mounts.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Production
- 2012+
- LOA
- 9.12 m
- Beam
- 2.99 m
- Model
- Antares 9
Key takeaways
- Best for: family coastal cruising and weekend trips
- Common issue: fuel tank sender and bow thruster battery health
- Typical price: see FairHelm Market Index — strong production resale
Expert verdict
FairHelm rating: 7.3/10 — Larger wheelhouse cruiser offering more comfort; features a twin-outboard setup for better performance. Key survey areas are fuel tank sender reliability and the health of the bow thruster battery.
Vadim Nareyko, FairHelm Editorial · Last reviewed: 2026-07-12
Technical data
- Length overall (LOA)
- 9.12 m
- Beam
- 2.99 m
- Production years
- 2012+
Typical problems
Buyer FAQ
- What is the benefit of the twin outboards on the Antares 9?
They provide better performance, increased safety through redundancy, and exceptional maneuverability in tight spaces, especially when combined with a bow thruster.
- How many people can sleep on the Antares 9?
It features two separate cabins with double berths, plus a convertible saloon, allowing it to sleep up to six people in total.
- Is the Antares 9 suitable for offshore use?
It is a Category B (Offshore) rated boat for up to 6 people, meaning it is designed for coastal and offshore trips where conditions can reach Force 8 and 4-meter seas.
- What is the cruising speed of the Antares 9?
With twin 200hp engines, the boat comfortably cruises at 20-25 knots, with a top speed in excess of 35 knots depending on load.
- Does the Antares 9 have a proper head and galley?
Yes, it features a functional galley with a fridge and stove, and a separate head compartment with a marine toilet and shower, making it very comfortable for extended trips.
Design History
Antares 9 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 2015 to present; registry and owner-club sources cite approximately ~200–650 completed hulls.
Beneteau positioned the Antares 9 for coastal and offshore use in the 2015–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 9 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 | 8.9 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 9 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 9
Hull, Keel and Underwater Body
- Moisture-map the underwater hull; document osmosis or barrier-coat history on Antares 9 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.